JP2022188948A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine in which degradation of a performance effect of a light guiding plate is suppressed.SOLUTION: In a game in which a specific performance is executed, a predetermined period prior to the start of the specific performance is regarded as a first period and a predetermined period subsequent to the start of the specific performance is regarded as a second period. In the first period, illumination means illuminates and display means displays a performance symbol. In the second period, the brightness of the illumination means is lower than that in the first period and the brightness of the performance symbol is lower than that in the first period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 49

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

As a gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine is known which includes a game area in which game balls (game value) move, a shooting device for shooting game balls into the game area, and the like. This type of game machine has a starting hole provided in a game area, and when detecting that a game ball has entered the starting hole, a special symbol lottery is performed. Also, when the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the game state shifts to the special game state, and the special game is executed a plurality of times in the special game state. In each special game, the big winning opening provided in the game area operates in an open state, and the game ball is paid out based on the entry of the game ball into the big winning opening. Some predetermined gaming machines represented by such gaming machines include a light guide plate and perform an effect using the light guide plate (light guide plate effect) (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2018-89071 A

By the way, in a gaming machine in which a light guide plate effect is executed, it is required to suppress a decrease in the effect of the light guide plate effect when the light guide plate effect is executed together with a predetermined effect.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine in which the deterioration of the performance effect of the light guide plate presentation is suppressed.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention
display means;
lighting means;
a light guide plate formed to display predetermined information,
A gaming machine for executing a specific effect in which the predetermined information is displayed on the light guide plate,
In the game in which the specific effect is executed, a predetermined period before the specific effect is started is defined as a first period, and a predetermined period after the specific effect is started is defined as a second period,
In the first period, the lighting means lights up, the display means displays a production pattern,
In the second period, the brightness of the lighting means is lower than the brightness in the first period,
In the second period, the brightness of the production pattern is lower than the brightness in the first period.

According to the present invention, in the second period, the brightness of the lighting means is lower than the brightness in the first period, and in the second period, the brightness of the effect symbol is the brightness in the first period. lower than Therefore, the predetermined information displayed on the light guide plate is displayed relatively brightly and conspicuously. Thereby, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the visibility of the predetermined information displayed on the light guide plate. In other words, it is possible to prevent difficulty in visually recognizing the effect light output from the light guide plate. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the performance effect of the light guide plate presentation.

In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention is
In the first period, the display means displays a firing mode instruction image,
In the second period, the brightness of the shooting mode instruction image is the same as in the first period.
When the firing mode instruction image (e.g., right-handed image) is displayed in the first period and the light guide plate effect (second period) is started, the brightness of the firing mode instruction image is the same as the brightness in the first period. It's becoming Therefore, even during execution of the light guide plate effect, the player can recognize that the predetermined shooting mode (right shot) should be performed.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which the deterioration of the performance effect of the light guide plate presentation is suppressed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a perspective view which shows an example of the game machine based on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and shows the state by which the door was opened. Similarly, it is the figure which looked at the game board from the front side. It is the schematic which looked at the game machine from the front side similarly. It is an exploded perspective view of the same door unit. Similarly, the handle is shown, (a) is a perspective view seen from the front side, and (b) is a perspective view seen from the rear side. Fig. 3 is a view of the handle unit viewed from the front side in the axial direction of the handle. It is the figure which looked at a part of door unit from the front side equally. It is the figure which looked at a part of door unit from the front side equally. It is a view of the same, showing a part of the door unit, viewed from the front side in the axial direction of the handle. Similarly, it is a perspective view of the handle as seen from the front side, with the face cover removed. FIG. 11 is a diagram (part 1) showing the operation torque and the operation angle of the handle. It is a graph (1) which shows the operation torque of a steering wheel similarly. FIG. 2 is a diagram (part 2) showing the operating torque and operating angle of the handle. Fig. 2 is a graph (part 2) showing the operating torque of the steering wheel of the same; It is the perspective view which looked at the front frame and the inner frame from the front side equally. It is the figure which looked at the front frame and inner frame from the axial direction front side of a handle|steering-wheel equally. It is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Similarly, it is the figure which looked at the game board from the front side. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the tray unit of the same; Similarly, it is the figure which looked at the tray unit from the back side. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the downstream ball extracting unit of the same; It is a figure for demonstrating the closed state of a downstream ball extraction hole equally. It is a figure for demonstrating the open state of a downstream ball extraction hole equally. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the upstream ball removing unit of the same; It is a figure for demonstrating the closed state of an upstream ball extraction hole equally. It is a figure for demonstrating the open state of an upstream ball extraction hole equally. Similarly, it is a diagram for explaining the state of the upstream side ball extraction hole when the upstream side ball extraction button is operated a predetermined amount less than the diameter of the game ball. Similarly, it is the figure which looked at the lower part of the gaming machine from the lower side. It is a front view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Similarly, it is the figure which looked at the game board from the front side. FIG. 30 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. 29; It is an exploded perspective view showing the same, an outer rail, a rail base, and a game board. It is a figure which shows an outer rail equally. It is the figure which looked at the rail base and the outer rail from the back side similarly, Comprising: It is the whole view and a partially enlarged view. It is the perspective view which looked at the upper right part of a rail base and an outer rail equally from the back side. It is the perspective view which looked at the left lower part of a rail base and an outer rail equally from the back side. Similarly, it is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the relationship between the game ball and the hole. It is a front view of the outer rail and the game board of the same, and is a view for explaining the positions of the holes of the outer rail. It is a perspective view showing an example of a game machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Similarly, it is the figure which looked at the game board from the front side. It is the figure which looked at the state display part from the front side equally. It is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the gaming machine. It is an exploded perspective view showing a game board, a light-guide plate, and a display means equally. It is a figure which looked at the light-guide plate from the front side similarly, and shows an example of a light-guide plate production|presentation. Similarly, it is a state transition diagram of a game state. Similarly, the display means is viewed from the front side, (a) is a diagram showing a state in which three first pending images are displayed before the variable display of the effect symbols is started, and (b) is a diagram showing the state. [FIG. 10] is a diagram showing a state in which two second pending images are displayed before the variable display of effect symbols is started. Similarly, the display means is seen from the front side, (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the performance design is being displayed in a variable manner, and (b) is a diagram showing a state in which the performance design is stopped and displayed. . FIG. 10 is a view of the lighting means, the light guide plate, and the display means as seen from the front side, showing a state before the light guide plate effect is started in a predetermined game. FIG. 10 is a view of the illumination means, the light guide plate and the display means viewed from the front side, showing a state at the start of the light guide plate presentation in a predetermined game. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the lighting means, the light guide plate, and the display means as seen from the front side, and showing a state at a predetermined timing after the light guide plate effect is started in a predetermined game. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the lighting means, the light guide plate, and the display means as seen from the front side, and showing a state at a predetermined timing after the light guide plate effect is started in a predetermined game. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the lighting means, the light guide plate, and the display means as seen from the front side, and showing a state at a predetermined timing after the light guide plate effect is started in a predetermined game. FIG. 10 is a view of the illumination means, the light guide plate, and the display means as seen from the front side, showing a state at a predetermined timing before the light guide plate effect is started in a predetermined game. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the lighting means, the light guide plate, and the display means as seen from the front side, and showing a state at a predetermined timing after the light guide plate effect is started in a predetermined game. FIG. 10 is a view of the illumination means, the light guide plate, and the display means as seen from the front side, showing a state at a predetermined timing before the light guide plate effect is started in a predetermined game. FIG. 10 is a view of the lighting means, the light guide plate, and the display means as seen from the front side, and is a diagram for explaining the lighting means provided on the movable body. 3A is a diagram showing the lighting means, the light guide plate, and the display means as seen from the front side, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the state (1st state) in the predetermined timing after the light plate production|presentation is started. FIG. 10A is a diagram showing the lighting means, the light guide plate, and the display means viewed from the front side, and FIG. , (b) is a diagram showing a state at the end of the light guide plate effect in a predetermined game. 3A is a diagram showing the lighting means, the light guide plate, and the display means as seen from the front side, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state at a predetermined timing before a light guide plate effect is started in a predetermined game, and showing a state in which three first pending images are not displayed; 3A shows the lighting means, the light guide plate, and the display means viewed from the front side, and (a) is a state at a predetermined timing before the light guide plate effect is started in a predetermined game, and the lighting means is turned off. (b) is a state at a predetermined timing before the light guide plate effect is started in a predetermined game, and is a diagram showing a state in which the effect button image is displayed. 3A is a diagram showing the lighting means, the light guide plate, and the display means as seen from the front side, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state at a predetermined timing after the light plate effect is finished; (a) is a view of the light guide plate viewed from the front side, (b) is a view of the display means viewed from the front side, and (c) is a view of the light guide plate and the display means viewed from the front side. is. FIG. 10 is a view of the illumination means, the light guide plate, and the display means as seen from the front side, showing a state at a predetermined timing before the light guide plate effect is started in a predetermined game. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the lighting means, the light guide plate, and the display means as seen from the front side, and showing a state at a predetermined timing after the light guide plate effect is started in a predetermined game.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko game machine, which is one of game machines, will be described, but other game machines may be used. In the following explanation, "front and back" basically means that the player is "front" and the pachinko machine is "back" when the player is on the front side of the pachinko machine, and "up and down". means that the top side of the pachinko machine is "top" and the bottom side is "bottom", and "left and right" means that the left hand side of the player is "left" and the right hand side is "right". It should be noted that, within the scope of the invention, the present invention can freely combine each configuration, arbitrarily modify each configuration, or omit each configuration.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 100, showing a state in which the door is opened.
The gaming machine 100 (pachinko gaming machine 100) uses game balls as game media, and a player borrows game balls from a game hall operator to play a game using the gaming machine 100. FIG. In the game on the gaming machine 100, each game ball is a medium having a game value, and the privilege (profit) that the player enjoys as a result of the game is, for example, a game ball acquired by the player. can be converted into a game value based on the number of

The gaming machine 100 includes an outer frame 102 formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape (a vertically long rectangular frame shape), and an inner frame 104 (middle frame) (middle door) attached to the outer frame 102 via a hinge mechanism so as to be freely opened and closed. ) and a front frame 300 (front door) attached to the inner frame 104 via a hinge mechanism so as to be freely opened and closed. Like the outer frame 102, the inner frame 104 is formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape. The inner frame 104 holds a game board 108 (game board unit). Specifically, the game board unit is detachable from the inner frame 104 (inner frame assembly) with the front frame 300 opened forward.

A glass unit 110 (transmission plate) is attached to the front frame 300 . Specifically, a window is formed in the central portion of the front frame 300, and the glass unit 110 is attached to the window. The glass unit 110 is, for example, a combination of two transparent plates (glass plates) cut to match the shape of the window. Although the glass unit 110 is used in this embodiment, it may be made of resin.

Here, the structure provided with the front frame 300 (front door) and the inner frame 104 (middle door) is called a "body frame". The body frame is detachable (openable and closable) with respect to the outer frame 102 . When the body frame is closed with respect to the outer frame 102, the game board 108 and the glass unit 110 face each other substantially in parallel with a predetermined gap (gap) therebetween. At this time, the game board 108 becomes visible from the front side of the game machine 100 through the glass unit 110 .

Note that the front frame 300 may refer only to a substantially rectangular frame member (a door base 310 to be described later), and includes the frame member and all members attached to the frame member (including design members and the like). You may refer to the whole unit united with.

In addition, the gaming machine 100 is provided with an effect device that performs effects during the progress of the game. As a production device, a production display device 114 consisting of a liquid crystal display device, a production accessory device 116 consisting of a movable device, a sound output device 118 consisting of a speaker (see FIG. 3), and a lamp controlled to various lighting modes and emission colors and a production operating device 208 (see FIG. 3) that receives an operation. The effect display device 114, the effect accessory device 116, the sound output device 118, the effect lighting device 120, and the effect operation device 208 execute a predetermined effect based on the control of the control board provided within the inner frame 104. .

The game board 108 is formed with a through hole 108a (see FIG. 2) penetrating in the thickness direction (the front-rear direction of the game machine 100). A performance display device 114 is provided on the back surface of the game board 108 . The effect display device 114 has an image display section that displays an image. The image display section is arranged inside the inner frame 104 and exposed through the through hole 108a so that an image displayed on the image display section can be visually recognized from the front side.

The effect accessory device 116 is arranged in front of the effect display device 114 in the inner frame 104 and normally retreats to the back side of the game board 108. It is movable up to the front to give the player a sense of expectation for a big win.

The effect lighting device 120 is provided on the front frame 300 , and for example, a plurality of the lighting devices 120 are provided so as to surround the glass unit 110 . The effect lighting device 120 includes an LED or the like, and is controlled to be lit in various ways in accordance with an image or the like displayed on the effect display device 114, for example.

As shown in FIG. 3, the audio output device 118 is provided on the outer frame 102 . The audio output device 118 outputs sounds, voices, BGM, etc. toward the front side of the gaming machine 100 in accordance with images and the like displayed on the effect display device 114 . The lower outer frame 102 has a predetermined width, and the audio output device 118 (speaker) is a component of the outer frame 102 .

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the gaming machine 100 viewed from the front side (front). The effect operation device 208 (effect operation unit 208) includes a effect operation section configured to be able to receive an operation (predetermined operation) related to effect. When the effect operation section is operated, the effect content (display of the effect display device) is switched, or a predetermined effect is generated. A key portion 209 (cylinder) is provided on the right side of the gaming machine 100 viewed from the front side. When a predetermined key is inserted into the key portion 209 and rotated counterclockwise (twisted), the front frame 300 can be opened forward, and when rotated clockwise (twisted), the front frame 300 and the inner frame are opened. 104 (that is, the body frame) can be opened forward.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 108. As shown in FIG. The game board (game board) 108 is made of, for example, a transparent synthetic resin (such as acrylic). The game board 108 is provided with a substantially circular outer rail 114b and an arc-shaped inner rail 114a along the outer rail 114b. A game ball shot from a shooting mechanism (shooting device) (not shown) rises between the inner rail 114 a and the outer rail 114 b and is guided to the game area 116 . The game area 116 (board surface) is a space formed between the game board 108 and the glass unit 110, and is an area in which game balls can move (flow down, roll). A large number of game nails and pinwheels are provided on the game board 108, and the game balls guided to the game area 116 collide with the nails and pinwheels and move (flow down, roll) in irregular directions. I have to.

The outer rail 114b extends clockwise from below the game board 108 toward the upper left, and also extends clockwise from substantially the center in the vertical direction (vertical direction) of the game board 108 toward the upper right. there is The outer rail 114b extends curvedly from the bottom to the top of the game board 108 to surround the game area 116. As shown in FIG. That is, the area surrounded by the outer rails 114b serves as a game area 116 in which game balls move. In addition, the inner rail 114 a is provided on the left side of the game board 108 and inside the outer rail 114 b in the game area 116 .

The game area 116 includes a first game area 116a and a second game area 116b in which the degree of penetration of the game ball is different from each other according to the firing intensity of the shooting mechanism, and the game ball can be hit separately. The first game area 116a is located on the left side of the game area 116 when viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 100, and the second game area 116b is located on the left side of the game area 116 when viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 100. located on the right side of the Since the outer rail 114b and the inner rail 114a are located on the left side of the game area 116, the game ball fired by the shooting mechanism with a shooting intensity less than a predetermined intensity enters the first game area 116a (left-handed area), A game ball shot with a shooting intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined intensity by the shooting mechanism enters the second game area 116b (right hitting area). Hitting the game ball into the first game area 116a by operating the operating handle 340 is called hitting to the left, and hitting the game ball into the second game area 116b by operating the operating handle 340 means hitting to the right. It is said to execute.

In addition, the game area 116 is provided with a general winning opening 118 and a starting winning opening 120 (starting opening) into which game balls can enter. When game balls enter the general winning hole 118 and the starting winning hole 120, predetermined prize balls (game balls obtained by winning) are paid out to the player. Note that the number of prize balls may be any number as long as it is one or more. Also, the number of prize balls to be paid out may be different for each of the general prize winning port 118 and the starting prize winning port 120, or the same number of prize balls may be set.

The start winning opening 120 is provided in the center of the lower side of the game area 116 (the center in the left-right direction). Although a detailed explanation is omitted, when a game ball enters the starting prize winning port 120, a big win lottery for determining whether or not to give a predetermined game profit is performed, and if a big win is won in the big win lottery, a big win game is played. executed. The big role game is composed of a plurality of round games, and the big prize opening is opened during each round game. The big winning opening is provided in the second game area 116b. Each round game ends when a predetermined time elapses from its start or when a preset upper limit number of game balls enter the big winning hole. When game balls enter the big winning hole, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player, so that the player can win a large amount of prize balls by executing the big win game.

An out port 122 (ejection port) is provided at the bottom of the game area 116 . A game ball that has not entered any of the general winning opening 118, the starting winning opening 120, and the big winning opening is discharged from the game area 116 to the back side of the game board 108 via the out opening 122. - 特許庁

The game area 116 also includes an upper passage 114c connecting the left-handed area 116a and the right-handed area 116b. The upper passage 114c is provided above the through hole 108a.

The gaming machine according to this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main board and a sub-board. The functions of each board such as the main board and sub-boards are implemented by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of information storage medium), or RAM. It is realized by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in, for example.

The main board receives input signals from the input means (various sensors, etc.), performs various calculations for executing the game, and controls the operation of the output means (payout device, etc.) based on the calculation results.

The sub-board receives commands sent from the main board and input signals from a performance operation sensor that detects an operation to a performance operation device 208, which will be described later. is calculated, and the operation of the effect device is controlled based on the calculation result.

Next, details of the door unit 300 will be described. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the door unit 300. FIG. The door unit 300 includes a plate-shaped door base 310, a tray unit 320, a handle unit 330, and the like. A glass unit 110 (see FIG. 1) can be attached to the rear side of the door base 310 .

The saucer unit 320 has a shape protruding forward and includes a saucer. The receiving tray is formed so as to be able to store game balls lent to the player (rental balls) and game balls obtained by winning prizes (prize balls). The tray unit 320 is attached (assembled) below the front side of the door base 310 . The tray unit 320 is fixed to the door base 310 by screwing from the rear side of the door base 310 . A recess is provided in the center of the tray unit 320, and the effect operation unit 208 shown in FIG. 3 is attached to this recess.

The handle unit 330 includes a handle 340 protruding forward and a handle base 350 . Handle 340 is formed to be rotatable. When a shooting operation is performed by rotating the handle 340, the game is played from the shooting mechanism (shooting device) with strength (shooting force) (momentum) according to the rotation angle (operation angle) (rotation amount) (rotation operation amount) of the handle 340. A ball is to be launched. The handle unit 330 is attached (assembled) to the lower right portion of the door base 310 (the lower right portion of the front frame) (the lower right portion of the tray unit 320). The handle unit 330 is fixed to the door base 310 by screwing from the rear side of the door base 310 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , in this embodiment, the tray unit 320 and the handle unit 330 can be individually (separately) fixed to the door base 310 . Therefore, for example, the handle unit 330 can be removed from the door base 310 while the tray unit 320 is fixed to the door base 310, or the tray unit 320 can be removed from the door base 310 while the handle unit 330 is fixed to the door base 310. can be done. That is, it is possible to remove only one of the tray unit 320 and the handle unit 330 for inspection, replacement, and the like. As a result, work can be performed flexibly, and work efficiency can be improved. In addition, in this embodiment, it is possible to attach and detach only the production unit 208 without removing the tray unit 320 from the door base 310 .

In the handle unit 330, a handle 340 and a handle base 350 are separately fixed to the door base 310 by screwing. Therefore, only the handle 340 can be removed from the door base 310 while the handle base 350 is fixed to the door base 310 . The handle 340 is a component that is replaced more frequently than the handle base 350 . By making only the handle 340 replaceable, the cost for replacement can be suppressed. The screws used for fixing the handle 340 and the screws used for fixing the handle base 350 may have different colors. For example, the screws used to fix the handle 340 are colored red. By changing the color of the screws in this way, the operator can easily understand which screws to remove, thereby preventing mistakes and improving work efficiency. Also, an identification letter such as “H” may be attached near the screw hole (screw hole) for the handle 340 .

When removing the parts from the door base 310 , first remove the tray unit 320 , then remove the handle 340 , and then remove the handle base 350 . Note that the handle 340 and the handle base 350 may be removed at the same time.

(Handle 340)
5(a) is a perspective view of the handle 340 as seen from the front side, and FIG. 5(b) is a perspective view of the handle 340 as seen from the rear side. The handle 340 includes a body portion 341, a handle ring 342 (handle), a firing stop button 343, a cover 344, and the like. The body portion 341 is fixed to the door base 310 as an attachment partner member, and rotatably supports the handle ring 342 . The handle ring 342 is rotatable around the body portion 341 within a predetermined rotation amount (predetermined operation angle) from the initial position to the maximum rotation position. The maximum rotation position is a position where the amount of rotation with respect to the initial position is maximum. The maximum rotation position is the position at the moment when a predetermined portion of the handle ring 342 abuts (contacts) the mechanical end (stopper). It does not include the position where the load (reaction force) suddenly increases due to pressure contact with the mechanical end. The shooting stop button 343 can be pressed, and is provided to stop the shooting of the game ball while the handle ring 342 is being rotated by a predetermined amount. A cover 344 (face cover) is provided to cover the front side of the handle ring 342 .

FIG. 6 is a view of the handle unit 330 viewed from the front side of the handle 340 in the axial direction. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the center (rotational axis) of the handle 340 is defined as the center P (rotational axis P). FIG. 6 shows the handle ring 342 in its initial position. The handle ring 342 is urged by an elastic member (ring spring, spring: not shown) in the counterclockwise direction with the center P as the rotation axis when viewed from the front. Therefore, when rotating the handle ring 342 clockwise from the initial position, it is necessary to operate (apply force) against the biasing force of the elastic member. Further, when the handle ring 342 is turned clockwise by a predetermined amount and the operation is released (when the force is stopped), the handle ring 342 returns to the initial position by the biasing force of the elastic member ( automatic recovery).

(Handle ring 342)
The handle ring 342 includes a ring portion 350 a , a first finger hook portion 351 , a second finger hook portion 352 and a third finger hook portion 353 . The first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the annular ring portion 350a so as to protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the ring portion 350a along the circumferential direction. ing. The first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 have a substantially triangular shape (mountain shape) when viewed from the front. When the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 are viewed with their tips facing upward, the slope on the left side is steeper than the slope on the right side (a steep slope). ). The slope on the left side is steeper than the slope on the right side, making it easier to hook your fingers.

If the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 were not provided, it would be necessary to grip the outer peripheral surface of the ring portion 350a to rotate the ring portion 350a. When the 3-finger hook portion 353 is provided, a finger can be hooked to perform the rotation operation. Therefore, the player can more easily perform the rotation operation. As a result, the burden on the player can be reduced.

The door unit 300 is a component that may be handled as a single door unit 300 . In other words, it is a component for which work of attaching and detaching (exchanging) only the door unit 300 or work of transporting only the door unit 300 is performed. Therefore, a situation may arise in which only the door unit 300 is placed on a surface such as the floor, or in which only the door unit 300 is placed in a packaging member such as a box.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the door unit 300. FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the lower edge of the door unit 300 (front frame 300) is a lower edge S1. The lower edge S1 constitutes the lower outermost shape of the front frame 300 . If all or part of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 protrude downward (lower) than the lower edge S1, when the front frame 300 is placed on the floor or the like, it may contact the floor. However, the handle ring 342 (handle 340) may be damaged.

(Initial position: downward)
FIG. 7 shows the handle ring 342 in its initial position. At the initial position, the tip of the first finger hook 351 faces the upper left. The tip of the second finger hook 352 faces upward. The tip portion of the third finger hook portion 353 faces the upper right side. In this embodiment, none of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrude below the lower edge S1 of the front frame 300 at the initial position. Therefore, even when the front frame 300 is placed on the floor or the like, the first to third finger hook portions 351 to 353 do not come into contact with the floor or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) is not damaged. no. Therefore, the risk of component damage can be reduced.

(Maximum rotation position: downward)
FIG. 8 is a front view of the door unit 300, showing a state where the handle ring 342 is at the maximum rotation position. The maximum rotation position is a position where the amount of rotation (the amount of operation) of the handle ring 342 from the initial position is maximum. At the maximum rotation position, the tip of the first finger hook 351 faces upward. The tip of the second finger hook 352 faces right. The tip of the third finger hook 353 faces downward. In this embodiment, the tip of the third finger hook 353 is closest to the lower edge S1 at the maximum rotation position.

In this embodiment, none of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrude below the lower edge S1 of the front frame 300 even at the maximum rotation position. Therefore, even when the front frame 300 is placed on the floor or the like with the handle ring 342 at the maximum rotation position, the first to third finger hook portions 351 to 353 come into contact with the floor or the like. Therefore, the handle ring 342 (handle 340) is not damaged. Therefore, the risk of component damage can be reduced.

In this embodiment, any of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 of the handle ring 342 is positioned at the lower edge of the front frame 300 regardless of the rotational position of the handle ring 342 (any rotational position). It does not protrude below S1. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the tip of the third finger hook 353 is closest to the lower edge S1 at the maximum rotation position. However, the point at which the tip of any of the finger hooks comes closest to the lower edge S1 does not have to be the maximum rotation position. In other words, if the position where the tip of any of the finger hooks comes closest to the lower edge S1 is defined as a predetermined rotational position, all the finger hooks should not protrude below the lower edge S1 at the predetermined rotational position. It should be

Return to FIG. A right edge of the door unit 300 (front frame 300) is defined as a right edge T1. The right edge T1 constitutes the outermost shape on the right side of the front frame 300 . If all or part of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 protrude to the right (rightward) from the right edge T1, when the front frame 300 is placed in a box or the like, the box and the There is a risk that the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will be damaged due to contact.

(Initial position: right side)
In this embodiment, none of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes to the right (rightward) from the right edge T1 of the front frame 300 at the initial position. Therefore, even if the front frame 300 is placed in a box or the like, the first to third finger hooking portions 351 to 353 do not come into contact with the box or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) is not damaged. no. Therefore, the risk of component damage can be reduced.

(Maximum rotation position: right side)
As shown in FIG. 8, at the maximum rotation position, the tip of the second finger hook 352 is closest to the right edge T1. In this embodiment, none of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes to the right from the right edge T1 of the front frame 300 even at the maximum rotation position. Therefore, even if the front frame 300 is placed in a box or the like with the handle ring 342 at the maximum rotation position, the first to third finger hook portions 351 to 353 come into contact with the box or the like. Therefore, the handle ring 342 (handle 340) is not damaged. Therefore, the risk of component damage can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 of the handle ring 342 are positioned further than the right edge T1 of the front frame 300 at any rotational position (any rotational position) of the handle ring 342. Does not protrude to the right. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the tip portion of the second finger hook portion 352 is closest to the right edge T1 at the maximum rotation position. However, the point at which the tip of any finger hook portion is closest to the right edge T1 does not have to be the maximum rotation position. In other words, if the position where the tip of any of the finger hooks is closest to the right edge T1 is defined as a predetermined rotational position, all the finger hooks should not protrude to the right of the right edge T1 at the predetermined rotational position. It should be

FIG. 9 is a diagram of the lower right portion of the front frame 300 viewed from the front side in the rotation axis direction of the handle 340 . (1) The length (distance) (dimension) D1 from the center P of the handle 340 to the tip of the first finger hook portion 351 is 53.4 mm. (2) The length D2 from the center P of the handle 340 to the tip of the second finger hook 352 is 45.6 mm. (3) The length D3 from the center P of the handle 340 to the tip of the third finger hook 353 is 39.3 mm. (4) The length E from the center P of the handle 340 to the outer peripheral surface of the handle ring 342 is 34.6 mm. That is, the radius E of the portion of the handle ring 342 where the finger hook is not provided is 34.6 mm. (5) The length F from the center P of the handle 340 to the lower edge S1 of the door unit 300 is 40.0 mm. (6) The length G from the center P of the handle 340 to the right edge T1 of the door unit 300 is 49.1 mm.

In this embodiment, the handle unit 330 is provided in the lower right portion of the front frame 300 , but the handle unit 330 may be provided in the lower right portion of the inner frame 104 . 15 is a right side view showing the handle unit 330 attached to the lower right portion of the inner frame 104. FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram of the lower right portion of the state viewed from the front side in the rotation axis direction of the handle 340. As shown in FIG. 15 and 16 can be said to show a state in which the front frame 300 and the inner frame 104 are integrated. Here, the lower edges of the front frame 300 and the inner frame 104 (that is, the body frame) are referred to as a lower edge S2. The lower edge S2 constitutes the lower outermost shape of the body frame. In other words, the lower edge S2 is the lower edge of either the front frame 300 or the inner frame 104 . Also, the edge on the right side of the body frame is defined as a right edge T2. The right edge T2 constitutes the outermost shape on the right side of the body frame. In other words, right edge T2 is the right edge of either front frame 300 or inner frame 104 .

At the initial position, none of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrude below the lower edge S2 of the body frame. Further, at the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrude below the lower edge S2 of the body frame. Moreover, no matter what rotational position the handle ring 342 is in, none of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrude below the lower edge S2 of the body frame. .
Therefore, even if the body frame is placed on the floor or the like, the finger hooks do not come into contact with the floor or the like, and the handle is not damaged. Therefore, the risk of component damage can be reduced.
When referring to the lower edge (lower edge) of the main body frame, the lower edge (bottom surface) of the saucer unit 320 (the saucer) is lower than the lower edge of the front frame 300 and the lower edge of the inner frame 104. is positioned downward, the lower edge (bottom surface) of the receiving tray unit 320 may be the lower edge of the body frame.

At the initial position, none of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 of the handle ring 342 projects rightward beyond the right edge T2 of the body frame. Further, at the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 of the handle ring 342 projects rightward beyond the right edge T2 of the body frame. Further, no matter what rotational position the handle ring 342 is in, any of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 of the handle ring 342 projects rightward beyond the right edge T2 of the body frame. No.
Therefore, even if the body frame is placed in a box or the like, the finger hooks do not come into contact with the box or the like, and the handle is not damaged. Therefore, the risk of component damage can be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 16, D1, D2, D3, and E are the same as in FIG. 9, but the length F from the center P of the handle 340 to the lower edge S2 of the body frame is 45.0 mm. . Also, the length G from the center P of the handle 340 to the right edge T2 of the body frame is 51.1 mm.

In the above, the position of the lower edge of the inner frame 104 is positioned below (protrudes) from the position of the lower edge of the front frame 300, but the position of the lower edge of the front frame 300 and the position of the inner frame 104 The position of the lower edge may be substantially the same. Also, the position of the lower edge of the front frame 300 may be positioned below the position of the lower edge of the inner frame 104 .

The length D3 is smaller than the length F in both the state shown in FIG. 9 and the state shown in FIG. Therefore, even when rotated to the maximum rotation position (the state shown in FIG. 8), the third finger hook portion 353 does not protrude below the lower edges S1 and S2.

Length D2 is smaller than length G. Therefore, even when rotated to the maximum rotation position (the state shown in FIG. 8), the second finger hook portion 352 does not protrude to the right beyond the right edges T1 and T2.

On the other hand, the length D1 is longer than the length F. Therefore, if the handle ring 342 is rotated to a position where the first finger hooking portion 351 faces downward (a position where the tip portion of the first finger hooking portion 351 faces downward), the first finger hooking portion 351 is positioned at the lower edge. It protrudes below S1 and S2. However, in this embodiment, the handle ring 342 is prevented from rotating to the position where the first finger hook portion 351 is downward. Therefore, the first finger hook portion 351 does not protrude below the lower edges S1 and S2.

Also, the length D1 is longer than the length G. Therefore, if the handle ring 342 is rotated to a position where the first finger hooking portion 351 is on the right side (a position where the tip of the first finger hooking portion 351 faces the right side), the first finger hooking portion 351 is on the right edge. It protrudes to the right side of T1 and T2. However, in this embodiment, the handle ring 342 is prevented from rotating to the position where the first finger hook portion 351 is on the right side. Therefore, the first finger hook portion 351 does not protrude to the right beyond the right edges T1 and T2.

In this manner, the first finger hooking portion 351 is prevented from rotating to a position in which the tip faces downward (lower side) or to a position in which the tip faces to the right. Therefore, length D1 can be greater than lengths D2 and D3. By increasing the length D1, it is possible to obtain the effect of making it easier to hook a finger. In addition, in this embodiment, the length D1 is longer than the length D2, and the length D2 is longer than the length D3.

In this embodiment, the number of finger hooks provided on the handle ring 342 is three, but the number of finger hooks is not limited to this, and at least one finger hook may be provided. . Further, the finger hooking portion having the largest protrusion amount (maximum finger hooking portion) is not limited to the first finger hooking portion 351, and may be another finger hooking portion. The amount of protrusion is the amount of protrusion radially outward, and is, for example, the amount of protrusion of the finger hook from a portion of the handle ring 342 where the finger hook is not provided (ring portion 350a).

As described above, the finger hook does not protrude below the lower edge S2 of the body frame and does not protrude rightward beyond the right edge T2 of the body frame at the initial position and the maximum rotation position. Further, at the initial position and the maximum rotation position, the finger hook does not protrude below the lower edge S2 of the body frame, and at the maximum rotation position, the finger hook having the largest amount of protrusion (maximum finger hook) , the position where the tip faces downward (directly below) (the position where the tip is closest to the lower edge S2 of the body frame). In other words, when the handle ring 342 rotates from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, the tip of the maximum finger hook moves on an arced rotational trajectory, but at the maximum rotation position, the tip of the maximum finger hook moves. is not located at the lowest point in the orbit of rotation of the tip. In that case, the maximum finger hook may be rotated to a position closest to the lower edge S2 of the main body frame, and beyond that position to a position away from the lower edge S2 of the main body frame. Further, at the initial position and the maximum rotation position, the finger hook does not protrude to the right from the right edge T2 of the body frame, and at the maximum rotation position, the finger hook having the largest amount of protrusion (maximum finger hook) , the position where the tip faces right (direct right) (the position where the tip is closest to the right edge T2 of the body frame). In other words, when the handle ring 342 rotates from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, the tip of the maximum finger hook moves on an arced rotational trajectory, but at the maximum rotation position, the tip of the maximum finger hook moves. is not located at the rightmost point on the tip's rotational trajectory. In that case, the maximum finger hook may be rotated to a position closest to the right edge T2 of the body frame, and beyond that position to a position away from the right edge T2 of the body frame.

The bottom surface (lower surface) of the tray unit 320 and the bottom surface (lower surface) of the handle unit 330 shown in FIG. It is This is referred to as the "slanted surface of the lower part of the front frame". When the front frame lower portion is provided with an inclined surface, the inclined surface of the front frame lower portion may come into contact with the floor or other surface when the front frame 300 is placed on the floor or other surface. That is, when the front frame 300 is placed on the floor, for example, the inclined surface of the lower portion of the front frame comes into contact with the floor, and the front frame 300 is slightly inclined forward with respect to the direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane (forward inclination). Posture). In this posture, the handle ring 342 (handle 340) is closer to the floor.

When the handle ring 342 is in the initial position, none of the first to third finger hook portions 351 to 353 of the handle ring 342 may protrude below the inclined surface of the lower portion of the front frame. In this case, even if the front frame 300 is placed on the floor or the like and the inclined surface of the lower part of the front frame contacts the floor or the like, the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 do not contact the floor or the like. Therefore, the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will not be damaged. Therefore, the risk of component damage can be reduced.

When the handle ring 342 is at the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 of the handle ring 342 may protrude below the inclined surface of the lower portion of the front frame. . In this case, even if the front frame 300 is placed on the floor or the like while the handle ring 342 is at the maximum rotation position, and the inclined surface of the lower part of the front frame comes into contact with the floor or the like, the first finger hook portion 351 to third finger hooking portion 353 do not contact the floor or the like, and handle ring 342 (handle 340) is not damaged. Therefore, the risk of component damage can be reduced.

Further, at any rotational position (any rotational position) of the handle ring 342, all of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 of the handle ring 342 are below the inclined surface of the lower portion of the front frame. may not protrude into the

At a predetermined rotational position including the initial position and the maximum rotational position, at least a part of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 protrudes downward from the inclined surface of the lower portion of the front frame. good too. Even in that case, none of the first finger hooking portion 351 to the third finger hooking portion 353 should protrude below the lower edge S2 of the body frame. By configuring in this way, the risk of component damage can be reduced.

Next, the operating torque and operating angle of handle 340 will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, a spring as an elastic member Z is arranged inside the handle 340 . The handle ring 342 can be operated (rotated) clockwise against the biasing force of the spring. When the handle ring 342 is turned by a predetermined amount (angle) and the operation is released, the handle ring 342 is automatically returned to the initial position by the biasing force (reaction force) of the spring.

(initial action)
Here, the operation torque required for starting (initial movement) (starting) (rotation from the initial position) of the rotation of the handle ring 342 is defined as a first operation torque (initial torque).
(left-handed)
At the time of left-handed hitting, the target position in the game area 116 at which the game ball that has passed through the ejection port 117 (see FIG. 2) lands is defined as the left-handed target position (target area). Note that the target area (target area) for left-handed hitting is an area called so-called bukkomi. The target area is an ideal area in which it is said that when the player is in a normal game state and hits a game ball aiming at that area, the rate of entry into various winning devices (award winning openings) is highest.
Also, the position (rotational position) of the handle ring 342 at which the game ball can land at the target position of the left-handed strike is defined as the left-handed reference position. Further, the operation torque required to rotate the handle ring 342 from the initial position to the left-handed reference position is defined as a second operation torque. An operation angle (operation angle) from the initial position of the handle ring 342 to the left-handed reference position is defined as a first operation angle.

(Right shot)
The position (rotational position) of the handle ring 342 during right-handed hitting is defined as a right-handed reference position (maximum rotational position). Further, the operation torque required for rotating the handle ring 342 from the initial position to the maximum rotation position is defined as the third operation torque. An operation angle (operation angle) from the initial position of the handle ring 342 to the maximum rotation position is defined as a second operation angle. The second operating angle is full stroke.

(Example 1)
As shown in FIG. 11, in the gaming machine according to this embodiment, the first operation torque is 6.8 [N·mm]. Also, the second operation torque is 13.6 [N·mm]. Also, the third operation torque is 23.8 [N·mm]. In this embodiment, the second operation torque is larger than the first operation torque, and the third operation torque is larger than the second operation torque. In the handle shown as a comparative example, the first operating torque is 31 [N·mm], the second operating torque is 69 [N·mm], and the third operating torque is 152 [N·mm]. FIG. 12 graphically illustrates these relationships.

All of the first operation torque, the second operation torque, and the third operation torque are relatively small values. Therefore, the player can rotate the handle ring 342 with less force. That is, the player can feel that the operation of the handle ring 342 is light. As a result, the player is less likely to get tired, and the burden on the player can be reduced. Further, when the handle ring 342 automatically returns, it abuts against a stopper (not shown) and stops rotating, but the first to third operation torques are all small values. Therefore, the impact applied to the stopper during automatic return is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress consumption (wear) of the stopper and reduce the risk of failure of the handle 340, which is a frequently operated component. That is, the durability of handle 340 can be improved.

Moreover, since the first to third operation torques are all small values, the frictional force acting between the handle ring 342 and the body portion 341 (see FIG. 5) can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress wear due to the large frictional force, and to improve the durability of the parts.

Especially in this embodiment, the first operation torque is 6.8 [N·mm], which is lower than 10 [N·mm]. Since the first operation torque is small in this way, the force required for initial movement of the handle ring 342 is small, and the rotation of the handle ring 342 can be started with less force. If the biasing force (reaction force) of the spring is made smaller and the first operation torque is set to less than 6.8 [N mm], the force of friction acting between the handle ring 342 and the body portion 341 will cause , the handle ring 342 may not return to the initial position. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first operation torque is set to the minimum torque that can automatically return to the initial position. Therefore, it is preferable to set the first operation torque to 6.8 [N·m] or more in order to make the initial movement lighter and enable the automatic return.

Also, in the present embodiment, the third operation torque is larger than the second operation torque, but the value of the third operation torque (23.8 [N·mm]) is the value of the second operation torque. It is equal to or less than the doubled value (27.2 [N·mm]). As in the comparative example, when the value of the third operation torque (152 [N mm]) is larger than the value obtained by doubling the value of the second operation torque (138 [N mm]), the left-handed The operation torque rises sharply between the reference position and the maximum rotation position (right-handed reference position). In that case, a larger force is required to rotate from the left-handed reference position to the maximum rotation position. In this embodiment, the value of the third operation torque is equal to or less than the value obtained by doubling the second operation torque, and the difference between the second operation torque and the third operation torque is small. to the maximum rotation position, the player feels that the difference between the second operation torque and the third operation torque is small. Therefore, the player is less likely to get tired, and the burden on the player can be reduced.

Further, in the present embodiment, the second operation torque is larger than the first operation torque, but the value of the second operation torque (13.6 [N·mm]) is the value of the first operation torque. It is equal to or less than the doubled value (13.6 [N·mm]). As in the comparative example, when the value of the second operation torque (69 [N mm]) is larger than the value obtained by doubling the first operation torque (62 [N mm]), the left The operating torque rises sharply before reaching the hitting reference position. In that case, a larger force is required to rotate from the initial position to the left-handed reference position. In the present embodiment, the value of the second operation torque is equal to or less than twice the value of the first operation torque, and the difference between the first operation torque and the second operation torque is small. The operation torque does not suddenly increase before reaching the left-handed reference position, and the player feels that the difference between the first operation torque and the second operation torque is small. Therefore, the player is less likely to get tired, and the burden on the player can be reduced.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the difference (displacement amount) between the first operation torque and the second operation torque is defined as an increase amount A. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the amount of increase A is 6.8 [N·mm]. Further, the difference (displacement amount) between the second operation torque and the third operation torque is defined as an increase amount B. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the amount of increase B is 10.2 [N·mm]. In this embodiment, the value obtained by doubling the increase A (13.6) is larger than the increase B (10.2) (2A>B). In other words, the amount of increase B is less than or equal to twice the amount of increase A. Therefore, even when comparing the amount of increase in operation torque from the initial position to the left-handed reference position with the amount of increase in operation torque from the left-handed reference position to the maximum rotation position, the latter increase The amount is not extremely large compared to the former amount of increase. Therefore, the difference between the amount of increase A and the amount of increase B is small, and the player does not feel that the right-handed hit is extremely heavy compared to the left-handed hit, so that the player is less likely to get tired and the burden on the player can be reduced. In addition, the player does not feel a sense of incongruity due to a large difference in operation torque between left-handed and right-handed players. As a result, the player can comfortably play the game.

On the other hand, in the comparative example, the amount of increase A is 38 [N·mm] and the amount of increase B is 83 [N·mm]. The amount of increase B is larger than the value obtained by multiplying the amount of increase A by two. Therefore, when comparing the amount of increase in operation torque from the initial position to the left-handed reference position with the amount of increase in operation torque from the left-handed reference position to the maximum rotation position, the latter increase is greater than the former. It is extremely large compared to the amount of increase. Therefore, the difference between the amount of increase A and the amount of increase B is large, and it is felt that right-handed hitting is extremely heavy compared to left-handed hitting. For this reason, the player easily gets tired and the burden on the player is heavy. In addition, the player may feel uncomfortable due to the large difference in operation torque between left-handed and right-handed players.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the initial torque is reduced and the torque curve of the operation torque is flattened. Since the initial torque is small and the amount of torque displacement (increase) is small, the player is less likely to get tired. On the other hand, in the comparative example, the initial torque is large, and the torque curve of the operation torque is quadratic. Since the initial torque is large and the amount of torque displacement (increase) is also large, the player is likely to get tired.

Return to FIG. In this embodiment, the first operation angle is 49 degrees. Also, the second operation angle is 100°. Left-handed hitting and right-handed hitting are separated by an operation angle that is approximately half the full stroke (second operation angle). Therefore, it is easy for the player to intuitively recognize the boundary between left-handed and right-handed. Also, the second operation angle is 100°, which is smaller than, for example, when the second operation angle is 130°. As a result, the amount of rotation of the hand can be reduced when hitting to the right. Therefore, the player is less likely to get tired, and the burden on the player can be reduced. Note that the first operation angle may be 45° to 60°. Also, the second operation angle may be 100° to 120°.

Also, the first operation angle is half or less of the second operation angle (full stroke). For this reason, left-handed hitting can be performed at an operating angle of less than half of the full stroke. In addition, it is designed not to hit to the right when the operating angle is less than half of the full stroke. This allows the player to clearly distinguish between left-handed and right-handed.

(Example 2)
As shown in FIG. 13, the first operation torque is 27.2 [N·mm]. Also, the second operation torque is 54.4 [N·mm]. Also, the third operation torque is 95.2 [N·mm]. The second operation torque is greater than the first operation torque, and the third operation torque is greater than the second operation torque. In the handle shown as a comparative example, the first operating torque is 31 [N·mm], the second operating torque is 69 [N·mm], and the third operating torque is 152 [N·mm]. FIG. 14 graphically illustrates these relationships.

The values of the first operation torque, the second operation torque, and the third operation torque are smaller than those of the comparative example. Therefore, the player can rotate the handle ring 342 with less force. That is, the player can feel that the operation of the handle ring 342 is light. As a result, the player is less likely to get tired, and the burden on the player can be reduced. Further, when the handle ring 342 automatically returns, it abuts against a stopper (not shown) and stops rotating, but the first to third operation torques are all small values. Therefore, the impact applied to the stopper during automatic return is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress consumption (wear) of the stopper and reduce the risk of failure of the handle 340, which is a frequently operated component. That is, the durability of handle 340 can be improved.

Further, since the first to third operation torques are smaller than those of the comparative example, it is possible to reduce the frictional force acting between the handle ring 342 and the body portion 341 (see FIG. 5). can. Therefore, it is possible to suppress wear due to the large frictional force, and to improve the durability of the parts.

Further, the first operation torque is 27.2 [N·mm], which is 6.8 [N·mm] or more, so that the handle ring 342 can be automatically returned while the initial movement is lightened. .

Also, the third operation torque is larger than the second operation torque, but the value of the third operation torque (95.2 [N·mm]) is double the value of the second operation torque (108 .8 [N·mm]) or less. As in the comparative example, when the value of the third operation torque (152 [N mm]) is larger than the value obtained by doubling the value of the second operation torque (138 [N mm]), the left-handed The operation torque rises sharply between the reference position and the maximum rotation position (right-handed reference position). In that case, a larger force is required to rotate from the left-handed reference position to the maximum rotation position. In this example, the value of the third operation torque is equal to or less than twice the value of the second operation torque, and the difference between the second operation torque and the third operation torque is small. The operation torque does not suddenly increase until reaching the maximum rotation position, and the player feels that the difference between the second operation torque and the third operation torque is small. Therefore, the player is less likely to get tired, and the burden on the player can be reduced.

Also, the second operation torque is larger than the first operation torque, but the value of the second operation torque (54.4 [N mm]) is double the value of the first operation torque (54 .4 [N·mm]) or less. As in the comparative example, when the value of the second operation torque (69 [N mm]) is larger than the value obtained by doubling the first operation torque (62 [N mm]), the left The operating torque rises sharply before reaching the hitting reference position. In that case, a larger force is required to rotate from the initial position to the left-handed reference position. In this example, the value of the second operation torque is equal to or less than twice the first operation torque, and the difference between the first operation torque and the second operation torque is small. The operation torque does not suddenly increase until reaching the hitting reference position, and the player feels that the difference between the first operation torque and the second operation torque is small. Therefore, the player is less likely to get tired, and the burden on the player can be reduced.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the difference (displacement amount) between the first operation torque and the second operation torque is defined as an increase amount A. As shown in FIG. The amount of increase A is 27.2 [N·mm]. Further, the difference (displacement amount) between the second operation torque and the third operation torque is defined as an increase amount B. As shown in FIG. The amount of increase B is 40.8 [N·mm]. In this embodiment, the value obtained by doubling the increase A (54.4) is larger than the increase B (40.8) (2A>B). In other words, the amount of increase B is less than or equal to twice the amount of increase A. Therefore, even when comparing the amount of increase in operation torque from the initial position to the left-handed reference position with the amount of increase in operation torque from the left-handed reference position to the maximum rotation position, the latter increase The amount is not extremely large compared to the former amount of increase. Therefore, the difference between the amount of increase A and the amount of increase B is small, and the player does not feel that the right-handed hit is extremely heavy compared to the left-handed hit, so that the player is less likely to get tired and the burden on the player can be reduced. In addition, the player does not feel a sense of incongruity due to a large difference in operation torque between left-handed and right-handed players. As a result, the player can comfortably play the game.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the torque curve of the operation torque is laid down. Since the amount of torque displacement (increase) is small, the player is less likely to get tired. On the other hand, in the comparative example, the torque curve of the operation torque has a quadratic curve. Since the amount of torque displacement (increase) is also large, the player is likely to get tired.

The first operating torque ranges from 6.8 [N·mm] shown in the first embodiment to 27.0 [N·mm] shown in the second embodiment.
It may be within the range of 2 [N·mm]. Further, the second operation torque may be within the range of 13.6 [N·mm] shown in the first embodiment to 54.4 [N·mm] shown in the second embodiment. Also, the third operation torque may be within the range of 23.8 [N·mm] shown in the first embodiment to 95.2 [N·mm] shown in the second embodiment. Also, the third operation torque (right-handed reference position) is preferably 100 [N·mm] or less.

(Second embodiment)
As a game machine, a pachinko game machine having a game board, a shooting device, and the like is known. In a pachinko machine, a game ball (game medium) is shot into a game area provided in front of a game board, and the game ball enters a prize winning opening provided in the game area. higher profits are awarded. A predetermined game machine represented by such a game machine is provided with a tray for storing game balls, and it is possible to discharge the game balls from the tray based on button operation. Conventional gaming machines have had the problem of poor operability for some operations. This embodiment provides a gaming machine that can be operated comfortably.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko game machine, which is one of game machines, will be described, but other game machines (for example, slot machines, medalless game machines, etc.) may be used. In the following explanation, "front and back" basically means that the player is "front" and the pachinko machine is "back" when the player is on the front side of the pachinko machine, and "up and down" means "up and down". means that the top side of the pachinko machine is "top" and the bottom side is "bottom", and "left and right" means that the left hand side of the player is "left" and the right hand side is "right". It should be noted that, within the scope of the invention, the present invention can freely combine each configuration, arbitrarily modify each configuration, or omit each configuration.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment. The gaming machine of the present embodiment performs a game using game balls (game media) rented from a gaming arcade. , a game board 6 that forms a game area 4 in which game balls move, a glass unit 8 that makes the game board 6 visible to the player but inaccessible to the player, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached. ing.
Incidentally, the diameter of the game ball used in the gaming machine of this embodiment is approximately 11 mm.
The "receptacle unit 320, the receptacle" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily transformed into the "receptacle unit 100, the receptacle 16" in the second embodiment. Also, the "handle unit 330" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily transformed into the "grip unit 20" in the second embodiment. Although not shown in FIG. 17, the pachinko game machine 1 has an inner frame and a body frame having a front frame 10 and an inner frame. A body frame can be attached to the outer frame 2. - 特許庁The body frame has a grip unit 20 (handle) and a saucer unit 100 (the saucer 16).

A portion of the front frame 10 surrounding the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light. A plurality of front frame lamps (illumination devices) 12 for outputting are provided.

A design member (lighting device) 13 elongated in the left-right direction is provided on the upper portion of the front frame 10 . Further, the design member 13 is arranged so as to protrude forward so that its front surface is located forward of the game area 4 and the glass unit 8 . The design member 13 is provided with a logo representing the model name, etc., and the logo is illuminated by an LED board provided inside.

In addition, the front frame 10 is provided with a plurality of speakers 14 for outputting performance sounds and the like for livening up the game.

A tray 16 for storing game balls is provided in the lower center of the front frame 10, and the game balls are paid out from the gaming machine to the player on the left side of the inner side surface (rear surface 16e) of the tray 16. A payout port 18 is provided for the purpose. A supply port 22 (see FIGS. 22 and 23) for supplying game balls from the tray 16 to the shooting device is provided on the right side of the inner side surface (rear surface 16e) of the tray 16. As shown in FIG.

A grip unit 20 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 10. When the player performs an operation to rotate the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, a grip unit (not shown) provided inside the gaming machine is rotated clockwise. A shooting device is operated to shoot game balls into the game area 4.例文帳に追加The shooting device of this embodiment can shoot 99 game balls per minute (1.65 game balls per second).

A performance operation device 26 is provided on the near side of the edge of the tray 16, and when the player operates the performance operation device 26, the performance performed by the game machine changes.

FIG. 18 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board 6 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, the game board 6 is provided with a circular outer rail 28, and an area surrounded by the outer rail 28 serves as a game area 4 in which game balls move. In addition, at the left end of the game area 4, an inner rail 30 is provided in an arc shape along the outer rail 28. The outer rail 28 and the inner rail 30 are provided below the game board 6 (not shown). A game ball shot from a shooting device is guided to a game area 4. - 特許庁

In the central part of the game board 6, a liquid crystal display 32 for displaying a performance image or the like for livening up the game, and a performance unit 36 having a display frame 34 formed so as to surround the liquid crystal display 32 are provided. A design member 38 is provided on the display frame 34 . In this embodiment, the design member 38 is provided above the liquid crystal display 32, but the position of the design member 38 is not limited to this.

In this embodiment, the game ball cannot pass through the front side of the liquid crystal display 32, and the game ball shot from the shooting device can pass through either the left side game area 4 or the right side game area 4 of the liquid crystal display 32. It is designed to fall. In the game area 4, a large number of game nails (not shown) are nailed so as to intersect the surface of the game board 6, so that the moving direction of the game balls moving in the game area 4 changes at random. .

In the left part of the display frame 34, an opening 40 is formed through which game balls falling in the game area 4 on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32 can pass. The liquid crystal display 32 passes through the passage 42 and falls onto a stage 44 provided below the liquid crystal display 32 . The upper surface of the stage 44 is a smoothly curved surface, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8 to allow game balls to fall downward from the stage 44, and drop onto the stage 44 from the passage 42. After the game ball hits the stage 44 and reciprocates left and right, it falls downward from the vicinity of the central portion of the stage 44. - 特許庁

A first starting prize opening 46 is provided below the central portion of the stage 44 .
A passage gate 48 is provided in the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32 . In addition, a second start winning opening 50 is provided below the passage gate 48 . This second start winning port 50 has a reduced state (state that does not assist entry/non-assisted state) in which game balls are difficult to enter into the second start winning prize port 50 and an expanded state (entry is assisted) in which game balls easily enter A normal accessory 52 is provided that includes an auxiliary member that can operate between (state and auxiliary state).

In the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32, a large winning opening 54 is provided below the second starting winning opening 50. - 特許庁A special accessory 56 having a movable member that closes the big winning opening 54 is provided in the big winning opening 54 . The special accessory 56 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the big winning opening 54 and an open state in which game balls can enter the big winning opening 54 (see FIG. 18). closed). The special accessory 56 is controlled to be open under a predetermined condition in a special game state which is started when a jackpot is won.

Below the big prize opening 54, a big prize passage 58 is provided downward. A normal entrance 62 is provided at the lower end of the big winning passage 58 . Further, a specific path 65 is provided below the big winning path 58 so as to branch downward from the middle of the big winning path 58 . This specific path 65 is provided with a specific accessory 66 having a movable member that closes the specific path 65 . The specific accessory 66 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the specific path 65 and an open state in which game balls can enter the specific path 65 (FIG. 18 shows a closed state ). The specific accessory 66 is controlled to be in an open state under predetermined conditions in the special game state. A specific entrance 68 is provided at the lower end of the specific passage 65 . In addition, at the bottom of the game area 4, an out port 69 is provided for collecting game balls that have fallen in the game area 4 without entering any of the winning openings into the inside of the game machine.

The game ball shooting device is configured so that the game ball shooting force is changed by adjusting the rotation amount of the grip unit (operating handle) 20 shown in FIG. 17, and the rotation amount of the grip unit 20 is small. In this case, the game ball is shot so that it falls in the game area 4 on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32, and when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game ball falls in the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. A game ball is launched so as to fall.

The player adjusts the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 according to the game situation, and the game ball falls through the left game area 4, or passes through the opening 40, the passage 42 and the stage 44, and enters the first starting winning opening. 46, the game ball is shot (left-handed), the game ball falls through the game area 4 on the right side, and the game ball passes through the passage gate 48, or into the second start winning opening 50. A game ball is shot so as to enter the game ball or to enter the big winning hole 54 (right-handed hitting).

At the lower right portion of the game board 6 and outside the game area 4, there is provided a state display section 70 that indicates various states of the game machine by lighting and extinguishing lamps and the like. The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main board and sub-boards. The functions of each board such as the main board and sub-boards are implemented by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of information storage medium), or RAM. It is realized by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in, for example.

The main board receives an input signal from an input means (first starting winning gate sensor, passing gate sensor, second starting winning gate sensor, big winning gate sensor, normal entrance sensor, specific path sensor, payout sensor, etc.). , various calculations for executing the game are performed, and based on the calculation results, the output means (status display drive device, normal accessory drive device, special accessory drive device, specific accessory drive device, payout device, etc.) Controls motion.

The sub board receives commands sent from the main board and input signals from the effect operation sensor that detects operations on the effect operation device 26, and performs various calculations for executing effects in accordance with the progress of the game. , and based on the calculation result, the operation of the production device (production display device, sound device, production drive device, etc.) is controlled.

A tray unit 100 is provided in the lower portion of the front frame 10 . 19 and 20, the tray unit 100 includes a tray member 110 forming a front surface 16a, a lower surface 16b and left and right side surfaces 16c and 16d of the tray 16, and a base member (plate member) forming a rear surface 16e of the tray 16. shaped member) 111, a downstream side ball extraction unit (first ball extraction unit) 112 and an upstream side ball extraction unit (second ball extraction unit) 113 for discharging game balls stored in the tray 16, and a tray 16 It has a first path 114 and a second path 115 through which game balls ejected from the tray pass, and a button arrangement portion 116 that constitutes the right portion of the upper surface of the receiving tray unit 100 and in which various buttons are arranged.
The button placement portion 116 is provided with a ball lending button (not shown), a return button 91, a direction key 92, a volume adjustment button 93, a light amount adjustment button 94, and the like (see FIG. 17). Here, the ball lending button is a button operated when lending a game ball. Also, the return button 91 is a button operated when the game ball owned by the player is discharged to the receiving tray 16 . Also, the direction key 92 is a button that is operated when making selections related to effects. A volume adjustment button 93 and a light amount adjustment button 94 are buttons operated when adjusting the volume or the light amount, respectively.

A game ball lent to a player (rental ball) or a game ball obtained by winning a prize (prize ball) is stored in the tray 16. - 特許庁That is, the game balls discharged from the payout port 18 are stored in the tray 16 . As shown in FIG. 20, the lower surface 16b of the receiving plate 16 is inclined downward from left to right. Further, the width of the receiving plate 16 in the front-rear direction becomes narrower from the left side to the right side (from the upper side to the lower side). The game balls discharged to the receiving tray 16 are arranged in a line and head toward the lower right portion of the receiving tray 16. - 特許庁In other words, an alignment passage 103 for aligning game balls in a row is formed in the lower right portion of the tray 16 . In addition, a downstream ball extraction hole 118 (first hole) is formed at the lower right end of the alignment passage 103 (receptacle 16) as a hole (ball extraction hole) through which game balls can be discharged from the reception tray 16. .

In addition, on the left side of the bottom surface 16b of the tray 16, an upstream ball removal hole 119 (second hole) is formed as a hole (ball removal hole) through which game balls can be discharged from the tray 16. Further, the upstream ball extraction hole 119 is provided in front of the payout port 18 and at least partially overlaps with the payout port 18 in the front-rear direction.

The downstream ball removal hole 118 and the upstream ball removal hole 119 have an open state and a closed state, respectively. In the open state, the ball extraction holes 118 and 119 are in an open state, and game balls can drop through the ball extraction holes 118 and 119. In the closed state, the ball extraction holes 118 and 119 are blocked by the downstream ball extraction unit 112 or the upstream ball extraction unit 113, and the game balls fall through the ball extraction holes 118 and 119. becomes impossible.
It should be noted that the term "closed" as used herein does not only indicate the state in which the ball extraction holes 118 and 119 are closed without gaps, but means the state in which the game balls cannot pass through.

The downstream ball removal unit 112 is provided corresponding to the downstream ball removal hole 118 . By operating the downstream side ball removal unit 112, the downstream side ball removal hole 118 can be switched between an open state and a closed state. Also, the upstream ball removal unit 113 is provided corresponding to the upstream ball removal hole 119 . By operating the upstream ball removal unit 113, the upstream ball removal hole 119 can be switched between an open state and a closed state.

As shown in FIG. 21, the downstream ball extractor unit 112 includes a downstream ball extractor button 120 (first button: first operation means), a link member 122, a slide member 124, and a downstream lid 125 ( A first lid (first opening/closing means), a pin 126 and a spring 128 are provided. In addition, portions of the base member 111 and the like to which the downstream ball extractor button 120, the link member 122, the slide member 124, the spring 128 and the like are attached (protrusions 200, 202, 202 and base member side hooks 204 and the like, which will be described later) It can be said that it constitutes part of the downstream ball removing unit 112 .

The downstream side ball extraction button 120 can be pressed by a player or the like. The downstream ball extraction button 120 includes a pressing portion 130 touched by a player or the like, a projecting portion 132 projecting downward (back side) of the pressing portion 130, and locking portions 134,134. Further, the pressing portion 130, the protruding portion 132, and the engaging portion 134 are integrally formed of a resin material.

The pressing portion 130 has a substantially rectangular box shape. Moreover, the protruding portion 132 has a prism shape and protrudes downward from the lower surface of the pressing portion 130 . The engaging portions 134 are provided at lower positions on the left and right side surfaces of the pressing portion 130 and have claws that protrude outward in the left-right direction.

The downstream ball-extracting button 120 is provided on the button arrangement portion 116 . Specifically, the downstream ball removal button 120 is arranged in the button placement portion 116 so that the pressing portion 130 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the button placement portion 116 when not operated (see FIG. 17). , see FIG. 20). Further, when the operation is not performed, the claw of the locking portion 134 is locked to the lower surface of the button placement portion 116, thereby restricting the upward movement of the pressing portion 130. As shown in FIG. Assuming that the position of the downstream ball-extracting button 120 (pressing portion 130) during non-operation is the initial position (first initial position), the downstream ball-extracting button 120 (pressing portion 130) moves downward from the initial position. It is possible to push to move.

The link member 122 includes a substantially cylindrical portion 140 , a first arm 142 , a second arm 144 and a reinforcing plate 146 . Cylindrical portion 140, first arm 142, second arm 144, and reinforcing plate 146 are integrally formed of a resin material.

The cylindrical portion 140 is in a state in which its axis is oriented in the front-rear direction. Also, the first arm 142 and the second arm 144 are formed to extend radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 140 . Also, the first arm 142 and the second arm 144 are formed at positions separated from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 140 . Specifically, the base end of the first arm 142 is connected to the left portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 140 . A distal end portion of the first arm 142 extends radially outward from the cylindrical portion 140 from the proximal end portion. A base end portion of the second arm 144 is connected to a lower portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 140 . A distal end portion of the second arm 144 extends radially outward from the cylindrical portion 140 from the proximal end portion. That is, the proximal end portion of the first arm 142 and the proximal end portion of the second arm 144 are separated from each other by a predetermined angle (for example, about 90 degrees) in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 140 . is connected with Also, the distal end of the first arm 142 and the distal end of the second arm 144 are arranged at positions separated by a predetermined angle (for example, approximately 90 degrees) in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 140 .

The tip of the first arm 142 is formed with a contact surface 150 with which the projecting portion 132 of the downstream ball removal button 120 contacts. Specifically, the distal end portion of the first arm 142 is cylindrical, and the upper portion of the outer peripheral surface (outer curved surface) of the distal end portion serves as a contact surface 150 with which the projecting portion 132 contacts. there is A pin insertion hole 152 into which the pin 126 is inserted is formed at the tip of the second arm 144 . The pin 126 has a round bar shape and is provided so as to protrude rearward from the tip of the second arm 144 .

A plate-shaped reinforcing plate 146 that connects the first arm 142 and the second arm 144 is provided between the first arm 142 and the second arm 144 . This reinforcing plate 146 reinforces the first arm 142 and the second arm 144 .

A cylindrical protruding portion 200 protruding rearward from the rear surface of the base member 111 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 140 (see FIGS. 22(a) and 23(a)). The link member 122 is rotatable in the circumferential direction around the cylindrical portion 140 (with the projecting portion 200 as an axis). In other words, the first arm 142 and the second arm 144 rotate around the center axis of the cylindrical portion 140 .

The slide member 124 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped slide member main body 160 . A rectangular pin insertion hole 161 into which the pin 126 is inserted is formed at the right end of the slide member main body 160 . The width of the pin insertion hole 161 in the horizontal direction is substantially equal to the diameter of the pin 126 , and the width in the vertical direction is longer than the diameter of the pin 126 . The pin 126 is made to be almost immovable in the horizontal direction with respect to the pin insertion hole 161, and is allowed to move in the vertical direction.

Two holes 162 , 162 are formed in the slide member main body 160 so as to be aligned in the left-right direction. Cylindrical protrusions 202, 202 protruding rearward from the back surface of the base member 111 are inserted into the two holes 162, 162, respectively (see FIGS. 22(a) and 23(a)). The holes 162, 162 are rectangular. Also, the holes 162, 162 have a vertical width substantially equal to the diameter of the projections 202, 202, and a horizontal width longer than the diameter of the projections 202, 202 (for example, larger than the diameter). longer than 11 mm). The holes 162, 162 (slide member 124) are made substantially immovable in the vertical direction with respect to the protrusions 202, 202 (base member 111), and are allowed to move in the horizontal direction. there is That is, the holes 162, 162 and the projecting portions 202, 202 form an operation direction limiting portion that limits the moving direction of the slide member 124 in the left-right direction.

A slide member side hook 164 on which the spring 128 is hooked is provided on the upper portion of the slide member main body 160 . The spring 128 is a tension spring and can be extended and contracted in the horizontal direction. Also, the spring 128 has circular hooks 128a and 128b at both left and right ends. A hook 128 b on the right end of the spring 128 is hooked on the slide member side hook 164 . A base member side hook 204 is provided on the back surface of the base member 111 to which the left end hook 128a of the spring 128 is hooked (see FIGS. 22(a) and 23(a)). A hook 128 a on the left end of the spring 128 is hooked on the hook 204 on the base member side.

A downstream lid 125 is provided at the left end of the slide member 124 (slide member main body 160). Further, the downstream lid 125 is provided so as to protrude leftward from the slide member 124 . Further, the downstream lid 125 has a substantially rectangular plate shape. Also, the downstream side lid 125 and the slide member 124 are integrally formed of a resin material.

The downstream lid 125 is a lid that opens and closes the downstream ball extraction hole 118 . The downstream side lid 125 moves in the left-right direction in conjunction with the left-right movement of the slide member 124 . The downstream side cover 125 closes the downstream ball removal hole 118 when positioned on the left side, and opens the downstream side ball removal hole 118 when positioned on the right side. In other words, the downstream lid 125 is movable between a closed position that closes the downstream ball hole 118 and an open position that opens the downstream ball hole 118 .

In the downstream side ball removing unit 112, the downstream side lid 125 moves in the horizontal direction as the downstream side ball removing button 120 moves in the vertical direction. That is, the downstream side lid 125 can be moved to open and close the downstream side ball removal hole 118 based on the player's operation of the downstream side ball removal button 120 .

The operation of the downstream ball extraction unit 112 will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23. FIG. FIG. 22 shows a state in which the downstream side ball removal button 120 is in the initial position when not operated, and the downstream side lid 125 is in the closed position. 22(a) is a diagram including the base member 111, and FIG. 22(b) is a diagram omitting the base member 111. As shown in FIG. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a state in which the downstream side ball removal button 120 is in the fully pushed position (maximum depression position) and the downstream side lid 125 is in the open position. 23(a) is a diagram including the base member 111, and FIG. 23(b) is a diagram omitting the base member 111. As shown in FIG.

First, when the downstream side ball removal button 120 is at the initial position when not operated, the downstream side lid 125 is positioned at the closed position. That is, at this time, the downstream ball extraction hole 118 is in a closed state. Then, when the downstream side ball removal button 120 is moved downward from the initial position (when pressed by the player), the tip of the first arm 142 of the link member 122 moves to the projecting portion 132 of the downstream side ball removal button 120. is pushed downwards from above. Then, the first arm 142 rotates downward (counterclockwise) around the cylindrical portion 140 . At the same time, the second arm 144 rotates rightward (counterclockwise) about the cylindrical portion 140 . Further, when the second arm 144 rotates rightward, the pin 126 pulls the slide member 124 rightward while moving up and down inside the pin insertion hole 161 of the slide member 124 . Then, the slide member 124 moves rightward against the elastic force of the spring 128 . Along with this, the downstream lid 125 moves to the right. Then, the downstream side lid 125 is at the open position, and the downstream side ball extraction hole 118 is opened.
When the downstream ball-extracting button 120 is pushed down to the maximum, the holes 162, 162 of the slide member 124 and the projections 202, 202 of the base member 111 come into contact with each other, and the downstream ball-extracting button 120 moves further downward. and rightward movement of the slide member 124 are restricted.

Also, when the player releases the downstream ball removal button 120, the elastic force of the spring 128 pulls the slide member main body 160 leftward. Along with this, the downstream lid 125 moves leftward. Further, the movement of the slide member main body 160 is transmitted to the downstream side ball removal button 120 via the pin 126 and the link member 122, and the downstream side ball removal button 120 returns to the initial position. That is, the downstream ball removal button 120 is arranged at the initial position by the elastic force of the spring 128 when not operated. In other words, the downstream ball extraction button 120 is biased upward.

In this way, the link member 122, the slide member 124, and the pin 126 convert the vertical movement of the downstream side ball extractor button 120 into the horizontal movement of the downstream side cover 125, so that the downstream side cover 125 moves in the horizontal direction. A link mechanism is formed to change the movement of the downstream ball ejecting button 120 to the vertical movement thereof.

Here, the distance L2 from the center of rotation of the link member 122 (the center axis of the cylindrical portion 140) to the pin 126 (the tip of the second arm 144) is the distance from the center of rotation of the link member 122 to the downstream ball removal button. 120 and the first arm 142 (tip of the first arm 142: contact surface 150) is more than twice the distance L1. Therefore, the second arm 144 moves to the right more than twice as much as the first arm 142 moves downward. That is, the downstream lid 125 moves to the right by twice or more the pressing amount of the downstream ball removal button 120 . That is, the link mechanism increases the amount of operation of the downstream ball removal button 120 and transmits it to the downstream lid 125 .

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the amount of operation of the downstream side ball extraction button 120 required to open the downstream side ball extraction hole 118 so that at least one game ball can pass through is set to less than the diameter. Specifically, when the downstream side ball removal button 120 is pressed about 4 mm from the initial position, the downstream side cover 125 moves rightward about 11 mm. In other words, when the downstream side ball removal button 120 is pressed down from the initial position by a predetermined amount (about 4 mm) less than the diameter of the game ball, the opening width W1 of the downstream side ball removal hole 118 (from the tip of the downstream side lid 125 to the tip) The distance to the edge of the opposing downstream side ball extraction hole 118) is 11 mm or more. In other words, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the operation amount of the downstream side ball removal button 120 required to open the downstream side ball removal hole 118 so that at least one game ball can pass through is , is set to be less than the radius of the game ball.

Further, when the downstream side ball removal button 120 is pushed down to the maximum, the opening width W1 of the downstream side ball removal hole 118 is about 14 mm. That is, when the downstream side ball extraction button 120 is pushed to the maximum, the downstream side ball extraction hole 118 is opened by about +3 mm of the diameter of the game ball, and is less than twice the diameter of the game ball. In other words, the downstream ball extraction hole 118 is designed so that two game balls cannot pass through it at the same time even if the downstream ball extraction button 120 is pushed down to the maximum.

In addition, the maximum amount (maximum operation amount) of the downstream side ball extraction button 120 that can be pressed is set to be equal to or less than the diameter of the game ball (less than the diameter (approximately 6 mm)). In other words, when the downstream side ball extraction button 120 is pushed in by a predetermined amount equal to or less than the diameter of the game ball (less than the diameter), it cannot be pushed in further. Specifically, the maximum amount of operation of the downstream side ball extraction button 120 is set to be equal to or more than the radius of the game ball and equal to or less than the diameter. In addition, it can be said that the diameter is set to approximately half the diameter of the downstream side ball removal button 120 . Here, about half the diameter means a range within about ±1.5 mm (about 4 mm to 7 mm) from half the diameter.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23(b), even when the downstream side ball removal button 120 is in the initial position when not operated, the tip of the downstream side lid 125 and the downstream side ball removal Between the edge of the hole 118, a gap of a predetermined width W2 less than the diameter of the game ball is formed in the operation direction (horizontal direction) of the downstream side lid 125. As shown in FIG. This makes it possible to drop the game ball from the downstream side ball extraction hole 118 with a smaller amount of operation.

In addition, when the downstream side cover 125 closes the downstream side ball extraction hole 118, the game ball is guided from the lower right end of the tray 16 through the supply port 22 to the shooting device.

Next, the upstream ball removing unit 113 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 24, the upstream ball removing unit 113 includes an upstream lid 300 (second lid: second opening/closing means), a torsion spring 302, a cover member 304, and an upstream ball removing button 306 ( A second button (second operating means), a slide member 308, a latch 310, and a ball extraction base 312 (base member).

The upstream lid 300 includes a lid portion 320 that closes the upstream ball extraction hole 119 and a support portion 322 that supports the lid portion 320 (rotation of the lid portion 320). The lid portion 320 is formed in a substantially circular plate shape. Further, the lid portion 320 has a size capable of covering the upstream ball removal hole 119 from below. Further, the support portion 322 is formed to protrude forward from the edge on the front side of the lid portion 320 . Lid portion 320 and support portion 322 are integrally formed of a resin material.

The support portion 322 is formed with an insertion hole 324 into which a projecting portion 332 of the cover member 304, which will be described later, is inserted. Further, the support portion 322 is provided with a cylindrical guide projection portion 326 projecting downward.

The cover member 304 has a substantially rectangular plate shape. A game ball passage hole 330 through which a game ball passes is formed in the right rear portion of the cover member 304 . A cylindrical projecting portion 332 is provided on the upper surface of the cover member 304 and in front of the game ball passage hole 330 .

Three arc-shaped rails 334 are formed on the upper surface of the cover member 304 . The three rails 334 are arc-shaped ridges, and the center of the arc is the protruding portion 332 (the central axis of the protruding portion 332).

Further, the cover member 304 is provided with a guide hole 336 through which the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300 is inserted. Further, the guide hole 336 is an arc-shaped hole, and the center of the arc is the protruding portion 332 (the central axis of the protruding portion 332). The guide hole 336 is provided in front of the game ball passage hole 330 and to the right of the projecting portion 332 . The guide hole 336 has a width (the length of the arc in the radial direction) that substantially matches the outer diameter of the guide protrusion 326, and a length (the length of the arc in the circumferential direction) that is the same as the guide hole 336. It is longer than the outer diameter of the projecting portion 326 .

A wall portion 338 that receives one arm of the torsion spring 302 is provided on the upper surface of the cover member 304 . The wall portion 338 is formed extending in the left-right direction. Further, the wall portion 338 is provided on the front left side of the projecting portion 332 .

The upstream lid 300 is placed on the cover member 304 with the protrusion 332 of the cover member 304 inserted into the insertion hole 324 of the upstream lid 300 . In addition, the upstream lid 300 is rotatable about the projecting portion 332 of the cover member 304 (the central axis of the projecting portion 332). Here, the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300 is inserted into the guide hole 336 of the cover member 304 . Therefore, the guide protrusion 326 can move within the lengthwise range of the guide hole 336 . That is, the guide protrusion 326 and the guide hole 336 form a movement range limiting portion that limits the movement range (movable range) of the upstream lid 300 .

Also, the torsion spring 302 is arranged between the cover member 304 and the upstream side lid 300 in a state in which the protruding portion 332 of the cover member 304 is passed through the inner side of the torsion spring 302 . The lower surface of the cover member 304 is provided with a cylindrical protrusion (not shown) having a hole communicating with the insertion hole 324 and protruding downward. The projecting portion 332 of the cover member 304 is inserted inside the projecting portion, and the torsion spring 302 is arranged so as to surround the projecting portion. A fixing portion (not shown) for fixing one arm of the torsion spring 302 is provided on the lower surface of the cover member 304 . One arm of the torsion spring 302 is fixed to the fixing portion, and the other arm is pressed against the wall portion 338 of the cover member 304 . As a result, a force is applied from the torsion spring 302 to the upstream lid 300 in a direction to close the upstream ball extraction hole 119 .
A screw hole is provided in the projecting portion 332 of the cover member 304 . The upstream lid 300 is attached to the cover member 304 by screwing a screw 333 (see FIGS. 25 and 26) inserted through the insertion hole 324 of the upstream lid 300 into the screw hole.

In addition, the upstream lid 300 rotates so as to slide on the rails 334 of the cover member 304 when it rotates. Therefore, friction between the upstream lid 300 and the cover member 304 can be reduced, and the upstream lid 300 can be rotated with less force.

A ridge portion 340 extending in the front-rear direction is provided on the lower surface of the cover member 304 .

In addition, screw insertion holes 342 through which screws 345 (see FIGS. 25 and 26) are inserted are formed in three corners (right front, right rear, and left rear corners) of the cover member 304, respectively. It is

The slide member 308 is arranged between the ball extraction base 312 and the cover member 304 in a state that it can move in the front-rear direction. The slide member 308 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape. A button fixing portion 350 to which the upstream ball removal button 306 is fixed is formed on the front left portion of the slide member 30 . The upstream ball removal button 306 is fixed to the button fixing portion 350 by screwing.

A lock projection 352 projecting rearward is formed on the left rear portion of the slide member 308 . The lock projection 352 has a rod-shaped support portion extending rearward and a tip portion that spreads in the left-right direction at the tip of the support portion.

The right side portion of the slide member 308 is a frame portion 353 having a substantially square frame shape with a short width in the front-rear direction. A guide insertion hole 354 into which the guide projecting portion 326 of the upstream lid 300 is inserted is formed in the frame-shaped portion 353 . The length in the front-rear direction of the guide insertion hole 354 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the guide protrusion 326, and the length in the left-right direction is longer than the outer diameter of the guide protrusion 326. . That is, the guide protrusion 326 is made to be almost immovable in the front-rear direction with respect to the guide insertion hole 354, and is allowed to move in the left-right direction. Also, the front surface of the frame-shaped portion 353 serves as a contact surface 355 that contacts a front wall 372 of the ball extraction base 312, which will be described later.

The lower surface of the slide member 308 is provided with a projection (not shown) into which one end of the cylindrical spring 360 is inserted and a wall (not shown) against which one end of the spring 360 is pressed ( See projection 382 and wall portion 380 of ball extraction base 312, which will be described later).

A groove 356 extending in the front-rear direction is formed in the upper surface of the slide member 308 . The groove 356 has a shape along the protrusion 340 of the cover member 304 . A projection 358 extending in the front-rear direction is provided on the lower surface of the slide member 308 .

The ball removing base 312 is arranged at the bottom of the upstream side ball removing unit 113 and constitutes the bottom of the upstream side ball removing unit 113 . The ball removing base 312 has a substantially rectangular plate shape. Further, the left front portion of the sphere extraction base 312 has a shape that is notched toward the rear, and a notch portion 370 is formed. The upstream ball extraction button 306 is pushed inside the notch 370 when pushed.

A wall portion (front wall 372 ) protruding upward is formed on the right side portion of the front edge of the ball removing base 312 (the portion other than the notch portion 370 ).

A game ball passing hole 374 through which a game ball passes is formed in the right rear portion of the ball extraction base 312 . The game ball passage hole 374 is provided below the game ball passage hole 330 of the cover member 304 , and the inner diameter (shape of the hole) substantially matches the game ball passage hole 330 .
The inner diameters of the game ball passage holes 330 and 374 are smaller than the outer diameter of the lid portion 320 of the upstream lid 300 . When the upstream lid 300 is closed, the game ball passage holes 330 and 374 are completely covered from above (see FIG. 25(b)).

A latch fixing portion 376 to which the latch 310 is fixed is provided on the left rear portion of the upper surface of the ball extraction base 312 . Also, the latch 310 fixed to the latch fixing portion 376 is positioned behind the lock projection 352 of the slide member 308 .

A groove 378 for guiding the slide member 308 is provided in the central portion (between the game ball passage hole 374 and the latch fixing portion 376) in the left-right direction of the upper surface of the ball extraction base 312. As shown in FIG. The groove 378 is formed to extend in the front-rear direction and has a shape along the convex portion 358 of the slide member 308 . A wall portion 380 that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the ball extraction base 312 is provided at the rear portion of the groove 378 . A projection 382 projecting forward is provided on the front surface of the wall portion 380 . This protrusion 382 is adapted to be inserted into one end of a cylindrical spring 360 . One end of the spring 360 is pressed against the wall portion 380 . Between the wall portion 380 and the wall portion provided on the lower surface of the slide member 308, a spring 360 is arranged so as to be able to extend and contract in the front-rear direction.

Screw holes 384 for screwing screws 345 are formed in three corners (right front, right rear, and left rear corners) of ball extraction base 312 .

The ball removing base 312 and the cover member 304 are fixed to each other by screwing the screw 345 inserted through the screw insertion hole 342 of the cover member 304 into the screw hole 384 of the ball removing base 312 . Here, the slide member 308 is sandwiched between the ball extraction base 312 and the cover member 304 . Also, the convex portion 358 of the slide member 308 is inserted into the groove 378 of the ball extraction base 312 and the protrusion 340 of the cover member 304 is inserted into the groove 356 of the slide member 308 . The slide member 308 is guided by the groove 378 of the ball removing base 312 and the protrusion 340 of the cover member 304 to move in the front-rear direction. Further, the frame-shaped portion 353 of the slide member 308 is arranged between the front wall 372 of the ball extraction base 312 and the game ball passage hole 374, and can move back and forth between them.

Further, the upstream lid 300 rotates in the left-right direction in conjunction with the movement of the slide member 308 in the front-rear direction. The upstream lid 300 closes the upstream ball removal hole 119 when positioned on the right side, and opens the upstream ball removal hole 119 when positioned on the left side. In other words, the upstream lid 300 is movable between a closed position that closes the upstream ball hole 119 and an open position that opens the upstream ball hole 119 . That is, the upstream lid 300 serves as a lid for opening and closing the upstream ball extraction hole 119 . In other words, in the upstream ball extracting unit 113, the upstream lid 300 moves laterally as the upstream ball extracting button 306 moves forward and backward. That is, it is possible to move the upstream lid 300 to open and close the upstream ball removal hole 119 based on the player's operation of the upstream ball removal button 306 .

The operation of the upstream ball extraction unit 113 will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26. FIG. Note that FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a state in which the upstream ball removal button 306 is in the initial position when not operated, and the upstream lid 300 is in the closed position. 25(a) is a diagram including the tray member 110 and the cover member 304, and FIG. 25(b) is a diagram with the tray member 110 and the cover member 304 omitted. 26 is a diagram showing a state where the upstream side ball removal button 306 is pushed in, the slide member 308 is held by the latch 310, and the upstream side lid 300 is in the open position. 26(a) is a diagram including the tray member 110 and the cover member 304, and FIG. 26(b) is a diagram with the tray member 110 and the cover member 304 omitted.

In the following, the state of the upstream ball-extracting button 306 when the upstream-side ball-extracting button 306 is not operated and the slide member 308 is not held by the latch 310 will be referred to as the initial state of the upstream ball-extracting button 306. and In other words, the initial state is a state in which the upstream ball removal button 306 protrudes forward (most). The position of the upstream ball removal button 306 in the initial state is assumed to be the initial position (second initial position).

First, when the upstream ball removal button 306 is in the initial position when not operated, the upstream lid 300 is in the closed position. In this state, the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 is closed by the upstream side lid 300 so that the game ball cannot be dropped from the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 .
In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a flange portion 390 is formed on the outer edge portion of the lid portion 320 of the upstream side lid 300 . The flange portion 390 is provided below the central portion of the lid portion 320 so as to protrude radially outward of the lid portion 320 . Further, the flange portion 390 is provided on the front portion (right side portion) of the lid portion 320 in the moving direction when the upstream lid 300 is closed. Further, the flange portion 390 is in a state of being inserted below the receiving plate 16 in a state in which the upstream side cover 300 closes the upstream side ball removal hole 119 (protrudes outward from the edge of the upstream side ball removal hole 119). ing). When the upstream ball removal button 306 is at the initial position, the upstream ball removal hole 119 is tightly closed by the upstream lid 300 in plan view (when viewed from above). . In other words, the upstream side cover 300 completely closes the upstream ball removal hole 119 so that members below the upstream ball removal hole 119 cannot be visually recognized. On the other hand, as described above, when the downstream side ball removal button 120 is at the initial position, a gap is formed between the downstream side cover 125 and the downstream side ball removal hole 118 . However, a cover member 392 that covers the downstream ball extraction hole 118 is arranged above the downstream ball extraction hole 118 (see FIG. 20). Therefore, the cover member 392 prevents members below the downstream ball extraction hole 118 from being visible in a plan view. The cover member 392 has the function of aligning the game balls guided to the lower right end of the tray 16 in a line in the vertical direction.

When the upstream ball removal button 306 is moved rearward from the initial position (pressed by the player), the slide member 308 integrated with the upstream ball removal button 306 is moved rearward. Then, the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300 inserted into the guide insertion hole 354 of the slide member 308 is pushed rearward. Then, the upstream lid 300 rotates counterclockwise (counterclockwise in plan view) about the projecting portion 332 of the cover member 304 (the central axis of the projecting portion 332). In other words, the upstream lid 300 moves leftward. Then, the upstream side lid 300 is at the open position, and the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 is opened.

Further, when the upstream ball removal button 306 is moved rearward from the initial position by a predetermined amount or more, the lock projection 352 of the slide member 308 is pushed into the latch 310 . The latch 310 then closes and grips the tip of the lock projection 352 . As a result, the slide member 308 is held (latched) by the latch 310, and the upstream ball removal button 306 is pushed and fixed.

When the slide member 308 is held by the latch 310, the upstream ball extraction hole 119 is completely opened as shown in FIG. That is, in this state, the upstream side ball removal hole 119 and the upstream side cover 300 do not overlap at all in the vertical direction, and the upstream side cover 300 can be visually recognized from the upstream side ball removal hole 119 in plan view. It is in a state where it is not possible. Also, below the upstream ball extraction hole 119, the game ball passage hole 330 of the cover member 304 and the game ball passage hole 374 of the ball extraction base 312 are arranged. , is larger than the inner diameter of the upstream ball extraction hole 119, and the edges of the game ball passage holes 330 and 374 cannot be visually recognized from the upstream ball extraction hole 110 in plan view. In other words, in this state, a game ball that falls vertically (perpendicularly) from the upstream ball extraction hole 119 does not hit the edges of the upstream lid 300 and the game ball passage holes 330 and 374. ing.
A portion of the upstream lid 300 may protrude radially inward of the upstream ball removal hole 119 while the slide member 308 is held by the latch 310 . In addition, the part of the upstream lid 300 (in the open state) has an inclined surface or the like directed downward toward the radially inner side of the upstream ball extraction hole 119, so that a game can be played from the upstream ball extraction hole 119. It may have a role of assisting the falling of the ball.

Also, when the slide member 308 is pushed again in a state where the latch 310 is closed (a state in which the lock projection 352 is gripped), the latch 310 releases the lock projection 352 and allows the slide member 308 to move forward. . Here, in a state in which the slide member 308 is pushed in (a state in which the latch 310 grips the lock protrusion 352 or a state at the moment when the latch 310 releases the lock protrusion 352), the above-described The spring 360 is in a compressed state between the wall portion and the wall portion 380 provided on the upper surface of the ball extraction base 312 . Therefore, the elastic force of the spring 360 acts to push back the slide member 308 forward. At this time, if the latch 310 grips the lock projection 352, the forward movement of the slide member 308 is regulated, and the slide member 308 and the upstream ball removal button 306 are fixed in a pushed state. On the other hand, when the latch 310 releases the lock projection 352, the elastic force of the spring 360 pushes back the slide member 308 and the upstream ball removal button 306 forward.

When the slide member 308 is pushed forward by the elastic force of the spring 360, the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300 inserted into the guide insertion hole 354 of the slide member is pulled back forward. Then, the upstream lid 300 rotates clockwise (clockwise in plan view) about the projecting portion 332 of the cover member 304 (the center axis of the projecting portion 332). In other words, the upstream lid 300 moves rightward. Then, the upstream side lid 300 is in the closed position, and the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 is blocked.

Further, as described above, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the torsion spring 302 applies a force to the upstream lid 300 in the direction of closing the upstream ball extraction hole 119 . That is, when the upstream lid 300 is open, the elastic force of the torsion spring acts to return the upstream lid 300 to the closed position. Also, this force is transmitted to the slide member 308 via the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300 . That is, the elastic force of the torsion spring 302 acts in a direction to return the slide member 308 and the upstream ball removal button 306 forward.

Therefore, when the slide member 308 is not held by the latch 310 when not operated, the elastic force of the spring 360 and the elastic force of the torsion spring 302 return the upstream lid 300 to the closed position. , the upstream ball extraction button 306 is returned to the initial position. In other words, the upstream ball removal button 306 is arranged at the initial position when it is not operated and the slide member 308 is not held by the latch 310 . In other words, the upstream ball extraction button 306 is biased forward.

Further, the distance L4 from the center of rotation of the upstream side lid 300 (the central axis of the projecting portion 332 of the cover member 304) to the center of the lid portion 320 is the distance from the center of rotation of the upstream side lid 300 to the guide projecting portion 326 (guide projecting portion). The contact portion between the portion 326 and the guide insertion hole 354 (the portion where the upstream side lid 300 is pushed by the slide member 308) is at least twice the distance L3. Therefore, when the slide member 308 moves rearward, the cover portion 320 rotates more than twice as long as the guide projection portion 326 rotates.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the amount of operation of the upstream ball extraction button 306 required to open the upstream ball extraction hole 119 so that at least one game ball can pass through is set to less than the diameter. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27, when the upstream side ball extraction button 306 is pressed about 4 mm from the initial position, the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 is opened so that at least one game ball B can pass through. . That is, when the upstream ball extraction button 306 is pressed down from the initial position by a predetermined amount less than the diameter of the game ball (about 4 mm), the opening width W3 of the upstream ball extraction hole 119 (from the tip of the upstream lid 300 to the tip) distance to the edge of the upstream ball extraction hole 119) is 11 mm or more. Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the amount of operation of the upstream ball extraction button 306 required to open the upstream ball extraction hole 119 so that at least one game ball can pass through is Set to less than the radius of the sphere.

Further, when the upstream side ball extraction button 306 is pushed to the maximum, the opening width W3 of the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 is larger than twice the diameter of the game ball (22 mm). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the upstream side ball extraction button 306 is pushed down to the maximum, the slide member 308 is held by the latch 310. In this state, when the upstream side ball extraction button 306 is released, the upstream The side ball removal button 306 (slide member 308) returns slightly (for example, about 3 mm) to the front side. However, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the upstream ball extraction hole 119 is closed in both the state in which the upstream ball extraction button 306 is pushed down to the maximum and the state in which the slide member 308 holds the latch 310. is fully open. And at this time, the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 will be in a state in which at least two game balls can pass through at the same time. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the upstream ball extraction hole 119 is in a state in which three or more, more specifically four or more game balls can pass through at the same time. Also, at this time, the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 is arranged in a state in which the three game balls are arranged in the same straight line, and the three game balls cannot pass through at the same time. In other words, the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 has a linear distance (crossing: diameter) from edge to edge in any portion less than three times the diameter of the game ball. In other words, the upstream ball extraction hole 119 has a linear distance (diameter) from edge to edge in two mutually intersecting (perpendicular) directions less than three times the diameter of the game ball. In addition, the upstream ball extraction hole 119 has a linear distance (diameter) from edge to edge in two mutually intersecting (perpendicular) directions greater than twice the diameter of the game ball.
In this way, since the diameter of the game ball is more than twice the diameter of the game ball, when two game balls try to pass through the upstream ball removal hole 119 at the same time, the upstream ball removal hole 119 It is possible to prevent it from getting caught and clogged. In addition, since the diameter of the game ball is less than three times the diameter of the game ball, such clogging of game balls can be prevented more reliably.

In addition, the maximum amount (maximum operation amount) that can be pushed down on the upstream ball extraction button 306 is set to be equal to or larger than the diameter of the game ball (the length exceeding the diameter). In other words, the maximum operation amount of the upstream side ball removal button 306 is set larger than the maximum operation amount of the downstream side ball removal button 120 . In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the maximum operation amount of the upstream side ball extraction button 306 is set to approximately 14.5 mm. That is, the maximum operation amount of the upstream side ball extraction button 306 is set to be equal to or more than the diameter of the game ball and less than twice the diameter (less than 1.5 times).

According to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the downstream ball extraction button 120 (first button: first operation means) is operated by an amount less than the diameter of the game ball, and the downstream ball extraction hole 118 (first hole) can be passed through the game ball, and the upstream ball removal button 306 (second button: second operation means) is operated by an amount less than the diameter of the game ball, and the upstream ball removal hole 119 (second 2 hole) to allow the game ball to pass through, so the downstream ball removal button 120 or the upstream ball required to discharge the game ball from the downstream ball removal hole 118 or the upstream ball removal hole 119 It is possible to reduce the amount of operation on the pull-out button 306 . Therefore, it is possible to remove the ball from the tray 16 with a small amount of operation, and the burden of operation can be reduced.

Further, according to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the maximum value of the operation amount for the downstream side ball extraction button 120 is equal to or less than the diameter of the game ball (less than the diameter), and the maximum value for the operation amount for the upstream side ball extraction button 306. is greater than or equal to the diameter of the game ball (the length exceeds the diameter), and when the upstream ball removal button 306 is operated to the position where the operation amount for the upstream ball removal button 306 reaches the maximum value, the upstream ball removal hole 119 is , at least two game balls can pass through at the same time. Therefore, the downstream ball removal button 120 reaches the maximum operation amount with a small operation amount, so that the operation burden can be reduced. In addition, regarding the upstream side ball extraction button 306, by setting the maximum operation amount to the diameter of the game ball or more, it is possible to improve the discharge capacity of the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 when operated to the maximum operation amount. Further, since the maximum operation amount differs between the downstream ball-extracting button 120 and the upstream ball-extracting button 306 (associating the operation amount with the discharge capacity of the hole), the downstream ball-extracting button 120 and the upstream ball-extracting button 306 It becomes easy to distinguish from the upstream side ball removal button 306, and it becomes easy to grasp the operation feeling for both operation means having the same function. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation such as ejecting game balls from a place unintended by the player, or an erroneous operation such as ejecting a number of game balls not intended by the player. Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the downstream side ball extraction button 120 returns to the initial position when the player releases the hand, so the ball extraction from the downstream side ball extraction hole 118 is continued. In order to do so, the downstream side ball removal button 120 must be pressed continuously. However, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the downstream side ball extraction button 120 reaches the maximum operation amount with a small amount of operation, so it is possible to keep pressing the downstream side ball extraction button 120 with a small burden. On the other hand, since the upstream ball extracting button 306 is held by the latch 310, ball extracting from the upstream ball extracting hole 119 can be continued without continuously pressing the upstream ball extracting button 306. can be done. By setting the maximum amount of operation of the upstream ball ejection button 306 to be equal to or larger than the diameter of the game ball, it is possible to eject a large amount of game balls from the receiving tray 16 in a short time.

Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the downstream ball extraction hole 118 is smaller in size than the upstream ball extraction hole 119 . That is, the downstream ball extraction hole 118 has a smaller hole diameter (span) (the longest linear distance from edge to edge) than the upstream ball extraction hole 119 . In other words, the downstream ball removal hole 118 has a smaller hole area than the upstream ball removal hole 119 . Specifically, for example, the upstream ball extraction hole 119 has a size that allows two or more game balls to pass through at the same time, while the downstream ball extraction hole 118 allows two game balls to pass through at the same time. It is so large that it is impossible to do so.

In addition, the operation amount required to open the ball removal hole (downstream ball removal hole 118 or upstream ball removal hole 119) so that at least one game ball can pass through (the operation amount for one ball ), the downstream ball-extracting button 120 may be larger than the upstream ball-extracting button 306 . Specifically, for example, when the downstream side ball removal button 120 is moved about 4 mm from the initial position, the game ball can pass through the downstream side ball removal hole 118, and the upstream side ball removal button 306 is moved about 3 mm from the initial position. When moved, the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 may be in a state in which the game ball can pass. In other words, the operation amount for one ball may be different between the downstream ball-extracting button 120 and the upstream ball-extracting button 306, and the difference between the operation amounts for one ball for both buttons is the maximum It is sufficient if it is smaller than the difference between the manipulated variables. According to such a configuration, the operation amount for one ball is different between the downstream ball extraction button 120 and the upstream ball extraction button 306 (the operation amount and the discharge capacity of the hole are associated with each other). ) makes it easier to distinguish between the downstream ball-extracting button 120 and the upstream ball-extracting button 306, and makes it easier to grasp the operational feeling of both operating means having common functions. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation such as ejecting game balls from a place unintended by the player, or an erroneous operation such as ejecting a number of game balls not intended by the player. Further, according to such a configuration, the amount of operation for one ball of the downstream ball-extracting button 120 becomes larger than the amount of operation for one ball of the upstream-side ball-extracting button 306, and The maximum operation amount of the pullout button 120 becomes smaller than the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball pullout button 306 .

It should be noted that the amount of operation of the upstream ball-extracting button 306 for one ball is smaller than the amount of operation of the downstream-side ball-extracting button 120 for one ball, and the operation amount of the upstream ball-extracting button 306 for one ball The amount of operation load required to move the upstream ball-extracting button 306 is equal to the amount of operation of the downstream-side ball-extracting button 120 for one ball, and the operation load required to move the downstream-side ball-extracting button 120 is may be smaller than Specifically, for example, when the upstream side ball removal button 306 is moved about 3 mm from the initial position, the game ball can pass through the upstream side ball removal hole 119, and the downstream side ball removal button 120 is moved about 4 mm from the initial position. When moved, the game ball can pass through the downstream ball extraction hole 118, and the operation load required to move the upstream ball extraction button 306 about 3 mm is set to 2 N, for example, and the downstream ball extraction button 120 is moved about 4 mm. The operating load required for this may be about 4N. In other words, when a load of the same magnitude is applied to the upstream side ball removal button 306 and the downstream side ball removal button 120 (within a range in which the operation amount for each does not reach the maximum operation amount), the upstream side ball removal hole 119 is opened. may be opened wider than the downstream ball extraction hole 118 . According to such a configuration, the upstream ball-removal button 306 can perform ball-removal with a smaller operation amount than the downstream-side ball-removal button 120, and can perform ball-removal with an operation load smaller than that of the downstream-side ball-removal button 120. becomes possible. Therefore, when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the receiving tray 16 and the receiving tray 16 is in a full state (when a full-fill error occurs), ball removal is performed efficiently when quick ball removal is desired. It is possible to give a sensory motivation to prompt the operation of the upstream ball removal button 306 capable of executing the above.
Regardless of the magnitude of the operation amount for one ball between the downstream ball-extracting button 120 and the upstream ball-extracting button 306, the operation amount for one ball for the upstream ball-extracting button 306 is The operation load required to move the ball-removal button 306 is made smaller than the operation load required to move the downstream-side ball-removal button 120 by the operation amount for one ball of the downstream-side ball-removal button 120. good too.

Further, according to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the ratio of the amount of operation for one ball (approximately 3 mm or approximately 4 mm) to the maximum amount of operation (approximately 14.5 mm) of the upstream ball removal button 306 is It is smaller than the ratio of the amount of operation for one ball (approximately 4 mm) to the maximum amount of operation (approximately 6 mm) of the pull-out button 120 . For this reason, it is possible to give a feeling that the game ball can be ejected more quickly by operating the upstream side ball ejection button 306 . Therefore, when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the receiving tray 16 and the receiving tray 16 becomes full (when a full-fill error occurs), etc., when quick ball removal is desired, efficient ball removal is possible. It is possible to provide a sensory motivation to prompt the user to operate the executable upstream ball removal button 306 .

In addition, according to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the operation of the downstream side ball extraction button 120 is the maximum operation amount, it is impossible for two or more game balls to pass through the downstream side ball extraction hole 118 at the same time. When the operation of the upstream side ball extraction button 306 is the maximum operation amount, it is a state in which two or more game balls can pass through the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 at the same time, and the upstream side ball The maximum amount of operation for the pullout button 306 is greater than the maximum amount of operation for the downstream ball pullout button 120 . Therefore, the relationship between the maximum amount of operation of the downstream side ball extraction button 120 and the maximum amount of operation of the upstream side ball extraction button 306 is linked to the game ball discharge efficiency. Therefore, it is possible to give a feeling that the game ball can be ejected more quickly by operating the upstream side ball ejection button 306.例文帳に追加Therefore, when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the receiving tray 16 and the receiving tray 16 becomes full (when a full-fill error occurs), etc., when quick ball removal is desired, efficient ball removal is possible. It is possible to provide a sensory motivation to prompt the user to operate the executable upstream ball removal button 306 .

In addition, in the downstream side ball removing unit 112 or the upstream side ball removing unit 113, the lid (downstream side lid 125 or upstream side lid 300) is not limited to the mechanism described above, and various well-known transmission mechanisms can be employed as the mechanism for increasing the amount of movement of 300). In addition, the downstream ball removal button 120 (first operation means) or the upstream ball removal button 360 (second operation means) is not limited to a push button as described above, but is a slide type operation means (for example, left and right It may be a lever that slides in the direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the upstream ball removing unit 113 is fixed to the lower left portion of the plate member 110 by screwing. The upstream ball removal button 306 is arranged below the tray 16 . Further, as shown in FIG. 28 , the upstream ball removal button 306 is provided so as to protrude forward from an opening provided in the exterior component of the front frame 10 .

The upstream ball removal button 306 and the portion surrounding the upstream ball removal button 306 have different colors. That is, the peripheral member (exterior component) that forms the opening for exposing the upstream ball-extracting button 306 has a different color from the upstream-side ball-extracting button 306 . In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the upstream side ball extraction button 306 is red, while the peripheral member is white.

Further, as described above, the downstream ball-extracting button 120 is provided in the button arrangement portion 116, but the downstream-side ball-extracting button 120 and the button arrangement portion 116 have different colors. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the downstream ball removal button 120 is red, while the button arrangement portion 116 is black.

In this manner, the visibility of the buttons can be improved by making the colors of the upstream ball-extracting button 306 and the downstream ball-extracting button 120 different from the colors of the peripheral members surrounding the buttons. Therefore, the player can easily find the button.

Further, the upstream ball-removal button 306 and the downstream ball-removal button 120 are made of resin material of the same color (similar color). Further, the upstream ball-extracting button 306 and the downstream ball-extracting button 120 are formed in one color throughout. Other buttons (ball lending button, return button 91, direction key 92, volume adjustment button 93, light amount adjustment button 94, etc.) arranged in the button arrangement portion 116 are all It is made of a resin material of a different color from the ball-removing button 120 . Therefore, it is easy to understand which button is the button for removing the ball, and the player can find the button more easily.
In addition to the upstream ball-extracting button 306 and the downstream ball-extracting button 120, there may be no buttons molded of the same color resin material as these buttons. That is, the color may be used as a dedicated color for the button for ejecting the game ball from the receiving tray 16 . Buttons (other buttons) other than the upstream ball-extracting button 306 and the downstream ball-extracting button 120 may include exclusive colors, in which case the other buttons may include colors other than the exclusive colors. It is preferable to be

In addition, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the pressing surface of the downstream side ball removal button 120 (first button: first operation means) (surface touched by the player when pressing the button: upper surface) (operation surface ) are formed (almost) flat. On the other hand, the pressing surface (surface touched by the player or the like when pressing the button: front surface) (operation surface) of the upstream ball removal button 306 (second button: second operation means) is formed with irregularities. ing. In other words, the pressing surface of the upstream ball-removing button 306 has a more uneven shape than the pressing surface of the downstream-side ball-removing button 120 . The upstream ball removal button 306 is difficult to see because it is surrounded by exterior parts and is provided so as to protrude forward below the tray 16, but is provided with a relatively large number of irregularities. This makes it easier for the player to find the buttons. In addition, since the downstream ball removal button 120 is provided in the button placement portion 116 forming the upper surface of the receiving tray unit 100, it is easy to see. One thing is easier to identify.

Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the operation surface of the downstream side ball removal button 120 (first button: first operation means) is the same as the upstream side ball removal button 306 (second button: second operation means). ) has a smaller area than the operation surface. Here, the operation surface means a surface where the player's touchable range does not change and the player's visible range does not change, regardless of the position of the operating means. In other words, the operation surface does not include a surface that is hidden by surrounding members when the operation means is operated. According to such a configuration, the size of the operation surface is related to the amount of operation of the operation means, so that it is easy to grasp the operation feeling for both operation means having the same function. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation such as discharging an unintended number of game balls by the player.

In addition, the game ball discharged from the downstream side ball extraction hole 118 is guided downward through the first passage 114 . Also, the game ball discharged from the upstream ball extraction hole 119 is guided downward through the second passage 115 . Also, the first passage 114 merges with the second passage 115 . Also, the second passage is connected to a hole 400 provided on the bottom surface of the gaming machine (see FIG. 28). A game ball ejected from the downstream side ball extraction hole 118 or the upstream side ball extraction hole 119 is ejected from the hole 400 to the outside of the gaming machine.

In addition, although the game machine of the present embodiment has one receiving tray 16, it may have a plurality of receiving trays. For example, a game machine having two trays, an upper tray (first tray) and a lower tray (second tray), is generally known. In this type of gaming machine, game balls lent to players (rental balls) and game balls obtained by winning prizes (prize balls) are stored in the upper tray. The lower tray is located below the upper tray. For example, when the upper tray is full (a state in which a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the upper tray), additional game balls are dispensed. is stored. In addition, game balls can be discharged toward the lower tray from the ball extraction hole provided in the upper tray. The configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment may be applied to this type of gaming machine. Specifically, for example, a ball removal hole similar to the downstream ball removal hole 118 may be provided in the upper plate, and the downstream ball removal unit 112 corresponding to the ball removal hole may be provided. In other words, the downstream ball removal hole 118 and the downstream ball removal unit 112 in this embodiment may be read as being provided for the upper plate. Further, for example, a ball removal hole similar to the upstream ball removal hole 119 may be provided in the lower plate, and an upstream ball removal unit 113 corresponding to the ball removal hole may be provided. In other words, the upstream ball removal hole 119 and the upstream ball removal unit 113 in this embodiment may be read as being provided for the lower plate.

The gaming machine according to this embodiment is
a first hole through which the game ball can be discharged from the saucer;
a second hole through which the game ball can be discharged from the receiving tray;
a first opening/closing means capable of opening and closing the first hole;
a second opening/closing means capable of opening and closing the second hole;
a first operating means for receiving an operation to move the first opening/closing means;
a second operation means for receiving an operation to move the second opening/closing means;
the second hole is larger than the first hole,
The first operation means is an operation amount less than the diameter of the game ball, and puts the game ball in a state in which the game ball can pass through the first hole,
The second operation means is an operation amount less than the diameter of the game ball, and puts the game ball in a state in which the game ball can pass through the second hole,
the under-diameter manipulation amount for the second operating means is smaller than the under-diameter manipulation amount for the first operating means;
The operation load required to move the second operation means for the operation amount less than the diameter for the second operation means is the operation amount for the first operation means less than the diameter and the operation load required to move the second operation means It is characterized by being smaller than the operation load required to move the first operation means.

Also, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment is
a first hole capable of discharging the game ball from the first receiving tray;
a second hole capable of discharging the game ball from the second receiving tray;
a first opening/closing means capable of opening and closing the first hole;
a second opening/closing means capable of opening and closing the second hole;
a first operating means for receiving an operation to move the first opening/closing means;
a second operation means for receiving an operation to move the second opening/closing means;
the second hole is larger than the first hole,
The first operation means is an operation amount less than the diameter of the game ball, and puts the game ball in a state in which the game ball can pass through the first hole,
The second operation means is an operation amount less than the diameter of the game ball, and puts the game ball in a state in which the game ball can pass through the second hole,
the under-diameter manipulation amount for the second operating means is less than the under-diameter manipulation amount for the first operating means;
The operation load required to move the second operation means for the operation amount less than the diameter for the second operation means is the operation amount for the first operation means less than the diameter and the operation load required to move the second operation means It is characterized by being smaller than the operation load required to move the first operation means.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the amount of operation of the first operating means or the second operating means required to eject the game ball from the first hole or the second hole. Therefore, it is possible to remove the ball from the tray with a small amount of operation, so that the burden of operation can be reduced. In addition, according to such a configuration, the second operating means is capable of removing the ball with an operation amount smaller than that of the first operating means, and the ball can be removed with an operation load smaller than that of the first operating means. It becomes possible. For this reason, when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the tray and the tray becomes full (when a full tank error occurs), ball removal is performed efficiently when quick ball removal is desired. It is possible to give a sensory motivation to prompt the user to operate the possible second operating means. The game machine according to this embodiment can be operated comfortably.

(Third Embodiment)
As a game machine, a pachinko game machine having a game board, a shooting device, and the like is known. In a pachinko machine, a game ball (game medium) is launched into a game area provided in front of a game board, and the game ball enters a prize winning opening provided in the game area. higher profits are awarded. A predetermined game machine represented by such a game machine is provided with rails for guiding game balls. By the way, in gaming machines, there is a growing demand for a larger design part that decorates the game machine. There was a problem that the An object of the present embodiment is to provide a gaming machine capable of ensuring the visibility of game balls.

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko game machine, which is one of game machines, will be described, but other game machines (for example, slot machines, etc.) may be used. In the following description, "front and back" basically means that when the player is in front of the gaming machine, the player is "front" and the gaming machine is "back." The top side of the machine means "up" and the bottom side means "down", and "left and right" means the left hand side of the player playing and the right hand side means "right".
It should be noted that, within the scope of the invention, the present invention can freely combine each configuration, arbitrarily modify each configuration, or omit each configuration.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment. The gaming machine of the present embodiment performs a game using game balls (game media) rented from a gaming arcade. , a game board 6 forming a game area 4 in which game balls move, a glass unit 8 making the game board 6 visible to the player but not accessible to the player, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached. I have it.
Although not shown in FIG. 29, the pachinko game machine 1 has an inner frame and a body frame having a front frame 10 and an inner frame. A body frame can be attached to the outer frame 2. - 特許庁In addition, the pachinko game machine 1 includes a tray unit having trays (upper tray 16 and lower tray 24). The body frame has a grip unit 20 (handle) and a tray unit.
The "receiving unit 320, receptacle" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily transformed into "receiving unit, receptacle" in the third embodiment. Also, the "handle unit 330" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily transformed into the "grip unit 20" in the third embodiment. Also, the "front frame 300 and outer frame 102" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily transformed into the "front frame 10 and outer frame 2" in the third embodiment. . Also, the "inner frame 104, body frame" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily transformed into the "inner frame, body frame" in the third embodiment. Also, the "game board 108" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily transformed into the "game board 6" in the third embodiment. Further, although the details will be described later, in the present embodiment, a design portion (design member) 84 is provided on the upper portion of the front frame 10 . The design portion 84 shown in this embodiment can be added to the "front frame 300 and body frame" shown in the first embodiment. Further, it is possible to add the game ball passage 80 shown in this embodiment to the "game board 108" shown in the first embodiment.

A portion of the front frame 10 surrounding the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light. A plurality of front frame lamps 12 for outputting are provided. In addition, the front frame 10 is provided with a plurality of speakers 14 for outputting performance sounds and the like for livening up the game.

An upper plate 16 for storing game balls is provided in the lower center of the front frame 10, and a left part of the inner side surface of the upper plate 16 is for paying out game balls from the game machine to the player. A payout port is provided. A grip unit 20 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 10. When the player performs an operation to rotate the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, a grip unit (not shown) provided inside the gaming machine is rotated clockwise. A shooting device is operated to shoot game balls into the game area 4.例文帳に追加The shooting device of this embodiment can shoot 99 game balls per minute (1.65 game balls per second).

A supply port for supplying game balls from the upper plate 16 to the shooting device is provided on the right side of the inner side surface of the upper plate 16 . A lower tray 24 is provided below the upper tray 16 for storing surplus game balls when the upper tray 16 cannot store all the game balls.

A performance operation device 26 is provided on the near side of the edge of the upper tray 16, and when the player operates the performance operation device 26, the performance performed by the game machine changes. Specifically, the effect operating device 26 incorporates a push button switch and a rotary switch (jog dial), and can detect an operation of pressing the effect operating device 26 and an operation of rotating the effect operating device 26. It's becoming

30 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board 6 shown in FIG. 29. FIG. As shown in FIG. 30, the game board 6 is provided with a circular outer rail 28, and an area surrounded by the outer rail 28 serves as a game area 4 in which game balls move. In addition, at the left end of the game area 4, an inner rail 30 is provided in an arc shape along the outer rail 28. The outer rail 28 and the inner rail 30 are provided below the game board 6 (not shown). A game ball shot from a shooting device is guided to a game area 4. - 特許庁

In the central part of the game board 6, a liquid crystal display 32 for displaying a performance image or the like for livening up the game, and a performance unit 36 having a display frame 34 formed so as to surround the liquid crystal display 32 are provided.

In this embodiment, the game ball cannot pass through the front side of the liquid crystal display 32, and the game ball shot from the shooting device falls in the left game area 4 or the right game area 4 of the liquid crystal display 32. It is designed to In the game area 4, a large number of game nails (not shown) are nailed so as to intersect the surface of the game board 6, so that the moving direction of the game balls moving in the game area 4 changes at random. .

In the left part of the display frame 34, an opening 40 is formed through which game balls falling in the game area 4 on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32 can pass. The liquid crystal display 32 passes through the passage 42 and falls onto a stage 44 provided below the liquid crystal display 32 . The upper surface of the stage 44 is a smoothly curved surface, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8 to allow game balls to fall downward from the stage 44, and drop onto the stage 44 from the passage 42. After the game ball hits the stage 44 and reciprocates left and right, it falls downward from the vicinity of the central portion of the stage 44. - 特許庁

A first starting prize opening 46 is provided below the central portion of the stage 44 .
A passage gate 48 is provided in the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32 . In addition, a second start winning opening 50 is provided below the passage gate 48 . This second start winning port 50 has a reduced state (state without assisting entry/non-assisted state) in which game balls are difficult to enter into the second start winning prize port 50 and an enlarged state (entry is assisted) in which game balls easily enter A normal accessory 52 is provided that includes an auxiliary member that can operate between (state and auxiliary state).

In the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32, a large winning opening 54 is provided below the second starting winning opening 50. - 特許庁A special accessory 56 having a movable member that closes the big winning opening 54 is provided in the big winning opening 54 . The special accessory 56 is operable between a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the big winning opening 54 and an open state in which game balls can enter the big winning opening 54 (see FIG. 30). closed). The special accessory 56 is controlled to be open under a predetermined condition in a special game state which is started when a jackpot is won.

Below the big prize opening 54, a big prize passage 58 is provided downward. A normal entrance 62 is provided at the lower end of the big winning passage 58 . Further, a specific path 65 is provided below the big winning path 58 so as to branch downward from the middle of the big winning path 58 . This specific path 65 is provided with a specific accessory 66 having a movable member that closes the specific path 65 . The specific accessory 66 is operable between a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the specific path 65 and an open state in which game balls can enter the specific path 65 (FIG. 30 shows a closed state ). The specific accessory 66 is controlled to be in an open state under predetermined conditions in the special game state. A specific entrance 68 is provided at the lower end of the specific passage 65 . In addition, at the bottom of the game area 4, an out port 69 is provided for collecting game balls that have fallen in the game area 4 without entering any of the winning openings into the inside of the game machine.

The game ball shooting device is constructed so that the game ball shooting force can be changed by adjusting the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 shown in FIG. Game balls are shot so as to fall in the game area 4 on the left side of the display 32, and when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game balls fall in the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. A game ball is launched.

The player adjusts the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 according to the game situation, and the game ball falls through the left game area 4, or passes through the opening 40, the passage 42 and the stage 44, and enters the first starting winning opening. 46, the game ball is shot (left-handed), the game ball falls through the game area 4 on the right side, and the game ball passes through the passage gate 48, or into the second start winning opening 50. A game ball is shot so as to enter the game ball or to enter the big winning hole 54 (right-handed hitting).

At the lower right portion of the game board 6 and outside the game area 4, there is provided a state display section 70 that indicates various states of the game machine by lighting and extinguishing lamps and the like. The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main board and sub-boards. The functions of each board such as the main board and sub-boards are implemented by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of information storage medium), or RAM. It is realized by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in, for example.

The main board receives an input signal from an input means (first starting winning gate sensor, passing gate sensor, second starting winning gate sensor, big winning gate sensor, normal entrance sensor, specific path sensor, payout sensor, etc.). , various calculations for executing the game are performed, and based on the calculation results, the output means (status display drive device, normal accessory drive device, special accessory drive device, specific accessory drive device, payout device, etc.) Controls motion.

The sub board receives commands sent from the main board and input signals from the effect operation sensor that detects operations on the effect operation device 26, and performs various calculations for executing effects in accordance with the progress of the game. , and based on the calculation result, the operation of the production device (production display device, sound device, production drive device, etc.) is controlled.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30, the game area 4 is divided into a left-handed area 4a located on the left side and a right-handed area 4b located on the right side. By changing the intensity, the game ball can be dropped in different areas.

A game ball passage 80 that connects the left-handed area 4a and the right-handed area 4b is provided at the upper end (upper portion) of the game area 4. As shown in FIG. A game ball fired from the shooting device with a predetermined firing strength or more passes through the game ball passage 80 and advances to the right hitting area 4b, while a game ball shot from the shooting device with less than the predetermined firing strength is a game ball. It is designed to proceed to the left-handed area 4a without passing through the passage 80. - 特許庁

The game ball passage 80 is formed by an outer rail 28 and a rail 81 provided below the outer rail 28 along the outer rail 28 . Also, the game ball passage 80 is formed including the upper end of the outer rail 28 . In addition, the width of the game ball passage 80 (interval between the outer rail 28 and the rail 81) is longer than the diameter of one game ball and shorter than the diameter of two game balls at the narrowest part. . In addition, the portion where the width of the game ball passage 80 is the narrowest is the top portion of the game ball passage 80, in other words, the portion formed by the upper end (top: vertex) of the outer rail 28 and the portion facing the upper end of the rail 81. In other words, it is a portion located at the upper end of the game area 4 .

29 and 31, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, a substantially rectangular box-shaped design portion (design member) 84 elongated in the left-right direction is provided on the upper portion of the front frame 10. . In addition, the length of the design portion 84 in the left-right direction is more than half the length of the front frame 10 in the left-right direction. In addition, the design portion 84 is arranged so as to protrude forward so that its front surface is located forward of the game area 4 and the glass unit 8 .
In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the glass unit 8 has two transparent plates (glass plates) 8a and 8b arranged in the front-rear direction with their plate surfaces parallel to each other.

The design part 84 includes an LED board (not shown) for illumination provided inside thereof and an exterior member 85 covering it, and a space for housing the LED board is secured inside the exterior member 85. It is A logo indicating the model name, etc. is affixed to a portion forming the front surface of the design portion 84 of the exterior member 85, and the logo is illuminated by an LED board provided inside.
A speaker or the like may be provided inside the design portion 84 .

A lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is located at the lowest front portion. Also, the front portion is a plane 87 substantially parallel to the horizontal plane. A lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 has an inclined surface 88 that is inclined with respect to the horizontal surface on the rear side of the rear end of the flat surface 87 . The lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 has a shape in which the rear portion (the portion of the inclined surface 88) is directed upward toward the rear. That is, the design portion 84 has a front portion that protrudes downward more than a rear portion, and a protruding portion 90 is formed. Further, the rear end of the lower surface 86 (inclined surface 88 ) of the design portion 84 is in contact with or close to the glass unit 8 .
The shape of the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 may be formed along the shape of the outer rail 28 . That is, the rear end of the lower surface 86 may be curved so as to be convex upward when viewed from the front. Further, in accordance with this, the shape of the lower surface 86 (inclined surface 88) may be a mortar shape that is concave upward.

FIG. 31 is a schematic view of the main part in the AA line cross section of FIG. 29, and is a cross section cut along a plane parallel to the vertical direction and the front-back direction passing through the upper end of the play area 4 (the top part: the upper end of the outer rail 28). is shown. The cross section shown in FIG. 31 also passes through the upper end (top) of the rail 81 and the upper end (top) of the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 .

The rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is located below the upper end of the game area 4 in the portion corresponding to the upper end of the game area 4 (the front portion of the upper end of the game area 4). In other words, the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is located below the upper end of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 (the guide surface 113 of the outer rail 28, which will be described later). The rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is located above the upper end of the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80 (the surface of the rail 81 with which the game ball contacts). In addition, the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is the game ball B positioned at the upper end of the game area 4 (the game ball in contact with the upper end of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80: the outer rail 28 (the guide surface 113) is located above the lower end of the game ball in contact with the top of the ball). More specifically, it is located above the center of the game ball B in this state (indicated by the dashed-dotted line C in FIG. 31).

Further, the projecting portion 90 projects downward from the center of the game ball B positioned at the upper end of the game area 4 . In other words, the lower end of the projecting portion 90 is located below the center of the game ball B in this state. More specifically, the lower end of the projecting portion 90 is located below the lower end of the game ball B in this state. In addition, the protruding portion 90 protrudes downward from the upper end of the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80. As shown in FIG.

As is clear from the above, the design portion 84 overlaps the game ball B positioned at the upper end of the game area 4 in the front-rear direction (the direction perpendicular to the game board 6 and the glass unit 8). It covers the entire game ball B in this state. In addition, the design part 84 has a part corresponding to the upper end of the game area 4 at the rear end of the lower surface 86 (the front part of the upper end of the game area 4) in the front-rear direction (the direction perpendicular to the game board 6 and the glass unit 8). It does not overlap at least the lower half of the game ball B positioned at the upper end of the game area 4, and does not cover at least the lower half of the game ball in that state. A rear portion of the lower surface 86 is an inclined surface 88 . Therefore, even when the game ball is positioned at the upper end of the game area 4, the player can easily visually recognize the game ball rolling in the game area 4.例文帳に追加Here, it is preferable that at least the lower half of the game ball in this state can be seen from a predetermined position, specifically from the player's eye point, without the player moving his or her face up, down, left, or right. A player's eye point means the position of the player's eyes when playing a game while sitting on a chair. Specifically, for example, the distance between the player's eyes and the glass unit 8 in the front-rear direction is between 30 and 50 cm, and the distance (height) between the player's eyes and the bottom surface of the gaming machine in the vertical direction is When it is between 40 and 60 cm, it is preferable that at least a portion (lower half) of the game ball in that state can be visually recognized. In other words, the game ball B (game ball B) located at the upper end of the game area 4 from a predetermined point at a distance of 30 to 50 cm from the glass unit 8 and a height of 40 to 60 cm from the bottom of the game machine It is preferable that the design part 84 does not overlap the straight line up to the part below the center of the sphere B). According to such a configuration, it is possible to secure the visibility of the game medium moving in the game area while enlarging the design portion 84 .

Next, the design part 84, the game ball passage 80, and the upper end of the game area 4 in a cross section cut along a plane parallel to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction passing through the upper end of the game area 4 (top: upper end of the outer rail 28) Various lengths related to the game ball B positioned at the position will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 31 , the upper surface 80a (first reference line BL1 described later) of the game ball passage 80 is located above the rear end 91 of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 in the cross section. Note that the rear end portion of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is hereinafter also referred to as a first design portion 91 . The first design portion 91 defines a horizontal line (straight line extending in a direction orthogonal to the game board surface) that passes through the upper end of the upper surface of the game ball passage 80 and extends in the short direction of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 as the first reference line BL1. In this case, it can be said that this is the rearmost part of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 where the vertical lines that intersect the first reference line BL1 can intersect. Further, the first design portion 91 extends in the short direction of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 through a portion of the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80 that is positioned directly below the upper end of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80. When a horizontal line (a straight line extending in a direction orthogonal to the game board surface) is used as the second reference line BL2, the vertical line intersecting the second reference line BL2 on the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 can intersect. It can also be said to be the rear part. Here, of the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80, the portion located immediately below the upper end of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 may be the upper end of the lower surface 80b, or may not be the upper end of the lower surface 80b. good. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, in the cross section, the vertical interval L1 between the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 and the first design portion 91 is approximately 4 mm. That is, the interval L1 is less than the diameter (11 mm) of the game ball, more specifically less than the diameter. Note that the interval L1 can also be said to be the distance from the first reference line BL1 to the first design portion 91 (the distance on the vertical line).

In the cross section, the upper surface 80a (first reference line BL1) of the game ball passage 80 is located above the lower end 92 (rear end of the flat surface 87) of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84. Note that the lower end portion (rear end portion of the flat surface 87) of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is also referred to as a second design portion 92 below. The second design portion 92 can also be said to be the lowermost portion among the portions where the vertical lines that intersect the first reference line BL1 on the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 intersect. In addition, the second design portion 92 can also be said to be the lowest portion of the portion where the vertical lines that intersect the second reference line BL2 on the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 intersect. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, in the cross section, the vertical interval L2 between the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 and the second design portion 92 is approximately 40 mm. That is, the interval L2 is longer than the diameter of the game ball, more specifically, longer than the diameter. Note that the interval L2 can also be said to be the distance from the first reference line BL1 to the second design portion 92 (distance on the vertical line).

Further, in the cross section, the lower surface 80b (second reference line BL2) of the game ball passage 80 is located below the first design portion 91. As shown in FIG. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, in the cross section, the space L3 in the vertical direction between the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80 and the first design portion 91 is about 14 mm. That is, the interval L3 is the radius of the game ball or more, more specifically the length exceeding the radius, more specifically the diameter or more (the length exceeding the diameter). Note that the interval L3 can also be said to be the distance from the second reference line BL2 to the first design portion 91 (distance on the vertical line).

Further, in the cross section, the lower surface 80b (second reference line BL2) of the game ball passage 80 is located above the second design portion 92. As shown in FIG. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, in the cross section, the space L4 in the vertical direction between the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80 and the second design portion 92 is approximately 22 mm. That is, the interval L4 is longer than the diameter of the game ball, more specifically, longer than the diameter. Note that the interval L4 can also be said to be the distance from the second reference line BL2 to the second design portion 92 (distance on the vertical line).

As described above, by positioning the second design portion 92 below the upper surface 80a (first reference line BL1) of the game ball passage 80, the size of the design portion 84 can be increased. By locating below the lower surface 80b (second reference line BL2) of the design portion 84, the size of the design portion 84 can be further increased. In addition, while increasing the design portion 84 in this way, the distance L1 between the upper surface 80a (first reference line BL1) of the game ball passage 80 and the first design portion 91 is set to be equal to or less than the diameter of the game ball (less than the diameter). As a result, when the game ball is hit hard (when the game ball rolls along the upper surface 80a), the visibility of the game ball can be ensured. In addition, while increasing the design portion 84 in this way, the distance L3 between the lower surface 80b (second reference line BL2) of the game ball passage 80 and the first design portion 91 is equal to or greater than the radius of the game ball (the length exceeding the radius). ), the visibility of the game ball can be ensured when the game ball is weakly launched (when the game ball rolls along the lower surface 80b).

Next, the configuration of the outer rail 28 will be described with reference to FIGS. 32 to 37. FIG.
The outer rail 28 is supported by a rail base 100 as a support member that supports the outer rail 28 . By fixing the rail base 100 to the game board 6 , the outer rail 28 is attached to the game board 6 . The rail base 100 is fixed to the game board 6 by screwing, for example. In addition, the game board 6 is formed in a substantially square plate shape from transparent resin.

The outer rail 28 is an elongated thin plate member. In addition, hereinafter, for each length related to the outer rail 28, the length in the length direction (longitudinal direction) is called “length”, the length in the width direction (lateral direction) is called “width”, The length in the thickness direction (thickness) is called "thickness". In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 33, the length L of the outer rail 28 is 900 mm or longer (at least 800 mm or longer). Further, the width W of the outer rail 28 is approximately 15 mm. Further, the plate thickness T of the outer rail 28 is approximately 0.6 mm. Further, in this embodiment, the outer rail 28 is made of metal, specifically stainless steel (eg, SUS430).

One end (starting end) of the outer rail 28 is formed with a bent portion 110 that is bent into a substantially L shape. A U-shaped portion (curved portion) 112 bent in a substantially U-shape is formed at the other end portion (end portion) of the outer rail 28 .

A bending radius R of the U-shaped portion 112 is approximately 6 mm. In other words, the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112 (the distance between the opposing surfaces of the U-shaped portion 112) is approximately 12 mm. Also, the U-shaped portion 112 has a height H of about 12 mm in the thickness direction of the outer rail 28 .
The curvature of the U-shaped portion 112 is larger than the curvature of the curved surface 126, which will be described later, and is larger than the curvature of the guide surface 113 of the outer rail 28 attached to the rail base 100 (assembled as a game machine). is also getting bigger.

A guide surface 113 is formed on the outer rail 28 between the bent portion 110 and the U-shaped portion 112 . The guide surface 113 is a surface on which a game ball shot from the shooting device hits, and the game ball shot from the shooting device rolls along the guide surface 113 and is guided to the game area 4 .

A substantially rectangular hole 114 is formed in the outer rail 28 . Hole 114 is formed in U-shaped portion 112 of outer rail 28 (at a position corresponding to U-shaped portion 112). Also, the length of the hole 114 is longer than the length of the U-shaped portion 112 . In other words, the hole 114 is formed along the entire length of the U-shaped portion 112 (the direction along the U-shape). Specifically, the hole 114 is formed over a corner 115 a formed between the U-shaped portion 112 and the guide surface 113 . In other words, the hole 114 is formed by at least one (preferably both) corners 115a and 115b formed at both ends of the U-shaped portion 112 in the length direction (boundaries between the U-shaped portion 112 and other portions). ).
Note that the hole 114 may be formed beyond at least one of the corners 115a and 115b. Note that the corners 115a and 115b are rounded.

The width Wa of the hole 114 is preferably 1/2 or less, more preferably 1/3 or less, of the width W of the outer rail 28 (U-shaped portion 112). The width Wa of the hole 114 is preferably 1/5 or more, more preferably 1/4 or more, of the width W of the outer rail 28 (U-shaped portion 112). By setting the width Wa of the hole 114 in this manner, the strength of the U-shaped portion 112 can be maintained high while increasing the flexibility of the U-shaped portion 112 . In this embodiment, the width Wa of the hole 114 is set to 4 mm.

Note that the hole 114 does not have to pass through the outer rail 28 in the thickness direction. In other words, the hole 114 portion should be formed thinner than other portions. Furthermore, in other words, the hole 114 may be a lightening portion that has been lightened in some way. That is, if the portion of the outer rail 28 where the hole 114 of the U-shaped portion 112 is formed has a smaller cross-sectional area in a cross section perpendicular to the plate surface than the portion where the guide surface 113 is formed. good.

A plurality of positioning holes 118 (five in this embodiment) are formed in the outer rail 28 . A projecting portion 128 to be described later is inserted into each hole 118 . The hole 118 has an oval shape with the length being at least twice the width. In this embodiment, the hole 118 has a length La of 5.2 mm and a width Wb of 2 mm.

Also, the holes 118 are arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction. Also, the holes 118 are arranged off the center in the width direction (so as not to cross the center). Specifically, in the width direction of the outer rail 28, the distance Wc from the center of the hole 118 to the edge of the outer rail 28 is set to 2.7 mm. Also, the hole 118 is arranged at a position where a game ball rolling on the guide surface 113 does not hit it. More specifically, all the holes 118 are arranged at positions where game balls rolling on the guide surface 113 do not hit.

Also, the intervals between adjacent holes 118 are not constant but uneven. That is, there are portions where the intervals between adjacent holes 118 are relatively long and portions where the intervals are relatively short. Specifically, when the intervals between the adjacent holes 118 are G1, G2, G3, and G4 in order from the launching device side, in the present embodiment, the interval G1 is 104.6 mm, and the interval G2 is 104.6 mm. 123.1 mm, the interval G3 is 116.2 mm, and the interval G4 is 280.1 mm. That is, among the plurality of intervals G1 to G4, the interval G1 on the side closest to the launching device is the shortest. Further, among the plurality of intervals G1 to G4, the interval G4 on the farthest side from the launching device is the longest. Further, among the plurality of intervals G1 to G4, the longest interval (280.1 mm) is more than twice the shortest interval (104.6 mm). Further, among the plurality of continuous intervals G1 to G4, the second interval G2 is longer than the first interval G1 from the launch device side, and the third interval G3 is shorter than the second interval G2, The fourth interval G4 is longer than the third interval G3. That is, for a plurality of continuous intervals G1 to G4, the length relationship between adjacent intervals is alternate (long-short-long in this embodiment).

As for the length from the starting end of the outer rail 28 to each hole 118, the length to the first hole 118 counted from the starting end side is 13.3 mm, and the length to the second hole 118 is 117 mm. 9 mm, the length to the third hole 118 is 241.0 mm, the length to the fourth hole 118 is 357.2 mm, and the length to the fifth hole 118 is 637.3 mm. .

The holes 118 are all formed in the guide surface 113, and are not formed in the bent portion 110, the U-shaped portion 112, and the end portion (extended portion 120) of the U-shaped portion 112. Two circular holes 119 are formed in the guide surface 113 of the outer rail 28 in the same straight line as the plurality of holes 118 . These two holes 119 are holes used when processing the outer rail 28, and projections 128, which will be described later, are not inserted into the holes 119. As shown in FIG.

34 to 36 are diagrams showing the mounting state in which the outer rail 28 is mounted on the rail base 100. FIG. As shown in FIG. 34, the rail base 100 is made of a black resin material and has a substantially L shape. The rail base 100 also has a curved surface 126 formed in an arc shape. The curved surface 126 is formed so as to extend from the lower left side of the game board 6 (game area 4), through the upper left side, to the upper right side, and is formed in a shape that is open at the lower right side.

A plurality of (five in this embodiment) protrusions 128 are formed along the length direction of the curved surface 126 (see FIG. 32). The projecting portion 128 is arranged rearward of the center of the curved surface 126 in the front-rear direction. Each projection 128 is arranged at a position corresponding to each hole 118 of the outer rail 28 .

A wall portion 129 that protrudes toward the game area 4 from the curved surface 126 is formed along the curved surface 126 at the front edge of the curved surface 126 (see FIGS. 36 and 37).

As shown in FIGS. 34 and 36, the left lower portion (one end) of the rail base 100 is provided with a recess 130 having a substantially L-shaped cross section into which the bent portion 110 of the outer rail 28 is inserted. The concave portion 130 is formed with an abutment surface (abutment surface) 131 against which one end surface (end surface on the starting end side) of the outer rail 28 in the length direction abuts.
In addition, the concave portion 130 is designed so that the portion other than the one end surface of the outer rail 28 in the length direction of the outer rail 28 does not come into contact with the concave portion 130 . Specifically, of the bent portion 110 of the outer rail 28, the relief portion 110a extending in the direction intersecting (substantially perpendicular to) the guide surface 113 is designed so as not to hit the concave portion 130 (at least in the longitudinal direction of the outer rail 28). It has become.

As shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, the upper right portion (other end) of the rail base 100 has an abutment surface (abutment surface) against which the other end surface (terminal end surface) in the length direction of the outer rail 28 abuts. surface) 135 is formed. A housing portion 137 for housing the U-shaped portion 112 is formed in the upper right portion of the rail base 100 .

The accommodation portion 137 is provided adjacent to the upper right end of the curved surface 126 . The housing portion 137 has a space 137b formed by a wall portion 137a having a substantially U-shaped cross section. In addition, the space 137b is a space that spreads toward the outside of the game area 4 from the curved surface 126. As shown in FIG. The U-shaped portion 112 is accommodated in this space 137b. One end of the wall portion 137 a is connected to the upper right end of the curved surface 126 . The other end 137c of the wall portion 137a is arranged on the virtual extension line of the curved surface 126 (predetermined position when the curved surface 126 is extended according to its curvature). A rib 139 is formed at a position farther from the curved surface 126 than the other end 137c and on the opposite side of the outer rail 28 in the plate thickness direction. The extended portion 120 of the outer rail 28 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the other end 137 c and the rib 139 .

The bent portion 110 of the outer rail 28 is inserted into the recess 130 of the rail base 100 , and one end face is abutted against the abutment surface 131 . The other end surface of the outer rail 28 is abutted against the abutment surface 135 . When the outer rail 28 is attached to the rail base 100 , the outer rail 28 is stretched between the abutment surfaces 131 and 135 . That is, the length L of the outer rail 28 is set longer than the distance from the abutment surface 131 to the abutment surface 135 (the distance in the direction along the curved surface 126). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the length L of the outer rail 28 is set longer than the distance by 3 mm. In other words, the outer rail 28 has an extra length of 3 mm with respect to the length of the portion where the outer rail 28 is installed (the distance from the abutment surface 131 to the abutment surface 135).

In the attached state, the excess length of the outer rail 28 is absorbed by the U-shaped portion 112 . That is, first, in the attached state, the outer rail 28 is arranged along the curved surface 126 of the rail base 100 . At this time, substantially the entire surface (rear surface) of the outer rail 28 opposite to the guide surface 113 is in contact with substantially the entire curved surface 126 . In other words, the guide surface 113 is a surface (substantially parallel surface) along the curved surface 126 . Further, the U-shaped portion 112 bends so that the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112 (the distance between the corner portions 115a and 115b) is reduced, thereby absorbing the extra length of the outer rail 28. FIG. Then, the outer rail 28 is stretched between the abutment surfaces 131 and 135 .
34 and 35, the terminal end 28a of the outer rail 28 is shown penetrating the abutment surface 135, but in reality, the terminal end 28a abuts against the abutment surface 135 and stops. It does not penetrate the surface 135 . In other words, the portion penetrating the abutment surface 135 in FIGS. be done. Note that the U-shaped portion 112 does not come into contact with the wall portion 137a of the housing portion 137 even in the attached state (the state in which the extra length is absorbed and bent).

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the extra length of 3 mm of the outer rail 28 is set shorter than the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112 (the distance between the facing surfaces of the U-shaped portion 112: about 12 mm). . More specifically, the extra length is set to a bending radius R (approximately 6 mm) or less of the U-shaped portion 112 (half or less of the interval between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112). Therefore, the excess length can be effectively absorbed by the U-shaped portion 112 .
The extra length of 3 mm as a reference value (design value) is set longer than the tolerance of the outer rail 28 . In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the tolerance of the length L of the outer rail 28 is set to ±0.8 mm. Therefore, even if the outer rail 28 is manufactured as short as possible (when the tolerance is −0.8 mm, which is the lower limit), the excess length of 0 mm or more (in this example, the extra length of 2.2 mm). A reference value for the extra length is set so that In other words, the length L of the outer rail 28 is set to a length that has an extra length even including the tolerance. Also, even if the outer rail 28 is manufactured with the maximum length (when the tolerance is +0.8 mm, which is the upper limit), the bending radius R of the U-shaped portion 112 or less (the bending radius of the U-shaped portion 112 at both ends The reference value of the extra length is set so that the extra length (3.8 mm in this example) is less than half the distance.

Also, in the attached state, each of the plurality of protrusions 128 of the rail base 100 is inserted into each of the plurality of holes 118 of the outer rail 28 . Here, the length La of the hole 118 is set to a length that does not come into contact with the projecting portion 128 in the attached state. Moreover, the width Wb of the hole 118 is set to a length that allows contact with the projecting portion 128 in the attached state.

The projecting portion 128 restricts the movement of the outer rail 28 in the width direction by contacting the hole 118 in the width direction of the outer rail 28 . That is, the protruding portion 128 serves as a restricting portion (restricting means) that restricts the movement of the outer rail 28 . The projecting portion 128 and the hole 118 function as a positioning portion (positioning means) that determines the position of the outer rail 28 in the width direction.
Note that the restricting portion may not have a shape like the projecting portion 128, and may be a pin or the like, for example. Specifically, for example, a split pin as a restricting portion is provided so as to pass through the hole 118 (so that the leg of the split pin straddles the hole 118), and both legs of the split pin are attached to the rail base 100 or the game board. The split pin may restrict the movement of the outer rail 28 by being fitted into the board 6 or the like.

On the other hand, in the attached state, the protruding portion 128 is prevented from contacting the hole 118 in the longitudinal direction of the outer rail 28, so that the outer rail 28 is not restricted from moving in the longitudinal direction. . In other words, the repulsive force of the outer rail 28, which is housed between the abutment surfaces 131 and 135 and is shortened in length, is applied to the abutment surfaces 131 and 135, and the projecting portion 128 (Mostly) don't participate. Thereby, the positioning of the outer rail 28 in the longitudinal direction can be stably performed by the abutment surfaces 131 and 135 . Furthermore, in the game machine of the present embodiment, the relief portion 110a of the bent portion 110 of the outer rail 28 does not hit the concave portion 130 in the longitudinal direction of the outer rail 28, so the length direction of the outer rail 28 can be more stably positioned by the contact surface 131 and the contact surface 135 .
If an external force other than the repulsive force from the abutment surfaces 131 and 135 is forcibly applied (for example, by human power) and the U-shaped portion 112 is forcibly contracted, in the longitudinal direction of the outer rail 28, The hole 118 and the relief portion 110a may be adapted to contact the rail base 100. As shown in FIG.

The length (height) of the projecting portion 128 in the plate thickness direction of the outer rail 28 is set to be equal to or less than the plate thickness of the outer rail 28 . That is, the protruding portion 128 does not protrude toward the game area 4 from the guide surface 113 of the outer rail 28 .

In addition, even when the outer rail 28 moves to the front side of the game machine (the width direction of the outer rail 28) to the maximum with respect to the rail base 100, the front end surface of the outer rail 28 does not touch the wall portion 129 of the rail base 100. They are designed not to come into contact with each other. In other words, the wall portion 129 does not have the function of restricting the movement of the outer rail 28 . On the other hand, the length (height) of the wall portion 129 in the plate thickness direction of the outer rail 28 is set to be greater than the plate thickness of the outer rail 28, so that the end face of the outer rail 28 cannot be seen by the player. have a function.
However, the wall portion 129 may restrict movement of the outer rail 28 .

Here, the relationship between the game ball B rolling along the outer rail 28 and the holes 118 and the like will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 37 is a schematic diagram showing the essential parts of the outer rail 28 and the rail base 100, showing a cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the guide surface 113 and the curved surface 126. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 37, the hole 118 and the projecting portion 128 are formed at positions where the game ball B rolling along the outer rail 28 does not hit. More specifically, the hole 118 hits the game ball B even when the outer rail 28 moves to the maximum in the width direction (for example, even when it moves to the upper side in FIG. 37 to the maximum). It is formed in a position where there is no In other words, it can be said that the protrusion 128 regulates the movement of the outer rail 28 in the width direction so that the hole 118 does not hit the game ball B. In FIG. 37, the projecting portion 128 projects from the guide surface 113 to the game area 4 side, but even if the projecting portion 128 is formed to project in this way, the projection amount of the projecting portion 128 is preferably set so that the projecting portion 128 does not hit the game ball B.

As shown in FIG. 37, the guide surface 113 (curved surface 126) is a sloping surface toward the play area 4 (inward in the radial direction of the outer rail 28) toward the front side in the width direction of the outer rail 28. ing. In other words, the guide surface 113 is an inclined surface that makes it difficult for the game ball to flow forward (to facilitate the flow along the rear side).

According to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the rail 28 includes a U-shaped portion 112 bent in a substantially U-shape and a hole 114 formed at a position corresponding to the U-shaped portion 112. The hole 114 is the length of the entire U-shaped portion 112 in the direction along the U-shape of the U-shaped portion 112. Therefore, the U-shaped portion 112 absorbs variations in the length of the rail 28 that occur during manufacturing, and the rail 28 can be stably and accurately attached. Further, by forming the hole 114 at a position corresponding to the U-shaped portion 112, the U-shaped portion 112 can be made softer than the guide surface 113 portion, and the U-shaped portion 112 can be made softer than the guide surface 113 portion. It can be easily deformed. Therefore, when the rail 28 is attached to the rail base 100, the rail 28 can be accurately attached while the guide surface 113 is moderately stretched and excess force is released to the U-shaped portion 112. - 特許庁Therefore, the motion of the game ball rolling along the rail 28 can be stabilized, and a comfortable game can be provided.

In addition, by setting the length of the hole 114 to the length that extends over the entire U-shaped portion 112, it is possible to make the degree of application of force in the U-shaped portion 112 uniform. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the deformation of the rail 28 from becoming distorted due to excessive force being applied to a part of the U-shaped portion 112, and the rail 28 can be attached more accurately. Also, it is possible to prevent the rail 28 from being damaged due to excessive force being applied to a part of the U-shaped portion 112 . Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the hole 114 extends to at least one of the corners 115a and 115b formed at both ends in the length direction of the U-shaped portion 112, the load is concentrated. The flexibility of the corners 115a and 115b, which are easily broken, can be increased, and the corners 115a and 115b can be prevented from breaking.

In addition, since the hole 114 has a length (4 mm) of 1/3 or less of the width W of the rail in the width direction of the rail 28, the rigidity of the U-shaped portion 112 can be set within an appropriate range. . In other words, the rigidity of the U-shaped portion 112 can be set to a certain level or higher, and it is possible to prevent the U-shaped portion 112 from excessively absorbing the force applied to the rail 28 . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the tension of the guide surface 113 from becoming too weak, and to stabilize the movement of the game ball.

In addition, a plurality of (five) holes 118 are formed in the guide surface 113 to enable positioning, and all of the holes 118 are formed in positions where game balls rolling along the guide surface do not hit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game ball from rolling over the hole 118 and vibrating. Therefore, the movement of the game ball can be made more stable.

As shown in FIG. 35, an elastic member 150 made of an elastic material (eg, rubber) is arranged at the end of the guide surface 113 on the side of the U-shaped portion 112 . In the vicinity of the U-shaped portion 112 , the outer rail 28 is sandwiched between the elastic member 150 and the curved surface 126 . The elastic member 150 has a collision surface 151 with which the game ball guided along the guide surface 113 to the end side (right hitting area 4b) collides. The elastic member 150 is adapted to reduce the impact when the game ball collides with the member of the game machine.

Further, as shown in FIG. 38, all of the plurality of holes 118 (plurality of projecting portions 128) are located on the left side (shooting device side) of the upper end (upper vertex) P1 of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). ). In addition, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) is greater on the lower side than on the upper side with the vertical center of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) as a boundary. In other words, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) is greater on the lower side than on the upper side with the left end (left vertex) P2 of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) as a boundary. Specifically, for example, one or two holes 118 (projections 128) are provided above the center in the vertical direction of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). Three holes 118 (protrusions 128) are provided on the lower side.
The upper end (upper vertex) P1 and the left end (left vertex) P2 of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) are not provided with holes 118 (projections 128).

Some of the plurality of holes 118 (plurality of projecting portions 128) may be provided on the right side of the upper end (upper vertex) P1 of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). In this case, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) is preferably larger on the left side than on the right side of the center of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) in the horizontal direction. In other words, the number of holes 118 (projections 128) should be larger on the left side than on the right side of the upper end (upper vertex) P1 of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). Specifically, for example, one hole 118 (protruding portion 128) is provided on the right side of the center in the horizontal direction of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113), and on the left side of the center in the horizontal direction. Three or four holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be provided. In addition, regarding the plurality of holes 118 (projections 128) provided on the left side of the horizontal center, the holes 118 (projections 128) arranged below the vertical center of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) 128) may be more than the holes 118 (protrusions 128) located on the upper side. For example, when four holes 118 are provided on the left side, three holes may be arranged on the lower side and one hole may be arranged on the upper side. In addition, regarding the plurality of holes 118 (projections 128) provided on the left side of the center in the horizontal direction, the holes 118 (projections 128) arranged above the center in the vertical direction of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) 128) may be larger than the holes 118 (projections 128) located on the lower side. For example, when three holes 118 are provided on the left side, two may be arranged on the upper side and one may be arranged on the lower side.
In addition, even if some holes 118 (projections 128) are provided on the right side of the upper end (upper vertex) of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113), the game area 4 It is preferable that the hole 118 (projection 128) does not exist at the upper end (upper vertex) and the left end (left vertex) of (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). A game ball traces a stable trajectory by eliminating holes 118 (protrusions 128) at the upper end (upper vertex) and left end (left vertex) of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). be able to.

Regarding the outer rail 28 (the guide surface 113), the range from the starting end (lower left end) to the left end (the leftmost portion: the 9 o'clock position in front view) P2 is defined as a first range H1, and from the left end to the upper end. (Uppermost part: 12 o'clock position in front view) When the range up to P1 is defined as a second range H2, and the range from the upper end P1 to the end (upper right end) is defined as a third range H3, The number of holes 118 (projections 128) in each range may have the following relationship.
That is, even if the number of holes 118 (projections 128) is greater in the second range H2 than in the third range H3 and greater in the first range H1 than in the second range H2, good. That is, the first range H1>second range H2>third range H3 may be satisfied. Further, the number of holes 118 (projections 128) may be greater than or equal to the second range H2 in the first range H1 and greater than or equal to the third range H3 in the second range H2. That is, first range H1≧second range H2≧third range H3. Further, the number of holes 118 (projections 128) may be greater in the second range H2 than in the third range H3, and the first range H1 may be greater than or equal to the second range H2. That is, the first range H1≧second range H2>third range H3 may be satisfied. Further, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the first range H1 than in the third range H3, and may be greater than or equal to the first range H1 in the second range H2. That is, second range H2≧first range H1>third range H3. Moreover, even if the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) is larger in the first range H1 than in the third range H3, and larger in the second range H2 than in the third range H3, good. That is, the first range H1 and the second range H2 may be greater than the third range H3. Further, the number of holes 118 (projections 128) may be greater than or equal to the third range H3 in the first range H1 and greater than or equal to the third range H3 in the second range H2. That is, the first range H1 and the second range H2≧the third range H3 may be satisfied. Further, the number of holes 118 (projections 128) may be greater than or equal to the second range H2 in the first range H1 and greater than or equal to the third range H3. That is, the first range H1≧the second range H2 and the third range H3 may be satisfied. The number of holes 118 (projections 128) in the smallest range of holes 118 (projections 128) may be zero.
Of the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113), the virtual straight line extending in the left-right direction passing through the left end of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) is defined as the X axis, and the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) 113) In the XY plane whose Y axis is an imaginary straight line extending vertically through the upper end, the portion located in the third quadrant is called the first range, and the portion located in the second quadrant is called the second range. , the portion located in the first quadrant can also be called the third range. In addition, of the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113), the virtual straight line extending in the horizontal direction passing through the center of the game area 4 is defined as the X axis, and the virtual straight line extending in the vertical direction passing through the center of the game area 4 is defined as the Y axis. In the plane, the portion located in the third quadrant can be called the first range, the portion located in the second quadrant can be called the second range, and the portion located in the first quadrant can be called the third range. .

Regarding the outer rail 28 (the guide surface 113), the range from the starting end (lower left end) to the left end (the leftmost portion: 9 o'clock position in a front view) P2 is defined as a fourth range, and from the left end P2 to the terminal end. When the range up to (upper right end) is defined as the fifth range, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) in each range may be related as follows.
That is, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the fourth range than in the fifth range, and the fourth range may be greater than or equal to the fifth range. That is, the fourth range>the fifth range or the fourth range≧the fifth range. Specifically, for example, the number of holes 118 (projections 128) in the fourth range may be three, and the number of holes 118 (projections 128) in the fifth range may be two.
The dimension in the length direction of the outer rail 28 is longer in the fifth range than in the fourth range. That is, even though the fourth area is shorter in dimension than the fifth area, more holes 118 are provided in the fourth area.

Regarding the outer rail 28 (the guide surface 113), the range from the starting end (lower left end) to the upper end (the uppermost portion: 12 o'clock position in front view) P1 is defined as a sixth range. When the range up to (upper right end) is defined as the seventh range, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) in each range may be related as follows.
That is, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the sixth range than in the seventh range, and the sixth range may be greater than or equal to the seventh range. That is, the sixth range>the seventh range or the sixth range≧the seventh range may be satisfied. Specifically, for example, the number of holes 118 (projections 128) in the sixth range may be five, and the number of holes 118 (projections 128) in the seventh range may be zero.

Regarding the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113), the range from the starting end (lower left end) to the middle (midpoint between the starting end and the terminal end: the center in the longitudinal direction of the outer rail 29) is defined as the eighth range. When the range up to the terminal end (upper right end) is the ninth range, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) in each range may be related as follows.
That is, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the eighth range than in the ninth range, and the eighth range may be greater than or equal to the ninth range. That is, the eighth range>the ninth range or the eighth range≧the ninth range. Specifically, for example, the number of holes 118 (projections 128) in the eighth range may be four, and the number of holes 118 (projections 128) in the ninth range may be one.

As described above, the number of holes 118 should be larger on the side closer to the launcher than on the side farther from the launcher. Specifically, it is preferable to use each arrangement described above. According to such a configuration, the number of holes 118 on the side of the launching device (first range H1 side) where the impact received from the game ball is large and the accuracy of the arrangement of the outer rails 28 is particularly required is increased. It is possible to reliably prevent displacement and vibration of the side outer rail 28 . In addition, according to such a configuration, the number of holes 118 on the end side (third range H3 side), which is less impacted by the game ball and has less influence on the game, is reduced, and the outer rail 28 is processed and the rail is reduced. Attachment to the base 100 can be facilitated.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 38, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the narrowest portion (outer rail 28 and the inner rail 30) is defined as the narrowest portion A, the outer rail 28 is provided with three holes 118 between the starting end and the narrowest portion A. It is preferable that at least two holes 118 are provided between the starting end and the narrowest portion A. The number of holes 118 in the outer rail 28 is greater in the range from the starting end to the narrowest portion A than in the range from the narrowest portion A to the exit of the guide passage 140 (the portion facing the upper end of the inner rail 30). The range from the starting end to the narrowest portion A may be greater than the range from the narrowest portion A to the exit of the guide passage 140 . Further, the number of holes 118 in the outer rail 28 may be greater in the range from the starting end to the narrowest portion A than in the range from the narrowest portion A to the upper end P1. may be greater than or equal to the range from the narrowest portion A to the upper end P1. Further, the number of holes 118 in the outer rail 28 may be greater in the range from the starting end to the narrowest portion A than in the range from the narrowest portion A to the terminal end. may be greater than or equal to the range from the narrowest part A to the terminal end. Thus, by increasing the number of holes 118 between the launcher and the narrowest portion A, twisting of the outer rail 28 between the launcher and the narrowest portion A is reliably prevented. be able to. Therefore, since the game ball can always be in a state along the rail before passing through the narrowest part A, the narrowest part A can be set narrowly, and the range of the game area 4 can be widened. (increase the dimension in the left-right direction). That is, the game ball shot from the shooting device collides with the outer rail 28 and bounces several times. Accuracy can be improved, and the game ball can pass through the narrowest part A after the second collision, so that the game ball can pass through the narrowest part A along the rail. Become.

In addition, in the game machine of the present embodiment, the gap G2 and the gap G3 are set to be substantially the same (the difference is within 20 mm, more specifically within 10 mm), and the gap between the holes 118 to the exit of the guide passage 140 is narrowed. As a result, the accuracy of ball flight to the exit of the guide passage 140 is particularly high (see FIGS. 33 and 38).

It should be noted that the hole 118 may not have the shape shown in this embodiment, and may be a notch or the like, for example. That is, the hole 118 may be a predetermined positioning portion that enables positioning of the outer rail 28 (positioning with respect to the game board 6 (rail base 100), positioning in the width direction of the outer rail 28). In other words, the hole 118 can also be said to be a predetermined guide portion that guides the mounting position with respect to the game board 6 . Also, even in the case of notches, etc., the arrangement of the notches may be the same as in the case of the holes 118 described above. Specifically, for example, all of the notches may be provided on the left side of the upper end (upper vertex) P1 of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). Also, in such a case, for example, when there are two notches, one notch is provided above the center in the vertical direction of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113), One notch may be provided below the center in the vertical direction.
In addition, even if several notches are provided in the outer rail 28 in this way, the upper end (upper vertex) P1 and the left end (left vertex) P2 of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) should be free of notches.

The gaming machine according to this embodiment is
A design portion projecting forward above the game area;
a game ball passage through which game balls passing through the upper end of the game area are guided,
A horizontal line passing through the vertex of the upper surface of the game ball passage and extending in the short direction of the upper surface of the game ball passage is used as a reference line,
Among the portions where the vertical lines that intersect the reference line on the lower surface of the design portion, the rearmost portion is the first design portion,
Among the portions where the vertical lines that intersect the reference line on the lower surface of the design portion, the lowermost portion is the second design portion,
The first design portion is located below the reference line, and the distance from the reference line is equal to or less than the diameter of the game ball,
The second design portion is positioned below the reference line, and the distance from the reference line is equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball.

According to such a configuration, the second design portion is located below the reference line, and the distance from the reference line is equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball, so the design portion can be enlarged. In addition, while increasing the size of the design part in this way, by making the distance between the reference line and the first design part equal to or less than the diameter of the game ball, when the game ball is hit strongly (along the upper surface of the game ball passage) In the case where the game ball rolls over the ball), the visibility of the game ball can be ensured. The gaming machine according to the present embodiment can ensure the visibility of game balls.

The gaming machine according to this embodiment is
A design portion projecting forward above the game area;
a game ball passage through which game balls passing through the upper end of the game area are guided,
A horizontal line extending in the short direction of the upper surface of the game ball passage passing through a portion of the lower surface of the game ball passage located directly below the vertex of the upper surface of the game ball passage is used as a reference line,
Among the portions where the vertical lines that intersect the reference line on the lower surface of the design portion, the rearmost portion is the first design portion,
Among the portions where the vertical lines that intersect the reference line on the lower surface of the design portion, the lowermost portion is the second design portion,
The first design portion is located above the reference line, and the distance from the reference line is the radius of the game ball or more,
The second design portion is positioned below the reference line, and the distance from the reference line is equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball.

According to such a configuration, the second design portion is located below the reference line, and the distance from the reference line is equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball, so the design portion can be enlarged. In addition, even though the design part is enlarged in this way, by setting the distance between the reference line and the first design part to be equal to or larger than the radius of the game ball, when the game ball is weakly launched (along the bottom surface of the game ball passage) In the case where the game ball rolls over the ball), the visibility of the game ball can be ensured. The gaming machine according to the present embodiment can ensure the visibility of game balls.

(Fourth embodiment)
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, "front and back" basically means that when the player is in front of the gaming machine, the player is "front" and the gaming machine is "back." The top side of the machine means 'up' and the bottom side means 'down', and 'left and right' means 'left' for the left hand side of the player playing the machine, and 'right' for the right hand side. In the present embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko game machine, which is one type of game machine, will be described as an example. It may be applied to other gaming machines.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the gaming machine according to this embodiment. The gaming machine of the present embodiment performs a game using game balls (game media) rented from a gaming arcade. , a game board 6 that forms a game area 4 in which game balls move, an inner frame 7 that holds the game board 6, a glass unit 8 that makes the game board 6 visible and inaccessible to the player, and a glass unit. It has a front frame 10 to which 8 is attached. The inner frame 7 is attached to the outer frame 2 via a hinge mechanism so that it can be opened and closed. Also, the front frame 10 is attached to the inner frame 7 via a hinge mechanism so as to be openable and closable. The inner frame 7 (and the front frame 10) can be opened and closed between a closed position (closed state) that blocks the opening of the outer frame 2 and an open position (open state) that opens the opening of the outer frame 2. It's becoming

A portion of the front frame 10 surrounding the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light. A plurality of front frame lamps 12 for outputting are provided. Speakers 14 (acoustic device) (sound output means) for outputting dramatic sounds for exciting the game are provided on the left and right of the upper part of the front frame 10 and the left and right of the lower part of the front frame 10 .

An upper plate 16 for storing game balls is provided in the lower center of the front frame 10, and a left part of the inner side surface of the upper plate 16 is for paying out game balls from the game machine to the player. A payout port 18 is provided. In addition, a grip unit 20 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 10. When the player performs an operation to rotate the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, a A shooting device that does not operate is activated to shoot game balls into the game area 4.例文帳に追加The shooting device of this embodiment can shoot 99 game balls per minute (1.65 game balls per second).

A supply port 22 for supplying game balls from the upper plate 16 to the shooting device is provided on the right side of the inner side surface of the upper plate 16 . A lower tray 24 is provided below the upper tray 16 for storing surplus game balls when the upper tray 16 cannot store all the game balls.

In addition, an effect button 26 (effect operation means) is provided on the front side of the edge of the upper tray 16, and when the player operates the effect button 26, the effect performed by the game machine changes.

40 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board 6 shown in FIG. 39. FIG. As shown in FIG. 39, the game board 6 is provided with a circular outer rail 28, and an area surrounded by the outer rail 28 serves as a game area 4 in which game balls move. In addition, at the left end of the game area 4, an inner rail 30 is provided in an arc shape along the outer rail 28. The outer rail 28 and the inner rail 30 are provided below the game board 6 (not shown). A game ball shot from a shooting device is guided to a game area 4. - 特許庁

In the central part of the game board 6, there is a liquid crystal display 32 (effect display device) (display means) for displaying effect images for exciting the game, and a display frame 34 formed so as to surround the liquid crystal display 32. A unit 36 is provided. Above the center of the liquid crystal display 32, an illumination device 38 (illumination means) that constitutes an effect unit 36 and outputs effect light or the like for livening up the game is provided.

In this embodiment, the game ball cannot pass through the front side of the liquid crystal display 32, and the game ball shot from the shooting device falls in the left game area 4a or the right game area 4b of the liquid crystal display 32. It is designed to Also, in the game area 4, a large number of game nails (not shown) are nailed so as to intersect the surface of the game board 6, so that the moving direction of the game ball moving in the game area 4 changes at random. there is

In addition, an opening 40 is formed in the left part of the display frame 34 through which game balls falling in the game area 4a on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32 can pass. It passes through the passage 42 and falls onto a stage 44 provided below the liquid crystal display 32 . The upper surface of the stage 44 is a smoothly curved surface, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8 to allow game balls to fall downward from the stage 44, and drop onto the stage 44 from the passage 42. After the game ball hits the stage 44 and reciprocates left and right, it falls downward from the vicinity of the central portion of the stage 44. - 特許庁

Below the central portion of the stage 44, there is provided a first starting port 46 into which game balls that have fallen downward from the vicinity of the central portion of the stage 44 can enter. A first starter switch 100 (see FIG. 42) is arranged in the first starter 46 to detect a game ball entering the first starter 46 . The first start port switch 100 outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200 when detecting a game ball (entering the game ball into the first start port 46). Also, the main control board 200 executes a first special symbol lottery as a special symbol lottery based on the input of the detection signal from the first starter switch 100 . Further, the main control board 200 causes the payout device 130 to pay out prize balls based on the input of the detection signal from the first start port switch 100 . Also, the game ball that has entered the first starting port 46 is collected inside the game machine.

A plurality of (three) general winning openings 47 (upper left general winning opening 47a, middle left general winning opening 47b and lower left general winning opening 47c) are provided to the left of the first starting opening 46 in the game area 4. . Further, the game board 6 is provided with a general prize winning port switch 101 (see FIG. 42) for detecting a game ball entering the upper left general prize winning port 47a, the middle left general prize winning port 47b or the lower left general prize winning port 47c. there is General winning a prize mouth switch 101, when detecting a game ball (entrance of the game ball to the upper left general winning a prize mouth 47a, left middle general winning a prize mouth 47b or lower left general winning a prize mouth 47c), a detection signal to the main control board 200 Output. In addition, the main control board 200 causes the payout device 130 to perform a prize ball payout operation based on the input of the detection signal from the general prize winning port switch 101 . Incidentally, one general prize winning port switch 101 may be provided for each of the upper left general prize prize port 47a, the middle left general prize prize port 47b, and the lower left general prize prize port 47c. Only one may be provided for each. In addition to the upper left general winning opening 47a, the middle left general winning opening 47b and the lower left general winning opening 47c, the general winning opening 47 and the general winning opening switch corresponding to this general winning opening may be provided.

In addition, in the game area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32, there is provided a passage gate 48 through which game balls pass without being collected inside the game machine. Also, a gate switch 102 (see FIG. 42) is arranged in the passage gate 48 for detecting that a game ball has passed. The gate switch 102 outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200 when a game ball (passage of the game ball through the passage gate 48) is detected. In addition, the main control board 200 executes a normal symbol lottery for determining whether or not a normal hit is won based on the input of the detection signal from the gate switch 102 .

A second starting port 49 is provided below the passage gate 48 in the game area 4 b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32 . Further, inside the second starting port 49, a second starting port switch 103 (see FIG. 42) for detecting a game ball entering the second starting port 49 is arranged. The second starting port switch 103 outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200 when detecting a game ball (entering the game ball into the second starting port 49). Also, the main control board 200 executes a second special symbol lottery as a special symbol lottery based on the input of the detection signal from the second starting port switch 103 . Further, the main control board 200 causes the payout device 130 to pay out prize balls based on the input of the detection signal from the second start port switch 103 . Also, the game ball that has entered the second starting port 49 is collected inside the game machine.

In the second starting port 49, there are a reduced state (state that does not assist entry, non-assisted state) in which game balls are difficult to enter into the second start port 49, and an expanded state (state that assists entry, non-assisted state) in which game balls easily enter. state) is provided. The normal accessory 54 incorporates a driving device such as a solenoid, and is controlled to be in an enlarged state under a predetermined condition when a normal winning is won in a normal symbol lottery.

Also, in the game area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32, a big winning opening 50 is provided. In addition, a count switch 104 (see FIG. 42) for detecting a game ball that has entered the big winning opening 50 is arranged in the big winning opening 50 . The count switch 104 outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200 when detecting a game ball (entering the game ball into the big winning hole 50). In addition, the main control board 200 causes the payout device 130 to perform the payout operation of prize balls based on the input of the detection signal from the count switch 104 . In addition, the main control board 200 counts the number of game balls entering the big winning hole 50 based on the detection signal input from the count switch 104 . Also, the game ball that has entered the big winning hole 50 is collected inside the game machine.

The big winning hole 50 has a closed state (second state, non-enterable state) in which game balls cannot enter the big winning hole 50, and an open state (first state, enterable state) in which game balls can enter. A special accessory 56 is provided operable therebetween. The special accessory 56 incorporates a driving device such as a solenoid, and is opened under predetermined conditions in a special game state that starts when a big win is won in a special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery or second special symbol lottery). state is controlled.

In addition, at the bottom of the game area 4, an out port 62 is provided for collecting game balls that have fallen in the game area 4 without entering any of the winning openings 46, 47, 49, 50 into the gaming machine. there is Here, a discharge path (not shown) through which game balls collected (discharged) from the game area 4 pass is provided inside the game machine. This game machine is configured such that all game balls launched into the game area 4 (all game balls collected from the game area 4) pass through the discharge path. That is, the game ball hit into the game area 4 is collected from the game area 4 and flows into the discharge path by entering one of the winning openings 46, 47, 49, 50 or passing through the out opening 62.例文帳に追加Specifically, the game balls that have entered the respective winning openings 46, 47, 49, 50 are guided to the discharge path after being detected by the switches 100, 101, 103, 104 provided in the winning openings. . Also, the game balls collected from the out port 62 are guided to the discharge path. In addition, an out switch 106 (see FIG. 42) is arranged in the discharge path. The out switch 106 outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200 when detecting a game ball passing through the discharge path (discharge of the game ball from the game area 4). Further, the main control board 200 counts the number of game balls ejected from the game area 4 based on the detection signal input from the out switch 106 .

The game ball shooting device is configured so that the game ball shooting force can be changed by adjusting the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 (handle) shown in FIG. , a game ball is shot so that it falls in the game area 4a (first game area 4a) (left-handed area) on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32, and when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the liquid crystal display A game ball is shot so that the game ball falls in the game area 4b (second game area 4b) (right-hand hitting area) on the right side of 32.

Therefore, the player adjusts the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 according to the game situation, and the game ball falls down the left game area 4a, or passes through the opening 40, the passage 42 and the stage 44 to the first starting port. A game ball is shot so as to win a prize 46 (left hitting), the game ball falls through the game area 4b on the right side, and the game ball passes through the passage gate 48, or the game is played to the second start port 49. A game ball is shot so that the ball wins or the game ball wins the big prize opening 50 (right hitting).

In addition, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the game ball falls in the left game area 4a, the game ball does not pass through the passage gate 48, and the game ball enters the second start opening 49 and the big winning opening 50. The ball is designed not to enter (win a prize). In addition, when the game ball falls in the game area 4b on the right side, the game ball is prevented from entering the first starting hole 46 and the general winning hole 47.例文帳に追加

Although not shown in FIG. 40, a light guide plate 80 (second display means) is provided on the front side (front side) of the liquid crystal display 32 (first display means). The light guide plate 80 is provided at a predetermined distance from the liquid crystal display 32 . 43 is an exploded perspective view showing the game board 6, the light guide plate 80 and the liquid crystal display 32. FIG. A light guide plate 80 is provided between the game board 6 and the liquid crystal display 32 . The light guide plate 80 may also be called an illumination panel. Note that the light guide plate 80 may be provided on the front side of the game board 6 .

Although illustration is omitted, a reflecting portion for forming predetermined information Y is provided on the rear surface (rear surface) of the light guide plate 80 . The predetermined information Y is, for example, a character (such as a character's face), characters (such as CHANCE), graphics, symbols, patterns, patterns, or a combination thereof. A notch, a groove, a concave portion, or the like may be used as the reflecting portion. The light guide plate 80 causes the light supplied to its end surface (its end portion) to travel inside and reflects the light traveling inside forward by the reflecting portion. Thereby, the predetermined information Y is displayed (predetermined information Y appears) on the surface (plate surface) of the light guide plate 80 . The predetermined information Y may be displayed on the light guide plate 80 by outputting the predetermined effect light Y (light guide plate effect light Y) from the light guide plate 80 . Since the reflective portions are finely formed, the light guide plate 80 is visually recognized as a transparent flat plate when light from a light source for the light guide plate (described later) is not supplied to the light guide plate 80 .

In this embodiment, the flat light guide plate 80 has a substantially rectangular shape, is formed larger than the opening 6a formed in the game board 6, and is larger than the display area (display screen) 32a of the liquid crystal display 32. formed large. The light guide plate 80 is made of an acrylic resin, a polycarbonate resin, or the like, and has light transmission properties and is transparent. Since the light guide plate 80 is transparent, an image displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32 can be visually recognized through the light guide plate 80 when viewed from the front side.

Although not shown in the drawings, the end surface of the light guide plate 80 is provided around the light guide plate 80 (on the side surface side) or on the back side of the outer peripheral end portion of the light guide plate 80 (position facing the outer peripheral end portion of the light guide plate 80). A light source for the light guide plate that can irradiate (supply) light is provided. The light guide plate light sources (for example, LEDs) are arranged on a substrate, for example, and are provided at predetermined intervals along the edge (outer edge) of the light guide plate 80 .

The light source for the light guide plate is connected to a sub-control board 202 (effect control means 300), which will be described later, via wiring, a relay board, and the like (not shown). The lighting mode of the light source for the light guide plate is controlled based on the control signal output from the effect control means 300 . The lighting mode includes lighting, lighting and the like, and lighting includes lighting color and brightness (luminance).

FIG. 44 shows an example in which a light guide plate effect (light guide plate light emitting effect) is executed. In other words, it shows an example of the predetermined information Y displayed when the light source for the light guide plate irradiates the end surface of the light guide plate 80 with light (an example of the light emission mode of the light guide plate 80). In this embodiment, the predetermined information Y includes the face of a predetermined character and a plurality of star-shaped figures arranged around the face.
The display color (light emission color) of the predetermined information Y can be changed by adjusting the lighting color of the light source for the light guide plate. The display colors of the predetermined information Y include, for example, blue, green, red, rainbow colors, and the like. Although not shown in FIG. 44, a state in which a predetermined image is displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32 located behind the light guide plate 80 (a state in which a predetermined display effect is being executed) ), when the light guide plate effect (luminous effect) is executed on the light guide plate 80 and the predetermined information Y is displayed on the light guide plate 80, the predetermined information Y and the predetermined image are superimposed when viewed from the front. In the range (area), the predetermined information Y and the predetermined image are visually recognized in an overlapping state. A case where the predetermined information Y and the predetermined image overlap will be described later.

On the back surface of the light guide plate 80, there are provided a first reflecting portion that forwardly reflects light from the vertical direction and a second reflecting portion that forwardly reflects light from the left and right directions. When light is supplied to the light plate 80 (that is, when the first reflecting portion emits light) and when light is supplied to the light guide plate 80 from the left and right directions (that is, when the second reflecting portion emits light), different predetermined It may be formed so that information is displayed. In this case, the predetermined information to be displayed can be switched according to the light guide plate effect to be executed. Further, the light guide plate 80 is not limited to one (one sheet), and a plurality of light guide plates 80 may be provided so as to be capable of displaying different predetermined information. In that case, it is possible to switch the predetermined information to be displayed according to the light guide plate effect to be executed, or display a plurality of predetermined information simultaneously (overlapping).

An illumination device (illumination means, lamp) 38 is provided around (periphery) the liquid crystal display 32 (FIG. 40). Note that the lighting device 38 is not limited to one, and a plurality of lighting devices may be provided. Moreover, the lighting device 38 may be formed by connecting a plurality of lighting devices to be integrated. The lighting device 38 includes a light source (LED, etc.) (the light source is built in), and lights in a lighting mode (lighting color, lighting pattern, etc.) according to the effect to be executed. In addition, the light source of the lighting device 38 is connected to the sub-control board 202 (effect control means 300) via wiring, a relay board, and the like (not shown). The lighting mode of the light source is controlled based on a control signal output from the production control means 300 .

The lighting device 38 provided around (around) the light guide plate 80 (liquid crystal display 32) is, for example, a lighting device that emits light toward the front side (player side), and The lighting device may be provided inside. Further, for example, the illumination device may be provided in a range in which light emission affects the brightness of the light emission effect of the light guide plate 80 (range in which the light reaches the light guide plate 80). (Side lamps) may be included in the lighting device.

The illumination device 38 may have a portion representing predetermined characters (logo) that can be lit, in which case the portion representing the predetermined characters is three-dimensionally formed. There may be. Further, the illumination device 38 is not limited to being fixedly provided, and may be provided movably. For example, the illumination device 38 may be provided on the front side of a movable body (movable accessory, accessory device) formed to be movable in front of the liquid crystal display 32 . The movable body can move, for example, in the left-right direction. It may be movable between a position (second position) in front of the region 32a. The moveable body is in a first position when inoperative and moves to a second position in operation.

As shown in FIG. 40, in the lower right portion of the game board 6 and outside the game area 4, there is provided a state display section 70 that indicates various states of the game machine by turning on and off lamps.

FIG. 41 is a front view showing the external configuration of the state display section 70. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 41, the state display portion 70 includes a normal symbol display portion 72, a normal reservation display portion 74, a first special symbol display portion 76, a first special reservation display portion 78, a second special symbol display portion 81, A second special hold display section 82 and a game state display section 84 are provided.

The normal symbol display part 72 is composed of two lamps, and when the normal symbol lottery is performed, the normal symbols are variably displayed by flickering the two lamps, and the normal symbols are displayed by lighting or extinguishing the two lamps. A stop display is performed to display the result of the normal symbol lottery.

The normal holding display part 74 is composed of two lamps, and acquires a normal symbol lottery random number when the normal symbol is already being displayed in a variable or stopped manner when the game ball passes through the passage gate 48.例文帳に追加When the normal symbol lottery random number value is reserved due to the fact that the normal symbol lottery cannot be performed even if the A combination of turning on or off or blinking the two lamps displays 0 to 4 normal pending numbers.

The first special symbol display part 76 is composed of a 7-segment display, and when the first special symbol lottery is performed by entering the game ball into the first starting port 46, the 7-segment display flashes to display the first symbol. A special pattern is variably displayed, a 7-segment display is lit in one of a plurality of types of modes, a first special pattern is stop-displayed, and a result of a first special pattern lottery is displayed.

The first special holding display part 78 is composed of two lamps, and when the game ball enters the first starting port 46, the first special symbol or the second special symbol is already displayed in a variable display or in a stopped display. When the special symbol lottery random number is reserved as the first special random number because the special symbol lottery cannot be performed even if the special symbol lottery random number (lottery information) is acquired, etc., it is reserved. It displays the first special reserved number corresponding to the number of the first special random number, and displays 0 to 4 first special reserved numbers by a combination of lighting, extinguishing, or blinking the two lamps. .

The second special symbol display part 81 is composed of a 7-segment display, and when the second special symbol lottery is performed by entering the game ball into the second starting port 49, the 7-segment display flashes to display the second symbol. A special pattern is variably displayed, a 7-segment display is lit in one of a plurality of types of modes, a second special pattern is stop-displayed, and a result of a second special pattern lottery is displayed.

The second special holding display part 82 is composed of two lamps, and when the game ball enters the second start port 49, the first special symbol or the second special symbol is already displayed in a variable display or in a stopped display. If the random number for the special symbol lottery is reserved as the second special random number due to the fact that the special symbol lottery cannot be performed even if the random number for the special symbol lottery is acquired, the second special random number that is reserved The second special reserved number corresponding to the numerical value is displayed, and the second special reserved number of 0 to 4 is displayed by a combination of lighting, extinguishing, or blinking the two lamps.

The game state display section 84 is composed of six lamps, and displays the currently set game state type by a combination of lighting, extinguishing, or blinking of the six lamps. In this embodiment, a normal state (low probability state), a probability variable state (high probability state/special state) in which the probability of winning a jackpot is set higher than the normal state, and a jackpot in a special symbol lottery will start. It is possible to set four types of game states, namely, a special game state and a time-saving state (special state) in which the fluctuation time of the first special pattern or the second special pattern is shortened to frequently come the opportunity to execute the special pattern lottery. Which game state is set is displayed by a combination of lighting, extinguishing, or blinking of the six lamps.

FIG. 42 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by control boards including a main control board 200 (main control means) and a sub-control board 202 (sub-control means). The functions of each board such as the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 are implemented by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of information storage medium), or RAM. It is realized by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in a ROM or the like.

The main control board 200 controls the progress of the game. The main control board 200 receives an input signal from an input means such as a first starting port switch 100, a general winning port switch 101, a gate switch 102, a second starting port switch 103, a count switch 104, or an out switch 106, and plays a game. , and based on the results of the calculations, the state display unit 70, the normal accessory 54, the special accessory 56, or the output means such as the payout device 130 is controlled.

The sub control board 202 controls execution of effects based on information transmitted from the main control board 200 . The sub-control board 202 receives a signal sent from the main control board 200 and an input signal from the effect button switch 150 that detects the operation of the effect button 26, and executes effects according to the progress of the game. , and based on the results of the calculations, it controls the operation of performance devices such as the liquid crystal display 32, the lighting device 38, the speaker 14, and the performance (movable body) driving device.

The main control board 200 includes random number generation means 210, normal symbol lottery means 220, normal display control means 222, normal role item control means 224, special symbol lottery means 230, special display control means 240, game state transition control means 250, special It includes game execution means 260 , payout control means 270 , communication control means 280 and main memory 290 .

The random number generating means 210 is a means for generating random numbers for lottery, and is implemented by a random number generator for generating hardware random numbers or a program for generating software random numbers. A software random number can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numerical values so as to cycle through a predetermined count range). In this embodiment, "random value" includes not only a value that is randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but also a substantially It also includes values that can function as random numbers.

The normal symbol lottery means 220 acquires a normal symbol lottery random value from the random number generation means 210 on the basis of the detection signal being input from the gate switch 102 for detecting game balls passing through the passage gate 48 one by one. Then, a normal symbol lottery is performed to determine whether or not a normal win is possible with respect to the normal symbol lottery random number read out from the normal random number storage means 2912 of the main memory 290.例文帳に追加

In this embodiment, when the normal winning in the normal symbol lottery, if the game state is neither the variable probability state nor the time saving state, the ease of entry of the game ball into the second start port 49 is normally The accessory 54 operates, but if the game state is the probability variable state or the time saving state, the normal accessory 54 operates so that the ease of entry of the game ball into the second start port 49 increases.

The special symbol lottery means 230 selects the special symbol lottery from the random number generation means 210 based on the detection signal input from the first start port switch 100 for detecting the game balls entering the first start port 46 one by one. A random number value is acquired and stored in the special random number storage means 2914 of the main memory 290 as a first special random number value.
In addition, the special symbol lottery means 230 receives a detection signal from the second start port switch 103 for detecting game balls entering the second start port 49 one by one, and the special symbol from the random number generation means 210. A lottery random number is acquired and stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as a second special random number.
Then, the special symbol lottery means 230 uses the first special random number value or the second special random number value read out from the special random number storage means 2914 to perform a special symbol lottery for determining whether or not a big hit is won. Specifically, the special symbol lottery means 230 performs a big hit determination process, a symbol determination process, etc. as a special symbol lottery.

The big hit determination process is a process of reading out one big hit determination random number value contained in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the special random number storage means 2914, and determining whether or not the big win is won. Here, one jackpot determination random number is obtained from 65536 jackpot determination random numbers of 0 to 65535 based on the detection signal being input from the first starter switch 100 or the second starter switch 103. , is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

In the big-hit determination process, the special symbol lottery means 230 refers to which of a plurality of types of big-hit lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290 to perform the random number determination process according to the game state. to select. Here, in each big-hit lottery table, each of 65536 big-hit determination random numbers from 0 to 65535 is associated with a big hit or a loss. Then, the special symbol lottery means 230 refers to the selected big win lottery table and judges whether or not one read-out big win determination random number value is associated with the big win, thereby determining whether or not the big win has been won. to decide. In addition, the special symbol lottery means 230 sets the winning flag of the big win in the ON state in the flag storage means 2916 when the big win is won, and sets the winning flag of the big win to the OFF state when the loss occurs. to set

The jackpot lottery table selected when the game state is the variable probability state is set to have a higher probability of winning the jackpot than the jackpot lottery table selected when the game state is the normal state or the time-saving state. there is In other words, the jackpot determination process (special symbol lottery) performed when the game state is the variable probability state is compared to the jackpot determination process (special symbol lottery) performed when the game state is normal or in a time-saving state. You have a higher chance of winning.

The symbol determination process is a process performed when a big hit is won in the jackpot determination process. It is a process of reading numerical values and determining which one of the 16-round probability variation pattern, the 4-round probability variation pattern, the 16-round normal pattern, and the 4-round normal pattern as the jackpot pattern (type of jackpot). Here, one symbol determination random value is obtained from 100 symbol determination random values of 0 to 99 based on the detection signal input from the first start switch 100 or the second start switch 103, It is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number or the second special random number.

In the symbol determination process, the special symbol lottery means 230 refers to one of the plurality of types of symbol lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to perform the random number determination process. A selection is made depending on whether the number was stored as the first special random value or the second special random value. Here, each symbol lottery table corresponds to each of the 100 symbol determination random numbers from 0 to 99, one of 16 round probability variable symbols, 4 round probability variable symbols, 16 round normal symbols, and 4 round normal symbols. It is attached. Then, the special symbol lottery means 230 refers to the selected symbol lottery table and determines to which one of the plurality of types of jackpot symbols the one read symbol determination random number value is associated. It determines which of the jackpot symbols has been won. In addition, the special symbol lottery means 230 sets the winning flag corresponding to the winning jackpot symbol in the flag storage means 2916 to the ON state.

The special display control means 240 is a means for controlling the display of the state display unit 70 based on the lottery result of the special symbol lottery, and includes a first special symbol display control process, a second special symbol display control process, and a first special hold. Display control processing and second special hold display control processing are performed.

The first special symbol display control process is a process performed when the first special random number value is read out from the special random number storage means 2914 and a special symbol lottery is performed. Until the time elapses, the 7-segment display of the first special symbol display part 76 is blinked to variably display the first special symbol, and then the 7-segment display of the first special symbol display part 76 is lit in a predetermined manner. By doing so, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed.

In this embodiment, the display mode of the 7-segment display is predetermined corresponding to each of the four types of jackpot symbols and losses, and the special display control means 240 determines whether or not the jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process. The 7-segment display of the first special symbol display part 76 is lit up in a mode corresponding to the jackpot, and in a mode corresponding to the jackpot pattern determined in the pattern determination process when the jackpot is won in the jackpot determination process. The special symbols are stopped and displayed, and the result of the special symbol lottery is displayed on the first special symbol display part 76.例文帳に追加

The second special symbol display control process is a process performed when the second special random number value is read out from the special random number storage means 2914 and a special symbol lottery is performed. Until the time elapses, the 7-segment display of the second special symbol display portion 81 is blinked to variably display the second special symbol, and then the 7-segment display of the second special symbol display portion 81 is lit in a predetermined manner. By doing so, the second special symbol is stopped and displayed.

The special display control means 240 is in a mode according to whether or not the big win is won in the big win determination process, and in a mode according to the big win pattern determined in the pattern determination process when the big win is won in the big win determination process. , the second special symbol is stopped and displayed by lighting the 7-segment display of the second special symbol display part 81, and the result of the special symbol lottery is displayed on the second special symbol display part 81. - 特許庁

In the first special pending display control process, the special display control means 240 lights the two lamps of the first special pending display section 78 according to the number of the first special random number values stored in the special random number storage means 2914. Or 0 to 4 first special reserved numbers are displayed by a combination of extinguishing or blinking.

In the second special pending display control process, the special display control means 240 turns on the two lamps of the second special pending display section 82 according to the number of the second special random number values stored in the special random number storage means 2914. Alternatively, 0 to 4 second special reserved numbers are displayed by a combination of extinguishing or blinking.

Game state transition control means 250, as shown in FIG. 45, based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition, normal state, special game state, probability variable state, game state transition control processing to shift the game state between the time-saving state I do. As for the game state transition condition, one condition may be defined, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. When a plurality of conditions are defined, the game state is changed based on the satisfaction of one of the plurality of predetermined conditions or the satisfaction of all of the plurality of predetermined conditions. It is possible to move to another game state.

The normal state is a game state corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of types of game states, and it is possible to shift from the normal state to the special game state. In a normal state, a normal pattern lottery is performed with reference to a normal pattern lottery table in which the probability of winning a normal win is set to about 1/20, and a big win lottery table in which a probability of winning a big win is set to 1/319 is used. A special pattern lottery is performed with reference to this.

In the normal state, the normal winning probability in the normal symbol lottery is as low as about 1/20, and the fluctuation time of the normal symbols is set long, and the period during which the normal accessory 54 is in the enlarged state is 0.00. Since it is as short as 1 second, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting port 49.例文帳に追加

The special game state is started based on winning the jackpot in the special symbol lottery in the normal state, the probability variable state or the time saving state, and the special game of the number of rounds (the number of executions) predetermined according to the type of the jackpot symbol. Terminates when executed.

Specifically, when the special game state is started based on the fact that the winning flag of the 16 round probability variation pattern is set to the ON state in the special symbol lottery, the special game of 16 rounds from the 1st round to the 16th round is performed. The special game state ends on the condition that it is executed.

In addition, when the special game state is started based on the fact that the winning flag of the 4 round probability variation pattern is set to the ON state in the special symbol lottery, the special game of 4 rounds from the 1st round to the 4th round is executed. Under the condition that the special game state ends.

Further, when the special game state is started based on the fact that the win flag of the 16th round normal pattern is set to the ON state in the special symbol lottery, the 16th round special game from the 1st round to the 16th round is executed. Under the condition that the special game state ends.

Further, when the special game state is started based on the fact that the winning flag of the 4th round normal pattern is set to the ON state in the special symbol lottery, the 4th special game of the 1st round to the 4th round is executed. Under the condition that the special game state ends.

The probability variation state is started when the special game state started based on the fact that the winning flag of the 16 round probability variation pattern or the 4 round probability variation pattern (probability variation pattern) is set to the ON state, and is started from the probability variation state. can transition to a special game state or normal state. In addition, in the variable probability state, the normal pattern lottery is performed with reference to the normal pattern lottery table in which the normal winning probability is set to about 19/20, and the big winning lottery table in which the big winning winning probability is set to 1/31. is more advantageous to the player than in the normal state in that the special symbol lottery is performed with reference to . Then, the variable probability state ends under the condition that the number of times the special symbol lottery is performed in the variable probability state reaches 9999 times, and shifts to the normal state.

Specifically, the game state transition control means 250 writes a value (e.g., 9999) corresponding to a predetermined number of games (e.g., 9999 times) to the variable probability end determination counter 2930 of the main memory 290 when the special game state ends. , Every time a special symbol lottery is performed in the variable probability state, a value (for example, 1) corresponding to the number of games for one time is subtracted from the stored value of the variable probability end determination counter 2930 to update the decrement. Then, when the stored value of the variable probability end determination counter 2930 reaches a threshold value (for example, 0), the variable probability state is ended and the normal state is started. However, in the variable probability state, the winning probability of the big hit in the special symbol lottery is set to 1/31, so the special game state is started before the number of times the special symbol lottery is performed in the variable probability state reaches 9999 times, and the probability variable It is almost impossible to transition from the state to the normal state.

In addition, in the variable state, the normal winning probability in the normal pattern lottery is as high as about 19/20, the fluctuation time of the normal pattern is as short as 1 second, and the period in which the normal accessory 54 is in the expanded state is 20 seconds. Since it is longer, it is easier for the game ball to enter the second starting port 49 than in the normal state, which is advantageous to the player. The variable probability state is a game state in which it is more advantageous for the player to hit to the right so that the game ball enters the second starting port 49 .

In addition, in the variable state, regardless of the number of reservations, a shorter variation time is often set as the variation time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, so the opportunity to execute the special symbol lottery is more frequent than in the normal state. is expected to arrive at

The time saving state is started when the special game state started based on the fact that the win flag of the 16 round normal pattern or the 4 round normal pattern is set to ON state, and the special game state is started from the time saving state. Or it is possible to shift to the normal state. In addition, in the time saving state, the normal pattern lottery is performed with reference to the normal pattern lottery table in which the probability of winning the normal hit is set to about 19/20 as in the variable state, but the probability of winning the jackpot is the same as in the normal state. A special symbol lottery is performed with reference to a jackpot lottery table set to approximately 1/319, which is more disadvantageous to the player than the variable probability state. Then, the time saving state is ended on condition that the number of times the special symbol lottery is performed in the time saving state reaches 100 times, and the state is shifted to the normal state.

Specifically, the game state transition control means 250 is triggered by the game state being shifted to the time saving state, and the time saving end determination counter 2932 of the main memory 290 corresponds to a predetermined number of games (for example, 100 times). A value (eg, 100) is written, and a value (eg, 1) corresponding to the number of games for one time is subtracted from the stored value of the time-saving end determination counter 2932 each time a special symbol lottery is performed in the time-saving state. . And when the stored value of the time saving end determination counter 2932 reaches a threshold value (for example, 0), the time saving state is ended.

In addition, in the time saving state, as in the probability variable state, the winning probability of the normal winning in the normal pattern lottery is as high as about 19/20, and the fluctuation time of the normal pattern is as short as 1 second, and the normal accessory 54 is in the expanded state. Since the period is as long as 20 seconds, it is easier for the game ball to enter the second starting port 49 than in the normal state, which is advantageous to the player. The time-saving state is a game state in which it is more advantageous for the player to hit to the right so that the game ball enters the second starting port 49 .

In addition, in the time saving state, as in the variable state, a shorter variation time is often set as the variation time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol regardless of the number of reservations, so the special symbol than the normal state Opportunities for executing the lottery have come frequently.

The special game executing means 260 is means for executing a special game based on the lottery result of the special symbol lottery.

The payout control means 270 shown in FIG. 42 receives a detection signal from the first starter switch 100, a detection signal from the general prize winning switch 101, a detection signal from the second starter switch 103 or a detection signal from the count switch 104. Based on the input, control is performed to cause the payout device 130 to pay out a number of game balls corresponding to the number of prize balls predetermined for each detection signal. The number of prize balls may be any number as long as it is one or more, and the number of prize balls paid out by each of the first start port switch 100, the general prize winning port switch 101, the second start port switch 103, or the count switch 104 may be different, or may be set to the same number of prize balls.

The payout device 130 pays out the number of game balls instructed by the payout control means 270 . This payout device 130 is provided with a payout motor in a game ball tank for storing game balls, and a payout control means 270 controls the rotation angle of the payout motor to produce the number of game balls as instructed. Discharge from the game ball tank. In addition, the payout device 130 is provided with a payout switch that operates each time one game ball is put out, and the payout control means 270 actually pays out from the payout device 130 based on the payout signal from the payout switch. It is possible to manage the number of played game balls.

The communication control means 280 controls transmission of various commands generated according to various calculation results in the main control board (main control means) 200 to the sub control board (sub control means) 202 . In the gaming machine of this embodiment, between the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202, only one-way communication from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 202 is possible. are connected so as not to be able to transmit information to the main control board 200 from.

A sub-control board (sub-control means) 202 is configured to include a performance control means 300 and a sub-memory 302 . The effect control means 300 receives various commands transmitted from the main control board 200 and input signals from the effect button switch 150, and performs various calculations for executing effects according to the progress of the game. Based on the calculation result, various controls related to production are performed. In addition, the sub-memory 302 includes a ROM that stores a program related to effects and effect data used in the effects, and a RAM that stores various information used in the programs related to effects and functions as a work area. there is The effect control means 300 controls various effect devices based on the programs and effect data stored in the sub-memory 302 .

A performance control means 300 controls a performance device to execute a performance for enlivening a game or assisting a game based on performance data stored in a performance data storage means 303 of a submemory 302.例文帳に追加The effects whose execution is controlled by the effect control means 300 include the effect of displaying a effect image in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32, the effect of lighting or blinking the front frame lamp 12 and the lighting device 38, and the effect from the speaker 14. There is an effect that outputs sound, an effect that drives a performance driving device (motor, solenoid, etc.) to operate a performance (movable body).

The effect control means 300 controls the display of the liquid crystal display (display means) 32 . The effect screen displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32 is composed of, for example, 30 frames (hereinafter referred to as frames) per second (so-called 30 fps frame rate). Therefore, in the case of an effect pattern having a length of one minute, for example, the effect screen consists of a total of 1800 frames of 60 seconds.times.30 frames. A lot of image data for displaying an image (display object) on the liquid crystal display 32 is stored in the effect data storage means 303 of the sub-memory 302. It is possible to draw an image in the frame buffer of the sub-memory 302 and display the drawn image on the liquid crystal display 32 .

(Holding ball image)
Effect control means 300, the first special reserved number in the main control board 200 (the number of the first special random number stored (reserved) in the special random number storage means 2914) or the second special reserved number (special random number storage means 2914 based on the number of second special random numbers stored (reserved) in the liquid crystal display 32. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 46(a), the first special reserved storage area 1 to the first special reserved storage area 4 or the second special Four reservation display areas (display areas) of a first reservation display area 411 to a fourth reservation display area 414 are provided corresponding to the reservation storage area 1 to the second special reservation storage area 4 . In each reservation display area, as shown in FIG. 46(a), a first reservation indicating in which of the first special reservation storage area 1 to the first special reservation storage area 4 the first special random number value is stored. Image 420, or as shown in FIG. 46(b), a second reserved image 422 indicating which of the second special reserved storage area 1 to second special reserved storage area 4 the second special random number value is stored. It is displayable.

In the example of FIG. 46(a), the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special reserved storage area 1 to the second special reserved storage area 4, and the first special reserved storage area 1 to the first Since the first special random number is reserved in each of the special reserved storage areas 3, the first reserved image 420 (three first reserved images 420) is displayed.
In the example of FIG. 46(b), the second special random number is reserved in each of the second special reserved storage area 1 to the second special reserved storage area 2, so that the first reserved display area 411 to the second reserved A second reserved image 422 (two second reserved images 422 ) is displayed in each of the display areas 412 .

In this embodiment, in the lower part of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32, the left area of the first reservation display area 411 is made to correspond to the special reservation storage area of the special random number storage means 2914, and one reservation display An area 430 is provided, and in the reservation display area 430, when the first special random number is read from the first special reservation storage area 1 and stored in the special reservation storage area, the first reservation image 420 is displayed, and when the second special random number is read from the second special reservation storage area 1 and stored in the special reservation storage area, a second reservation image 422 is displayed. Hereinafter, the first reserved image 420, the second reserved image 422, the first reserved display area 411 to the fourth reserved display area 414, and the reserved display area 430 are referred to as the "held ball image U1" (the reserved symbol U1).

(holding number image)
In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number-of-holds image U2 is displayed at a predetermined position in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32 (for example, the lower right portion of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32) separately from the retained ball image U1. It's like The reserved number image U2 (reserved number image) is configured such that two numbers are arranged in a predetermined direction (for example, the vertical direction), and one number (upper row) is the first special reserved storage of the special random number storage means 2914. The number of the first special random number reserved in the area 1 to the first special reserved storage area 4 (one of 0 to 4), and the other number (lower row) is the second special random number stored in the special random number storage means 2914. It is the number of the second special random numbers reserved in the reserved storage area 1 to the second special reserved storage area 4 (one of 0 to 4). The display range of the number-of-holds image U2 is relatively smaller than that of the number-of-holds image U1.

(Direction design)
The production control means 300 is adapted to (corresponding to) the variable display and stop display of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display section 76, or the variable display and the second special symbol in the second special symbol display section 81. An effect (special symbol lottery effect) for displaying the main effect pattern ME and the sub effect pattern SE on the liquid crystal display 32 is executed in accordance with (corresponding to) the stop display.

(Before start of fluctuation display)
FIG. 46(a) shows the state before the special symbol (in FIG. 46(a), the first special symbol in the first special symbol display section 76) starts the variable display (however, the state is not during the demonstration effect). there is In the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32, a left effect pattern 350, a middle effect pattern 352 and a right effect pattern 354 are displayed as the main effect pattern ME. The left effect pattern 350 is displayed on the left side of the display area of the liquid crystal display 32, the middle effect pattern 352 is displayed on the center part of the display area of the liquid crystal display 32, and the right effect pattern 354 is displayed on the display area of the liquid crystal display 32. displayed on the right side of the The left effect pattern 350, the middle effect pattern 352 and the right effect pattern 354 respectively constitute nine types of effect pattern rows representing numbers "1" to "9". Incidentally, each of the effect symbols representing the numbers "1" to "9" may be configured to include decorations such as characters together with the numbers.

At a predetermined position (for example, upper right) in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32, the effect pattern corresponding to the main effect pattern ME is displayed, and the display range (display size) is larger than the main effect pattern ME (effect pattern, effect pattern image). ) are relatively small sub-effect symbols SE (mini-effect symbols, mini-symbols, specific effect symbols, specific effect symbol images) are displayed. The sub production pattern SE is composed of a left number pattern corresponding to the left production pattern 350, a middle number pattern corresponding to the middle production pattern 352, and a right number pattern corresponding to the right production pattern 354. - 特許庁The sub production pattern SE is composed only of numbers and does not include a decorative part. The sub effect pattern SE is displayed in conjunction with the main effect pattern ME, but the display mode may be only the stop display or the variable display, and the sub effect pattern SE is not interlocked with the main effect pattern ME. May be displayed. It should be noted that the variation of the sub effect symbol SE may be not the scroll variation but the variation in which the number is incremented by one (the maximum value is followed by the minimum value).
In addition, the main effect symbol ME can be displayed in a reduced size when, for example, a ready-to-win state occurs during one game. Even when the main effect symbol ME is displayed in a reduced size, its size is larger (displayed larger) than the size of the sub effect symbol SE. In addition, the sub-effect symbol SE may change its display position, for example, when a ready-to-win state occurs during one game, but it is designed not to be displayed in a reduced size.

(Starts fluctuating display)
Based on the start of the variable display of the special symbol (the first special symbol in the first special symbol display section 76 in FIG. 47(a)), the main effect symbol ME and the sub effect symbol SE are varied as shown in FIG. 47(a). Display (variation display effect) is started. The downward arrows in the drawing indicate that the main effect symbol ME and the sub effect symbol SE are being rapidly variably displayed (scrolled) in the vertical direction.

Incidentally, the first reserved image 420 displayed in the first reserved display area 411 is moved to the reserved display area 430, and the variable display of the main effect symbol ME and the sub effect symbol SE is started. Also, along with this, the first reserved image 420 displayed in the reserved display area after the second reserved display area 412 is moved to a reserved display area whose ordinal number is one smaller than the original reserved display area.

Also, in FIG. 47(a), etc., a state is shown in which both the main effect symbol ME and the sub effect symbol SE are displayed, but the sub effect symbol SE is displayed as the main effect symbol is displayed along with execution of a predetermined effect. It may be displayed when the ME is not displayed (when the visibility of the main effect symbol ME is lowered). Even if the visibility of the main effect symbol ME is lowered, the player can recognize, for example, that the special symbol is being variably displayed through the sub effect symbol SE.

(stop display)
Based on the stop display of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display section 76, the main effect symbol ME and the sub effect symbol SE are stopped and displayed as shown in FIG. 47(b). The main effect symbol ME and the sub effect symbol SE are stopped and displayed in a mode according to the result of the jackpot determination process in the special symbol lottery (the first special symbol lottery in this example). In other words, the main effect symbol ME and the sub effect symbol SE are in a mode corresponding to whether or not a big win has been won in the big win determination process (if a big win has been mode) is stopped and displayed. Further, when the main effect symbol ME and the sub effect symbol SE are stopped and displayed, the first pending image 420 displayed in the relevant pending display area 430 is not displayed (hidden).

FIG. 47(b) shows a case where the first special symbol lottery (jackpot determination process) is lost. When the result of the jackpot determining process is a loss and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the loss in the first special symbol display section 76, the main effect symbol ME and the sub effect symbol SE are displayed on the liquid crystal display 32. It is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the failure. In FIG. 47(b), the combination of the main effect symbol ME and the sub effect symbol SE is a losing number of "8"-"1"-"3", and the liquid crystal indicates that the result of the jackpot determination process is a loss. It is notified via the display 32 .

In addition, when a big win is won in the first special symbol lottery (jackpot determination process), for example, a ready-to-win effect is executed during the variable display of the main effect symbol ME and the sub-effect symbol SE (during the variable display effect). After the effect, the main effect symbol ME and the sub effect symbol SE are stop-displayed in a manner corresponding to the big win.

(4th pattern)
Further, in the present embodiment, the fourth pattern (reference symbols Z1 and Z2 are attached in the figure) is displayed at a predetermined position (for example, upper right) in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32, for example. The fourth symbol Z1 corresponds to the first special symbol in the first special symbol display portion 76, and the fourth symbol Z2 corresponds to the second special symbol in the second special symbol display portion 81. The fourth symbol Z1 is variably displayed based on the variable display of the first special symbol, and is stop-displayed based on the stop-display of the first special symbol. The fourth symbol Z2 is variably displayed based on the variable display of the second special symbol, and is stop-displayed based on the stop-display of the second special symbol. In this embodiment, the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are squares, and are displayed in a predetermined display color during stop display, and the display color changes (fluctuations) during variable display. It should be noted that the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 may be, for example, predetermined symbols (o or x). may be alternately displayed. Also, the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 may be displayed side by side with the pending number image U2 (beside the pending number image U2).

In FIG. 47(a), the fourth symbol Z1 is variably displayed with its display color changing as the first special symbol is variably displayed. In FIG. 47(b), the fourth symbol Z1 is stopped and displayed in a mode corresponding to a loss (for example, white) as a mode according to the result of the big win determination process. Incidentally, when a big win is won, the fourth pattern Z1 is stopped and displayed in a manner (for example, red) corresponding to the big win. In FIG. 47(b), when the fourth symbol Z1 is a predetermined symbol, it is stopped and displayed in the mode "x" corresponding to the failure. In addition, when a big win is won, the mode corresponding to the big win is stop-displayed as "O".

In this embodiment, both the sub-effect pattern SE and the fourth patterns Z1, Z2 are provided, and the sub-effect pattern SE includes the fourth patterns Z1, Z2. However, the sub effect pattern SE may be composed of at least one of the sub effect pattern SE and the fourth patterns Z1 and Z2. That is, the sub-effect pattern SE may not include the fourth patterns Z1 and Z2, or may consist of only the fourth patterns Z1 and Z2.

(Light guide plate effect)
In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the effect control means 300 determines execution of a light guide plate effect (illumination effect, specific effect) as one of the advance notice effects in a predetermined game, and outputs predetermined information Y to the light guide plate 80. may be displayed. The light guide plate effect may indicate the result of a predetermined lottery (special symbol lottery or the like). In other words, the light guide plate effect may indicate the degree of advantage for the player. Furthermore, in other words, the light guide plate effect may suggest the degree of expectation regarding the provision of a predetermined privilege. For example, when the light guide plate effect is executed in a predetermined game, the degree of expectation for awarding a privilege (for example, a big win) may be higher than when the light guide plate effect is not executed. It should be noted that the light guide plate effect may be executed when the award of the privilege (for example, the jackpot) is confirmed.

The light guide plate effect is a effect in which effect light is output from the light guide plate 80, and includes a effect of turning on the lighting device 38 (illumination effect) and an effect of displaying a predetermined image (main effect symbol ME, etc.) on the liquid crystal display 32. (display effect), it may be difficult to visually recognize the effect light output from the light guide plate 80 under the influence of their brightness (based on the fact that the surrounding environment is relatively bright). In other words, the visibility of the predetermined information Y displayed on the light guide plate 80 (the effect of the light guide plate presentation) may deteriorate. Hereinafter, a method for suppressing a decrease in the performance effect of the light guide plate presentation will be described.

In a predetermined game in which the light guide plate effect is executed, a predetermined period (predetermined section) before the light guide plate effect is started is defined as a first period (first period), and after (after) the light guide plate effect is started. The predetermined period (predetermined section) is referred to as a second period (second section). In one game, for example, based on the execution of a special symbol lottery, the first special symbol is variably displayed in the first special symbol display unit 76 (or the second special symbol is variably displayed in the second special symbol display unit 81). The period from the start to the stop display.
The first period may be all or part of the period from the start of the game to the start of the light guide plate effect. Specifically, when the period from the start of the game to the start of the light guide plate effect is relatively short, the entire period may be the first period. Further, when the period from the start of the game to the start of the light guide plate effect is relatively long, the predetermined period immediately before the start of the light guide plate effect, which is part of the period, is the first period. There may be. In either case, the timing at which the first period ends is just before the light guide plate effect is started.
48 to 52 are schematic diagrams showing the liquid crystal display 32 (light guide plate 80) and its surroundings (lighting device 38) viewed from the front side.

(First period)
FIG. 48 shows the state in the first period. In the first period, the light guide plate effect is not executed. Also, the illumination device 38 is lit. In addition, in this embodiment, the illumination device 38 is lit in purple. Further, the liquid crystal display 32 displays a main effect symbol ME, a sub effect symbol SE, a retained ball image U1 and a retained number image U2.

(Second period)
Here, the timing at which the light guide plate effect is started is defined as the first timing (first timing). The first timing can be said to be the start of the second period. The variable display of the main effect symbol ME is started after the timing when the variable display of the first special symbol (or the second special symbol in the second special symbol display unit 81) is started in the first special symbol display section 76. In this case, the first timing is, for example, the timing when the variable display of the latter main effect symbol ME is started. In this case, the first period is a period from the start of the variable display of the first special symbol (or the second special symbol) to the start of the variable display of the main effect symbol ME.
The first timing may be before the start of the variation of the main effect symbol ME. For example, the first pending image 420 displayed in the first pending display area 411 may be It may be the timing when the movement to 430 is started. The first timing may be after the start of the variation of the main effect symbol ME. It may be the timing when the button 26 is operated (depressed) or the like.

FIG. 49 shows the state at the first timing (at the start of the second period). At the first timing, the light guide plate effect is started, and the display of the predetermined information Y on the light guide plate 80 is started. Also, at the first timing, the brightness (luminance) of the illumination device 38 is controlled to be lower than the first brightness (second brightness) in the first period. Note that the lower brightness than the first brightness may be a light-off state (a state in which the brightness is 0). That is, at the first timing (simultaneously with the start of the light guide plate presentation), the lighting device 38 may be turned off.
The illumination device 38 may gradually decrease (diminish) in brightness from the time when the first timing is reached, and in that case, may be finally turned off.

FIG. 49 shows the state at the timing (moment) when the variable display of the main effect symbol ME and the sub effect symbol SE on the liquid crystal display 32 is started. At the first timing (with the start of the light guide plate effect), in the liquid crystal display 32, the luminance (brightness) of the main effect symbol ME is lower than the first luminance (brightness) in the first period (second brightness, second brightness). It should be noted that lower than the first luminance (brightness) may be a non-visible state (luminance of 0) (non-display). That is, at the first timing (simultaneously with the start of the light guide plate effect), the main effect symbol ME may not be visible.
It should be noted that the brightness (visibility) of the main effect symbol ME may gradually decrease from the time when the first timing is reached, and in this case, the main effect symbol ME may become invisible in the end.

In other words, at the first timing (at the start of the light guide plate effect), the visibility of the main effect symbol ME on the liquid crystal display 32 is the second visibility, which is lower than the first visibility in the first period. controlled to be It should be noted that the visibility lower than the first visibility may be a state of not being visually recognized (non-display). That is, the second visibility may be a state in which visibility is difficult (including a case in which visibility is impossible).

A decrease in brightness (brightness, visibility) of the main effect symbol ME or a state in which it is not visible may be realized by a method of decreasing the brightness (brightness) itself of the image to be displayed. ) may be superimposed (placed in a higher layer) (may be darkened), or the image (corresponding to the main effect pattern ME) may not be drawn in the frame buffer.

The main effect symbol ME is displayed in the central portion of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32, and its display range occupies a relatively large proportion of the display area 32a compared to other images. In other words, the display range of the main effect symbol ME is a relatively large display range. Therefore, when the main effect symbol ME is not visually recognized (darkened), most of the display area 32a is dark.

At the first timing, the visibility of the held ball image U1 on the liquid crystal display 32 is higher than the first brightness (brightness, visibility) in the first period, similarly to the brightness (visibility) of the main effect symbol ME. It is controlled to have a low second luminance (brightness, visibility). It should be noted that lower than the first luminance (brightness, visibility) may be a non-visible state (luminance of 0) (non-display).
Note that the held ball image U1 may gradually decrease in brightness (visibility) from the time when the first timing is reached, and in that case, it may finally become invisible.

On the other hand, at the first timing (even when the light guide plate effect is started), the sub effect pattern SE whose display range is smaller than the main effect pattern ME is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 without changing the luminance (brightness). ing. In other words, the sub effect symbol SE is maintained to be displayed with the same luminance as in the first period. Note that the luminance is not changed means that the luminance is not changed in the liquid crystal display 32, and excludes the case where the luminance (visibility) is changed due to the effect of the light guide plate effect (the same applies hereinafter).

Further, at the first timing (even when the light guide plate effect is started), the holding number image U2 whose display range is smaller than the holding ball image U1 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 without changing the luminance (brightness). ing. In other words, the pending number image U2 is maintained to be displayed with the same luminance as in the first period.

Next, a predetermined timing (predetermined timing in the second period) after the first timing is defined as a second timing (second timing). FIG. 50 shows the state at the second timing. At the second timing, the light guide plate effect is being executed, and the predetermined information Y is displayed on the light guide plate 80 . Also, at the second timing, the lighting device 38 is in a state of being lower in brightness than the first brightness, and FIG. 50 shows a state in which it is turned off.

Further, at the second timing, the main effect symbol ME on the liquid crystal display 32 is in a state where the luminance is lower than the first luminance (brightness), and the main effect symbol ME is not visible in FIG. ing.

Further, at the second timing, the held ball image U1 on the liquid crystal display 32 is in a state where the brightness is lower than the first brightness (brightness), similar to the main effect symbol ME. The image U1 is in a state where it cannot be visually recognized.

On the other hand, at the second timing, the sub effect symbol SE is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 without changing the luminance (brightness). In other words, the sub effect symbol SE is maintained to be displayed with the same luminance as in the first period.
Further, at the second timing, the number-of-holds image U2 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 without changing the luminance (brightness). In other words, the pending number image U2 is maintained to be displayed with the same luminance as in the first period.
To display predetermined information Y on the light guide plate 80 relatively brightly and conspicuously by lowering the luminance (brightness) of other images while displaying the minimum required image on the liquid crystal display 32. can be done.

Next, a predetermined timing (predetermined timing in the second period) after the second timing, and the timing at which the light guide plate effect ends is defined as a third timing (third timing). FIG. 51 shows the state at the third timing. At the third timing, the light guide plate presentation is finished and the predetermined information Y is not displayed on the light guide plate 80 . Further, in the present embodiment, the lighting device 38 is turned on at the third timing (simultaneously with the end of the light guide plate presentation), and controlled so that the lighting device 38 has the first brightness. The illumination device 38 may be controlled such that the brightness gradually increases from the time when the third timing is reached, and finally reaches the first brightness. Further, the illumination device 38 may be turned on at the timing when the light guide plate effect is completed or substantially completed.

On the other hand, even when the third timing is reached, the brightness of the main effect symbol ME on the liquid crystal display 32 is lower than the first brightness (brightness), and the main effect symbol ME is not visible in FIG. state.

Further, at the third timing, the held ball image U1 on the liquid crystal display 32 is in a state where the brightness is lower than the first brightness (brightness), similar to the main effect symbol ME. The image U1 is in a state where it cannot be visually recognized.

On the other hand, at the third timing, the sub effect pattern SE is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 without changing the luminance (brightness). In other words, the sub effect symbol SE is maintained to be displayed with the same luminance as in the first period.
Further, at the third timing, the number-of-holds image U2 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 without changing the luminance (brightness). In other words, the pending number image U2 is maintained to be displayed with the same luminance as in the first period.

While the light guide plate effect is being executed, the liquid crystal display 32 may have other images whose brightness (brightness) is controlled to decrease in addition to the main effect symbol ME and the reserved ball image U1. . Other images include notification images (details of which will be described later). At the above-described first timing, second timing and third timing, the brightness (brightness) of the main effect symbol ME, the retained ball image U1, etc. on the liquid crystal display 32 is the same as the brightness (brightness) of the sub effect symbol SE and the retained number image U2. brightness). Also, it can be said that the brightness (brightness) of the sub effect symbol SE and the number of reserved balls image U2 does not decrease as compared with the main effect symbol ME and the reserved ball image U1.

Next, a predetermined timing (predetermined timing in the second period) after the third timing is set as a fourth timing (fourth timing). FIG. 52 shows the state at the fourth timing. At the fourth timing, the light guide plate effect is not executed, and the illumination device 38 is lit with the first brightness.

At the fourth timing, the main effect symbol ME and the sub effect symbol SE are stopped and displayed. At the fourth timing, the luminance (brightness) of the main effect symbol ME on the liquid crystal display 32 is the first luminance. In other words, the luminance (brightness) of the main effect symbol ME is controlled to recover. The luminance of the main effect symbol ME may gradually increase. You can become

Also, at the fourth timing, the brightness (brightness) of the held ball image U1 on the liquid crystal display 32 is the first brightness, similarly to the brightness of the main effect symbol ME. When the brightness of the main effect symbol ME and/or the retained ball image U1 becomes the first brightness, the player can recognize the end of the light guide plate effect. Also, at the fourth timing instead of the third timing, the brightness of the main effect pattern ME and the reserved ball image U1 is restored without overlapping with the execution of the light guide plate effect, so that the light guide plate effect (predetermined information Y) can be visually recognized. It is possible to allow the player to visually recognize until the end without lowering the quality.

Incidentally, at the fourth timing, the sub effect pattern SE is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 without changing the luminance (brightness). In other words, the sub effect symbol SE is maintained to be displayed with the same luminance as in the first period.
Further, at the fourth timing, the number-of-holds image U2 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 without changing the luminance (brightness). In other words, the pending number image U2 is maintained to be displayed with the same luminance as in the first period.

In this embodiment, the light guide plate effect is started at the first timing, and a predetermined effect sound is output through the speaker 14, and the predetermined effect sound is stopped at the fourth timing. That is, the predetermined effect sound continues to be output for a predetermined time (until the fourth timing) even after the display of the predetermined information Y on the light guide plate 80 ends at the third timing. there is Note that the volume of the predetermined effect sound may gradually decrease from the third timing to the fourth timing, and may be stopped at the fourth timing.

The light guide plate effect may be a mode (first light emitting mode) in which the predetermined information Y of the light guide plate 80 is always displayed from the first timing to the third timing. A mode (second light emission mode) in which Y blinks (repeatedly turns on and off) may be used. An example of the second light emission mode will be shown later.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 53 and 54, the case where the light guide plate effect is executed in a predetermined game in the time saving state shifted after the end of the special game state will be described. Note that the description of the content that overlaps with the content described with reference to FIGS. 48 to 52 above will be omitted. The effect control means 300 may cause the liquid crystal display 32 to display a predetermined image based on information (signal, command) indicating the game state, counter value, etc. in the main control board 200 .

(Right shot image)
FIG. 53 shows the state in the first period before the light guide plate effect is started in the predetermined game in the time saving state. The light guide plate effect is not being executed, and the predetermined information Y is not displayed on the light guide plate 80 . The liquid crystal display 32 displays an image instructing a right-handed shot (right-handed image R) as an image for instructing the player about the operation (operation mode) of the handle (grip unit 20). The right-handed image R can be said to be a shooting mode instruction image that indicates the shooting mode of the game ball.

(notification image)
In addition, on the liquid crystal display 32, as an image for giving a predetermined notification to the player, the remaining number of times (remaining number of games ) is displayed (image relating to the number of games played in a predetermined game state). Also, on the liquid crystal display 32, as an image for giving a predetermined notification to the player, a selected music name image M for informing the currently selected music (notifying the name of the music being output via the speaker 14) is displayed. ing. In FIG. 53, the selected music title image M is "○○'s theme △△" (○○ is a character name, etc., and △△ is a singer name, etc.). It should be noted that the player can switch the music being selected by performing a predetermined operation.

The notification image (message image) includes an image (character image, character information) consisting of predetermined characters. The character image may be not only characters but also an image composed of a combination of predetermined characters and a predetermined image (or an image including characters). The notification image (character image) includes various images in addition to the remaining number of times image T and the selected music name image M described above. Predetermined characters include those representing predetermined lines of characters, characters such as "long press" and "PUSH". The notification image (character image) may be composed of, for example, the characters “PUSH” and an image imitating the effect button 26 (effect button image). In addition, the notification image (character image) includes, for example, characters (mission) such as "defeat ○○" (○○ is a character name, etc.), and an expectation-suggestion image that suggests the degree of expectation that a privilege will be given (for example, a jackpot). and may be configured by The expectation level suggesting image is composed of predetermined graphics such as stars, and for example, the greater the number of solidly displayed graphics (stars), the higher the level of expectation that the privilege will be granted. In addition, as the notification image (character image), the winning streak image (hitting number image) that reports how many wins (big wins) have occurred in succession as the number of winning streaks (hitting number image), or the game paid out in the special game There is an acquisition number image showing the number (total number) of spheres. Note that the notification image may be a predetermined image (effect button image E, which will be described later) that does not include characters. Further, in the present embodiment, the notification image does not include the above-described right shot image R (firing mode instruction image).

FIG. 54 shows the state in the second period after (after) the light guide plate presentation is started. A light guide plate effect is being executed, and predetermined information Y is displayed on the light guide plate 80 . Even if the light guide plate effect is started, the luminance (brightness) of the right-handed image R is not changed on the liquid crystal display 32 . In other words, the right shot image R is maintained to be displayed with the same luminance as in the first period.
When the time-saving state ends, an image (left-handed image L) instructing left-handed hitting is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 . The left-handed image L can be said to be a shooting mode instruction image that indicates the shooting mode of the game ball. In addition, in a game state in which the right hitting image R is not displayed (in other words, a normal state that is neither a variable probability state nor a time saving state), a passing gate provided in the second game area 4b (right hitting area) by hitting to the right When the game ball passes through 48, a left-handed shot image L is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32, prompting the player to stop right-handed shot and left-handed shot. In the normal state, when the player hits to the right in a game in which the light guide plate effect is generated (executed), it is as follows. In the first period, the left-handed image L is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 (the liquid crystal display 32 displays the left-handed image L), and in the second period, the brightness of the left-handed image L is the same as the brightness in the first period. It's like

On the other hand, when the light guide plate effect is started, on the liquid crystal display 32, the brightness (brightness) of the notification images (remaining count image T and selected song name image M) is the first brightness (brightness) in the first period. becomes lower than Note that the lower luminance (brightness) than the first luminance (brightness) may be a state in which the luminance is not visually recognized (a state in which the luminance is 0) (not displayed), and in FIG. Name image M) is in a state where it is not visually recognized. In FIG. 54, the predetermined information Y overlaps the sub effect symbol SE and the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 when viewed from the front. It may be configured so as not to overlap with the patterns Z1 and Z2. This is to prevent obstruction of visibility of the sub-effect pattern SE and the fourth patterns Z1 and Z2.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is
display means;
lighting means;
a light guide plate formed to display predetermined information,
A gaming machine for executing a specific effect in which the predetermined information is displayed on the light guide plate,
In the game in which the specific effect is executed, a predetermined period before the specific effect is started is defined as a first period, and a predetermined period after the specific effect is started is defined as a second period,
In the first period, the lighting means lights up, the display means displays a production pattern,
In the second period, the brightness of the lighting means is lower than the brightness in the first period,
In the second period, the brightness of the production pattern is lower than the brightness in the first period.

During the second period, the brightness of the illumination means is lower than that during the first period, and during the second period, the brightness of the performance pattern is lower than that during the first period. Therefore, the predetermined information displayed on the light guide plate is displayed relatively brightly and conspicuously. Thereby, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the visibility of the predetermined information displayed on the light guide plate. In other words, it is possible to prevent difficulty in visually recognizing the effect light output from the light guide plate. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the performance effect of the light guide plate presentation.
In the present embodiment, the start of the second period is set as the timing at which the light guide plate effect is started, and the second period is started continuously after the end of the first period. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second period may start at a timing (slightly later) than the timing at which the light guide plate effect is started. In other words, a predetermined interval may be provided between the first period and the second period.

In addition, when the light guide plate effect is started, the illumination means and the display means become dark, so that the player can be given a feeling (effect) as if the light guide plate effect suddenly occurred. As a result, the amusement of the game can be improved.

In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment is
In the first period, the display means displays a firing mode instruction image,
In the second period, the brightness of the shooting mode instruction image is the same as in the first period.

When the right shot image as the shooting mode instruction image is displayed in the first period and the light guide plate effect (second period) is started, the brightness of the right shot image becomes the same as the brightness in the first period. there is Therefore, even during execution of the light guide plate effect, the player can recognize that he/she should hit to the right.

In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment is
In the first period, the display means displays reserved symbols,
In the second period, the brightness of the reserved symbol is lower than in the first period.

When the reserved pattern is displayed in the first period and the light guide plate presentation (second period) is started, the brightness of the reserved pattern becomes lower than the brightness in the first period in the second period. Therefore, the predetermined information displayed on the light guide plate is displayed relatively brighter and more conspicuously, and it is possible to prevent the visibility of the predetermined information from being lowered.

In this embodiment, the first reserved image 420, the second reserved image 422, the first reserved display area 411 to the fourth reserved display area 414, and the reserved display area 430 shown in FIG. It is assumed that the brightness of the held ball image U1 is lowered on the liquid crystal display 32 while the light guide plate effect is being executed. However, when referring to the reserved ball image U1 (the reserved pattern U1), it refers only to the first reserved image 420 (or the second reserved image 422), and the first reserved display area 411 to the fourth reserved display area 414 as the reserved ball base image. And the reserved display area 430 may not be included in the reserved ball image U1. In that case, while the light guide plate effect is being executed, the brightness of the held ball image U1 on the liquid crystal display 32 is reduced, but the brightness of the held ball pedestal image is the same as in the first period. good. Even in this case, the decrease in the visibility of the predetermined information on the light guide plate is suppressed by decreasing the brightness of the held ball image U1.

Further, in the present embodiment, while the light guide plate effect is being executed, the brightness of the held ball image U1 (including the held ball pedestal image) on the liquid crystal display 32 is reduced. In a predetermined game to be executed, even if the light guide plate effect is started, the brightness of the held ball image U1 (including the held ball pedestal image) does not decrease, and the brightness of the held ball image U1 is the same as the brightness in the first period. They may be the same.

In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment is
In the first period, the display means displays a pending number image,
In the second period, the brightness of the pending number image is the same as in the first period.

When the holding number image is displayed in the first period and the light guide plate effect (second period) is started, the brightness of the holding number image is the same as the brightness in the first period. Therefore, even during execution of the light guide plate presentation, the player can recognize the pending number. Further, even when the brightness of the reserved ball image U1 (the reserved symbol U1) is lowered, the brightness of the reserved number image does not change, so the player can recognize the reserved number through the reserved number image.

In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment is
In the first period, the display means displays a specific effect symbol corresponding to the effect symbol and smaller than the effect symbol,
In the second period, the brightness of the specific effect symbol is the same as the brightness in the first period.

When the specific production pattern is displayed in the first period and the light guide plate production (second period) is started, even if the brightness of the production pattern (main production pattern) is reduced, the specific production pattern (sub The brightness of the performance pattern) is the same as the brightness in the first period. Therefore, even during execution of the light guide plate effect, the player can recognize, for example, that the special symbol is being variably displayed through the specific effect symbol.

In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment is
In the first period, a character image is displayed on the display means,
In the second period, the brightness of the character image is lower than in the first period.

When the character image is displayed in the first period and the light guide plate effect (second period) is started, the brightness of the character image is lower in the second period than in the first period. Therefore, the predetermined information displayed on the light guide plate is displayed relatively brighter and more conspicuously, and it is possible to prevent the visibility of the predetermined information from being lowered.

In this embodiment, while the light guide plate effect is being executed, the brightness of the character image on the liquid crystal display 32 is reduced. There may be a case where the brightness of the character image does not decrease even when the effect is started, and the brightness of the character image is the same as the brightness in the first period.

In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment is
display means;
lighting means;
a light guide plate formed to display predetermined information,
A gaming machine for executing a specific effect in which the predetermined information is displayed on the light guide plate,
In the game in which the specific effect is executed, a predetermined period before the specific effect is started is defined as a first period, and a predetermined period after the specific effect is started is defined as a second period,
In the first period, the display means displays a performance symbol, a specific performance symbol corresponding to the performance symbol and smaller than the performance symbol, a pending symbol, a pending number image, and a firing mode instruction image. death,
In the second period, the display means displays the specific effect symbol, the pending number image, and the firing mode instruction image, and the brightness of the effect symbol and the pending symbol is lower than the brightness in the first period. It's becoming

Next, a first example, a second example, and a third example will be described as another example of the light guide plate effect executed in a predetermined game.

(first example)
FIG. 55 shows the state in the first period before the light guide plate effect is started in a predetermined game. The light guide plate effect is not executed, and the predetermined information Y is not displayed on the light guide plate 80 . In addition, in the first example, the predetermined information Y is referred to as light guide plate effect light Y. As shown in FIG. In the first example, the lighting device 38 (first lighting device) is formed so that the character portion (ABCDEF) can emit light, and the character portion is, for example, a character name. Further, on the liquid crystal display 32, a held ball image U1, a held number image U2 and a right shot image R are displayed. It should be noted that the main effect symbols displayed at the start of the first period are not displayed.

In the first example, a lighting device 39 (see FIG. 56) is provided separately from the lighting device 38 . The illuminating device 39 (second illuminating device) is formed so as to be capable of lighting at the center of the front side of the movable body 51 which is formed to be movable in the vertical direction. The movable body 51 is located below the liquid crystal display 32, between a first position where at least a portion is accommodated on the rear side of the game board 6, and a second position on the front side of the substantially central portion of the liquid crystal display 32. It is designed to move with FIG. 56 shows a state in which the movable body 51 is positioned at the second position and the illumination device 39 is turned on.

FIG. 57(a) shows the state at the start of the light guide plate effect (second period). The light guide plate effect light Y starts to be output (emission, lighting) while the illumination device 38 (and the illumination device 39) is turned off. In the first example, the light guide plate effect light Y represents the face of a predetermined character. Although illustration is omitted, the movable body 51 is positioned at the first position, and the illumination device 39 is not lit.

FIG. 57(b) shows the state at the timing when a predetermined time has passed (from the state shown in FIG. 57(a)) after the light guide plate effect is started. In the first example, the light guide plate effect light Y is repeatedly turned on and off, and FIG. 57(b) shows the timing when the light guide plate effect light Y is turned off for the first time. there is The illumination device 38 lights up (lights up again) when lighting of the light guide plate effect light Y is interrupted (that is, turned off). Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 57(b), in addition to lighting of the lighting device 38, the lighting device 39 of the movable body 51 moved to the second position may be lit. 51 is moved to the second position and the lighting device 39 is turned on, the degree of expectation for awarding a privilege (for example, a big win) is higher than when the effect is not executed. may be

In the following description, the description that the lighting device 38 is turned on/off may be replaced with the description that the lighting device 38 and the lighting device 39 are turned on/off. As shown in FIG. 57(b), the state in which the light guide plate effect light Y is turned off and the illumination device 38 is turned on is defined as a first state.

FIG. 58(a) shows the state at the timing after a predetermined time has passed from the state shown in FIG. 57(b). When the illumination device 38 is turned off (lighting of the illumination device 38 is interrupted), the light guide plate effect light Y is turned on again (lighting is resumed). As shown in FIG. 58(a), the state in which the light guide plate effect light Y is turned on and the lighting device 38 is turned off is referred to as a second state.

After the light guide plate effect is started and the first light guide plate effect light Y is turned on, the first state and the second state are alternately repeated a predetermined number of times. Note that when the first state and the second state are alternately repeated, a period (timing) during which both the illumination device 38 and the light guide plate 80 are lit as a transition period between the first state and the second state, Alternatively, there may be a period (timing) during which both the illumination device 38 and the light guide plate 80 are turned off.

FIG. 58(b) shows the state at the timing when a predetermined time has passed since the last second state and the light guide plate effect has ended. The lighting of the light guide plate effect light Y is finished (turned off) while the illumination device 38 is turned off. In other words, the light guide plate presentation ends while the illumination device 38 is turned off.

In the liquid crystal display 32, the retained ball image U1 (and the main effect symbol ME) is in a state where the luminance (brightness) is lower than that in the first period ( It is in a state that cannot be visually recognized). On the other hand, in the liquid crystal display 32, the number-of-holds image U2 and the right-handed image R have the same luminance (brightness) as in the first period.
The liquid crystal display 32 may be composed of a plurality of liquid crystal displays (for example, the liquid crystal display 32 as a main liquid crystal and sub liquid crystal displays provided on the right and/or left sides thereof). It may be arranged in front of at least one of the plurality of liquid crystal displays (for example, the main liquid crystal). In that case, the sub-effect symbol SE, the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2, the right-handed image R, and the number-of-holds image U2 may be displayed on a liquid crystal display on which the light guide plate 80 is not arranged in front.

(Second example)
FIG. 59(a) shows the state in the first period before the light guide plate effect is started in a predetermined game. The light guide plate effect is not being executed, and the predetermined information Y is not displayed on the light guide plate 80 . In the second example, the predetermined information Y will be referred to as light guide plate effect light Y. FIG.

The liquid crystal display 32 displays a main effect symbol ME, a sub effect symbol SE, a reserved ball image U1 and a reserved number image U2. In the second example, the main effect pattern ME is displayed on the upper right of the liquid crystal display 32 in a reduced state. Of the main effect symbols ME, the variation of the left effect symbol 350 and the right effect symbol 354 is stopped and is in a ready-to-win state, and the middle effect symbol 352 is being displayed in a variable manner.

In the second example, no illumination device 38 is provided, and a plurality of illumination devices 39 are provided. Also, the illumination device 39 is provided on the movable body 51 . In the first example, the illumination device 39 is provided on a part of the movable body 51, but in the second example, the entire movable body 51 is the illumination device 39. FIG. Also, the movable body 51 has a predetermined shape such as a shape imitating a predetermined character. In this example, two movable bodies 51 (lighting devices 39) are provided, but the number of movable bodies 51 may be one, or two or more. The movable body 51 is movable in a predetermined range including the front side of the liquid crystal display 32, for example, in the horizontal direction. In FIG. 59A (first period), the movable body 51 is positioned at the left end and the right end in front of the liquid crystal display 32, and the illumination device 39 is lit.

FIG. 59(b) shows the state at the timing after a predetermined time has passed from the state shown in FIG. 59(a). At this time, images (three first reserved images 420) other than the first reserved image 420 and the reserved display area 430 of the reserved ball image U1 are not visible.

FIG. 60(a) shows the state at the timing after a predetermined time has passed from the state shown in FIG. 59(b). At this time, the illumination device 39 is turned off.

FIG. 60(b) shows a state (state immediately after FIG. 60(a)) at a timing after a predetermined time has passed from the state shown in FIG. 60(a). At this time, an effect button image E imitating the effect button 26 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 with the illumination device 39 turned off. In this second example, based on the operation of the effect button 26, the light guide plate effect (second period) is started.

FIG. 61(a) shows the state at the start of the light guide plate effect (second period). The light guide plate effect light Y starts lighting (emission) while the lighting device 39 is turned off. In the second example, the light guide plate effect light Y represents a predetermined figure (heart shape). On the liquid crystal display 32, the main effect symbol ME, the held ball image U1, and the effect button image E are in a state in which the brightness is lower than in the first period (invisible state). On the other hand, the sub effect symbol SE and the number-of-holds image U2 have the same luminance as in the first period.

FIG. 61(b) shows a state after a predetermined time has passed since the light guide plate effect was started and the light guide plate effect is finished. After the emission of the light guide plate effect light Y is finished, the illumination device 39 is turned on again. Also, in the liquid crystal display 32, the luminance (brightness) of the main effect symbol ME becomes the same luminance as the luminance in the first period (restores). In this example, the main effect symbol ME is stopped (temporary stop display) in a manner corresponding to the big win. After the temporary stop display, the main effect symbol ME and the sub effect symbol SE are fixed and stopped.

(Third example)
In the third example, when the light guide plate effect is executed and the predetermined information Y is displayed on the light guide plate 80, a predetermined image Y′ (pseudo illumination effect image) similar in display (display form) to the predetermined information Y is displayed. ) can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 . In other words, the predetermined information Y and the predetermined image Y' can be superimposed and displayed (visually recognized). Predetermined image Y′ is an image associated with (having relevance to) predetermined information Y, for example, an image representing a predetermined object (character, character, figure, etc.) identical to predetermined information Y, There are those including at least a part of configuration (object) that constitutes the predetermined information Y, and the like. The predetermined information Y and the predetermined image Y' may differ in display position, display size, and the like.
The liquid crystal display 32 may display an image Y' (for example, a character's face) similar to (imitating the information Y) the information Y (for example, a character's face), and the image Y' may be an image smaller than the information Y. The image Y' may be displayed at a timing before the timing at which the information Y is displayed.

62(a) shows predetermined information Y displayed on the light guide plate 80 (light guide plate effect light Y output from the light guide plate 80), and FIG. 1 shows a predetermined image Y'. In the predetermined image Y', the shape and size of the character's face and the plurality of star-shaped figures are substantially the same (including completely the same) as the predetermined information Y, but their positions ( display positions) are different, and more specifically, they are shifted in a predetermined direction (lower right direction). FIG. 62(c) shows a state in which a predetermined image Y' is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 and further predetermined information Y is displayed on the light guide plate 80. FIG. In this case, the predetermined information Y can be made more three-dimensional, and can be visually recognized with a sense of depth.

In the case of this configuration, of the predetermined information Y and the predetermined image Y', the effect pattern 1 in which only the predetermined information Y is displayed, the effect pattern 2 in which only the predetermined image Y' is displayed, and the predetermined Effect pattern 3 in which both the information Y and the predetermined image Y' are displayed can be realized. When the performance pattern 3 is executed, the degree of expectation for giving a privilege (for example, a big win) may be higher than when either the performance pattern 1 or the performance pattern 2 is executed.

FIG. 63 shows the state in the first period before the light guide plate effect is started in a predetermined game. The illumination device 38 is on. Further, the light guide plate effect is not executed, and the predetermined information Y is not displayed on the light guide plate 80 . On the other hand, the liquid crystal display 32 displays a predetermined image Y' and the like.

FIG. 64 shows the state in the second period after (after) the light guide plate presentation is started. The lighting device 38 is turned off. Further, on the liquid crystal display 32, the predetermined image Y' is displayed with the same luminance as in the first period. Predetermined information Y is displayed on the light guide plate 80, and the predetermined information Y and the predetermined image Y' are superimposed and displayed.

Although not shown, the light guide plate 80 may display the predetermined information Y and the liquid crystal display 32 may not display the predetermined image Y′ during the second period. Further, with the start of the second period, the predetermined image Y' may not be displayed, and only the predetermined information Y may be displayed.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment,
In the first period and the second period, the display means displays a predetermined image similar in display to the predetermined information,
In the second period, the predetermined information and the predetermined image are superimposed and displayed.
As a result, the predetermined information can be visually recognized more stereoscopically during the second period, and the interest in the game can be improved.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the game control form and configuration of the pachinko game machine are not limited to those of the above-described embodiments.

In addition, within the scope of the invention, the present invention can freely combine each component of each embodiment, arbitrarily modify each component, or omit each component.

32 display means 38 illumination means 80 light guide plate

Claims (2)

display means;
lighting means;
a light guide plate formed to display predetermined information,
A gaming machine for executing a specific effect in which the predetermined information is displayed on the light guide plate,
In the game in which the specific effect is executed, a predetermined period before the specific effect is started is defined as a first period, and a predetermined period after the specific effect is started is defined as a second period,
In the first period, the lighting means lights up, the display means displays a production pattern,
In the second period, the brightness of the lighting means is lower than the brightness in the first period,
A gaming machine, wherein the brightness of the performance symbols is lower in the second period than in the first period. In the first period, the display means displays a firing mode instruction image,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the brightness of the shooting mode instruction image is the same as the brightness during the first period during the second period.

Images