JP2011115350A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine equipped with a settling means which avoids, checks or settles the state of a ball being held between structures. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine operated for a game by a player includes: a game board which provides a playfield; a game ball-shooting device which shoots off a game ball into the playfield; a rotary body which has a first end part; a first driving device which makes the rotary body perform a first motion being a rotating movement around a rotation axis vertical to the playfield; a second driving device which makes the rotary body perform a second motion different from the first motion at a prescribed point of time; and a structure having a second end part which performs delivery of the game ball shot off by the game ball shooting device, between the first end part of the rotary body and it, in the playfield. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more specifically, to a ball staking prevention mechanism in a gaming machine.

  In a gaming machine having a game area defined by the game board, a role (movable prize-winning device) having an area separated from the game area by a wall that is partially movable is placed in the center of the above-mentioned game area. There is a gaming machine provided. In such a gaming machine, the movable part of the above-mentioned wall is actuated when a game ball wins a winning opening provided below the above-mentioned gaming area. As a result, a route to the inner area of the movable prize-winning device is opened, and if a game ball enters a specific area (for example, a V prize opening) provided in the inner area, a big hit is obtained (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .

  A so-called honey-type or composite type gaming machine having such a configuration has a movable structure for guiding or transporting a game ball entered in a movable prize apparatus installed in the center of the game area to a specific area. May have a body.

JP 2008-93301 A

  In a gaming machine of the type described above, a structure such as a guiding path for transporting a game ball and a relative position of the structure are guided while the game ball is guided in the movable prize device. In some cases, a game ball is transferred to and from a movable structure (for example, a rotating body that rotates around a rotation axis perpendicular to the game area) having a portion that changes at a predetermined timing.

  However, depending on the timing at which the game ball passes between the structures, the game ball that is about to pass between the wall that defines the guide path and the wall of the movable structure is sandwiched. As a result, there has been a problem that a state in which the game ball is stopped (a state in which the ball is struck) occurs at a position where the game ball is in contact with each wall.

  Accordingly, there is a need to provide a gaming machine provided with a solution that avoids, suppresses, or eliminates such a situation where the ball is in a state of being seen.

  In order to solve the above problems, a gaming machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention has the following features. In the description given below, there are places where reference numerals are given to the components of the embodiment, but this is an example for facilitating the understanding of the embodiment, and the reference numerals are However, it is not intended to limit the technical features of the present invention.

  In a first aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine (1) that is played by a player is provided. The gaming machine (1) includes a gaming board that defines a gaming area (20), a gaming ball launcher (211) that launches a gaming ball into the gaming area (20), and a first end (U1). And a first driving device (112, 19c, 19d) for causing the rotating body (18) and the rotating body (18) to perform a first motion that is a rotational motion around a rotation axis perpendicular to the gaming area (20). , 19e) and the second driving device for causing the rotating body (18) to perform a second operation different from the first operation, and the game ball launching device (211) in the game area (20). And a structure (17) having a second end portion (T1) for transferring the game ball hit by the first end portion (U1) of the rotating body (18).

  In the gaming machine (1), the second driving device performs the second operation on the rotating body (18) by moving at least the rotating body (18) with respect to the game board. You may let them.

  In the above gaming machine (1), the second driving device translates the rotating body (18) in a direction along the game board and translates in a direction along the rotation axis. The rotating body (18) may be made to perform the second operation by combining the parallel movements of both of them.

  In the above gaming machine (1), when the second driving device performs the second operation, the first driving device may maintain the first operation.

  In the above gaming machine (1), when the second driving device performs the second operation, the first driving device may stop the first operation.

  In the above gaming machine (1), the second driving device rotates at least the rotating body (18) about the rotating shaft in a direction opposite to the rotating motion in the first operation. The second operation may be performed by the rotating body (18).

  In the above gaming machine (1), when either the first driving device or the second driving device operates, the rotating body (18) rotates around the rotation shaft in the first direction. The first operation that is performed and the second operation that rotates in the direction opposite to the first direction may be alternately repeated.

  In the gaming machine (1), the game ball is transferred to and from the rotating body (18) from the second end of the structure (17) to the first end of the rotating body (18). May be performed in the direction in which the game ball is handed over.

  In the above gaming machine (1), the first end (U1) of the rotating body (18) is a plurality of game ball receiving portions provided along the circumference of the rotating body (18). May be.

  In the gaming machine (1) described above, the rotating body (18) may be provided inside an accessory having an area separated from the gaming area (20) by a partially movable wall. Good.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine having a function of avoiding, suppressing, or eliminating a so-called ball stagnation state in the gaming machine.

Schematic front view showing an example of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention The perspective view which shows the roulette 18 incorporated in the 1st movable prize-winning apparatus 115 provided in the gaming machine 1, and the surrounding structure. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the 1st top big prize opening switch 13a and its periphery when the movable piece 12a in the 1st movable prize-winning apparatus 115 will be in an open state. The schematic diagram which showed a mode that the game ball receiving part U1 of the roulette 18 provided in the 1st movable prize-winning apparatus 115 receives a game ball from the ball guide cylinder 17. FIG. 1 is an enlarged view showing an example of a display 3 provided in the gaming machine 1 of FIG. 1A. Partial plan view of the gaming machine 1 of FIG. 1A 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device provided in the gaming machine 1 of FIG. 1A The schematic diagram which shows the example movement aspect of the rotating shaft P1 of the roulette 18 at the time of performing 1st parallel movement. The schematic diagram which showed the example movement aspect of the virtual comedones at the time of performing 2nd translation When a game ball is delivered between the game ball receiving portion U1 of the roulette 18 and the ball guide tube 17 (see FIG. 1D), the surface of the upper wall of the game ball receiving portion U1 and the bottom surface T1 of the ball guide tube 17 Schematic diagram when the game ball is in contact with Schematic diagram showing the effect that the game ball receives when the roulette 18 is moved by Δ2 shown in FIG. 5B.

Exemplary Embodiment of the Invention
The present invention relates to a gaming machine (in particular, a pachinko gaming machine) having a function of avoiding, suppressing, or eliminating a so-called ball stagnation state in a gaming machine. Hereinafter, in order to clarify the technical significance of the present invention, specific embodiments of the gaming machine of the present invention will be exemplified. The embodiments shown here are merely exemplary and the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described therein.

  In the accompanying drawings, the symbol “SW” may be used as an abbreviation for “switch” in some cases.

(Basic configuration of gaming machine)
(Game machine frame member and game board)
In FIG. 1A, a gaming machine 1 is a pachinko gaming machine configured to pay out a prize ball when a gaming ball launched by, for example, a player's instruction operation wins a prize. Here, as an exemplary embodiment, a method of determining a combination (whether it is a jackpot (special prize)) such as a coefficient or a random number, and a distribution of game balls by a combination of features are provided on the board surface. A description will be given based on a configuration of a so-called complex type gaming machine that performs a lottery in combination with a method of performing the determination by entering a specific area.

  This gaming machine 1 includes a game board 2 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 5 surrounding the game board 2. The frame member 5 is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main part of the gaming machine 1 around a hinge provided on the shaft support side, and the game board 2 is detachably attached to the frame member 5. . And the lock part 43 is provided in the predetermined position (for example, edge part on the opposite side to a shaft support side) which becomes the front side of the frame member 5, and the frame member 5 is unlocked by unlocking the lock part 43. Can be opened.

  A game area 20 for playing a game with a game ball is formed on the front surface of the game board 2. In the gaming area 20, a rail member (from which a game ball launched from below (the launching device 211; see FIG. 4) rises along the main surface of the game board 2 and forms a path toward the upper position of the gaming area 20 ( (Not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the gaming machine 1 includes a first movable prize device 115 that plays a role as a special electric accessory in the approximate center of the game area 20 defined by the game board 2.

  The first movable winning device 115 is an electric accessory that has a function of distributing game balls according to a movable part, and has a function that makes it easy to win a prize according to the mode of operation.

  The first movable winning device 115 provided in the game board 2 includes a side wall for dividing the game area 20 defined by the game board 2 into predetermined areas. The first movable winning device 115 is provided with two notch openings (upper prize winning ports) 11a and 11b on the side wall located on the upper side of the game board 2 when installed on the game board 2. In addition, the first movable winning device 115 includes a pair of blade-shaped movable pieces (blades) 12a and 12b so as to close the respective upper prize winning openings 11a and 11b.

  In this embodiment, the number of notch openings provided as the top prize winning opening is two (that is, 11a and 11b) and a pair of blade-shaped movable pieces is provided, but this configuration is merely an example. It is. The number of such cutout openings may be other than two (for example, 1, 3, 4, etc.). Other exemplary movable pieces include, but are not limited to, movable pieces that are not blade-shaped and blade-shaped movable pieces that have only one wing.

  Each of the above-described movable pieces 12a and 12b is pivotally supported perpendicularly to the surface of the game board 2 and has a predetermined posture (“closed state” in the first movable prize-winning device 115) so as to close the upper prize winning openings 11a and 11b. ) Can be maintained. In this closed state, even if a game ball launched into the game area 20 flows down to the first movable prize winning device 115, the game ball is separated from the game area 20 by the side wall of the first movable prize winning device 115. Cannot enter the inner area.

  When a game ball launched by the player wins a predetermined starting port (for example, a first starting port 25a and a second starting port 25b described later), a driving mechanism (for example, a solenoid; for example); By operating the above-mentioned movable pieces 12a and 12b by a not-shown), the upper prize winning openings 11a and 11b are opened and closed a predetermined number of times (for example, once or twice).

  This opening / closing operation is established by the pivotally supported pair of movable pieces 12a and 12b turning about their respective axes. Here, each of the movable pieces 12 a and 12 b rotates around an axis perpendicular to the game board 2. By the rotation, the upper prize winning openings 11a and 11b that are blocked by the movable pieces 12a and 12b are opened, and as a result, the “open state” of the first movable winning device 115 is established. The game ball launched into the game area 20 can enter the first movable prize winning device 115 if it flows down to the upper big prize opening 11a, 11b of the first movable prize winning device 115 that has been opened.

  That is, when the movable pieces 12a and 12b of the first movable winning device 115 are opened and closed for a predetermined number of times by the operation of the driving mechanism triggered by the game ball winning at a predetermined starting opening, The game ball that flows down the game board 2 is captured and guided into the first movable prize-winning device 115.

  Then, if the game ball that has entered the first movable winning device 115 opened here enters a specific area (for example, V winning opening 19a: see FIG. 1B) provided in the inner region of the first movable winning device 115. A big hit. If the game ball does not enter the specific area, the detailed description thereof is omitted, but the game ball is appropriately discharged to the outside of the game board 2.

  Here, referring to FIG. 1B to FIG. 1D in addition to FIG. 1A, until the game ball that has entered the first movable winning device 115 reaches a specific area provided in the inner region of the first movable winning device 115 Overview of the flow.

(Movement of the game ball that entered from the top university prize opening)
As shown in FIG. 1A, in the vicinity of each of the movable pieces 12a and 12b, upper prize-winning opening switches 13a and 13b for detecting a winning of a game ball, and a first induction slope for guiding to the opening portions of these switches 14 is provided.

  Here, each of the upper prize winning port switches 13a and 13b disposed on both sides of the first induction slope 14 is constituted by a through-type proximity switch. This penetration type proximity switch has a substantially rectangular block-like appearance, and has an opening that penetrates from one side surface to the opposite surface. This opening has a circular shape with a diameter that allows one game ball as a detection body to pass therethrough. The feed-through proximity switch functions as an inductive proximity switch, and a coil coupled to a high-frequency oscillation circuit is used as a detection element.

  The game balls that have entered from the upper prize winning openings 11a and 11b of the first movable prize winning device 115 flow down to the openings of the upper prize winning opening switches 13a and 13b. The first guiding slope 14 plays a role of guiding the game balls that have entered from the upper prize winning openings 11a and 11b toward the openings of the upper prize winning opening switches 13a and 13b.

  FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram showing a positional relationship between the movable piece 12a and the upper prize winning port switch 13a when the upper prize winning opening 11a is opened. On the other hand, although not shown in FIG. 1C, the vicinity of the upper prize winning opening 11 b has a structure / arrangement symmetrical to the structure / arrangement shown in FIG. 1C with the first induction slope 14 as the center.

  As shown in FIG. 1C, the game ball enters the inner region of the first movable winning device 115 from the upper prize winning opening 11a that is opened by the movable piece 12a (see the arrow IN in FIG. 1C). ). Since the first guiding slope 14 is inclined toward the opening side of the upper prize winning switch 13a, the above-mentioned game ball is guided to the opening even when it does not directly enter the opening during entry. (Arrow RB in FIG. 1C).

  And in the 1st movable prize-winning apparatus 115 of this embodiment, the game ball which flowed down to the opening part of upper large prize port switch 13a, 13b is channel | path 15a, 15b (FIG. 1 </ b> A), and flows down to the vicinity of the center of the second induction slope 16 located at the lower part. The second guide slope 16 is inclined from the central portion toward the left and right sides, and can distribute game balls in both directions.

  A spherical guide cylinder 17 is provided at one end of the second guide slope 16. The ball guide cylinder 17 receives the game ball that has been distributed and reaches the end of the second guide slope 16 in a structure (roulette 18) that rotates in a plane substantially parallel to the plane including the game board 2. hand over. On the other hand, the game balls distributed to the end opposite to the ball guide cylinder 17 are not guided to the roulette 18 but discharged out of the game area.

  Note that in this specification, a “structure” refers to an object having a specific shape, and in particular, an object that forms part of a gaming machine. In addition, the “movable structure” means that the structure has a part capable of changing the relative positional relationship with the game board in another structure or gaming machine, or the whole structure is other. Or a structure capable of changing a relative positional relationship with a game board in a gaming machine.

  Further, in this specification, an “end portion” in a structure is a part constituting the outer shape of the structure. In one embodiment of the present invention, the end of this structure has a portion that can contact a game ball launched into the game board 2.

  In the end portion of the above-described structure body, the outer shape portion of the structure body defined as the end portion may be configured as a hollow object by configuring the outer shape of the structure body with a wall. Or the edge part of the structure may constitute the outline part as a solid object. Note that even when an object having a hollow end of the structure is configured, the entire structure does not have to be a hollow object having one continuous internal space, and a part of the structure is solid. It may be configured as.

  Furthermore, a game ball is “delivered” from an end of one structure (exemplarily a first end) to an end of another structure (exemplarily a second end). When the game ball is delivered, the positional relationship between the game ball to be transferred and both structures transitions from a state in which the game ball is in contact with the first end to a state in which the game ball is in contact with the second end. The transition is caused by a game ball flowing down the game area in a game process, a predetermined arrangement / movement of one or both of the two structures described above, or a predetermined structure of another structure such as a movable accessory. It is caused by the combination of the arrangement and movement of

  Conventionally, according to the above-described example, when the game ball is in contact with the first end, when the game ball transitions to the state in which the game ball is in contact with the second end, the first end and the second end A state in which the game ball is in contact with both of them occurs, and furthermore, a state in which the forces applied to the game balls through the two structures are balanced so as to maintain the state occurs, so As for a specific example of the spherical sphere which is desired to be generated in the structure as described above, refer to the description of “movable structure in movable winning device: roulette” described later). As will be apparent from the contents described later, the inventors provide means for avoiding, suppressing, and eliminating such a stagnation state as an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present specification, when a game ball is delivered from the first end portion to the second end portion, when either or both of the end portions are hollow, the game ball is delivered. In this case, it is not always necessary to contact the end portion on the outer surface constituting the outer shape of the end portion. That is, if the first end or the second end or both are defined by a wall as a hollow object and the game ball can move in the internal space, an opening is provided in the wall. Thus, it is possible to adopt a mode in which game balls are delivered through the opening.

(Movable structure in the movable prize device: roulette)
FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing the structure of the roulette 18 incorporated in the first movable winning device 115 provided in the gaming machine 1 and the vicinity of the specific area (V winning opening 19a) of the gaming machine 1.

  The roulette 18 performs a rotational motion while rotating the game machine 1 at a predetermined speed and direction (for example, a rotational motion clockwise about the axis P1 (dotted line in FIG. 1B)). ) It is set in the gaming machine 1. The rotational movement of the roulette 18 is driven by a roulette driving mechanism. This roulette driving mechanism is constituted by, for example, a roulette operating unit 112 shown in FIG. 4 and other driving members (guides 19c and 19d, gear 19e and the like in FIG. 1B are a part thereof). However, the description about the whole structure is omitted.

  Such a drive mechanism is controlled by the main control unit 100 of the gaming machine 1, for example.

  The appearance of the roulette 18 of the gaming machine 1 is generally a flat donut-like structure having a plurality of game ball receiving portions capable of receiving game balls. One of the plurality of game ball receiving portions provided is indicated as “U1” in FIG. 1B.

  As can be understood from FIG. 1B, the game ball receiving portion of the roulette 18 is provided on the donut-shaped roulette 18 on the hollow portion side with a plurality of walls extending at substantially equal intervals in the radial direction. The defined area is defined by the wall formed and the surface of the roulette 18 that is substantially parallel to the game board 2 when the first movable winning device 115 is attached to the game board 2. In the present embodiment, the size of the specified game ball receiving portion as described above is adjusted to a size that can accommodate almost one game ball.

  Reference is now made to FIG. 1D. FIG. 1D is a schematic view showing a state in which a game ball is delivered from the above-described ball guide tube 17 to a game ball receiving portion (for example, U1) of the roulette 18.

  In FIG. 1D, the trajectory of the game ball guided from the ball guide cylinder 17 (the trajectory indicated by D1) and one game ball receiving portion of the roulette 18 rotating in a predetermined direction (the direction indicated by D2) (in FIG. 1B). U1) is extracted and shown. Here, the rough position of the ball guide tube 17 is indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 1D. T1 in FIG. 1D is a bottom surface inside the ball guide tube 17.

  In other words, returning to FIG. 1A, in the gaming machine 1, the game ball that has entered from the upper prize winning holes 11a and 11b of the first movable prize winning device 115 flows down to the openings of the upper prize winning opening switches 13a and 13b. To do. A part of the game balls that have flowed down through the second guide slope 16 passes through the ball guide cylinder 17 and is delivered to the roulette 18.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 1B, the roulette 18 which received the game ball is demonstrated. The game ball that is contained in the game ball receiving portion (for example, U1) of the roulette 18 moves along the rotational movement of the roulette 18, and is delivered to the guide rod 19b near the specific area (V winning opening 19a). Passed to a specific area. The game balls that have not entered the specific area enter a predetermined route and are discharged to the outside of the first movable winning device 115.

  On the game board 2, the first movable winning device 115 is disposed on the front side of the image display 21 provided in the game board 2 as an image display means for effect display. The image display 21 notifies the player of the symbol lottery result (symbol variation result) by displaying, for example, a decorative symbol according to the progress of the game by the player, or by the appearance of a character or the appearance of an item. Display a notice effect.

  The image display 21 is described as a liquid crystal display device, an EL (Electro Luminescence) display device, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) dot display device, and a 7-segment display (hereinafter referred to as a 7-segment display device). However, any other display device may be used.

  Further, a movable accessory 22 and a board lamp 23 used for various effects are provided on the front surface of the game board 2. Although the detailed structure of the movable combination 22 is not described here, the movable combination 22 is configured such that all or a part of the structure of the movable combination 22 is movable and has a predetermined action according to the progress of the game by the player. Various performances are performed by moving with. The board lamp 23 emits light according to the progress of the game by the player, thereby performing various effects by light.

  The game area 20 is provided with a game nail and a windmill (both not shown) that change the direction in which the game ball falls downward. Further, in the game area 20, various bonuses related to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions.

  In FIG. 1A, as an example of various prizes related to winning and lottery, in addition to the first movable winning device 115, the first starting port 25a, the second starting port 25b, the gate 27, the lower large winning port 28, In addition, a normal winning opening 29 and the like are arranged on the game board 2. Further, the game area 20 is provided with a discharge port 24 for discharging out of the game area 20 a game ball that has not been won in the winning area among the game balls launched into the game area 20.

  Reference is now further made to FIG. 1A. In the gaming machine 1, in addition to a lottery for defining the operation of the first movable winning device 115, a start prize for starting the lottery of the first special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) and the second special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) A first start port 25a and a first start port 25b are provided. A first start port 25 a is provided on the lower left side of the first movable winning device 115. A second start port 25b is provided at the lower center of the first movable prize-winning device 115.

  The winning of the game ball to the first starting opening 25a or the first starting opening 25b is determined according to the lottery result, and a predetermined special electric accessory (first movable winning device 115, second movable winning device 116) and // A predetermined special symbol indicator (for example, a first special symbol indicator 31a and a second special symbol indicator 31b described later) is operated.

  When the game ball passes through the gate 27, a normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is started.

  In addition, the 1st starting port 25a or the 2nd starting port 25b may be equipped with the electric tulip in the vicinity of the entrance of a game ball as an example of a normal electric accessory. The electric tulip has a pair of wings imitating tulip flowers, and the pair of wings opens and closes to the left and right by driving an electric tulip opening / closing unit (for example, an electric solenoid), and lights or blinks together with the opening / closing operation. To do.

  And if a pair of blade | wing part of an electric tulip is closed, since the entrance of the starting port accompanying an electric tulip is almost closed, a game ball hardly enters the starting port. On the other hand, when the pair of blade portions of the electric tulip opens to the left and right, the opening width guided to the entrance of the start opening increases, so that the game ball easily enters the start opening. When the electric tulip wins a normal symbol lottery by passing a game ball through a predetermined accessory (for example, the gate 27), the pair of blades opens for a specified time while lighting or flashing, and opens and closes a specified number of times. .

  The lower grand prize winning port 28 is located below the second starting port 25b, and is opened according to the result of the special symbol lottery (the first special symbol lottery, the second special symbol lottery). The lower large winning opening 28 includes a second movable winning device 116. The second movable winning device 116 includes a lid for the lower large winning opening 28 that can project and incline from the main surface of the game board 2. Therefore, normally, the lid portion is in a closed state, but the lid portion of the second movable winning device 116 is inclined to protrude from the main surface of the game board 2 according to the result of the special symbol lottery. By being in the open state, it becomes a state where game balls can easily enter.

  In addition, a display 3 is provided at a predetermined position (for example, lower right) of the game board 2 to display the result of the above-described special symbol lottery or normal symbol lottery and the number of holds. Details of the display 3 will be described later.

  In the gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1A, two start ports (first start port 25a and second start port 25b) are arranged in the game area 20, but when a game ball enters, a special prize is awarded. There may be only one or three or more start ports from which the symbol lottery is started. In addition, although the gaming machine 1 is provided with one lower large winning opening 28 in the gaming area 20, a plurality of large winning openings having the same functions as the lower large winning opening 28 may be provided.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 may vary the jackpot probability that the jackpot will be lottered during the special symbol lottery under a predetermined condition. For example, the gaming machine 1 has a state in which the jackpot probability is relatively low (low probability state; for example, the jackpot probability is 1/300) to a state in which the jackpot probability is relatively high (high probability state; for example, the jackpot probability is 30 May fluctuate to 1).

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 can reduce the special symbol fluctuation time at the time of the special symbol lottery under a predetermined condition, increase the probability of winning at the time of the normal symbol lottery, or reduce the normal symbol fluctuation time at the time of the normal symbol lottery. There are cases where the opening time of the blade portion of the electric tulip is extended, or the number of times the blade portion of the electric tulip is opened and closed (electrical chew support).

  Here, the payout of prize balls will be described. When a game ball enters the first start port 25a, the second start port 25b, the upper university winning ports 11a and 11b, the lower university winning port 28, and the normal winning port 29 (winning), depending on the place where the game ball has won. A predetermined number of prize balls are paid out per game ball. For example, if a game ball wins at the first start port 25a or the second start port 25b, four prize balls will be awarded, if a game ball wins at the upper prize holes 11a, 11b, 13 prize balls will be awarded, and 5 will be given when a specific area wins. When a game ball wins a single prize ball, the lower prize opening 28, 13 prize balls are awarded, and when a game ball wins a normal prize slot 29, 10 prize balls are paid out. Even if it is detected that a game ball has passed through the gate 27, no prize ball is paid out in conjunction therewith.

  The frame member 5 on the front surface of the gaming machine 1 includes a handle 51, a lever 52, a stop button 53, a take-out button 54, a speaker 55, a frame lamp 56, an effect button 57, an effect key 58, a dish 59, a lock part 43, and the like. Is provided.

  When the player touches the handle 51 and performs an operation to rotate the lever 52 in the clockwise direction, the launching device 211 (at 100 hits per minute) with a hitting force corresponding to the operation angle (for example, 100 per minute). 4) electrically fires the game ball. The tray 59 (see FIG. 3) is provided so as to protrude forward of the gaming machine 1, and temporarily stores game balls to be supplied to the launching device 211. In addition, the above-described prize ball is paid out to the plate 59. Then, the game balls stored in the tray 59 are supplied to the launching device 211 one by one by a supply device (not shown) at a timing linked with the operation by the player's lever 52.

  The stop button 53 is provided on the lower side surface of the handle 51, and even when the player touches the handle 51 and rotates the lever 52 in the clockwise direction, the game ball is released by being pressed by the player. Is temporarily stopped. The take-out button 54 is provided on the front surface in the vicinity of the position where the tray 59 is provided. When the player presses the game ball, the game ball stored on the tray 59 is dropped into a box (not shown).

  The speaker 55 and the frame lamp 56 respectively notify the gaming state and situation of the gaming machine 1 and perform various effects. The speaker 55 performs various effects using music, voice, and sound effects. Further, the frame lamp 56 performs various effects by light depending on a pattern by lighting / flashing, a difference in emission color, or the like.

  Next, the display 3 provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 2, the display 3 includes a first special symbol display 31a, a second special symbol display 31b, a first special symbol hold indicator 32a, a second special symbol hold indicator 32b, a normal symbol indicator 33, and a normal symbol indicator 33. A symbol hold display 34 and a game status display 35 are provided.

  In the first special symbol display 31a, the display symbol is changed and displayed in response to the winning of the game ball in the first starting port 25a. For example, the first special symbol display 31a is composed of a 7-segment display device, and when a game ball wins at the first starting port 25a, the special symbol (first special symbol) is displayed in a variable manner and the lottery result is displayed. To do. The second special symbol display 31b is displayed with the display symbol varying corresponding to the winning of the game ball at the second starting port 25b.

  For example, the second special symbol display 31b is composed of a 7-segment display device, and when a game ball wins at the second start opening 25b, the special symbol (second special symbol) is displayed in a variable manner and the lottery result is displayed. To do. In the normal symbol display 33, the display symbol is changed and displayed in response to the game ball passing through the gate 27. For example, the normal symbol display 33 is constituted by an LED display device, and when a game ball passes through the gate 27, the normal symbol is variably displayed and the lottery result is displayed.

  The first special symbol hold indicator 32a displays the number of times the first special symbol lottery is held. The second special symbol hold indicator 32b displays the number of times the second special symbol lottery is held. The normal symbol hold display 34 displays the number of times the normal symbol lottery is held.

  For example, during a period in which the display symbols are variably displayed by the first special symbol display 31a, the second special symbol display 31b or the normal symbol display 33 (while the variation display for one winning is being performed), When another game ball wins, the change display of the display pattern for the winning game ball is held for a predetermined number of times (for example, 4 times) until the change display for the previously won game ball ends. . The fact that such a hold is made and the number of the hold (number of undrawn times) are displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 32a, the second special symbol hold indicator 32b, and the normal symbol hold indicator 34. For example, the first special symbol hold indicator 32a, the second special symbol hold indicator 32b, and the normal symbol hold indicator 34 are each constituted by LED display devices arranged in a row, and the number of times of hold is displayed according to the lighting mode. .

  The game status indicator 35 displays the game status at the time when the gaming machine 1 is powered on. As will be apparent from the description below, the gaming machine 1 is set with a plurality of gaming states (for example, a normal gaming state, a probability variation gaming state, a short-time gaming state, and a latent gaming state). When the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the gaming state is notified by the gaming state indicator 35. For example, the gaming status indicator 35 is composed of a plurality of LED display devices, and the gaming status is displayed according to the lighting mode.

  Next, an input device provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an effect button 57 and an effect key 58 as an example of an input device.

  The effect button 57 and the effect key 58 are provided for the player to input the effect. The effect button 57 is provided on the upper side of the dish 59 protruding forward of the gaming machine 1. The production key 58 has a center key and a plurality of keys arranged in a substantially cross shape, and is provided on the upper side of the plate 59 adjacent to the production button 57.

  In addition, on the back side of the inner frame, a ball tank for storing game balls for payout and a payout mechanism (payout drive unit 311 in FIG. 4) for paying out the game balls to the tray 59 are provided. Etc. are attached. For example, a main board, a sub board, and the like are disposed on the rear surface of the game board 2.

  More specifically, the main board includes a main control board configured with a main control unit 100 that performs internal lottery and determination of winning, etc., and a launch control that controls a launch device 211 that launches a game ball to the upper part of the game area 20 A launch control board in which the unit 200 is configured, a payout control board in which a payout control unit 300 that controls the payout of prize balls, and the like are disposed. The main board is sealed by a main board case made of a transparent member so that a trace remains when opened.

  In addition, the sub-board includes an effect control board configured with an effect control unit 400 that comprehensively controls effects, an image sound control board configured with an image sound control unit 500 configured to control effects based on images and sounds, and various types The lamp control board etc. with which the lamp control part 600 which controls the production | presentation by the lamp (frame lamp 56, the board lamp 23) and the movable accessory 22 are comprised are arrange | positioned. Further, on the rear surface of the gaming board 2, a switching power source is provided that converts 100V AC power supplied to the gaming machine 1 to DC power and outputs the DC power to the various boards described above.

(Configuration of game machine control devices, etc.)
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a control device that performs operation control and signal processing in the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device provided in the gaming machine 1.

  In FIG. 4, the control device of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control unit 100, a launch control unit 200, a payout control unit 300, an effect control unit 400, an image sound control unit 500, and a lamp control unit 600.

  The main control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103. The CPU 101 performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the number of payout prize balls, such as internal lottery and winning determination. The ROM 102 stores programs executed by the CPU 101, various data, and the like, and the RAM 103 is used as a work memory for the CPU 101. Hereinafter, main functions of the main control unit 100 will be described.

  The main control unit 100 defines the special symbol lottery (the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery) and the operation of the first movable winning device 115 when a game ball wins the first starting port 25a or the second starting port 25b. A lottery is performed, and determination result data indicating whether or not the winning in the special symbol lottery is made is sent to the effect control unit 400 together with the setting of the operation of the first movable winning device 115.

  In addition, the main control unit 100 includes data indicating a variation setting of the winning probability determined according to the special symbol lottery (for example, a variation setting from 1/300 to 1/30) and a special symbol variation time reduction setting, Data indicating the setting for shortening the normal symbol variation time determined according to the normal symbol lottery is sent to the effect control unit 400.

  When the electric tulip is provided, the main control unit 100 controls the opening time when the blade portion of the electric tulip is opened, the number of times the blade portion is opened and closed, and the opening / closing time interval at which the blade portion opens and closes. In addition, the main control unit 100 determines the number of times when the game ball has won the first start port 25a, the number of times when the game ball has won the second start port 25b, and the game ball has passed through the gate 27. Manage the number of hold times.

  The main control unit 100 opens and closes the lower large winning opening 28 by controlling the second movable winning device 116 in accordance with the result of the special symbol lottery. For example, the main control unit 100 determines that the lower major prize opening 28 is in the second movable prize until a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, 29.5 seconds have elapsed or 10 game balls have been won or the accumulated accumulated time is within 1.8 seconds). Control is performed so that the round that protrudes and inclines by the operation of the apparatus is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times or once). In addition, the main control unit 100 controls the opening / closing time interval at which the lower large winning opening 28 opens and closes.

  When the main control unit 100 wins a game ball in the upper prize opening 11a, 11b, the first start opening 25a, the second start opening 25b, the lower big prize opening 28, and the normal winning opening 29, the place where the game ball has won In response to this, the payout control unit 300 is instructed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls per game ball. For example, the main control unit 100 has four prize balls when a game ball wins the first start opening 25a or the second start opening 25b, and 13 prize balls when a game ball wins the upper prize winning openings 11a and 11b. When a specific area wins, 5 prize balls are awarded, and when a game ball wins at the lower prize hall 28, 13 prize balls are awarded, and when a game ball wins the normal prize slot 29, 10 prize balls are paid out. An instruction command (command) is sent to the payout control unit 300.

  Even if the main control unit 100 detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 27, the main control unit 100 does not instruct the payout control unit 300 to pay out the prize ball in conjunction therewith. When the payout control unit 300 pays out a prize ball according to an instruction from the main control unit 100, information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 300 is sent to the main control unit 100. Then, the main control unit 100 manages the number of paid-out prize balls based on the information acquired from the payout control unit 300.

  The main control unit 100 controls the launching device 211 that launches the game ball via the launch control unit 200. For example, the main control unit 100 transmits a signal permitting the operation of the launching device 211 to launch a game ball to the launch control unit 200 via the payout control unit 300 based on a predetermined condition.

  In order to realize the above-described functions, the main control unit 100 includes a first start port switch 111a, a second start port switch 111b, a roulette operating unit 112, a gate switch 113, an upper prize winning port switch 13a, 13b, Winning port switch 114, first movable winning device 115, second movable winning device 116, normal winning port switch 117, specific area detection switch 118, first special symbol display 31a, second special symbol display 31b, first special Symbol hold indicator 32a, second special symbol hold indicator 32b, normal symbol indicator 33, normal symbol hold indicator 34, and game status indicator 35, and, if provided, an electric tulip opening / closing unit are connected. .

  The first start port switch 111 a detects that a game ball has won the first start port 25 a and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The second start port switch 111b detects that a game ball has won the second start port 25b, and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100.

  The roulette operating unit 112 rotates the roulette 18 around its rotation axis in response to a control signal sent from the main control unit 100, and achieves other predetermined movements of the roulette 18 required in the gaming machine 1. Functions as a drive source and power transmission mechanism.

  The gate switch 113 detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 27 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100.

  The upper-award winning port switches 13a and 13b detect that the game ball has won the upper-award winning ports 11a and 11b, and send a detection signal to the main control unit 100.

  The lower major prize opening switch 114 detects that a game ball has won the lower major prize opening 28 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100.

  The first movable prize winning device 115 opens and closes the movable pieces 12a and 12b provided in the first movable prize winning device 115 in response to a control signal sent from the main control unit 100, so that the upper prize winning openings 11a and 11b are opened. Open and close.

  In response to a control signal sent from the main control unit 100, the second movable winning device 116 opens and closes the lower large prize opening 28 by opening and closing a lid that can project and tilt from the main surface of the game board 2.

  The normal winning port switch 117 detects that a game ball has won the normal winning port 29 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100.

  When the electric tulip is provided, the electric tulip opening / closing unit opens and closes the pair of blades of the electric tulip in accordance with a control signal sent from the main control unit 100.

  In addition, the main control unit 100 displays the result of the first special symbol lottery started by winning the game ball to the first starting port 25a on the first special symbol display 31a. The main control unit 100 displays the number of holdings in which the lottery is put on hold in accordance with the winning of the game ball to the first starting port 25a on the first special symbol holding display 32a. The main control unit 100 displays the result of the second special symbol lottery started by winning the game ball in the second starting port 25b on the second special symbol display 31b. The main control unit 100 displays the number of holdings in which the lottery is put on hold according to the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 25b on the second special symbol holding display 32b.

  The main control unit 100 displays the result of the normal symbol lottery started by passing the game ball to the gate 27 on the normal symbol display 33. Then, the main control unit 100 displays the number of holdings on which the lottery is put on hold according to the passing of the game ball to the gate 27 on the normal symbol holding display 34.

  Further, the main control unit 100 transmits various types of information to a host computer provided in a store (hall) in which the gaming machine 1 is installed. Then, the main control unit 100 transmits to the host computer information obtained from the payout control unit 300 regarding the number of paid-out prize balls, information indicating the state of the main control unit 100, and the like.

  The launch control unit 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, and a RAM 203. The CPU 201 performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the launching device 211. The ROM 202 stores programs executed by the CPU 201 and various data, and the RAM 203 is used as a work memory for the CPU 201.

  When the position of the lever 52 is in the neutral position, the lever 52 is in a firing stop state without outputting a signal. When the lever 52 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the lever 52 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation angle to the launch control unit 200 as a hitting ball firing command signal. The launch control unit 200 controls the launch operation of the launch device 211 based on the hit ball launch command signal. For example, the launch control unit 200 controls the operation of the launch device 211 such that the speed at which the game ball is launched increases as the rotation angle of the lever 52 increases. Further, the launch control unit 200 can perform the launch operation of the launch device 211 by receiving a signal permitting launch from the main control unit 100. On the other hand, when the signal indicating that the stop button 53 is pressed is output or the control signal for stopping the emission is output from the main control unit 100, the launch control unit 200 performs the operation of launching the game ball by the launch device 211. Stop.

  The payout control unit 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, and a RAM 303. The CPU 301 performs a calculation process when controlling the payout of the payout ball. The ROM 302 stores programs executed by the CPU 301, various data, and the like, and the RAM 303 is used as a working memory for the CPU 301 and the like. The payout control unit 300 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the main control unit 100.

  Specifically, the payout control unit 300 acquires from the main control unit 100 a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won. Then, the payout driving unit 311 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 311 is configured by a drive unit including a drive motor that sends out the game ball from the game ball storage unit.

  Also, the payout control unit 300 transmits various information to the host computer. For example, the payout control unit 300 transmits information on the number of prize balls instructed to be paid out to the payout driving unit 311, information on the number of prize balls actually paid out, and the like to the host computer. Also, the payout control unit 300 transmits similar information to the main control unit 100.

  The effect control unit 400 includes a CPU (effect control CPU) 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, and an RTC (real time clock) 404. In addition, an effect button 57 and an effect key 58 are connected to the effect control unit 400. The CPU 401 performs a calculation process when controlling the effect. The ROM 402 stores programs executed by the CPU 401, various data, and the like, and the RAM 403 is used as a working memory for the CPU 401. The RTC 404 measures the current date and time.

  The production control unit 400 sets production contents based on data indicating the special symbol lottery result and the like sent from the main control unit 100. At that time, when the player presses the effect button 57 or the effect key 58, the effect control unit 400 may set the effect content according to the operation input. In addition, when the game for the gaming machine 1 is interrupted for a predetermined period or longer, the effect control unit 400 sets an effect for waiting for a customer as one of the effects.

  Further, when the main control unit 100 outputs data indicating that the winning probability at the time of the special symbol lottery is changed, or when outputting data indicating that the special symbol change time at the time of the special symbol lottery is shortened, When the data indicating that the normal symbol variation time at the time of the normal symbol lottery is shortened is output, the effect control unit 400 sets the effect contents corresponding to the contents indicated by the output data. Then, the effect control unit 400 sends commands for instructing execution of the set effect contents to the image sound control unit 500 and the lamp control unit 600, respectively.

  The image sound control unit 500 includes a CPU (image sound control CPU) 501, a ROM 502, and a RAM 503. The CPU 501 performs a calculation process when controlling an image expressing the content of the effect. The ROM 502 stores programs executed by the CPU 501 and various data, and the RAM 503 is used as a working memory for the CPU 501.

  The image sound control unit 500 controls the image displayed on the image display 21 and the sound output from the speaker 55 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Specifically, in the ROM 502 of the image sound control unit 500, a symbol image or background image displayed during the game on the image display 21, a decorative symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result, and a notice effect for the player. Image data such as characters and items to be displayed is stored.

  Further, the ROM 502 of the image sound control unit 500 synchronizes with the image displayed on the image display 21 or independently of the displayed image, such as music and sound output from the speaker 55, and further, a jingle or the like. Various acoustic data such as sound effects are stored. The CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 selects and reads out the data corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400 from the image data and sound data stored in the ROM 502.

  The CPU 501 performs image processing for background image display, symbol image display, symbol image variation, character / item display, and the like using the read image data. Further, the CPU 501 performs voice processing using the read acoustic data. Then, the CPU 501 displays the image indicated by the image processed image data on the image display 21. Further, the CPU 501 outputs the sound indicated by the sound data subjected to the sound processing from the speaker 55.

  The lamp control unit 600 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, and a RAM 603. The CPU 601 performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56 and the operation of the movable accessory 22. The ROM 602 stores programs executed by the CPU 601 and various data, and the RAM 603 is used as a working memory for the CPU 601.

  The lamp control unit 600 controls the lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56, the emission color, and the like based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. In addition, the lamp control unit 600 controls the operation of the movable accessory 22 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Specifically, the ROM 602 of the lamp control unit 600 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (light emission pattern data) for the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 400. Data) is stored. The CPU 601 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 602 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Then, the CPU 601 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56 based on the read light emission pattern data. In addition, the ROM 602 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 22 corresponding to the production contents set by the production control unit 400. The CPU 601 selects and reads out the operation pattern data stored in the ROM 602 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Then, the CPU 601 controls the operation of the movable accessory 22 based on the read operation pattern data.

(Description of an exemplary game flow of the gaming machine 1)
In the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment configured as described above, the determination of a combination (a jackpot) is made inside a program such as a coefficient or a random number, which is performed when a game ball wins a prize at the first starting port 25a or the second starting port 25b. A special lottery is performed according to (special prize) or not, and for example, the following game modes are adopted.

  As a result of the lottery, if the jackpot is won, the jackpot symbol is displayed on the special symbol display (for example, the first special symbol display 31a) and the image display 21, and the special symbol in the first special gaming state is displayed. A special gaming state (bonus game state) associated with the jackpot related to the change is generated.

  In the jackpot gaming state, in the first movable winning device 115, the opening and closing operations of the movable pieces 12a and 12b are performed in a predetermined manner. In the course of this opening / closing operation, when a game ball wins the top prize winning opening 11a, 11b, the winning is detected by the first top prize winning opening switches 13a, 13b. Next, when the main control unit 100 receives this detection result, an instruction command (command) for performing a predetermined number of prize balls is sent to the payout control unit 300.

  Here, the operation of the first movable prize winning device 115 in the big hit gaming state is a period in which a predetermined number (for example, nine) of game balls wins in the first movable prize winning device 115 through the upper prize winning openings 11a and 11b. Alternatively, one of the periods in which the movable pieces 12a and 12b are opened and closed a predetermined number of times (for example, 18 times) is set as one round, and is set to be performed until the predetermined round (for example, 15 rounds) is completed. Then, in the special game state associated with the jackpot, the specific area detection switch 118 in the specific area (V winning opening 19a) may have a function as a continuation switch for continuing the special game state.

  Such a big hit operation is merely an example, and the movable pieces 12a and 12b are continuously opened and closed until a predetermined number of game balls are won in the first movable prize-winning device 115, or the first movable prize is awarded. The movable pieces 12a and 12b may be kept open until a predetermined number of game balls are won in the device 115. Further, in the special game state due to the jackpot winning, the specific area detection switch 118 in the first movable winning device 115 may be disabled so that the function as the continuation switch is not provided.

  On the other hand, if the result of the lottery is a loss, the special symbol display and the image display 21 display the shift symbol, and the operation of opening the movable pieces 12a and 12b of the first movable winning device 115 is not performed.

  Here, the operation mode of the first movable winning device 115 related to the result of the lottery in the gaming machine 1 has been described with respect to the two states of the big win and the loss. However, the operation mode of the first movable prize winning device 115 that can be achieved by the lottery is not limited to that described above, and the lottery result can be set to take a predetermined mode other than the two states described above. The operation mode of the first movable winning device 115 can be changed according to another result in the lottery (for example, a so-called small hit).

  Further, the operation in the gaming state may be performed by appropriately combining the opening and closing of the lower large prize opening 28 by the operation of the second movable winning device 116 with each operation of the first movable winning device 115 accompanying the lottery described above.

  In addition, the lottery method mentioned above is an example to the last, and the lottery method used in the gaming machine 1 should not be interpreted as being limited to such a lottery method.

(Sparkle prevention mechanism)
The roulette 18, which is a rotating body of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, rotates around the rotation axis P1 (FIG. 1B). This rotational movement is achieved by the above-described roulette driving mechanism (for example, the roulette operating unit 112).

  As described above, conventionally, a structure such as the roulette 18 rotates in a certain direction (for example, a clockwise direction with the axis P1 as a rotation axis), and another structure such as the ball guide cylinder 17 is used. When a game ball is handed over from the body, the ball where the game ball stops may be seen at the position where the game ball is in contact with the walls that define both structures. .

  In order to avoid such stagnation, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the roulette 18 and / or the attached structure is in addition to or instead of the predetermined rotational movement performed by the roulette 18. Is provided with a drive mechanism that can perform additional motion at a predetermined timing. This drive mechanism mainly causes the rotating body (roulette 18) or the like to perform any of the following operations from the first type to the third type. As a result, the game ball that is in contact with the structure that is the rotating body and another structure temporarily displaces the structure so that the ball is stopped between the structures. Escape from a state where it can become a state of death.

  As a first type, a driving mechanism capable of performing the above-described additional movement is a predetermined roulette 18 that is driven around a rotation axis (for example, P1) in the movable winning device 115 of the gaming machine 1. An operation of moving (rotating) the roulette 18 relative to the main surface of the game board 2 (hereinafter referred to as the operation of the roulette 18) while maintaining the rotational movement in the direction and speed (hereinafter referred to as the first operation in the roulette 18) itself. A2-1) can be performed.

  As a second type, the drive mechanism capable of performing the above-described additional movement temporarily stops the first operation itself in the roulette 18 and moves the roulette 18 relative to the main surface of the game board 2. (Hereafter, operation A2-2 of the roulette 18) can be performed.

  As a third type, the drive mechanism capable of performing the above-described additional movement temporarily stops the first operation itself in the roulette 18 and moves the rotation axis P1 of the roulette 18 relative to the main surface of the game board 2. Without the operation, the operation different from the first operation (operation A2-3 of the roulette 18) can be performed.

  The above-described operations from the first type to the third type are selectively performed according to the characteristics of the gaming machine 1 (such as the type of an accessory provided in the gaming board 2, the positional relationship, the game flow, etc.). It is used. Therefore, the drive mechanism capable of performing the above-described additional movement is preliminarily set in the gaming machine 1 so as to perform a predetermined type of operation at a predetermined frequency, combination, and timing. And according to the setting, when the gaming machine 1 is operating, a predetermined operation of the roulette 18 or the like is established.

(Explanation about the first type and the second type)
In both the first type and the second type, the roulette 18 is moved with respect to the main surface of the game board 2 to change the positional relationship between the main surface of the game board 2 and the roulette 18.

  First, as a drive mechanism capable of performing the above-described additional motion for achieving the first type, for example, a drive mechanism and a roulette for performing a rotational motion that is the first operation of the roulette 18 A drive mechanism that achieves movement with respect to the game board 2 by integrating the 18 main body may be mentioned.

  In this case, the drive mechanism capable of performing an exemplary additional motion can have the following configuration. First, the drive mechanism including the roulette operating unit 112, the guides 19c and 19d positioned around the roulette 18, the gear 19e, and the like is configured in a form housed in a housing (not shown). Next, such a housing is arranged in the movable prize apparatus 115, and a driving device (not shown) for moving the entire housing in parallel with the game board 2 is provided.

  As described above, the drive mechanism capable of performing the additional movement is achieved by the above-described housing and the drive device that moves the case relative to the game board 2. Then, if the above-described movement of the housing is performed while maintaining the rotational movement of the roulette 18 (as a result, this movement corresponds to the operation A2-1 of the roulette 18), the first type of operation is achieved. The

  The drive mechanism that moves the housing is controlled by the main control unit 100 and is integrated with the roulette operating unit 112 (see FIG. 4) for performing the rotational motion that is the first operation of the roulette 18. The Therefore, in FIG. 4, the drive mechanism of the housing is not shown separately as a part that performs the function of moving the housing with respect to the game board 2, but the roulette operating unit 112 for rotating the roulette 18 is provided in the game board 2. In the case where it is not possible to carry out the function of the movement with respect to the above, it is possible to provide a separate control / drive device as appropriate.

  Note that the material and shape of the housing described above are not limited as long as the housing and the housing can be maintained in a stable state when the housing is moved by the driving device.

  In addition, if the roulette driving mechanism such as the roulette operating unit 112 in the above-described casing needs to function in conjunction with or interlock with another driving mechanism located outside the casing, the outside of the casing To provide additional gears and guides for connection and interlocking, and / or appropriately switch the positional relationship of the auxiliary gears and guides according to the movement of the housing relative to the game board 2 Is possible. Thereby, it is possible to secure the functions of the roulette 18 and the surrounding movable structure or fixed structure required in the gaming machine 1.

  Note that the housing provided for moving the drive mechanism of the roulette 18 relative to the game board 2 is not always necessary for the movement. That is, if the roulette 18 can be moved with respect to the game board 2 as a result, a plurality of drive devices for separately moving the roulette 18 and all or a part of the structures necessary for driving the roulette 18 as necessary. You may comprise so that it may provide. Here, the drive device includes not only a drive source but also a member (for example, a gear) that is required to cause the roulette 18 to perform a predetermined motion (rotational motion, parallel movement). Therefore, a part of the driving device indicates any one of members constituting the driving device.

  The movement of the entire casing as described above can be roughly classified into the following two movements.

  That is, the first case is a case where the roulette 18 (and the mechanism attached thereto) is translated in a direction along the surface of the game board 2 (hereinafter referred to as a first translation). The second case is a case where the roulette 18 (and the mechanism attached thereto) is translated along the rotation axis P1 perpendicular to the surface of the game board 2 (hereinafter referred to as second translation).

  Here, the first translation and the second translation will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B. 5A and 5B show a virtual plane ら れ る on which the rotation axis P1 of the roulette 18 and the roulette 18 that rotates in a clockwise direction around the rotation axis P1 are positioned (that is, the rotational movement is the virtual plane Π). The main surface of the flat roulette 18 is considered to be approximated by this virtual plane Π. The virtual plane ridge is positioned substantially parallel to the surface of the game board 2 (because the roulette 18 is installed substantially parallel to the game board 2), and is in a positional relationship perpendicular to the rotation axis P1.

  FIG. 5A shows an exemplary movement mode of the rotation axis P1 of the roulette 18 when the first parallel movement is performed. That is, the positions of the rotation axis P1 after the roulette 18 is displaced by the first parallel movement are indicated as P2 and P3.

  When the position of the rotation axis P1 after the movement is at P2, the roulette 18 has moved to the left side from the initial position (that is, the position of the rotation axis of the roulette 18 is indicated by P1) when observed from the player side. Is the case. On the other hand, when the position of the rotation axis of the roulette 18 after the movement is at P3, the roulette 18 moves upward from the initial position when observed from the player side. Here, any of the above-described movements is merely an exemplary movement aspect, and the first parallel movement aspect may be in a direction opposite to the movement shown here, or any one of the parallel movements. It may be a translation expressed as a combination.

  FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary movement mode of the virtual face when the second parallel movement is performed. When the second parallel movement is performed, the virtual surface basket moves from the game board 2 to the player (front side) (（1 in FIG. 5B) or moves away from the player from the game board 2 (see FIG. 5). Move to Π 2) in 5B.

  The first translation and the second translation described here may be executed in combination. Further, which translation is performed including the combined translation can be appropriately determined in consideration of the arrangement / size of the accessory provided on the game board 2. Further, the distance and frequency of the parallel movement of the roulette 18 and its associated mechanism are also appropriately determined in view of the rotational speed of the roulette 18 and the like.

  As described above, by moving the roulette 19 with respect to the game board 2, end portions of a plurality of structures that can be in a sphere-like state (in this example, the wall of the game ball receiving portion of the roulette 19 and the ball guide tube) By temporarily displacing the game balls in contact with them with the 17 walls), it is possible to avoid stopping between the structures and causing the balls to become stagnation. Here, a more specific example will be shown below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

  6 shows the upper wall of the game ball receiving portion U1 and the ball guide tube 17 when the game ball is delivered between the game ball receiving portion U1 of the roulette 18 and the ball guide tube 17 (see FIG. 1D). It is a schematic diagram when it comes to the state which the bottom face T1 and the game ball are in contact (the game ball is in contact with each wall at the contact points C1 and C2). This schematic diagram is a virtual plane including a straight line parallel to the rotation axis and extending in the vertical direction when the game ball receiving portion U1 is observed from the rotation axis side of the roulette 18, and the game ball is received by the game ball. It is sectional drawing in the virtual plane which passes along the point which has contact | connected the part U1.

  The game ball that has flowed down along the ball guide cylinder 17 is directed to the game ball receiving portion U1 of the roulette 18, and the roulette 18 is rotating in the direction D2 (shown in FIG. 1D). In some cases, the state shown in FIG. This state can be grasped as a previous state of a complete sphere. That is, after the state shown in FIG. 6 is reached, the game ball is affected by the force received as a result of the rotational movement of the roulette 18 and the corresponding force received from the wall of the ball guide cylinder 17 which is the bottom surface. When the sphere is completely stopped at that position, the sphere is in a stagnation state.

  However, even if the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is in the state shown in FIG. 6 (and even if the gaming ball temporarily stops at that position), for example, As described below, it is possible to avoid, suppress, and eliminate the stagnation state.

  For example, in the positional relationship between the game ball and the roulette 18 as shown in FIG. 6, for example, it is assumed that the roulette 18 is rotating about the virtual axis shown in FIG. At this time, when the roulette 18 moves to the position of the virtual surface ridge 2 on the basis of the virtual plane at a predetermined timing, the roulette 18 changes the position relative to the game ball by Δ2. Reference is now made to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the action that the game ball receives when the roulette 18 is moved by Δ2 shown in FIG. 5B. As shown in FIG. 7, due to the position change of Δ2, the game ball temporarily escapes from the state where it is in contact with the upper wall of the game ball receiving portion U1 of the roulette 18 and the bottom surface T1 of the ball guide tube 17. To do. Then, due to the action of the roulette 18 moving to the heel 2 side (the direction in which the distance between the upper wall of the game ball receiving portion U1 and the bottom surface T1 is expanded), the game ball falls to the U1 side, so that the game ball is stopped. A state can be avoided. Note that the magnitude of Δ2 is appropriately adjusted according to the size and positional relationship of the roulette 18 and the ball guide cylinder 17.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, as described above, there is provided a gaming machine 1 provided with a mechanism that prevents the ball from becoming a stagnation state, but a conventional gaming machine that does not have such a mechanism. In, a ball stagnation state occurred. That is, in the relationship between the game ball receiving portion U1 and the ball guide tube 17 shown here, the upper wall of the game ball receiving portion U1 and the bottom surface T1 of the ball guide tube 17 are in contact with the game ball. After that, when the balance of the force acting on the game ball occurs due to the force received from the direction D2 (when there is no ball anti-spinning mechanism of the present invention), the game ball is positioned above the game ball receiving portion U1. The stationary state which was pinched | interposed between the wall of this and the bottom face T1 of the bulb | ball guide cylinder had arisen.

  As described above, it has been described that the stagnation state is avoided by the first type of operation. On the other hand, the second type is a mode in which the rotational movement of the roulette 18 is temporarily stopped. However, since the operation of moving the roulette 18 with respect to the main surface of the game board 2 is achieved, the first type is achieved. As in the case of, the ball stagnation state is avoided.

(Third type: Prevention of spherical blurring by controlling the direction of rotational motion)
By causing the roulette 18 to perform an operation different from the first operation without moving the rotation axis P1 of the roulette 18 with respect to the game board 2, it is possible to avoid the ball stagnation state ( (Third type of drive mechanism capable of performing the above-mentioned additional movement).

  As an example of the aspect, it is possible to perform a rotational movement in a direction opposite to a normal rotational movement direction of the roulette 18 for a certain period. For example, the roulette 18 rotates (1) in a first direction (for example, a clockwise direction with the rotation axis as P1) for a predetermined period (for example, time TM1), and (2) counterclockwise, TM1 This is achieved by alternately performing the operation of rotating in a sufficiently short time.

  Here, in the case where the above-described series of operations of the roulette 18 is performed, a specific portion (for example, the game ball receiving unit U1) in the roulette 18 is rotated in a clockwise direction compared to the initial position after a predetermined time has elapsed. In order to establish the displacement, assuming that the operation of performing clockwise rotation and counterclockwise rotation once is one cycle, the clockwise rotation angle per cycle is one cycle. Make it larger than the counterclockwise rotation angle.

  With such an operation, after a certain period of time has elapsed, a specific portion of the roulette 18 has been displaced in the clockwise direction compared to the initial position, but the upper side of the game ball receiving portion U1 of the roulette 18 has been achieved. A certain perturbation is given to the game ball in contact with the wall and the bottom surface T1 of the ball guide cylinder 17, and the game ball can be avoided / suppressed from stopping at that position.

  In the above-described example, a specific portion of the roulette 18 is compared with the initial position after a certain period of time by alternately rotating clockwise and counterclockwise and relatively increasing the clockwise rotation angle. However, a similar effect may be achieved by adjusting the frequency of appearance of a clockwise or counterclockwise rotational movement.

  In addition, the drive device for performing the reverse rotation described above is a drive device common to the drive device used when performing the first rotational motion (rotational motion in the first direction) (by switching in the device) Even if a predetermined operation is realized), rotation / reverse rotation may be a separate drive device (a predetermined operation is realized by switching the operation between the devices).

  In addition, the aspect (time, speed, frequency) of the above-mentioned reverse rotation is an example to the last, The aspect is not limited to what was demonstrated. That is, as long as it is achieved that the game ball is prevented from entering the ball, the reverse rotation mode may be other than those described above.

  As described above, a so-called composite game machine has been described as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and even a different type of game machine can move in the game area. When an object is provided, it is possible to eliminate the stagnation state using the features described in this specification. For example, it can also be used in a narrowly-defined hammock and a gaming machine having the game characteristics of the old two types of gaming machines.

(Other)
It is to be understood that the terms used in this specification are used in the meaning normally used in the art unless otherwise specified. Thus, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

  As mentioned above, although this invention has been illustrated using embodiment of this invention, this invention should not be limited and limited to this embodiment. It is understood that the scope of the present invention should be construed only by the claims. Moreover, it is understood that those skilled in the art can implement an equivalent range from the description of the specific embodiments of the present invention based on the description of the present invention and the common general technical knowledge. Patents, patent applications, and documents cited herein should be incorporated by reference in their entirety, as if the contents themselves were specifically described herein. Understood.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine 10 ... 1st movable prize-winning apparatus 11a, 11b ... Upper large prize opening 12a, 12b ... Movable piece 13a, 13b ... Upper big prize opening switch 14 ... First induction slope 15a, 15b ... Passage 16 ... Second induction Slope 17 ... ball guide cylinder 18 ... roulette 2 ... game board 20 ... game area 21 ... image display 22 ... movable accessory 23 ... board lamp 24 ... discharge port 25a ... first start port 25b ... second start port 27 ... gate 28 ... Lower prize opening 29 ... Normal winning opening 3 ... Indicator 31 ... Special symbol indicator 32 ... Special symbol hold indicator 33 ... Normal symbol indicator 34 ... Normal symbol hold indicator 35 ... Game status indicator 42 ... Projection Portion 43 ... Locking portion 5 ... Frame member 51 ... Handle 52 ... Lever 53 ... Stop button 54 ... Eject button 55 ... Speaker 56 ... Frame lamp 57 ... Production button 58 ... Production key 59 ... Plate 100 ... Main control unit 01,201,301,401,501,601 ... CPU
102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602 ... ROM
103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603 ... RAM
111a ... 1st start opening switch 111b ... 2nd start opening switch 112 ... Roulette action part 113 ... Gate switch 114 ... Lower large prize opening switch 115 ... 1st movable prize apparatus 116 ... 2nd movable prize apparatus 117 ... Normal prize opening switch 118 ... specific area detection switch 200 ... launch control unit 211 ... launch device 300 ... payout control unit 311 ... payout drive unit 312 ... payout ball detection switch 313 ... ball detection switch 314 ... full detection switch 400 ... effect control unit 404 ... RTC
500 ... Image sound control unit 600 ... Lamp control unit T1 ... Bottom surface U1 of ball guide tube ... Game ball receiving unit

Claims (10)

A gaming machine played by a player,
A game board that defines a game area;
A game ball launcher that launches game balls into the game area;
A rotating body having a first end;
A first driving device that causes the rotating body to perform a first operation that is a rotational movement around a rotation axis perpendicular to the game area;
A second driving device for causing the rotating body to perform a second operation different from the first operation;
A gaming machine, comprising: a structure having a second end that transfers a game ball launched by the game ball launcher to and from the first end of the rotating body in the game area.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the second driving device causes the rotating body to perform the second operation by moving at least the rotating body with respect to the game board.   The second driving device translates the rotating body in a direction along the game board, translates the rotating body in a direction along the rotation axis, or a combination of both parallel movements. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the second body is caused to perform the second operation.   4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the second driving device performs the second operation, the first driving device maintains the first operation. 5.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the second driving device performs the second operation, the first driving device stops the first operation.   The second driving device causes the rotating body to perform the second operation by rotating at least the rotating body about the rotation axis in a direction opposite to the rotating motion in the first operation. The gaming machine according to claim 1.   When the first driving device or the second driving device is operated, the rotating body rotates in the first direction around the rotating shaft, and the first operation The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the second operation rotating in the direction opposite to the direction is repeated alternately.   The game ball is transferred to and from the rotating body in a direction in which the game ball is passed from the second end of the structure to the first end of the rotating body. The gaming machine according to any one of the above.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first end of the rotating body is a plurality of game ball receiving portions provided along a circumference of the rotating body. .   The game according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the rotating body is provided inside an accessory having an area separated from the game area by a wall that is partially movable. Machine.