JP2023011915A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of suitably executing a performance using a visual sense and a tactile sense.

SOLUTION: A pachinko machine 7100 comprises: storage parts 231 and 241 which store game balls; a main control board which executes a lottery established with a predetermined lottery probability when the execution condition of a jackpot lottery is established; a physical contact part 631 which can be disposed at a predetermined position which a player can come into contact with; and a storage display part 601 which in response to a result of the jackpot lottery, displays a display image including an expression image corresponding to the physical contact part 631, the display image being generated by a sub control board.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 39

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine represented by a pinball game machine.

2. Description of the Related Art In conventional pachinko machines, players are generally entertained by a variable display effect including visual and auditory display images and sounds (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-345989 A

Such a conventional game machine has a problem that it is difficult to provide the player with new effects and game characteristics that are different from the conventional ones.

Therefore, it is an object of the gaming machine according to the present invention to provide, for example, a gaming machine capable of suitably executing an effect utilizing visual and tactile sensations.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes:
A gaming machine for playing games using gaming media,
an operation means for performing game-related operations by a player;
storage means for storing game media used in a game;
lottery means for executing a lottery that is established with a predetermined lottery probability when a predetermined lottery condition is met;
and contact receiving means that can be placed at a predetermined position where the player can contact,
The contacted means is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position moved along the predetermined direction with respect to the first position, and based on a lottery result by the lottery means, It is possible to generate vibration in a vibration pattern determined from two or more types of vibration patterns, and in a state in which a part of the hand of the player is in contact with the contact means, vibration according to the vibration pattern. It is configured so that the feeling of is transmitted to the player,
A moving mechanism capable of moving a predetermined object in the one direction and the opposite direction along the predetermined direction is provided for the contacted means. It is configured to be able to give the player a feeling that the contacted means moves in a direction while vibrating,
As the vibration pattern, the contacting means vibrates during the movement, and the movement of the contacting means is detected by a detection means capable of detecting the movement of the contacting means, and the contacting means stops after the movement. It is characterized by being provided with control to continue the vibration even in a situation.

With the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably executing an effect utilizing visual and tactile sensations.

Front perspective view of a pachinko machine as an example of a game machine Perspective view showing a pachinko machine in an open state Perspective view showing the pachinko machine in another open state A perspective view showing the pachinko machine in yet another open state. Front view of pachinko machine Front view showing a state in which the front block of the pachinko machine is removed front view of game board Back side perspective view of pachinko machine Back view of pachinko machine Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko machine Flowchart showing an example of main control main processing Flowchart showing an example of main control interrupt processing Front view showing arrangement of pachinko machine and game ball management device (1) Rear view of pachinko machine and game ball management device Schematic diagram showing the periphery of the rear passage in the entry blocking posture Schematic diagram (1) showing the periphery of the rear passage in the entry blocking posture Schematic diagram showing the periphery of the rear passage in the entry blocking posture Schematic diagram showing the periphery of the rear passage in the entry permitting posture Schematic diagram (1) showing the periphery of the rear passage in the entry permitting posture Schematic diagram showing the periphery of the rear passage in the entry permitting posture Front view showing arrangement of pachinko machine and game ball management device (2) Rear view showing arrangement of pachinko machine and game ball management device (1) Schematic diagram (2) showing the periphery of the rear passage in the entry blocking posture Schematic diagram (2) showing the periphery of the rear passage in the entry permitting posture Schematic diagram (1) showing the configuration of the reservoir Cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the reservoir Schematic diagram (2) showing the configuration of the reservoir Schematic diagram (3) showing the configuration of the reservoir Rear view showing arrangement of pachinko machine and game ball management device (2) Schematic diagram showing the configuration of the transfer passage Schematic diagram showing the configuration of a storage section and a transfer passage A schematic diagram (1) showing the arrangement of the storage display unit Schematic diagram (2) showing arrangement of storage display unit and camera device Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko machine having a storage display unit Schematic diagram (1) showing the relationship between the storage display unit and the storage unit Outline diagram showing auxiliary storage display data Schematic diagram showing a storage display unit at the time of a big hit and an actual storage unit Schematic diagram (1) showing arrangement of physical contact parts Schematic diagram (2) showing arrangement of physical contact parts Schematic diagram showing expression image data Schematic diagram showing embodied image data Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko machine (3) Schematic diagram showing arrangement of physical contact parts (3) Schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the vibrating part Schematic diagram showing generation of vibration by a vibrating part Schematic diagram showing a contact corresponding image (1) Schematic diagram showing a contact corresponding image (2) Operation and contact-response images for physical contact parts Giving sense of movement and touch-sensitive images Example of the image displayed when the lottery is lost An example of the image displayed when the lottery is won Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko machine (4) Schematic diagram showing arrangement of storage display unit and physical contact unit Schematic diagram showing an operation using a physical contact part Schematic diagram showing operation using the physical contact part and granting of a game ball with a privilege Schematic diagram showing the configuration of the firing handle and the provision of movement sensation Timing chart when the sense of movement is given Flowchart showing sensory control processing

With respect to the embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention, a pachinko machine 100 as an example of a pinball gaming machine, which is a type of gaming machine, will be described, and then modifications and other types of gaming machines will be described. First, regarding the embodiment of the pachinko machine 100, structural configuration, electrical configuration, and various control processes will be described in order.

<Structural configuration>
First, mainly referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, the structure of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. 1 to 4 are perspective views showing various states of the pachinko machine 100, FIG. 1 showing the closed state of the pachinko machine 100, and FIG. 3 shows a state in which the front block 102 is opened with respect to the intermediate block 103, and FIG. 4 shows a state in which the rear block 104 is opened with respect to the intermediate block 103. showing. 5 is a front view of the pachinko machine 100, and FIG. 6 shows a state in which the front block 102 of the pachinko machine 100 is removed from the state of FIG. Various wirings are omitted in each figure, and a part of the configuration of the game board 400 is omitted in FIGS. 3 and 6 .

The pachinko machine 100 includes, for example, an outer frame 101, a front block 102, an intermediate block 103, and a rear block 104, as shown in FIGS. Displaceable.

The outer frame 101 has a function as a main body supporting means for supporting the main body of the pachinko machine 100 . The outer frame 101 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, a substantially quadrilateral frame in which a top plate portion 111, a bottom plate portion 112, a left side plate portion 113 and a right side plate portion 114 are assembled, and the pachinko machine 100 is installed. It is fitted into a game machine installation facility (island facility) provided in a game arcade, and is firmly fixed by a fixture (not shown). It should be noted that the outer frame 101 is not an essential component of the pachinko machine 100, but has the same inner shape as the outer frame 101 or the outer frame 101, and the main body portion corresponding to the configuration of the pachinko machine 100 excluding the outer frame 101 A configuration in which a part of the supporting mechanism for supporting and the locking mechanism for locking the main body portion may be provided in the island equipment.

Intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 are provided on one side of the outer frame 101 in the left-right direction (left side plate portion 113 side). The outer frame 101 and the intermediate block 103 are connected (coupled) by the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122, and the main body of the pachinko machine 100 rotates at one end (left side) in the horizontal direction when the pachinko machine 100 is viewed from the front. It is configured to be rotatable forward with the base end side and the other end side (right side) as the rotation distal end side.

The intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 are provided, for example, at the upper and lower ends of the outer frame 101 so as to be separated from each other, as shown in FIG. In each of the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122, for example, a shaft portion provided in the intermediate block 103 is supported from below by a shaft support portion provided in the outer frame 101, and a shaft portion is provided in a shaft hole provided in the shaft support portion. is inserted, it is configured to be rotatable. The configuration that allows the body portion of the pachinko machine 100 including the intermediate block 103 to rotate is not limited to the configuration described above. Other configurations are also possible.

The intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 are provided with a function of releasing the connection state between the outer frame 101 and the intermediate block 103 by a predetermined removing operation, and the body portion of the pachinko machine 100 including the intermediate block 103 is attached to the outer frame 101. It is removably attached to the For example, the connection state of the intermediate block 103 with respect to the outer frame 101 is released by performing a predetermined removing operation of releasing the intermediate block 103 from the outer frame 101 by a certain amount or more and moving it upwardly by a certain amount. be. As a result, the main body of the pachinko machine 100 can be removed from the outer frame 101. - 特許庁

The front block 102 is arranged to overlap the intermediate block 103 on the front side, and the intermediate block 103 and the front block 102 are connected by front block support mechanisms 131 and 132 provided on the left side in front view. The front block support mechanisms 131 and 132 have the same configuration as the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122, support the front block 102 so as to be rotatable forward with respect to the intermediate block 103, and can be removed by a predetermined removal operation. configured as possible.

The rear block 104 is arranged on the rear side of the intermediate block 103 so as to overlap, and the intermediate block 103 and the rear block 104 are held together by rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137 (see FIG. 8) provided on the left side in front view. It is connected. The rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137 have the same configuration as the intermediate block support mechanisms 121 and 122 and the front block support mechanisms 131 and 132, and support the rear block 104 so as to be rotatable backward relative to the intermediate block 103. And, it is configured to be detachably supported by a predetermined detachment operation.

In addition, the pachinko machine 100 includes an intermediate block locking mechanism that regulates opening and closing of the intermediate block 103 with respect to the outer frame 101, a front block locking mechanism that regulates opening and closing of the front block 102 with respect to the intermediate block 103, an intermediate block locking mechanism and a front block locking mechanism. A lock operation mechanism operated to unlock and lock the block locking mechanism is provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the intermediate block 103 is provided with a key cylinder 141 as a lock operation mechanism that is exposed on the front side of the pachinko machine 100 through the opening of the front block 102 .

As a predetermined operation for the key cylinder 141, when an operation key (not shown) is rotated to the right, the movable portion 143 of the intermediate block locking mechanism provided in the intermediate block 103 is actuated. As a result, the engaged portion 142 provided on the outer frame 101 as a part of the intermediate block locking mechanism and the movable portion 143 are disengaged, and the intermediate block 103 enters the openable/closable state with respect to the outer frame 101. Become.

On the other hand, when the key cylinder 141 is turned to the left by a predetermined operation key, the movable portion 144 of the front block locking mechanism provided in the intermediate block 103 is actuated. As a result, the engaged portion 145 provided on the front block 102 as a part of the front block locking mechanism and the movable portion 144 are disengaged, and the front block 102 enters an openable/closable state with respect to the intermediate block 103. Become.

Further, the pachinko machine 100 is provided with a rear block opening/closing regulation mechanism that regulates the opening/closing of the rear block 104 with respect to the intermediate block 103 . The rear block opening/closing regulation mechanism allows the rear block 104 to switch between a state in which opening/closing is prohibited (opening/closing prohibited state) and a state in which opening/closing is permitted (opening/closing permitted state) with respect to the intermediate block 103 by a predetermined operation. It is said that

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the rear block opening/closing regulation mechanism is composed of two opening/closing regulation portions 150A and 150B provided in the intermediate block 103 and one opening/closing regulation portion 150C provided in the rear block 104. . Rotating pieces 151A to 151C that can be rotated are provided on these three opening/closing regulating portions 150A to 150C. Rotating pieces 151A to 151C are rotated to change the engagement state with the opening portion arranged to overlap front and back in the closed state of the rear block 104, thereby changing the opening/closing prohibition posture corresponding to the opening/closing prohibition state. , and an openable/closable posture corresponding to the openable/closable state. When all of the rotating pieces 151A to 151C are in the openable/closable posture, the respective rotating pieces 151A to 151C can pass through the opening, and the rear block 104 is in the openable/closable state with respect to the intermediate block 103. FIG. As for the opening/closing prohibition posture and the opening/closing permission posture, the opening/closing prohibition state and the opening/closing permission state may be switched by changing at least one of the positions and orientations of the rotating pieces 151A to 151C. Alternatively, it may be configured to move in a fixed direction, or may be configured to operate by a combination of movement and rotation. Hereinafter, the same applies to changes in posture when constituent members of each device move between a plurality of postures.

Of the three rotating pieces 151A to 151C, two rotating pieces 151A and 151B corresponding to a part thereof are formed on the rear block 104 when the rear block 104 is in the open/close prohibited state, as shown in FIG. One rotating piece 151C, which is exposed on the back side of the pachinko machine 100 through the opening and corresponds to the remaining portion, is exposed on the front side of the intermediate block 103, as shown in FIG. For this reason, it is not possible to switch all the rotating pieces 151A to 151C to the open/close permitting posture only by operating from one side such as the back side of the pachinko machine 100 or the front side of the intermediate block 103, thereby improving security. is raised.

Further, the pachinko machine 100 is provided with a game ball movement restricting mechanism for restricting movement of game balls from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102 . 3 and 6, for example, the game ball movement restriction mechanism is configured by a combination of a flow restriction piece 161 provided on the intermediate block 103 and a restriction change section 162 provided on the front block 102, A flow restricting piece 161 is biased by a coil spring (not shown) toward the front side where the front block 102 is located.

In a state where the front block 102 is closed with respect to the intermediate block 103 (closed state of the front block 102), the flow-down restricting piece 161 is in a movement-permitting state that allows the game ball to flow down. The change portion 162 presses and pushes the intermediate block 103 rearward. The flow restricting piece 161 is arranged rearwardly with respect to a guide passage (not shown) for guiding the game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102 in the movement permitting state. Thereby, in the closed state of the front block 102, movement of the game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102 is permitted.

On the other hand, in the state where the front block 102 is opened with respect to the intermediate block 103 (the open state of the front block 102), the pressure of the flow restriction piece 161 by the restriction changing portion 162 is released, and the front block 102 is closed. As a result, the flow restriction piece 161 protrudes toward the front block 102 to prohibit movement. The flow restricting piece 161 protrudes into the guide passage in the movement-prohibited state, and prevents the game ball from flowing downstream. Thereby, movement of the game ball from the intermediate block 103 to the front block 102 is prohibited.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko machine 100 has, for example, the intermediate block 103 closed to the outer frame 101 at the lower end on the rear side of the intermediate block 103 and on the rotation tip side (left side in rear view). An open/close detection switch 108 is provided for detecting whether or not the intermediate block 103 is open or closed, and as shown in FIG. An open/close detection switch 109 is provided for detecting whether or not the front block 102 is closed with respect to 103 .

Next, each configuration of the front block 102, intermediate block 103, and rear block 104 will be described in order.

The front block 102, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, forms substantially the entire front surface of the pachinko machine 100 and is a substantially rectangular member having a thickness in the front-rear direction. It has a function as a front decoration means to be used. The front block 102 is mainly composed of a base frame 201 made of synthetic resin, and is configured by attaching a plurality of functional parts to the front and rear of the base frame 201 . On the front side of the base frame 201, a front decorative body 210 forming the front surface of the pachinko machine 100 surrounds the opening 210A along the outer edge of the opening 210A formed including the central portion of the front block 102 in front view. It is attached to the When the base frame 201 constituting the front block 102 and the front decoration 210 are combined, an opening 210A is formed through a wide range in the front-rear direction except for the outer peripheral portion where the front decoration 210 is attached. The intermediate block 103 including the game board 400 located behind the front block 102 is visible to the player through the opening 210A.

1 and 3, the front block 102 includes a central panel 220 provided on the back side of the base frame 201 so as to close the opening 210A, a main storage mechanism 230 for storing game balls, An auxiliary storage mechanism 240 for storing game balls and a shooting operation device 250 operated by a player to shoot the game balls stored in the main storage mechanism 230 are provided.

1 and 5, the front block 102 includes, as a part of the front decoration 210, an opening peripheral edge portion 211 that surrounds the peripheral edge of the opening 210A, and an opening protruding forward below the opening 210A. , a lower protrusion 218 positioned below the upper protrusion 217 and protruding forward, and an upper protrusion 217 and a lower protrusion on the right side of the lower protrusion 218 A flat portion 219 is formed on the back side of 218 and is composed of a generally flat area on which the firing operation device 250 is arranged. A main storage mechanism 230 is arranged on the upper protrusion 217 , and an auxiliary storage mechanism 240 is arranged on the lower protrusion 218 .

The center panel 220 has a function as a cover body that closes the opening 210A penetrating in the front-rear direction in a state in which the base frame 201 and the front decoration body 210 are combined and allows the rear side to be visually recognized. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the central panel 220 includes a panel frame 221 (see FIG. 3) attached from the rear side of the base frame 201 and a light transmissive panel frame 221 fitted in the front side of the panel frame 221. and a light-transmitting rear plate 223 (see FIG. 3) fitted substantially parallel to the front plate 222 on the rear side of the panel frame 221 with a predetermined gap. there is

The main storage mechanism 230 has a function of storing game balls obtained as the game progresses and game balls rented from the game arcade. The main storage mechanism 230 includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, a storage portion 231, a ball removal mechanism (not shown), and a ball removal operation member 232 that operates the ball removal mechanism. The reservoir 231 includes an inlet 231A through which game balls flow into the reservoir 231 from the inside of the pachinko machine 100, an outlet (not shown) through which game balls flow out from the reservoir 231 into the pachinko machine 100, and an outlet (not shown) formed upstream from the outlet. By opening the discharge port, the game ball is discharged from the storage part 231 to the player side without being taken into the inside of the pachinko machine 100.例文帳に追加The ball extraction mechanism has a function of switching the discharge destination of the game ball between the outflow port and the discharge port.

Game balls acquired in accordance with the progress of the game and game balls rented out in response to a renting operation on a renting operation device 292, which will be described later, flow into the storage section 231 mainly through the inflow port 231A. The reservoir 231 is formed with an opening on the upper side, through which game balls owned by the player are manually inserted or game balls rented out at the game arcade are supplied.

The game balls that have flowed into the reservoir 231 are aligned in a line and guided to the side where the outflow port and the discharge port are formed (upper right side in FIG. 1). When the ball extraction operation (for example, pressing operation) is not performed on the ball extraction operation member 232, the game ball is guided to the later-described launching device 330 (see FIG. 3) through the outflow port. On the other hand, when the ball extraction operation is performed on the ball extraction operation member 232, the game ball is guided to the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 (see FIG. 1) through the ejection port.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 includes an auxiliary storage portion 241 having inflow ports 241A and 241C (see FIG. 5) and a discharge port 241B (see FIG. 1) for game balls, and a discharge port 241B. It has a ball removing mechanism 243 that opens and closes, and a ball removing operation member 242 that operates the ball removing mechanism 243 . Game balls and the like acquired as the game progresses mainly flow into the main storage mechanism 230, but if the storage section 231 is full, they flow into the auxiliary storage section 241 through the inflow port 241A. In addition, the game ball flows into the auxiliary storage section 241 from the storage section 231 through the inlet 241C in response to the ball extraction operation on the ball extraction operation member 232 as well.

The bottom surface of the auxiliary reservoir 241 is inclined downward toward the discharge port 241B. When the release port 241B is opened by a ball extraction operation (for example, pressing operation) on the ball extraction operation member 242, all the game balls stored in the auxiliary storage section 241 can be sequentially released to the outside of the pachinko machine 100. When the discharge port 241B is completely opened by the ball extraction operation on the ball extraction operation member 242, the ball extraction operation member 242 is kept in its open state until the return operation (for example, pressing operation again) is performed. maintained. A ball overflow switch 249 (see FIG. 10) for detecting whether game balls are stored up to a predetermined upper limit in the auxiliary storage section 241 is provided at the back of the inflow port 241A.

1 and 5, the firing operation device 250 includes a pedestal 251 projecting forward from the flat portion 219 of the front decoration 210, a rotatable firing handle 252 provided around the pedestal 251, A variable resistor 253 (see FIG. 10) that detects the amount of rotation operation of the firing handle 252, a contact sensor 254 (see FIG. 10) that detects that the player is in contact with the firing handle 252, and the firing handle 252. It also includes a firing stop switch 255 (see FIG. 5) that disables the ejection of the game ball accompanying the rotation operation by the player's operation. When the player rotates the shooting handle 252, game balls are ejected from the shooting device 330 (see FIG. 3) toward the game board 400 (see FIG. 3) with an intensity corresponding to the amount of rotation. If the contact sensor 254 does not detect contact between the firing handle 252 and the player, or if the firing stop switch 255 is operated to disable the firing operation, the firing handle 252 is rotated. However, no game ball is ejected from the launching device 330 .

Frame light emitting devices 271 to 275 (see FIG. 10) are provided behind the front decorative body 210 in the front block 102 . The frame light emitting devices 271 to 275 are arranged so as to overlap the opening peripheral edge portion 211 of the front decoration 210 on the back side, and are attached to the base frame 201 . As shown in FIG. 5, the opening peripheral edge portion 211 includes an upper central edge portion 211A, an upper left edge portion 211B and an upper right edge portion 211C located on both left and right sides of the upper central edge portion 211A, and an upper left edge portion. A left edge portion 211D located below 211B and a right edge portion 211E located below the upper right edge portion 211C are provided as light emitting portions, and frame light emission corresponding to each light emitting portion is provided. Devices 271-275 are installed.

The frame light-emitting devices 271 to 275 are an upper center frame light-emitting device 271 corresponding to the upper center edge 211A, an upper left frame light-emitting device 272 corresponding to the upper left edge 211B, and an upper right frame light-emitting device corresponding to the upper right edge 211C. A device 273, a left frame light emitting device 274 corresponding to the left edge 211D, and a right frame light emitting device 275 (see FIG. 10) corresponding to the right edge 211E. Each of the frame light emitting devices 271 to 275 includes one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) as light emitting means, electronic components such as resistors for controlling the LEDs, and these electronic components are integrated and electrically connected. and a printed circuit board.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the front block 102 is provided with an upper left sound output port 211F and an upper right sound output port 211G above the opening peripheral portion 211, and these upper left sound output ports 211F are provided. An upper left acoustic device 281 and an upper right acoustic device 282 (see FIGS. 3 and 10) are provided corresponding to the upper right acoustic output port 211G and the upper right acoustic output port 211G, respectively. The upper left acoustic device 281 and the upper right acoustic device 282 are attached to the base frame 201 so as to be positioned behind (rear) the opening peripheral edge portion 211 of the front decoration 210 . Further, in the front block 102, sound devices 283 to 285 different from the upper left sound device 281 and the upper right sound device 282 are provided on the front side so as to be capable of outputting sound effects (see FIG. 10). 285 will be described later.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the front block 102 is provided with a game ball lending device 290 on the right side of the upper surface of the upper projecting portion 217, for example. The game ball lending device 290 includes a frequency display device 291, a lending operating device 292 operated by the player when receiving the lending of the game balls, and a return operating device 293, and is arranged side by side with the pachinko machine 100. It is configured to be able to communicate with a game ball management device 700 (see FIG. 13) such as a card unit. It is

The frequency display device 291 is a device capable of displaying information managed by the game ball management device 700 (see FIG. 13), which is related to the game value possessed by the player (managed amount and number of game balls). is the amount of banknotes inserted into the game ball management device 700, and the unused balance among the inserted banknotes recorded in the value storage medium such as cards and coins used in the game ball management device 700. Displays a numerical value equivalent to . The return operation device 293 returns a card, coin, or the like as a value storage medium for storing information corresponding to the amount of money inserted into the game ball management device 700 and the balance of that amount that has not been lent out. It is a device operated by a player (for example, a push-button type device that can be pressed).

Here, the game ball management device 700 is configured so that the game balls possessed by the player (hereinafter also referred to as possessed balls) can be thrown in, and the number of possessed balls thrown in by throwing in the possessed balls ( Information corresponding to the number of possession balls) is stored in the value storage medium along with the amount of money possessed by the player. The player can use the game ball management device 700 arranged side by side with the pachinko machine 100 being played, or another game ball management device 700 arranged side by side with another pachinko machine, and the amount of money stored in the value storage medium. or by inserting the value storage medium into the game ball management device 700 and operating the game ball lending device 290.

When a value storage medium such as a bill or a card is inserted into the game ball management device 700 , a numerical value corresponding to the amount (balance) is displayed on the frequency display device 291 . In the valid state in which the amount is displayed on the frequency display device 291, when a lending operation is performed on the lending operation device 292, a predetermined number of game balls are released from the payout device 540 of the rear block 104 ( 8), and the display of the frequency display device 291 is updated as the game ball is rented. On the other hand, when a return operation is performed on the return operation device 293 in the valid state, the game ball management device 700 returns the banknote equivalent corresponding to the balance and the value storage medium recording the balance in response to the return operation. .

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the front block 102 is provided with an input operation device 260 that allows the player to perform an input operation other than the shooting operation. The input operation device 260 includes, for example, a pressing operation device 261 capable of pressing operation, a rotary operation device 262 capable of rotating operation, and a selection operation device 263 capable of upward, downward, leftward, and rightward direction operations. With these operation devices 261 to 263, the effect selection operation for selecting the effect to be executed in the pachinko machine 100, the device setting operation for setting the volume and light amount of each device that executes the effect of the pachinko machine 100, or the operation related to the player A performance setting operation or the like can be executed by inputting information to enable the performance of the pachinko machine 100 to be executed according to the previous game, and these operations can be executed by the player or the manager of the game parlor as necessary. It is said that It should be noted that the input operation unit that the player touches in the input operation device 260 (for example, the annular rotary operation unit in the rotary operation device 262) is rotated, moved up and down, or moved by input operation unit driving means such as a motor or solenoid. Operation such as vibration is preferably configured to be executable by control of the pachinko machine 100 (for example, control of the sub-control board 940 (see FIG. 10)), either before or after the input operation, or during the input operation By operating the input portion at a plurality of timings, it is possible to diversify the presentation accompanying the input operation, such as positively prompting the input operation.

Next, the intermediate block 103 will be described. The intermediate block 103 is a substantially rectangular member having substantially the same size as the front block 102, and by attaching the front block 102 and the rear block 104, the main body of the pachinko machine 100 is integrated. have. The intermediate block 103 is configured by attaching a plurality of functional parts including the game board 400 to the base frame 301 .

3 and 4, the intermediate block 103 includes a base frame 301 having an opening, a game board 400 (see FIG. 3) attached from the front side while covering the opening of the base frame 301, a base frame A game board support mechanism that rotatably and detachably supports the game board 400 with respect to 301, a game board fixing mechanism that fixes the position of the game board 400 with respect to the base frame 301, and game balls on the game board 400. A shooting device 330 (see FIG. 3) that shoots, a main controller 370 (see FIG. 4) that is attached to the back side of the game board 400 and controls the progress of the game in general, and based on commands from the main controller 370 It is equipped with a sub-control device 390 (see FIG. 4) that controls game effects and state notification.

As shown in FIG. 3, the base frame 301 has a guide passage portion 301A formed therein with a guide passage for guiding game balls released from a payout device 540 (see FIG. 8) described later to the front block 102; A plurality of wires (not shown) and an opening 301B in which the signal relay device 311 is located are provided. The opening 301B has a shape penetrating in the front-rear direction below the game board 400, and a plurality of wires inserted through the opening 301B are connected to various devices provided in the front block 102 (for example, the frame light emitting devices 271 to 271). 275, upper left acoustic device 281 and upper right acoustic device 282) and devices provided on the rear side of the intermediate block 103 and the rear block 104 (for example, the main controller 370 and the sub controller 390). Including wiring, the signal relay device 311 has a function as a relay board that relays part of the wiring.

As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 400 includes a flat base 401 having through holes such as a discharge port 401A through which game balls can pass back and forth, and an outer rail smoothly curving from the lower left to the upper right of the base 401. 402, an inner rail 403 that smoothly curves from the lower right to the upper left of the base 401, a return ball prevention mechanism 404 attached to the upper left tip of the inner rail 403, and an upper right tip of the outer rail 402. and an attached anti-recoil member 405 . The outer rail 402 guides a game ball shot from a shooting device 330, which will be described later, into the game area. The return ball prevention mechanism 404 prevents a game ball once released into the game area from a shooting path 401B formed between the outer rail 402 and the inner rail 403 facing each other in parallel from returning to the shooting path 401B. The anti-recoil member 405 has a shock-absorbing property that prevents a game ball from rebounding to the left after passing through the upper center of the game board 400 and returning to the left. However, it is made of a material such as damping rubber.

As shown in FIG. 3, a return ball passage 163 is formed in the lower rear portion of the front block 102 . There is a gap between the guide member 335 that guides the game ball from the launcher 330 to the direction of the launch path 401B and the outer rail 402, and the ball is launched from the launcher 330 without exceeding the return ball prevention mechanism 404. The game ball returning through the passage 401B is returned from the inflow port 241A (see FIG. 5) to the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 (see FIG. 5) through the return ball passage portion 163 arranged below this gap.

The game ball progressing beyond the return ball prevention mechanism 404 reaches the game area, and moves (flows down) while falling by its own weight within the game area. The game area has a substantially circular outer peripheral shape, and is partitioned into a shape in which the majority of the area has a front-to-rear width slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball. The game area has an outer peripheral portion generally defined by the outer rail 402 and the inner rail 403, the front side is substantially planarly defined by the rear plate 223 of the central panel 220, and the rear side is substantially planarly defined by the base 401 of the game board 400. are divided into Various structures provided in the game area will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 3, the shooting device 330 includes a ball feeding mechanism 331 that sequentially feeds the game balls stored in the main storage mechanism 230 to the shooting position, and a ball feeding solenoid 332 that drives the ball feeding mechanism 331 (see FIG. 10). ), a shooting mechanism 333 that shoots a game ball placed at the shooting position, a shooting solenoid 334 that drives the shooting mechanism 333 (see FIG. 10), and a game ball shot from the shooting mechanism 333 on the game board 400. and a guide member 335 that guides into the firing passageway 401B. Firing device 330 operates according to the firing operation of firing operation device 250 as described above, and the firing force is adjusted by changing the drive control of firing solenoid 334 in accordance with the firing operation of firing operation device 250 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the main controller 370 includes a main control board 920 (see FIG. 10) and a two-part board case 371 that accommodates the main control board 920. As shown in FIG. The main control board 920 is housed inside a light-transmitting board case 371 that is sealed so that it cannot be opened without leaving a trace.

Also, the main controller 370 is rotatably attached to the back side of the game board 400 . Specifically, an attachment portion 372 is rotatably connected and fixed to the back side of the base 401 of the game board 400 , and the main controller 370 is attached to the attachment portion 372 . As a result, not only the back side (surface side) of the main control device 370 but also the front side (back side) of the main control device 370 can be attached to the game board 400 by rotating the mounting portion 372. It is supposed that it can be easily checked while it is attached. The main controller 370 may be connected to the mounting portion 372 so that it cannot be removed without leaving a trace, and the removal status of the main controller 370 may be easily managed.

The sub-controller 390 includes a sub-control board 940 (see FIG. 10) and a board case 391 having a two-piece structure that accommodates the sub-control board 940 . The sub-control board 940 is, for example, housed inside a translucent board case 391 that is sealed so that it cannot be opened without leaving a trace, similar to the main control board 920 . Installed on the back side.

Various structures arranged in the game area on the game board 400 will now be described mainly with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a front view of the game board 400. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the game board 400 includes a base 401 , flow-changing members such as nails 411 and windmills 412 that change the flow direction and flow speed of the game ball, and a center ball arranged substantially in the center of the base 401 . The structure 420, the starting device related to the first special symbol arranged on the lower side of the central structure 420 (specifically, the upper middle starting winning device 431A and the lower middle starting winning device 431B), and the center A starting device (specifically, a right starting winning device 432) related to the second special symbol arranged on the lower right side of the structure 420, and a large winning device 433 arranged below the right starting winning device 432 , 434 (specifically, the lower big winning device 433 and the upper big winning device 434), the starting device 436 related to the normal symbol arranged on the upper side (upstream side) of the right start winning device 432, and the game board 400 A role interlocking operating device 435 arranged on the upper right side and above (upstream side) with respect to the upper and lower large winning devices 433 and 434, and a general winning device 439A arranged on both left and right sides of the lower middle start winning device 431B. , 439B.

In addition, the game board 400 is provided with a plurality of switches as detection means for detecting passage of game balls corresponding to the above-described upper middle start winning device 431A (see FIG. 10). Entry of a game ball into a predetermined area can be detected. For example, a middle start winning switch (upper middle start winning switch 441A) that detects a game ball that has entered the upper middle start winning prize device 431A, a middle start winning prize switch that detects a game ball that has entered the lower middle start winning prize device 431B (lower Side center start winning switch 441B), right start winning switch 442 for detecting game balls entering right start winning device 432, lower big winning switch 443 for detecting game balls entering lower big winning device 433, upper big winning device An upper big winning switch 444 that detects a game ball that has entered the 434, a combination operation switch 445 that detects a game ball that has entered the combination operation device 435, a starting switch 446 that detects a game ball that has entered the starting device 436, and a bottom switch. A non-specific path switch 447 for detecting a game ball entering a non-specific path (not shown) formed inside the big winning device 433, and a specific path (not shown) formed inside the lower big winning device 433 The game board 400 is provided with a specific passage switch 448 for detecting a game ball that has entered the game board 400, general winning switches 449A and 449B for detecting game balls that have entered the general winning devices 439A and 439B, respectively.

In addition, the game board 400 is provided with various sensors (see FIG. 10) for fraud prevention, and can detect abnormalities occurring in the pachinko machine 100 . For example, a magnetic sensor 491 , a vibration sensor 492 , a radio wave sensor 493 and the like are installed on the game board 400 .

The game ball entrance portions of the central structure 420 and the starting device 436 constitute ball entrances, and game balls that enter each ball entrance are released into the game area. Each winning device, specifically, upper middle start winning device 431A, lower middle start winning device 431B, right start winning device 432, lower big winning device 433, upper big winning device 434, and general winning device 439A, 439B The entrance portion of the ball constitutes a prize winning opening, and the game balls entering each winning opening are guided to a collection discharge passage (not shown) formed on the back side of the base 401 through a through hole formed in the base 401. . In addition, the game balls that have not entered the respective winning devices are guided to the collection and discharge passage through the discharge port 401A provided at the most downstream portion of the game area. The game balls guided to the collection discharge passage are discharged from the pachinko machine 100 to a game ball circulation device (not shown) provided in the game hall. When a game ball enters one of the winning devices, a predetermined number of game balls corresponding to the type of the winning device are paid out from the payout device 540 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). Each prize winning device may be configured separately from other prize winning devices, or a device in which two or more prize winning devices (for example, upper middle start prize device 431A and lower middle start prize device 431B) are integrated. In addition, the starting device such as the upper middle start winning device 431A does not necessarily have to be a winning opening from which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out when the game ball enters. It may be a ball entrance through which the ball is released to the game area again without being paid out.

Each of the upper middle start winning device 431A and the lower middle start winning device 431B related to the first special symbol, and the general winning device 439A and the general winning device 439B enter without changing the entry probability of the game ball to them. The played game ball is guided to the back side of the substrate 401. - 特許庁In addition, the right starting winning device 432 related to the second special symbol has a mechanism for changing the probability of entry of the game ball into its interior. In addition, the mechanism for changing the entry probability of the game ball need not be provided only in the starting device related to the second special symbol, instead, or in addition, the starting device related to the first special symbol, the general winning device It may be provided in one or more of 439A and 439B. Also, the mechanism for changing the entry probability of the game ball may be constituted by driving means such as an electrically driven solenoid, and is represented by a mechanism that operates by the weight of the game ball that has entered a predetermined area. It may be configured by a mechanism that operates mechanically.

The right start winning device 432 related to the second special symbol includes a right entry regulation mechanism 452 that changes the probability of entry of the game ball into the inside by the transition between the entry permission posture and the entry prohibition posture, and the right entry regulation mechanism. 452 and a right entry restricting solenoid 462 (see FIG. 10). The right entry restricting mechanism 452 has two movable pieces driven by a right entry restricting solenoid 462. When the right entry restricting mechanism 452 is in the entry prohibition posture, the two movable pieces are positioned at the entrance (winning entrance). ), the game ball cannot enter the right start winning device 432, but when the right entry regulation mechanism 452 is in the entry permitting posture, the two movable pieces A game ball can enter the right start winning device 432 by adopting an arrangement such that the interval between the parts is enlarged. The right entry regulation mechanism 452 is a lottery based on the detection of the game ball entering the starting device 436 according to the normal symbol by the start switch 446 (hereinafter also referred to as "normal symbol lottery"). In accordance with the drive by the restricting solenoid 462, the posture is shifted to the entry permitting posture for a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined period of time.

As shown in FIG. 7, the lower prize winning device 433 includes a lower entry regulation mechanism 453 that regulates the entry of game balls into the interior thereof by shifting between an entry-allowed posture and an entry-prohibited posture, and a lower entry regulation mechanism. A game ball that has entered the lower big prize winning device 433 is moved to a non-specific passage or a specific passage by the downward entry regulation solenoid 463 (see FIG. 10) that changes the posture of the mechanism 453 and the transition between the non-guided posture and the guided posture. A distribution mechanism (not shown) for distribution and a switching solenoid 465 (see FIG. 10) for changing the posture of the distribution mechanism and switching the guide destination of the game ball are provided. When the lower entry regulation mechanism 453 of the lower special prize device 433 is in the entry prohibition posture, the lower entry regulation mechanism 453 closes the entry port (prize opening) so that the game ball cannot enter the lower special prize device 433. When the lower entry regulation mechanism 453 is in the entry permitting posture, the lower entry regulation mechanism 453 opens the entry port so that the game ball can enter the lower big winning device 433 . In addition, the game ball that has entered the lower prize winning device 433 is guided to a non-specific passage when the distribution mechanism is in a non-guiding posture in which it projects forward, and when the distribution mechanism is in a guiding posture in which it retreats backward. is guided to a specific passage. The specific path, the non-specific path, and the distribution mechanism are provided to diversify the transition of the game state, and when the game ball enters the specific path, the player is given an advantageous game state as a privilege. .

As shown in FIG. 7, the upper big prize device 434 includes an upper entry regulation mechanism 454 that regulates entry of game balls into the device by shifting between an entry-allowed posture and an entry-prohibited posture, and an upper entry regulation mechanism. An upward entry restriction solenoid 464 (see FIG. 10) that changes the attitude of the mechanism 454 is provided. When the upper entry regulation mechanism 454 is in the entry prohibition posture, the upper entry regulation mechanism 454 closes the entrance (winning opening) so that the game ball cannot enter the upper big winning device 434, but the upper entry regulation mechanism 454 is the entry permitting posture, the upper entry regulation mechanism 454 opens the entry port so that the game ball can enter the upper big winning device 434 .

In addition, as a mechanism for changing the probability of entry of a game ball into the right entry regulation mechanism 452 or the like, the entry-allowed attitude and the entry-prohibited attitude can be configured by configuring each mechanism and forming a winning opening (or a ball entrance) of each device. At least one of the position and orientation of the operating member is different according to each posture, corresponding to the change in the posture of the operating member that switches between the special state in which the game ball can enter and the normal state in which the game ball cannot enter. Good to have. In addition, as a mechanism for changing the entry probability of a game ball such as the right entry regulation mechanism 452, it is not always necessary to make the state in which the game ball cannot enter the normal state. In the state, the configuration may be such that the attitude of the operating member changes to a state in which the game ball is easier to enter than in the normal state.

A game ball can enter the lower big prize winning device 433 and the upper big prize winning device 434 when winning the jackpot lottery. Specifically, the game ball entered into the upper middle start winning device 431A or the lower middle starting winning device 431B related to the first special symbol is detected by the upper middle starting winning switch 441A or the lower middle starting winning switch 441B (hereinafter also referred to as "first special symbol lottery"), or the game ball that entered the right start winning device 432 related to the second special symbol is detected by the right start winning switch 442 (hereinafter also referred to as "second special symbol lottery"), at least one of the lower entry regulation solenoid 463 or the upper entry regulation solenoid 464 operates. By this operation, at least one of the lower entry restriction mechanism 453 and the upper entry restriction mechanism 454 assumes the entry permitting posture for a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined period of time. In addition, the distribution mechanism shifts to the guidance posture in accordance with the operation of the switching solenoid 465 after a predetermined period of time from the shift of the downward entry regulation mechanism 453 to the entry-permitting posture, and further switches to the guidance posture after a predetermined period of time from the shift to the guidance posture. Upon deactivation of solenoid 465, it returns to the non-guiding position.

The combination operation device 435 is a device for setting conditions necessary for starting the operation of the lower special prize winning device 433 and the upper special prize winning device 434 . After winning the jackpot lottery, either the lower big winning device 433 or the upper big winning device 434 starts to operate on the condition that the game ball passes through the combination operation device 435 . Therefore, when the player wins the jackpot, the player can start the special game state at his/her intended timing. It should be noted that it is not necessarily required that either the lower prize winning device 433 or the upper prize winning device 434 starts to operate under the condition that the game ball passes through the combination operation device 435. In addition, either the lower big winning device 433 or the upper big winning device 434 may start to operate when a predetermined time elapses.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the game board 400 is integrated with display devices 471 to 473 for displaying symbol variations and lottery results, and display devices 476 to 478 for displaying the number of times the game is held. A display device having a plurality of light-emitting portions is provided in the lower left portion corresponding to a portion of the game board 400 . The plurality of light-emitting units are divided in advance into light-emitting regions corresponding to respective devices, and the state of each device is displayed by the light-emitting state.

Specifically, on the game board 400, along with the first special symbol lottery, the first special symbol is variably displayed, or the first special symbol is fixedly displayed as a stop symbol according to the lottery result. A second special symbol display device 471 relating to special symbols and a second special symbol lottery which variably displays the second special symbol or confirms and displays the second special symbol with a stop symbol according to the lottery result. A special symbol display device 472 relating to special symbols, a special symbol suspension display device 476 displaying the number of suspensions of unit games relating to the first special symbol, and a special symbol suspension displaying the number of suspensions of unit games relating to the second special symbol. A display 477 is provided. The unit game right related to the first special symbol and the unit game right related to the second special symbol are reserved up to four times each. Here, the unit game is one game that is executed based on one start winning prize, and a lottery determination performed based on one start winning prize and a lottery based on the win or failure determination. A series of games including the start and end of variable display until the result is displayed.

When the right of the unit game related to the first special symbol is reserved up to the maximum number of times, the game ball entering the start winning device 431 is the upper middle start winning switch 441A (see FIG. 10) or the lower middle starting winning switch Even if it is detected by 441B (see FIG. 10), the right of the unit game related to the first special symbol is not added. Similarly, when the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol is reserved up to the maximum number of times, assuming that the game ball entering the right starting winning device 432 is detected by the right starting winning switch 442 (see FIG. 10) Also, the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol is not added.

Each of the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol and the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol is composed of a plurality of light emitting units and is controlled by the main control board 920 (see FIG. 10). . Each of the display of the first special symbol and the display of the second special symbol is represented by a light emission pattern of a plurality of light emitting parts (combination of light emitting states including light emitting colors (light off, light on, blinking)). The special design reservation display device 476 related to the first special design and the special design reservation display device 477 related to the second special design are the number of times of reservation by combining the light emitting state (light off, lighting, blinking) of the two single color light emitting parts. indicate.

In addition, on the game board 400, a normal symbol display device 473 for variably displaying the normal symbols along with the normal symbol lottery, or fixedly displaying the normal symbols with a stop symbol according to the lottery result, and a normal symbol display device 473 are provided. A normal symbol reservation display device 478 is provided for displaying the number of times the unit game right is reserved. The right of the unit game related to normal symbols is reserved up to 4 times. When the right of the unit game related to the normal pattern is reserved up to the maximum number of times, even if the game ball entering the starting device 436 is detected by the start switch 446, the right of the unit game related to the normal pattern is not added.

The normal symbol display device 473 is composed of a plurality of light emitting parts and is controlled by the main control board 920 (see FIG. 10). A normal pattern is represented by a light emission pattern of a plurality of light emitting portions. In addition, the normal symbol reservation display device 478 displays the number of times of reservation by a combination of light emitting states (extinguishing, lighting, blinking) of the two monochromatic light emitting portions.

Also, on the game board 400, so as to overlap behind the central structure 420, in the unit game related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the decorative symbols are variably displayed, or the decorative symbols are fixedly displayed. A decorative pattern display device 479 is provided. The variable display and fixed display of decorative symbols are controlled by the sub-control board 940 and are synchronized with the variable display and fixed display of the first and second special symbols by the main control board 920 . In the variable display of the decorative symbols, more complex and diverse effects are executed than in the variable display of the first special symbols and the second special symbols. It should be noted that the variable display and final display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol and the variable display and final display of the decorative symbol always start to fluctuate at exactly the same timing, or stop display as final display. It is not necessary, and a setting may be made in which fluctuation is started at approximately the same timing while providing a slight time difference between each timing, and final display is performed at approximately the same timing.

In addition, the game board 400 is provided with a board surface light emitting device 490 (see FIG. 10) provided on the back side of various structures. Various lighting effects and status notification by lighting are executed.

Various game states and transitions between game states will now be described. The normal game state (hereinafter also abbreviated as "normal game state") is a state where the fluctuation display time of the first special symbol, the second special symbol and the normal symbol is long (hereinafter also referred to as "non-time saving state"). handle.

When a big win is won in the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, the game ball enters a specific passage (internal passage of the lower big winning device 433) during the special game state that shifts based on the winning. Depending on whether or not, the game state to be shifted after the special game state is different. If the game ball does not enter the specific passage during the special game state, the state where the fluctuation display time of the first special symbol lottery, the second special symbol and the normal symbol is shorter than the non-time saving state (hereinafter referred to as "time saving state "Also referred to as "), and the probability of winning the jackpot in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery is the same as the normal game state (hereinafter also referred to as "low probability state") gaming state ( (Also referred to as "time-saving game state" below). On the other hand, when the game ball enters the specific path during the special game state, it is a time-saving state, and a state in which the winning probability of the big win in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery is higher than that in the normal game state. (hereinafter also referred to as "high probability state") to a game state (hereinafter also referred to as "variable probability game state").

The time saving game state is maintained until the total number of unit games related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 50 times), but then returns to the normal game state. Also, the variable probability game state is maintained until the total number of unit games related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), but then returns to the normal game state.

It should be noted that the transition between the game state and the game state does not necessarily have to be the above-described configuration. At least one may be configured, a configuration further including a game state different from each of the game states described above, or a configuration in which transitions between game states are performed under conditions different from the conditions described above may be used.

Next, the operations of the main devices of the game board 400 will be described generally in chronological order. In the main control board 920, a winning random number, a jackpot pattern random number, a stop pattern random number, and various variation pattern random numbers related to special symbols (common to the first special symbol and the second special symbol) are generated, and various game states are generated. When the game ball entering either the starting winning device 431A or 431B related to the first special symbol is detected by one of the medium starting winning switches 441A or 441B (see FIG. 10), the starting winning of the first special symbol becomes. If the right to play the unit game related to the first special symbol is not reserved up to the maximum number of times at the time of starting winning of the first special symbol, the winning random number, the jackpot symbol random number and the stop pattern random number related to the special symbol are acquired, It is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control board 920 .

The unit game based on the random number obtained based on the start winning of the first special symbol is not in the special game state, nor in the unit game related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and the unit game related to the first special symbol. is not reserved, it begins immediately after storing those random numbers. Also, even if it is not in the special game state, during the unit game related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, or when the right of the unit game related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol is reserved After the completion of the unit game related to all the reserved special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) before the current winning, the unit game based on the current start winning is started. When each random number is acquired based on the starting prize of the first special symbol during the special game state, the unit game based on the random number is all pending before this starting prize after the special game state. It is started after the unit game related to the special symbol.

In addition, the unit game based on the random number obtained based on the start winning of the first special symbol is started after all the unit games related to the second special symbol are finished. That is, when each random number is acquired based on the start winning of the second special symbol after the starting winning of this time, the unit game based on the starting winning of the second special symbol is preferentially executed. It should be noted that the unit game based on the start winning of the second special symbol does not necessarily have to be executed with priority over the unit game related to the first special symbol, and the first special symbol and the second special symbol are executed in order of the starting winning. It may be a configuration in which the unit superiority control related to is executed, or a configuration in which the two special symbols are not alternative and can be changed at the same time.

If a big hit is won in the first special symbol lottery based on the starting prize of the first special symbol, a stop symbol ( The type of jackpot pattern) is determined. The types of stop symbols correspond to the types of jackpots. For example, the number of rounds corresponding to the number of times that the lower entry regulation mechanism 453 or the upper entry regulation mechanism 454 takes the entry allowable posture (for example, 6 rounds and 16 rounds), A plurality of types of big wins are set corresponding to the types of game states such as the game state to be shifted after the special game state (whether to shift to the variable probability game state or not), and a big win pattern is set for each type. When a big win is not won in the first special symbol lottery, a losing symbol different from the big winning symbol is set as a stop symbol.

After the first special symbol lottery, based on the current game state, the lottery result, the value of the stop pattern random number, the value of various fluctuation pattern random numbers, and the number of times the right of the unit game related to the first special symbol is reserved, the first special The variation display time of the pattern is determined, and the variation pattern of the decorative pattern is selected. After that, the variable display of the first special symbol in the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol and the variable display (variation effect) of the decorative symbol in the decorative symbol display device 479 are started, and the first special symbol is varied. The variable display according to a fixed pattern is continued over the display time, and the variable display according to the variable pattern is continued over the variable display time in the case of decorative symbols. After that, as the variable display time elapses, the stop symbol related to the first special symbol is confirmed and displayed, and the symbol corresponding to the stop symbol of the first special symbol is confirmed and displayed as the decorative symbol. The fixed display of the first special symbol and the decorative symbol continues at least for a predetermined fixed period of time.

When the stop symbol associated with the first special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the game state shifts to the special game state after the first special symbol is confirmed and displayed. In the special game state, the lower entry regulating mechanism 453 of the lower big winning device 433 and the upper entry regulating mechanism 454 of the upper big winning device 433 are in the entry permitting posture for a predetermined number of times in a predetermined order according to the type of big win. . When a predetermined number (for example, 8 pieces) of game balls are detected by the big winning switches 443 and 444, or a predetermined maximum When the entry permissible time (for example, 29.5 seconds) has elapsed, the lower entry regulation mechanism 453 or the upper entry regulation mechanism 454 shifts to the entry prohibition posture. Thereafter, after a predetermined entry prohibition time has elapsed, either the lower entry regulation mechanism 453 or the upper entry regulation mechanism 454 returns to the entry permitting posture again. This entry control operation is repeated a predetermined number of times in a predetermined order corresponding to the type of jackpot.

Only one of the lower entry regulation mechanism 453 and the upper entry regulation mechanism 454 is configured to take an entry permitting posture during the special game state, and after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed from the start of the special game state (after the opening period) ), one of them shifts to the initial approach permitting posture. Also, the special game state ends after a predetermined entry prohibition time elapses after returning to the entry prohibition posture in the final round, and after a predetermined waiting time elapses (after the ending period). After the end of the special game state, as described above, it shifts to the time-saving game state or probability variable game state.

In various game states, when the game ball entering the right starting winning device 432 related to the second special symbol is detected by the right starting winning switch 442, the second special symbol starts winning. The control of the unit game based on the start winning of the second special symbol is executed in the same manner as the control related to the first special symbol described above. That is, if the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol is not reserved up to the maximum number of times at the start winning of the second special symbol, each random number related to the special symbol is acquired, and the unit game based on this starting winning is executed. be done. In addition, the determination of the stop symbol according to the second special symbol lottery, the selection of the variation pattern of the decorative symbol, the execution of the variation display, the game state transition control, etc. are also executed in the same manner as the control related to the first special symbol. be done.

In various game states, when the game ball entering the starting device 436 is detected by the starting switch 446, if the right of the unit game related to the normal design is not reserved up to the maximum number of times, the winning random number related to the normal design is acquired. and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control board 920 . At this time, if it is not during the unit game related to the normal design, immediately after the storage, the unit game related to the acquired normal design is started. On the other hand, if it is during the unit game related to the normal symbol, the unit game related to the acquired normal symbol is started after the unit game based on the right of the unit game related to the acquired normal symbol is finished.

In the unit game relating to the normal symbols, it is determined whether or not the game is won based on the value of the winning random number. On the other hand, when the player does not win the normal symbol lottery, a predetermined lost symbol is set as a stop symbol. After the normal pattern lottery, the normal pattern display device 473 starts the variable display of the normal symbols, and in the non-time-saving state, the variable display by a fixed pattern is continued over a predetermined variable display time, and in the time-saving state. The variable display by a fixed pattern is continued over the predetermined|prescribed variable display time shorter than a non-time-saving state. With the lapse of a predetermined time corresponding to the game state, the stop symbols related to the normal symbols are fixedly displayed for a certain period of time.

When the stop symbol associated with the normal symbol is a winning symbol, the right entry regulation mechanism 452 of the right starting winning device 432 shifts to the entry permitting posture at least once after the normal symbol is confirmed and displayed. Specifically, when winning in a non-time-saving state (normal game state and special game state), the right start winning device 432 allows entry over a predetermined maximum entry allowed time (for example, approximately 0.1 seconds) state, and in the case of winning in the time saving state (time saving game state and probability variable game state), the right start winning device 432 is longer than the case of the non-time saving state Predetermined maximum allowable time (for example, about 4.8 seconds ) intermittently (for example, divided into three times) to the approach permitting posture. However, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are detected by the right start winning switch 442, the right entry regulation mechanism 452 shifts to the entry prohibition posture without waiting for the maximum entry allowable time to elapse. Also, even if the number of transitions to the entry allowable posture has not reached the predetermined number, the operation of the right start winning device 432 in the unit game related to the normal symbol of this time ends.

Next, the playability of the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment will be described. In order to receive the second special symbol lottery, first, it is necessary to win in the normal symbol lottery, and furthermore, the game ball enters the right start winning device 432 in the entry permission state of the right start winning device 432 based on the winning. Must. The winning probability of the normal symbol in the normal game state is the same as the winning probability in the time saving game state, but the staying time of the entry permission state of the right start winning device 432 based on the winning in the normal game state (for example, approximately 0.1 second) is set extremely short compared to the staying time in the time saving state (for example, approximately 4.8 seconds), the opportunity per unit time to receive the second special symbol lottery in the normal game state. is significantly smaller than the chance per unit time of receiving the first special symbol lottery. Conversely, in a time-saving state such as a time-saving gaming state or a variable probability gaming state, the chance per unit time of receiving the second special symbol lottery is significantly greater than the opportunity per unit time of receiving the first special symbol lottery. .

Therefore, the player wins the jackpot in the first special symbol lottery, and then plays with the aim of shifting to the probability variable game state by entering the game ball into the specific passage in the subsequent special game state. On the other hand, in the time-saving game state and the variable probability game state, the game is played with the aim of winning a big hit in the second special symbol lottery before each game state ends.

Specifically, the game board 400 is provided with a central structure 420 in the center of the game area where the game balls flow down, and a game method (left-handed game) in which the game balls flow down mainly from the left side of the central structure 420 method) and a game method (right-handed game method) in which game balls flow down mainly from the right side of the central structure 420 can be selectively performed. The player plays the game by the left-handed game method in the normal game state, and plays the game by the right-handed game method in the time-saving game state and the variable probability game state. Further, since the lower big winning device 433 and the upper big winning device 434 are arranged on the right side with respect to the central structure 420, the right-handed game method is used even in the special game state.

Next, the rear block 104 will be described. 8 and 9 are rear perspective and rear views of the pachinko machine 100, respectively. Note that FIG. 8 omits the outer frame 101 for easy understanding.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the rear block 104 is constructed by attaching other members and devices to a base 501. As shown in FIG. The base 501 and the intermediate block 103 are connected by the rear block support mechanisms 136 and 137, so that the rear block 104 is supported on the intermediate block 103 so as to be openable and closable.

The rear block 104 includes a game ball tank 510 as a ball storage part for storing game balls, and continuously rectifies the game balls (for example, in one row) on the downstream side of the game ball tank 510 and aligns them in one row. A tank rail 520 as a ball aligning part, a case rail 530 as a ball guiding part that guides game balls flowing in from the tank rail 520 on the downstream side of the tank rail 520, and a game ball payout and A payout device 540 for lending out game balls, a guiding member 550 for guiding the game balls discharged from the payout device 540 downstream of the payout device 540 to a guide passage formed in a base 501, and a game ball by the payout device 540. A payout control device 560 that controls the payout and rental of game balls, a function as a power supply means that converts external power into power of a predetermined voltage required by various devices and outputs it, and a launch operation device 250 A power/shooting control device 570 having a function as a shooting control means for controlling ejection of game balls based on a shooting operation in cooperation with the main control board 920, a payout control device 560, and a game ball lending device 290 (see FIG. 1). ) and a card unit (not shown) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 100, a relay device 950 for relaying signals.

The base 501 is integrally molded of resin (eg, ABS resin) and includes a base portion 502 corresponding to the front side portion and a protective cover portion 503 positioned behind the base portion 502 . The base portion 502 has an upper portion formed in a substantially frame shape along the outer shape of the rear block 104, and a lower portion formed in a substantially flat shape having a thickness in the front-rear direction. It has a function as an attached part to be attached.

The protective cover portion 503 is formed in a substantially plate shape having a thickness in the front-rear direction. Moreover, the protective cover part 503 does not have a shape that covers the entire back surface of the intermediate block 103 . is sized to form a window for exposure to A large number of ventilation holes 503A are formed on the back surface of the protective cover section 503, and have a function of improving the heat radiation performance of the main controller 370 and the sub-controller 390. As shown in FIG.

The game ball tank 510 is a horizontally long box-shaped container with an upward opening, and one longitudinal end of the game ball tank 510 is sequentially supplied with game balls supplied from a ball circulation device (not shown) of the island facility. An opening (not shown) is formed at one end of the game ball tank 510 in the longitudinal direction different from the side where the game balls are supplied. The bottom surface of the game ball tank 510 gently slopes in the longitudinal direction, and the game balls supplied to the game ball tank 510 move to the opening side by their own weight. In addition, the bottom surface of the game ball tank 510 is also inclined in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction) as compared with the longitudinal direction, so that the game ball is preferentially guided to the side where the opening is provided (for example, the front side). . In addition, an antistatic plate (not shown) made of metal is attached to the bottom surface of the game ball tank 510 so as to overlap thereon. The static electricity of the game ball on the downstream side is removed.

The tank rail 520 is attached to the side where the opening of the game ball tank 510 is formed, and the game ball flows through the opening of the game ball tank 510 . The tank rail 520 has a passage forming member 521 forming a substantially gutter-shaped passage for game balls having a width through which the game balls pass in a row, and the upper surface of the passage formed by the passage forming member 521 gradually increasing in height. It has a rectifying member 522 which has a top surface part whose height is lowered and rectifies the game balls flowing down the passage from the vertically overlapping height to the height of one stage gradually. The passage formed by the tank rail 520 is gently inclined toward the downstream side and guides the game ball to the side opposite to the game ball tank 510 .

The case rail 530 is formed vertically so as to be continuous with the lower side of the tank rail 520, and game balls from the tank rail 520 flow in. The case rail 530 is curved to the left and right and continues downward so that the game ball does not flow vigorously. Further, in the middle of the ball passage of the case rail 530, a blown ball detecting portion 539 for detecting blown ball is provided. A stored ball switch 591 (see FIG. 10) is built into the ball out detection unit 539, and the stored ball switch 591 causes a ball clogging or the like on the case rail 530 or its upstream side, and a game ball does not enter the case rail 530. Detect out-of-ball condition that is not normally replenished.

The payout device 540 includes a payout mechanism for sending game balls, a payout motor 542 (see FIG. 10) as driving means for driving the payout mechanism, and a payout counting switch 592 (see FIG. 10). According to the operation of the payout motor 542 based on the control by the payout control device 560, the game balls stored in the ball passage are released to the downstream side. Passage of the released game balls through the ball passage is detected by the payout counting switch 592, whereby the payout control device 560 (payout control board 930) counts the number of payouts of the game balls.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the payout control device 560 and the power supply/fire control device 570 are attached so as to overlap the lower back surface of the base portion 502 of the substrate 501 so as to be located at the lower back surface side of the rear block 104. It is The rear block 104 including the payout control device 560 and the power supply/launch control device 570 can be used continuously even when the game board 400 is replaced with another game board due to model change or the like.

The payout control device 560 includes a payout control board 930 (see FIG. 10) and a board case that houses the payout control board 930. The payout control board 930, like the main control board 920, leaves no trace of opening. It is housed inside a substrate case that is sealed so that it cannot be unsealed.

The power/launch control device 570 includes a power/launch control board 900 (see FIG. 10) and a board case that houses the power/launch control board 900. The power/launch control board 900 is similar to the main control board 920. Secondly, it is housed inside a sealed substrate case.

<Electrical configuration>
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the pachinko machine 100 includes control circuit devices such as a power supply/launch control board 900, a power monitoring board 910, a main control board 920, a payout control board 930, a sub control board 940, and the like. In FIG. 10, a relay circuit device that only relays various signals is omitted. In the following, each of these main control circuit devices will be described in detail.

The power supply/emission control board 900 includes a power supply unit 901 that supplies power of a predetermined voltage to each part of the pachinko machine 100 via a power supply path (broken line in the figure), 330 and a signal relay unit 903 for relaying an initialization signal from the initialization switch 907 and a ball overflow signal from the ball overflow switch 249 .

The power supply unit 901 receives external power (for example, 24 volts AC) supplied from the outside, converts it into internal power (for example, 24 volts direct current), and generates various types of power from the internal power. The electric power generated by the power supply unit 901 is driving voltage (for example, DC 12 volts) electric power for driving devices such as various solenoids and various motors, driving various switches, and executing control processing. It includes control voltage power (for example, DC 5 volts) power for backup, backup voltage power for retaining the contents of the RAM of the main control board 920, and the like.

The power supply unit 901 supplies various power generated from internal power to the power monitoring board 910, the main control board 920, the payout control board 930, the sub control board 940, and the like. Specifically, internal power, drive voltage, control voltage, and backup voltage are supplied to the power monitoring board 910 . The main control board 920 is supplied with driving voltage, control voltage, and backup voltage power, and these powers are supplied via the power monitoring unit 911 of the power monitoring board 910 . Electric power of driving voltage and control voltage is supplied to the payout control board 930 . The power of the drive voltage and the control voltage is supplied to the sub-control board 940 . Electric power of the drive voltage and the control voltage is supplied to the launch control unit 902 and the signal relay unit 903 .

A power switch 909 is connected to the power supply unit 901, and when the power switch 909 is in an off state, external power supply is stopped. By turning off the power switch 909 or by removing the power plug (not shown) connected to the power supply unit 901 via the power switch 909 from the external power supply outlet (not shown), the pachinko machine is turned on. A state in which the supply of power to the inside of the machine 100 is stopped and a state in which the supply of external power itself is stopped are collectively referred to as a "power failure state."

The power supply unit 901 is configured to normally output power of the control voltage for a predetermined period of time even after transition to a power failure state. This allows the main control board 920 to save the state and end the control so that the current control state can be restored.

The firing control unit 902 controls driving of the ball feed solenoid 332 and the firing solenoid 334 of the firing device 330 in cooperation with the main control board 920 . It should be noted that the ball feed solenoid 332 and the firing solenoid 334 are permitted to operate when predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, the fact that the player is touching the firing handle 252 (see FIG. 1) is detected based on the contact sensor signal from the contact sensor 254, and the firing stop switch 255 for stopping firing is turned on. On condition that it is not operated, the firing control section 902 outputs an on-state firing permission signal to the main control board 920 . Also, the main control board 920 outputs a firing solenoid control signal and a ball feeding solenoid control signal to the firing control section 902 based on the firing permission signal and the firing abnormality signal. The firing control unit 902 operates the ball feed solenoid 332 based on the on-state ball feed control signal, and operates the firing solenoid 334 based on the reception of the on-state firing solenoid control signal and the resistance value of the variable resistor 253. Let As a result, game balls are sequentially shot from the shooting device 330 with strength corresponding to the resistance value of the variable resistor 253 (rotational operation amount of the shooting handle 252).

The signal relay unit 903 outputs an ON-state initialization signal to the main control board 920 when the initialization switch 907 is pressed. The main control board 920 initializes the stored information stored in the RAM of the main control board 920 in response to receiving the ON state initialization signal. The initialization switch 907 does not necessarily need to be configured to output a signal to the main control board 920 via the signal relay section 903. For example, the initialization switch 907 may be directly mounted on the main control board 920. A configuration in which the initialization switch 907 is housed in the substrate case 371 may be employed, thereby suppressing unauthorized signal input targeting the section in which the signal is transmitted.

In addition, the signal relay unit 903 outputs an on-state ball overflow signal to the main control board 920 when the ball overflow switch 249 detects a game ball. The main control board 920 outputs a low-speed payout signal to the payout control board 930 based on the detection of the ball overflow signal in the ON state, and the payout control board 930 receives the low-speed payout signal and controls the rotation speed of the payout motor 542 (payout The payout speed of game balls from the device 540) is reduced. In addition, the main control board 920 outputs a high-speed payout signal to the payout control board 930 based on the detection of the off-state ball overflow signal, and the payout control board 930 that receives the high-speed payout signal changes the rotational speed of the payout motor 542. speed up.

The power monitoring board 910 is a power monitoring unit 911 that monitors the state of power supply from the power/launch control board 900, and the power supply and transmission of various signals between the power/launch control board 900 and the main control board 920. and a signal relay unit 912 for relaying. The power monitoring unit 911 also outputs a power failure signal to the main control board 920 in response to the transition to a power failure state, and monitors the voltage of a stable DC voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 901. When the state in which the voltage is less than 22 volts continues for a predetermined period of time, it is determined that there is a power outage, and an on-state power outage signal is output to the main control board 920 . The main control board 920 recognizes the transition to the power failure state by receiving the power failure signal in the ON state.

The main control board 920 comprehensively controls the operation of the pachinko machine 100 . The main control board 920 is mounted with an MPU (not shown) as a one-chip microcomputer. The MPU includes a CPU (not shown) as an arithmetic processing unit, a ROM (not shown) storing various control programs executed by the CPU and fixed data, and temporarily storing various data when executing the control program. etc., and a RAM (not shown). Various circuits such as a timer circuit (not shown), a counter circuit (not shown), a clock generator circuit (not shown), and a signal transmission/reception circuit (not shown) are mounted on the main control board 920. there is The RAM of the main control board 920 is configured so that internal data can be maintained (backed up) by the power supply of the backup voltage from the power supply/launch control board 900 even after the transition to the power outage state.

The payout control board 930 controls the game ball payout operation by the payout device 540 according to the instruction from the main control board 920 and the game ball lending operation by the payout device 540 according to the operation of the game ball lending device 290 . The payout control board 930, like the main control board 920, includes a CPU (not shown), a ROM (not shown) and a RAM (not shown), an MPU (not shown) as a one-chip microcomputer, and a timer circuit. (not shown), a counter circuit (not shown), a clock generator circuit (not shown), and a signal transmission/reception circuit (not shown). The payout control board 930 is equipped with an input/output port as a connection means for connecting to other devices so that information communication is possible. , the open/close detection switches 108, 109, the stored ball switch 591, and the payout counting switch 592 are connected so that only one-way information input communication is possible, and the payout motor 542 is connected to the one-way information Connected for outgoing communication only. In addition, the RAM of the payout control board 930, like the RAM of the main control board 920, may be configured to have a backup function that allows internal data to be maintained for a certain period of time in a power failure state, or the RAM of the main control board 920 , the internal data may not be maintained in a power failure state.

The sub control board 940 controls operations of various production devices, various light emitting devices, various sound devices, etc., based on instructions from the main control board 920 . The sub control board 940 is equipped with an input/output port as a connection means for connecting to other devices so that information communication is possible. , the input operation device 260 is connected so that information can be communicated bidirectionally, and the decorative pattern display device 479 and the like are connected so that only one-way information output communication is possible.

<Various control processing>
Next, various control processes executed by the main control board 920 will be described. The control processing in the main control board 920 can be broadly divided into the main processing that is started upon recovery from a power failure state, and the main processing that is interrupted periodically (in this embodiment, at intervals of 2 ms (milliseconds)) and executed. and timer interrupt processing.

First, with reference to FIG. 11, the main processing executed by main control board 920 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing main processing of the main control board 920 (abbreviated as “main control main processing” in FIG. 11).

In the main process of the main control board 920, first, a series of control start processes (program start process S1001 to random number initial setting process S1019) for starting up the main control board 920 and initializing various information are executed only once. , After that, interrupt prohibition processing S1020 for prohibiting interrupts, winning random number initial value counter related to special symbols (part of RAM area) and jackpot symbol random number initial value counter (part area of RAM) and normal symbols Random number initial value update processing S1021 for updating the value of the winning random number initial value counter (partial area of RAM), and the first variation type counter for determining the variation time, variation pattern, etc. ~ 4th variation type A variable counter update process S1022 for updating the value of the counter (a partial area of the RAM) and an interrupt permission process S1023 for permitting an interrupt are repeatedly executed. If a request for a timer interrupt occurs before the interrupt permission processing S1023, the timer interrupt processing is executed immediately after the interrupt permission processing S1023.

In a series of control start processing, program start processing S1001 for setting an initial value to a stack pointer (partial area of RAM) that controls program execution, interrupt mode setting processing S1002 for setting an interrupt mode, and payout control board A start-up standby process S1003 is executed to wait for a predetermined time until the 930, the sub control board 940, etc. start up.

After startup standby processing S1003, determination processing S1004 of the output state of the initialization signal from the initialization switch 907 of the power supply/launch control board 900, determination processing S1005 of the value of power failure information (partial area of RAM), saving Information storage state determination processing S1007 is performed, and it is determined whether or not to erase the stored information in the RAM based on these determination results. Here, the stored information is information necessary to restore the game state before the power failure, and corresponds to a part of the RAM that has been updated according to the progress of the game before the power failure, and is executed. The value of the counter related to the unit game in the middle, the value of the counter stored by the start winning, etc. are exemplified.

The storage state of saved information is determined as follows. First, a checksum value is calculated for a storage area in a predetermined range of the RAM (checksum calculation processing S1006), and the current checksum value and power failure monitoring processing S1202 (see FIG. 12) ), it is determined whether or not the exclusive OR of the checksum value calculated in step S1007 with the RAM determination value, which is a 2's complement, is "0" (determination processing S1007). It is determined whether or not the checksum value at the time of transition to the power failure state is the same.

If the initialization signal is in the ON state (S1004: Y), if the power failure information is not a predetermined power failure value indicating that the save information has been saved and terminated when transitioning to the power failure state (S1005: N), or If the information is not normally held (S1007: N), RAM clear processing S1008 is executed to erase the stored information in the RAM. After it is determined that the saved information is normally held (S1007: Y), or after the RAM clear processing S1008 is executed, hardware for initializing various devices connected to the main control board 920 Ware initialization processing S1009 is executed.

After hardware initialization processing S1009, determination processing S1010 is executed to determine whether the power failure information is a power failure value. If the power failure information is a power failure value (S1010: N), a RAM recovery setting process S1011 for initializing various information including recovery of held information and a recovery command indicating completion of the setting are set (recovery command output processing S1012). By restoring the held information in the RAM restoration setting process S1011, the control state of the main control board 920 is restored to the control state immediately before the transition to the previous power failure state.

On the other hand, if the power failure information is not a power failure value (S1010: Y), various information is initialized without restoring the stored information (RAM initial setting processing S1013), and an initialization command indicating the completion of the setting is output. (initialization command output processing S1014).

In addition, in the RAM recovery setting processing S1011 and the RAM initial setting processing S1013, the power failure information is set to a predetermined energization value different from the power failure value. occurs, all those error states are canceled. In addition, either the return command or the initialization command is output from the main control board 920 to both the payout control board 930 and the sub control board 940, and the payout control board 930 and the sub control board 940 that have received the return command or the initialization command Predetermined initialization processing is also executed in each of

After the initial setting of the RAM (judgment processing S1004 to initialization command output processing S1014) according to the situation at the time of startup, if the condition device was operating at the time of transition to the previous power failure state, to the special game state Preparations for returning are made (special game state return preparation processing S1015). Specifically, in the special game state return preparation process S1015, the operation state of the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device is determined, and the sub control board 940 executes a process corresponding to the game situation during the power failure state. be.

After the special game state return preparation process S1015, it is determined whether it is a time saving state or a non-time saving state by determining whether the time saving state flag is set (determination process S1016), and it is a time saving state In the case (S1016: Y), a time saving command is output (time saving command output processing S1017). On the other hand, when it is in a non-time-saving state (S1016:N), a non-time-saving command is output (non-time-saving command output process S1018). After that, the value of the winning random number counter (partial area of the RAM) related to the special symbol is initialized (random number initial setting process S1019).

Next, timer interrupt processing executed by the main control board 920 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing timer interrupt processing (abbreviated as “main control interrupt processing” in the figure) executed by the main control board 920 .

In the timer interrupt process of the main control board 920, first, an interrupt start process S1201 for starting the timer interrupt is executed. Specifically, a predetermined value is set in the interrupt control register. As a result, interrupts other than this timer interrupt are prohibited. After that, a power failure monitoring process S1202 to an external information output process S1221 related to actual control such as progress control of the pachinko machine 100 and monitoring of various sensors are sequentially executed. However, when the progress of the game has been stopped based on the detection of various frauds (S1207: Y), the control signal output process S1208 to the external information output process S1221 are not executed. Finally, an interrupt permission process S1222 for permitting the next timer interrupt is executed, and the current timer interrupt process ends. In the following, various main processes will be individually described.

In the power failure monitoring process S<b>1202 , the value of the power failure information (part of the RAM) is updated based on the output state of the power failure signal output from the power monitoring unit 911 of the power monitoring board 910 . Specifically, the output state of the power failure signal is confirmed three times, and when the ON state is detected for all three times, it is determined that the power failure state has occurred. If it is determined that there is no power failure in this determination, the power failure information is maintained at the energization value.

On the other hand, when it is determined in the power failure monitoring process S1202 that there is a power failure, the following processes are executed. First, the power failure information value is changed from the energization value set in the RAM recovery setting process S1011 or the RAM initial setting process S1013 (see FIG. 11) to a predetermined power failure value. Also, a checksum value is calculated for a predetermined range of the storage area of the RAM, and the 2's complement of the checksum value is set as the RAM determination value. As a result, the pachinko machine 100 enters an infinite loop in which substantial control such as progress of the game and monitoring of various sensors is not performed, and the state of the RAM after the RAM determination value is set is held based on the backup power. be. Since the output state of the power failure signal is confirmed three times, each timer interrupt process is executed twice after the reception of the power failure signal is detected for the first time.

In the random number update process S1203, the winning random number counter associated with the special symbol, the jackpot symbol random number counter, the stop pattern selection counter and the winning random number counter associated with the normal symbol are updated. Specifically, when the value of the winning random number counter related to the special symbol is different from the specified maximum value (for example, "576"), it is changed to a value larger by "1" than the current value, and the special symbol If the value of the winning random number counter is the stipulated maximum value, it is changed to the stipulated minimum value (“0”). However, if the changed value is the same as the circulating initial value for the winning random number counter related to special symbols, the value of the winning random number counter related to special symbols will be the same as the winning random number initial value counter related to special symbols. , and the circulation initial value is also set to the same value as the winning random number initial value counter.

The big hit symbol random number counter, the stop pattern selection counter and the normal symbol winning random number counter are updated in the same manner as the special symbol winning random number counter. However, as the update range determined by the specified maximum value and specified minimum value of each counter, a unique value is set for each counter, and a plurality of counters are configured to be updated asynchronously. is referenced to an initial value counter unique to each counter. For example, the winning random number counter related to special symbols and the winning random number initial value counter related to special symbols have the same value range, and the jackpot pattern random number counter and the jackpot pattern random number initial value counter have the same value range, The winning random number counter associated with normal symbols and the winning random number initial value counter associated with normal symbols have the same value range.

In the random number initial value update process S1204, the winning random number initial value counter related to the special symbol, the jackpot symbol random number initial value counter and the winning random number initial value counter related to the normal symbol are updated. Specifically, if the value of the winning random number initial value counter related to the special symbol is different from the specified maximum value (for example, "576"), it is changed to a value that is larger by "1" than the current value, and the special When the winning random number initial value counter value associated with the design is the specified maximum value, it is changed to the specified minimum value ("0"). Regarding the symbol random number initial value counter related to special symbols and the winning random number initial value counter related to normal symbols, except that the specified maximum value and specified minimum value are unique to those counters, the winning random number initial value related to special symbols It is updated in the same way as the value counter.

In the fluctuation counter update process S1205, the values of the first to fourth fluctuation type counters for determining fluctuation time, fluctuation pattern, etc. are updated. Specifically, if the value of the first fluctuation type counter is a value different from the specified maximum value (for example, "187"), it is changed to a value larger than the current value by "1", and the first fluctuation If the value of the type counter is the specified maximum value, it is changed to the specified minimum value (“0”). The second to fourth fluctuation type counters are updated in the same manner as the first fluctuation type counter, except that the specified maximum value and specified minimum value are values unique to those counters. be done.

It should be noted that each winning random number counter related to special symbols and normal symbols, the jackpot symbol random number counter, the stop pattern selection counter, and each variation type counter do not necessarily have the above configuration, and at least a part of the above counters may be other configurations. For example, it may be configured to update from a constant initial value without using an initial value counter, or may be configured with a random number generation IC without using a program and refer to a value as necessary. .

In the game stop determination process S1206, when the fraud detection information is the fraud detection value, it is updated to the game stop value and various information for stopping the progress of the game is set. On the other hand, if the fraud detection information is not the fraud detection value or is already the game stop value, the game stop determination processing S1206 ends without executing each process for stopping the progress of the game. The fraud detection information is set to a fraud detection value when the occurrence of various frauds is detected in the fraud detection processing S1211. Further, in the determination processing S1207, it is determined whether or not the game is stopped depending on whether or not the fraud detection information is a game stop value.

In the control signal output process S1208, based on the control data stored in the output buffer, the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol, the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol and the normal symbol Signals for controlling various notification devices such as the normal symbol display device 473 are output. Also, based on the control data stored in the output buffer, various actuators such as the ball feed solenoid 332, the firing solenoid 334, the right entry restriction solenoid 462, the lower entry restriction solenoid 463, the upper entry restriction solenoid 464, the switching solenoid 465, etc. A control signal is output.

In the switch reading process S1209, middle start winning switches 441A and 441B, right start winning switch 442, lower large winning switch 443, upper large winning switch 444, role-linked operation switch 445, start switch 446, non-specific path switch 447, specific Signal states from each of the path switch 448 and the general prize winning switches 449A and 449B are read, and changes in the detection state of game balls by various switches are detected.

Specifically, in the switch read processing S1209, the signal states from the various switches are read into the input buffer (a partial area of the RAM) twice at predetermined time intervals, and the signals from the various switches are read into the input buffer twice. , the signal state read for the first time (hereinafter abbreviated as "first signal state") and the signal state read for the second time (hereinafter abbreviated as "second signal state") , and the detection state detected by the previous timer interrupt (hereinafter abbreviated as "previous detection state"), changes in the detection state of various switches are detected. For each switch, when the previous detection state is the OFF state, if the first signal state is the ON state and the second signal state is the ON state, it is determined that the transition to the ON state is made. A detection flag (a partial area of RAM) is set according to the switch type. As described in the blackout monitoring process S1202, even if the power supply is stopped, each timer interrupt process is executed twice. Even if it is started, the detection flags of various switches can be set accurately.

In timer update processing S1210, various timers (predetermined area of RAM) used for variable display of special symbols and normal symbols, control of each game state, fraud monitoring, etc. are updated.

In the fraud detection process S1211, fraud such as forcibly entering game balls into various prize winning devices or forcibly operating various prize winning devices is detected. Specifically, the right start winning device 432, the lower big winning device 433, and the upper big winning device 434 are forcibly moved to the entry permitting posture, and the game ball is guided to the specific path of the lower big winning device 433 by vibration. , right start winning device 432, lower big winning device 433 and upper big winning device 434 are forcibly induced to malfunction by radio waves, induction of game balls to various winning devices by magnetic adsorption, upper middle start winning device 431A, A situation where there is a high possibility that fraudulent acts such as guiding game balls to the lower middle start winning device 431B, right start winning device 432, lower big winning device 433 and upper big winning device 434 are performed at abnormal timing Detect occurrence.

In the winning detection response process S1212, control based on the detection of game balls by various switches provided on the game board 400 is executed. Specifically, based on the detection of the game ball by the upper middle start winning prize switch 441A (see FIG. 10) and the lower middle starting winning prize switch 441B (see FIG. 10), when the middle start winning prize switch detection flag is set , the middle start winning counter (predetermined area of RAM) and the first payout counter (predetermined area of RAM) are updated. Further, when the right starting winning switch detection flag is set based on the detection of the game ball by the right starting winning switch 442 (see FIG. 10), the first payout counter is updated. In addition, when the lower big prize switch detection flag is set based on the detection of the game ball by the lower big prize switch 443 (see FIG. 10), or when the game ball is detected by the upper big prize switch 444 (see FIG. 10) If the upper big winning switch detection flag is set based on this, the big winning counter (predetermined area of RAM) and the second payout counter (predetermined area of RAM) are updated.

In the shooting control process S1213, shooting-related information for controlling shooting of game balls by the shooting device 330 is updated. Specifically, the activation flag of the ball feed solenoid 332 that drives the ball feed mechanism 331 and the activation flag of the firing solenoid 334 that drives the firing mechanism 333 are updated.

In the input signal monitoring process S1214, based on the output state of the signal from the open/close detection switch 108 (see FIG. 10) via the payout control board 930, the intermediate block for the outer frame 101 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) 103 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is detected to be closed. In addition, based on the output state of the signal from the open/close detection switch 109 via the payout control board 930 (see FIG. 10), the front block 102 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) relative to the intermediate block 103 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) 3) is closed.

In the payout state monitoring process S1215, information indicating the payout control state output from the payout control board 930 is monitored, and various payout state commands are set according to the payout control state as necessary. In addition, the sub-control board 940 that has received the payout state command causes the decorative symbol display device 479, the upper left acoustic device 281, the upper right acoustic device 282, and the like to perform notification according to the type of the payout state command.

In the payout signal output process S1216, various prize ball commands are set based on the values of the first payout counter and the second payout counter, and output to the payout control board 930, if necessary. The first payout counter and the second payout counter are updated according to the setting of the prize ball command. For example, the first payout counter is incremented by 1 each time a game ball corresponding to one win is detected, and decremented by 1 each time a prize ball command based on that win is set. Each time the payout control board 930 executes control to pay out the number of game balls (for example, three) corresponding to the winning (in detail, shortly before the payout is completed), the main control board 920 receives the prize. In a situation where a ball command is requested and prize balls are being paid out, a further prize ball command is output from the main control board 920 . The second payout counter is a counter that is updated in response to a win with a different number of prize balls (for example, 13) than the first payout counter. When 930 receives the command, the payout control board 930 executes control to pay out game balls corresponding to the prize ball command.

In the special symbol related process S1217, the unit game right reservation control and the unit game control related to the first special symbol are executed. Specifically, operation control of the special symbol reservation display device 476 related to the first special symbol is executed in the reservation control of the right of the unit game related to the first special symbol. Also, in the control of the unit game related to the first special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol is executed, and when the big hit is won in the first special symbol lottery, the lower big winning device Operation control of 433 and upper big winning device 434 is further executed.

In addition, in the special symbol related processing S1217, the control of the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol and the control of the unit game related to the second special symbol are executed. Specifically, operation control of the special symbol reservation display device 477 related to the second special symbol is executed in the reservation control of the right of the unit game related to the second special symbol. Also, in the control of the unit game related to the second special symbol, the operation control of the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol is executed, and when the big hit is won in the second special symbol lottery, the lower big winning device Operation control of 433 and upper big winning device 434 is further executed.

In the normal symbol-related process S1218, the control of holding the right of the unit game related to the normal symbol and the control of the unit game related to the normal symbol are executed. Specifically, operation control of the normal symbol reservation display device 478 is executed in the reservation control of the right of the unit game related to the normal symbol. In addition, in the control of the unit game related to the normal design, the operation control of the normal design display device 473 related to the normal design is executed, and when the normal design lottery is won, the operation control of the right start winning device 432 is further executed. .

In the display control process S1219, the special symbol display device 471 related to the first special symbol in the special symbol related process S1217, the special symbol display device 472 related to the second special symbol, the special symbol reservation display device 476 related to the first special symbol, and Based on various information updated to control the operation of the special symbol holding display device 477 related to the second special symbol, output data for specifically operating those devices is synthesized. The combined output data is output to each device in control signal output processing S1208 based on the next timer interrupt.

In motor control processing S1220, operation control of various motors is executed. In the external information output process S1221, output data to be output to an external device such as a data display device (not shown) electrically connected to the pachinko machine 100 or a management device (not shown) is set.

<Structure of game ball payout path (1)>
Next, with reference to FIG. 13 and subsequent figures, the configuration relating to the game ball payout path will be described. FIG. 13 is a front view of the pachinko machine 100 and the game ball management device 700 viewed from the front side (front). Next to (on the left side of) the pachinko machine 100, there is installed a game ball management device 700 for managing balls possessed by a player who plays a game on the pachinko machine 100. - 特許庁

The game ball management device 700 includes a management information display unit 701 capable of displaying the number of balls possessed by the player and the amount of money possessed, and an operation of lending game balls and taking out a value storage medium using the balls and the amount of money possessed by the player. a bill inserting unit 703 for inserting bills; a storage medium inserting unit 704 for inserting value storage media such as cards and coins capable of recording information; A front ball throwing part 705 and a front passage member 706 for throwing in the game balls to be played from the front side, and a rear side ball throwing part 707 for throwing in the game balls managed by the game ball management device 700 from the rear side. there is

The front side passage member 706 is a member constituting a front side passage as a transfer passage for transferring game balls paid out from the pachinko machine 100 to the game ball management device 700 . The front passage member 706 is installed such that its upstream end is located under the lower auxiliary storage section 241 of the two storage sections 231 and 241 provided in the pachinko machine 100 . The front passage member 706 is rotatably attached to the front left side with the left side as the center of rotation when viewed from the front, and is pushed by the front block 102 when the front block 102 and the intermediate block 103 of the pachinko machine 100 are opened and closed. to rotate synchronously.

The upstream portion of the front passage opens upward below the discharge port 241B (see FIG. 1) of the auxiliary reservoir 241. As shown in FIG. In addition, the front side passage slopes down to the left side in front view so that the game ball advances toward the game ball management device 700, and is connected to the front side ball insertion section 705 of the game ball management device 700 at the downstream end. It is The game balls stored in the auxiliary storage section 241 can be transferred to the game ball management device 700 via the front side passage by operating the ball removal operation member 242 (see FIG. 1) by the player.

Further, on the back side of the pachinko machine 100, a rear passage member constituting a rear passage 580 as a transfer passage for transferring the game balls paid out from the pachinko machine 100 to the game ball management device 700 is provided. there is Whether or not game balls can enter the rear passage 580 can be selected by the manager of the game hall by operating the back side of the pachinko machine 100 . The manager of the game hall can select whether or not to enable the function of transferring game balls to the game ball management device 700 via the rear passage 580. will be described later.

Next, the configuration relating to the payout path of the game balls paid out from the pachinko machine 100 will be further described with reference to FIG. 14 and the like. FIG. 14 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 100 and the game ball management device 700 as seen from the rear side (rear side), and schematically shows the main configuration related to the game ball payout path, with part of the configuration omitted. ing. FIG. 14A shows a state (front transfer state) in which game balls are transferred from the front side of the pachinko machine 100 to the game ball management device 700 via the auxiliary storage section 241 and the front passage. (B) shows a state in which game balls can be transferred to the game ball management device 700 on the rear side of the pachinko machine 100 without passing through the auxiliary storage section 241 (rear side transfer state). Further, in FIG. 14, thin lines with arrows indicate a part of the route and the direction in which the game ball can flow down and advance.

First, with reference to FIG. 14(A), the configuration relating to the game ball payout path in the forward transfer state will be described.

In the pachinko machine 100, game balls are supplied to a game ball tank 510 from equipment of the game hall. The game balls supplied to the game ball tank 510 enter the payout device 540 through the tank rail 520 and the case rail 530 . The payout device 540 causes the game balls to flow downstream one by one under the control of the payout control device 560 (see FIG. 10). It has a ball feeding member (not shown). The game balls are output one by one by rotating the ball feeding member, advance downstream, pass the payout counting switch 592 (see FIG. 10), and then enter the ball guiding portion 551 of the guiding member 550. enter in. Two guide passages 552 and 553 branched into two are provided as part of the ball guide portion 551 downstream of the ball guide portion 551 .

A game ball that has entered the ball guiding portion 551 is guided to preferentially enter the main side guiding passage 552 on one side (left side in rear view). When the main side guide passage 552 is filled with game balls and the game ball cannot enter the full state, the game ball is guided to the auxiliary side guide passage 553 which is the guide passage on the other side (right side in rear view). be.

The main-side guide passage 552 is provided on the left side of the pachinko machine 100 in rear view and away from the game ball management device 700 , and is connected to the storage section 231 of the main storage mechanism 230 . An inflow port 231A of the main retention mechanism 230 is provided downstream of the main guide passage 552 , and game balls entering the main guide passage 552 are guided to the retention portion 231 of the main retention mechanism 230 .

The auxiliary side guide passage 553 is provided on the right side of the pachinko machine 100 when viewed from the rear and on the side closer to the game ball management device 700 , and is connected to the auxiliary storage section 241 of the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 . An inflow port 241A of the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 is provided on the downstream side of the auxiliary side guide passage 553, and the game ball entering the auxiliary side guide passage 553 is guided to the auxiliary storage portion 241 of the auxiliary storage mechanism 240.

The game ball paid out by the payout device 540 passes through the ball guiding portion 551 and preferentially flows down the main side guiding passage 552 connected to the main storage mechanism 230 among the two guiding passages 552 and 553, It is guided to the reservoir 231 of the main reservoir mechanism 230 . When the main side guide passage 552 connected to the main storage mechanism 230 is full, game balls flow down the auxiliary side guide passage 553 connected to the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 . When the game balls are stored until reaching a predetermined upper limit height position in the auxiliary side guide passage 553 connected to the auxiliary storage mechanism 240, the game ball payout is temporarily stopped, and the full tank state is reached. When released, the payout resumes.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the periphery of the branching portion between the auxiliary-side guide passage 553 and the rear-side passage 580 when the entry switching member 581 is in the entry-blocking posture as the front-side transfer state. In FIG. 15, a thin line with an arrow indicates a part of the route and the direction in which the game ball can flow down and advance.

The rear side passage 580 is provided so as to continue from the branched portion from the auxiliary side guide passage 553 with a slight downward inclination from the horizontal direction. It continues to the position overlapping the back side of the game ball management device 700 on the left side). The outlet 580B at the downstream end of the rear passage 580 is connected to the rear ball insertion portion 707 of the game ball management device 700, and the game ball via the rear passage 580 enters the game ball management device 700 from the rear side. It is possible. An entrance switching member 581 is provided near the entrance 580A in the rear passage 580 .

The entry switching member 581 is provided at a branching portion between the auxiliary guide passage 553 and the rear passage 580 . The upstream end of the rear passage 580 is connected to the middle portion of the auxiliary guide passage 553 , and the entry switching member 581 , which assumes an entry blocking posture corresponding to the front transfer state, is positioned rearward from the auxiliary guide passage 553 . The entrance leading to the side passage 580 is closed to prevent game balls from entering the rear side passage 580.例文帳に追加As a result, in the front transfer state, the game balls passing through the auxiliary guide passage 553 cannot enter the rear passage 580, and the game balls that have reached the branching portion are connected to the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 and are connected to the auxiliary guide. It flows down along the passage 553 and is guided to the auxiliary reservoir 241 of the auxiliary reservoir mechanism 240 .

Here, the rear passage member forming the rear passage 580 is rotatably supported by a shaft 580C provided on the rear side portion of the outer frame 101, and the rear passage member is supported by the outer frame 101 and integrated. It is When the rear passage member is rotated vertically by the shaft 580C (the state of the outline 580X indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 15), the rear passage member becomes the rectangular shape of the outer frame 101 when the pachinko machine 100 is viewed from the rear. It is configured to be in a stored state within the outer shape. As a result, when the pachinko machine 100 is installed in the game hall, the rear side passage member is prevented from being damaged due to contact with the peripheral portion.

Here, a part of the rear passage member forming the rear passage 580 is configured to be extendable, and in an installation state in which the entrance 580A of the rear passage 580 can be connected to the auxiliary guide passage 553, the guide member 550 is installed. Even if the included rear block 104 rotates with respect to the outer frame 101, it is preferable to configure the rear side passage 580 and the auxiliary side guide passage 553 to maintain a continuous state. Alternatively, when the rear block 104 rotates with respect to the outer frame 101 in the installed state, the entry switching member 581 is configured to close the entrance 580A of the rear passage 580 in conjunction with the rotation, and further, Another lid member is provided to close the passage leading to the rear passage 580 in the auxiliary side guide passage 553, so that the entrance 580A of the rear passage 580 and the exit portion of the auxiliary side guide passage 553 to the rear passage 580 are separated. It is good also as a structure which closes to.

A ball detection member 559 capable of detecting the presence of a game ball by being pushed down by a game ball is provided upstream of the auxiliary guide passage 553 and upstream of the branch to the rear passage 580. there is The ball detection member 559 is a member for detecting a full state in which game balls are filled until reaching a predetermined upper limit height position with respect to the auxiliary side guide passage 553, and the state of the ball detection member 559 is It is possible to detect whether or not game balls are stored up to the upper limit of the lower storage portion which is detected by the ball overflow switch 249 (see FIG. 10) and whose downstream end is the auxiliary storage portion 241 .

FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing the entry switching member 581 in the entry blocking posture together with the auxiliary guide passage 553 and the rear passage 580. FIG. 17 shows the entry switching member 581 in the entry blocking posture. is viewed from the rear side and the left side of the pachinko machine 100. FIG.

The entry switching member 581 includes an entry blocking portion 582, a rotation shaft portion 583 provided below the entry blocking portion 582 and capable of rotating the entry blocking portion 582, and a switch that can be operated by the manager of the game arcade. It has a switching operation section 584 as an operation section. The rotary shaft portion 583 of the entry switching member 581 is rotatably supported by the rear passage member, and the entry blocking portion 582 is configured to be rotatable (displaceable) by the rotary shaft portion 583, and is positioned at the arrangement position. is changed, it takes an entry blocking posture for blocking the entry of the game ball into the rear passage 580 and an entry permitting posture for allowing the entry of the game ball into the rear passage 580.例文帳に追加

The rotation shaft portion 583 is a part that constitutes a part of the mechanism for making the entry switching member 581 rotatable. The rotating shaft portion 583 is connected to the switching operation portion 584, and can rotate and displace the entry blocking portion 582 to a position substantially parallel to the vertical direction or the horizontal direction in accordance with the rotating operation of the switching operation portion 584. can.

The entry switching member 581 takes the entry blocking posture by positioning it in the vertical direction, and takes the entry allowing posture by positioning it substantially parallel. The posture of the entry switching member 581 can be changed by operating the switching operation section 584 to rotate the entry blocking section 582 . The entry switching member 581 holds (maintains) the entry blocking part 582 at a predetermined position substantially parallel to the vertical direction or the horizontal direction when the entry blocking part 582 is operated to a position substantially parallel to the vertical direction or the horizontal direction. A holding mechanism (not shown) is provided for holding. In addition, "substantially parallel" may be within a range of ±10° from parallel, and includes "parallel".

As shown in FIG. 16, the entry switching member 581 assumes an entry blocking posture by arranging the entry blocking portion 582 in a direction substantially parallel to the vertical direction. is blocked so that the game ball cannot pass through, and entry of the game ball into the rear side passage 580 is blocked. When the entry switching member 581 is in the entry blocking posture, as shown in FIGS. , enters the auxiliary side guide passage 553, advances downstream, and guides it to the auxiliary storage portion 241 through the inflow port 241A.

Next, with reference to FIG. 14(B) and FIGS. 18 to 20, the configuration of the game ball payout path in the rearward transfer state will be described.

The pachinko machine 100 is provided with a rear side passage 580 branched in a lateral direction different from the side where the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 is provided from the middle of the auxiliary side guide passage 553, and game balls enter the rear side passage 580. It is controlled by the position of the entry switching member 581 whether or not. For ease of understanding, the rear side passage 580 schematically shows only the outer shape of the passage in some drawings, and also schematically shows a state in which the inside of the passage can be viewed from the back side. 2, 4, 8 and 9, the rear side passage member and the entry switching member 581 are omitted.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the periphery of the branching portion between the auxiliary guide passage 553 and the rear passage 580 when the entry switching member 581 is in the entry blocking posture. In FIG. 18, a thin line with an arrow indicates a part of the route and the direction in which the game ball can flow down and advance. FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically showing the entry switching member 581 in the entry allowing posture together with the auxiliary guide passage 553 and the rear passage 580. FIG. 20 shows the entry switching member 581 in the entry allowing posture. is viewed from the rear side and the left side of the pachinko machine 100. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, the entry switching member 581 assumes an entry permitting posture corresponding to the rear-side transfer state, and the entry-blocking portion 581 is arranged so that the auxiliary-side guide passage 553 and the rear-side passage 580 are continuous. 582 is tilted to the side where the auxiliary side guide passage 553 is provided (left side in rear view). The entry switching member 581 in the entry-permitting posture is arranged substantially parallel to the rear passage 580 (in a direction substantially parallel to the horizontal direction) and inclined slightly downward to the right in rear view. A communicating portion between the side guide passage 553 and the rear side passage 580 is opened so that the game ball can pass through, and entry of the game ball from the auxiliary side guide passage 553 to the rear side passage 580 is permitted. In addition, the entry switching member 581 in the entry-permitting posture closes the passage-side opening that continues to the downstream side of the auxiliary-side guide passage 553, and moves the game ball that has passed through the auxiliary-side guide passage 553 to the rear-side passage 580. And induce.

As shown in FIG. 14(B), when the entry switching member 581 is in the entry permitting posture, the game balls overflowing from the main side guide passage 552 and entering the auxiliary side guide passage 553 are pushed back by the entry switching member 581. The player is guided to the side passage 580 and enters the game ball management device 700 .

A game ball that has entered the game ball management device 700 is managed by the game ball management device 700. For example, the number of entries is counted by a measurement counter (not shown) provided in the game ball management device 700. is added to the number of possession balls of the player. The addition of the number of possession balls is stored in the value storage medium in the game ball management device 700, and the display contents of the management information display section 701 are updated. In addition, the game balls advanced into the game ball management device 700 are discharged to a game ball circulation device (not shown) provided on the game arcade side via a ball exit (not shown) of the game ball management device 700. be done.

Here, the pachinko machine 100n is provided with an entry-unnecessary detection function for detecting an impossibility of entry of game balls into the rear passage 580. - 特許庁When the game balls cannot advance to the side of the game ball management device 700 and the rear side passage 580 is filled with the game balls, the game balls continue to the side of the auxiliary side guide passage 553. . A ball detection member 559 is provided on the upstream side of the branching portion of the auxiliary side guide passage 553 and the rear side passage 580, and when the game ball is filled up to the height position of the ball detection member 559, it passes through the ball detection member 559 to the rear side. A full state of the side passage 580 is detected. As a result, the pachinko machine 100 detects a situation in which the game balls cannot enter the rear passage 580, and can perform control such as stopping the payout of game balls in response to the full state of the rear passage 580.例文帳に追加It's becoming In addition to the ball detection member 559, a detection member or sensor for detecting the full tank state is provided in the rear passage 580 so that the full tank state can be detected at a position other than the auxiliary guide passage 553. , and the pachinko machine 100 may be configured to perform control such as stopping the payout of game balls corresponding to the full tank state.

The entry switching member 581 is exposed on the back side of the pachinko machine 100, is configured to be unoperable by the player, and is operable by the manager of the game hall. For example, the manager of the game arcade directly operates the back side of the pachinko machine 100 to directly switch the entry switching member 581 . As a result, the manager of the game hall can perform the functions as required, such as according to the specifications of the game ball management device 700 installed in the game hall, according to the model of the pachinko machine 100, or according to the preferences of the game hall. It is possible to freely select and switch between the entry blocking posture and the entry allowing posture.

In this way, the pachinko machine 100 has an auxiliary storage section 241 that stores game balls paid out from the payout device 540 on the front side of the pachinko machine 100, and the game balls stored in the auxiliary storage section 241 on the front side of the pachinko machine. A discharge port 241B of the auxiliary storage unit 241 to be put out of the game machine, an auxiliary side guide passage 553 positioned between the payout device 540 and the auxiliary storage unit 241, and a payout device 540 provided separately from the auxiliary side guide passage 553 A rear side passage 580 for putting out the game balls put out from the pachinko machine 100 on the back side of the pachinko machine 100 different from the discharge port of the auxiliary storage part 241, and a game ball put out from the payout device 540 on the rear side. and an entry switching member 581 capable of switching whether to enter the passage 580 or not. Therefore, by using the discharge port 241B of the auxiliary storage unit 241, the game balls can be transferred to the ball box managed by the player himself or the game ball management device 700 via the front side of the pachinko machine 100, as in the conventional art. Furthermore, it becomes possible to transfer game balls to the game ball management device 700 via the back side of the pachinko machine 100 using the rear side passage 580 .

That is, since some game balls can be transferred to the game ball management device 700 without passing through the storage units 231 and 241 on the front side of the pachinko machine 100, the game balls possessed by the player can be transferred to the player. It can be easily managed without providing an opportunity to touch it. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the work of overflowing the game balls from the storage parts 231 and 241 and to transfer the game balls to the ball box, and to transfer the game balls to the game ball management device 700 via a position far from the player. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for the sound of passing game balls and the sound of contact between game balls to reach the player, thereby enhancing convenience for the player.

<Structure for Suppressing Game Ball Passing Sound and Contact Sound>
Next, with reference to FIG. 13, a configuration for reducing the passing sound of game balls and the contact sound between game balls in the pachinko machine 100 will be further described. The pachinko machine 100 is provided with an acoustic device 283 at a position that overlaps the front side of the rear passage 580 in the longitudinal direction of the pachinko machine 100 . The sound device 283 is provided in front of the rear passage 580, and the provision of the sound device 283 makes it difficult for the passing sound and contact sound of the game ball from the rear passage 580 to be output to the front side, and the sound device 283 sounds are configured to reach the player easily. For the acoustic device 283, in addition to the sound output unit that outputs sound, a sound detection unit such as a microphone that detects sound from the back side is provided, and an opposite phase sound that cancels the sound detected by the sound detection unit is provided. may be output from the sound output unit of the sound device 283. For example, the sound detected by the sound detection unit of the sound device 283 is detected by the sub control board 940, and the sound of the opposite phase is also output from the sound device 283. You may make it output from a sound output part. As a result, the passing sound and contact sound of the game ball can be further canceled, and the sound set as the performance of the pachinko machine 100 can be easily delivered to the player.

An acoustic device 284 configured in the same manner as the acoustic device 283 is also provided on the opposite side of the left-right symmetry with respect to the acoustic device 283 provided on the left side in front view. The sound device 284 makes it difficult for the player to hear the sound of the game balls advancing from the rear side passage 580 of the adjacent pachinko machine 100 arranged on the right side of the pachinko machine 100 so as to enter the game ball management device 700.例文帳に追加This also makes it possible to make it easier for the player to hear the sound set as the performance of the pachinko machine 100.例文帳に追加

Thus, in the pachinko machine 100, the rear passage 580 is formed by the passage forming member between the outlet of the rear passage 580 and the payout device 540 as a transfer passage through which game balls pass. A sound device 283 for outputting sound effects such as performance of the pachinko machine 100 is provided on the front side with respect to a part of . Therefore, in the process until the game ball is released from the pachinko machine 100, the sound output by the acoustic device 283 is prioritized over the passing sound and contact sound of the game ball passing through the rear passage 580 and reaches the player. It is possible to make it easy for the player to hear the effect sound such as the performance set in the pachinko machine 100.例文帳に追加In addition, the acoustic devices 281 to 285 include highly rigid metal members and housings (enclosures) for making sound resonate, and some of these members are positioned in front of the rear passage 580 so that the rear passage 580 is It is possible to reduce the strength of the sound generated in reaching the player side.

Also, a sound device 285 is provided at a position that overlaps the front side of the discharge port 241B (see FIG. 1) through which game balls are discharged downward from the auxiliary storage portion 241 of the auxiliary storage mechanism 240. FIG. Since the auxiliary storage unit 241 is provided on the front side of the pachinko machine 100, the passing sound or contact sound of the game ball is likely to be output at a position close to the player. By providing the sound devices 285 so as to overlap each other, the sound from the sound devices 285 can also be made easier to reach the player. In particular, it is effective in a situation where the ball removal operation member 242 is operated and the game ball is discharged. As for the sound of game balls entering the ball box when a resin ball box is placed, the sound device 285 is arranged between the player and the collision part to make it difficult for the sound of the game balls to reach the player. be able to. It is preferable that the acoustic device 285 is also provided with a sound detection section, and the sound output section of the acoustic device 285 outputs a sound having an opposite phase to cancel the sound detected by the sound detection section.

It should be noted that the acoustic devices 283 to 285 do not necessarily have to be provided at positions overlapping the front side of the rear passage 580 and the discharge port 241B, and may be arranged at offset positions. In this case, with respect to the rear passage 580 and the discharge port 241B, it is preferable that the pachinko machine 100 is arranged on the side near the center in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction when viewed from the front. The sound generated by the sound devices 283 to 285 can easily reach the player when the face of the player is placed near the center in the horizontal and vertical directions when the pachinko machine 100 is viewed from the front.

In addition, for at least one of the acoustic devices 283 to 285, a sound detection unit such as a microphone for detecting sound from the rear side has directivity, and the rear passage 580 and the radiator located on the rear side have directivity. The sound on the side where the outlet 241B is provided is provided in a state where it is easier to input than on the other direction such as the front side, and it is emitted from the rear side passage 580 and the discharge port 241B side detected by the sound detection units of the acoustic devices 283 to 285. It is preferable to output the sound in reverse phase with respect to the sound from the sound output units of the acoustic devices 283-285. As a result, sounds other than effect sounds, such as the passing sound and contact sound of the game ball, can be further canceled, and the effect sounds such as the performance set as the performance of the pachinko machine 100 can be easily delivered to the player.

<Configuration of game ball payout path (2)>
Next, referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, for an example having a payout path configured differently from that of the above-described embodiment, the portions having a configuration different from that of the pachinko machine 100 described above are denoted by 1000. Identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted. 21 is a front view showing the arrangement of the two pachinko machines 1100 and the game ball management device 700 viewed from the front side, and FIG. 22 shows the pachinko machine 1100 and the game ball management device 700 viewed from the rear side. FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a folded state; Here, FIGS. 21 and 22 schematically show only the main configurations of the pachinko machine 1100 and the game ball management device 700 for easy understanding.

In the above-described pachinko machine 100, the game ball management device 700 is provided with a transfer path that allows game balls to be transferred without going through the front side of the pachinko machine 100. However, the pachinko machine 1100 of the present embodiment , the other pachinko machine 1100 is also provided with a transport path capable of transporting game balls. In a state in which a plurality of pachinko machines 1100 are installed side by side, the ball guide part 551 provided on the back side of one pachinko machine 1100 and the ball guide part 551 of the pachinko machine 1100 installed next to it are connected to each pachinko machine. Two rear side passages 1590A and 1590B provided in 1100 are connected to each other so that game balls can be transferred in both directions. In addition, the pachinko machine 1100 is provided with a rear passage 1580 through which game balls can be transferred to the game ball management device 700 .

One rear side passage 1590A is a passage for transferring game balls to other pachinko machines 1100, and is a passage from the pachinko machine 1100 on the left side in front view (right side in rear view) to the right side in front view (right side in rear view) among the plurality of pachinko machines 1100 lined up. It is provided to enable transfer of game balls to the pachinko machine 1100 on the left side). The rear side passage 1590A is slightly inclined downward toward the right side in front view (left side in rear view), and branches off from the main side guide passage 552 that is branched downstream of the ball guide portion 551. An approach switching member 1591A is provided near the branched portion.

Another rear side passage 1590B is a passage for inflowing game balls to its own pachinko machine 1100, and from the pachinko machine 1100 on the right side in front view (left side in rear view) among the pachinko machines 1100 arranged in a row, the left side in front view (rear side) It is provided to enable transfer of game balls to the pachinko machine 1100 on the right side of the view. The rear side passage 1590B is slightly inclined downward toward the left side in front view (right side in rear view), and branches off from the main side guide passage 552 that is branched downstream of the ball guide portion 551. An approach switching member 1591B is provided near the branched portion.

23 and 24 are schematic lines schematically showing the periphery of the branching portion between the main-side guide passage 552 and the rear-side passage 1590A when the entry switching member 1591A is in the entry blocking posture and the entry blocking posture, respectively. It is a diagram. The two approach switching members 1591A and 1591B have the same configuration, so only one approach switching member 1591A will be described, and the description of the other approach switching member 1591B will be omitted.

The entry switching member 1591A has a plate-shaped entry blocking portion arranged in a direction substantially parallel to the vertical direction, so that the game ball passes through the communicating portion between the main side guide passage 552 and the upstream portion of the rear side passage 1590A. The game ball is prevented from entering the rear side passage 1590A by taking an impossibly blocked entry blocking posture. As shown in FIG. 23, when the entry switching member 1591A is in the entry blocking posture, the number of game balls stored in the storage portion 231 is large and the game balls are stored up to the upper limit in the main side guide passage 552. The ball is stored up to the upper side from the height position where the entry switching member 1591A is provided. Furthermore, when game balls are stored up to the upper end of the main side guide passage 552 , subsequent game balls cannot enter the main side guide passage 552 and are guided to the auxiliary side guide passage 553 . That is, when the storage portion 231 continuous from the main side guide passage 552 becomes full, game balls are supplied to the auxiliary storage portion 241 .

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 24, the entrance switching member 1591A has a plate-like entrance blocking portion that tilts toward the rear side of the rear passage 1590A, and the entrance switching member 1591A tilts toward the rear side of the rear passage 1590A. By arranging it substantially parallel (in a direction substantially parallel to the horizontal direction and slightly inclined downward to the rear side), it takes an approach allowing posture. As a result, the communication portion between the main guide passage 552 and the rear passage 1590A is opened so that the game ball can pass through, and the game ball is allowed to enter the rear passage 1590A. At this time, since the entrance portion of the rear side passage 1590A is provided below the upper end of the main side guide passage 552, as shown in FIG. When the upper end portion of the game ball stored at the height position of the entrance portion of the passage 1590A reaches the state, the subsequent game ball enters the rear passage 1590A, and the entrance switching member 1591A tilts the entrance blocking portion. It flows down to the rear side and enters the main side guide passage 552 of the adjacent pachinko machine 1100 via the outlet of the rear side passage 1590A.

An entrance switching member 1592A is provided at the exit of the rear passage 1590A. The approach switching member 1592A has, for example, a configuration in which a plate-shaped approach blocking portion rotates to take an approach blocking posture and an approach allowing posture, similar to the above-described approach switching member 1591A. Only when the pachinko machine 1100 executes a permission operation for permitting entry of game balls into the adjacent pachinko machine 1100, the entrance switching member 1592A allows the outlet of the rear side passage 1590A to exit the adjacent pachinko machine 1100. It is opened so that the game ball can enter the entrance of the game ball provided in the main side guide passage 552, that is, the game ball can pass through. If the permission operation is not executed, the outlet of the rear side passage 1590A is blocked by the entry switching member 1592A so that the game ball cannot pass through.

The adjacent pachinko machine 1100 has an entry blocking posture for blocking entry of game balls into the main side guide path 552 at a position where an entry switching member 1592A is provided, and a game ball entry into the main side guide path 552 is allowed. An entry switching member (not shown) that assumes an entry permitting posture is provided, and this entry switching member is provided so as to interlock with an entry switching member 1592A provided in the rear passage 1590A. The condition that the outlet of the rear side passage 1590A is connected to the main side guide passage 552 and that the adjacent pachinko machine 1100 executes the permitting operation for permitting entry of game balls into its own pachinko machine 1100 is established. Only in the case, the entry switching member takes the entry permitting posture and permits the entry of the game ball to the main side guide passage 552, and if any condition is not satisfied, the entry switching member takes the entry blocking posture The game ball is prevented from entering the main side guide passage 552. - 特許庁

As a result, in a situation where the game balls are stored in the main side guide passage 552 of the own pachinko machine 1100, the game balls are stored at the exit portion of the rear side passage 1590A and at the height position where the entrance switching member 1592A is provided. Even if the upstream part of the game ball reaches the state, the game ball enters from the downstream side into the rear passage 1590A through the communicating portion of the main guide passage 552 with the exit portion of the rear passage 1590A. can be avoided.

As shown in FIG. 21, the front side of the pachinko machine 1100 is provided with a switching operation section 1588 for switching the postures of the entry switching members 1591A, 1592A, 1591B, and 1592B. In addition, an interlocking mechanism (not shown) including a motor or the like as a power source for switching the entry blocking posture or the entry permitting posture of the entry switching members 1581A and 1581B in response to the operation of the switching operation portion 1588 is electrically connected to the switching operation portion 1588. It is connected to the. For example, by pressing two switches arranged side by side on the left and right, the button operation on the right side and the pachinko machine 1100 on the left side to operate the entry switching members 1591A and 1592A for sending game balls to the pachinko machine 1100 on the right side. It is possible to operate the left button to operate the entry switching members 1591B and 1592B for sending game balls to.

By operating the switching operation unit 1588, the player can freely select the left and right pachinko machines 1100 to which game balls are to be paid out according to the game situation. In addition, in the state where the entry switching member 1581A is in the entry allowing posture, the pachinko machine 1100 blinks the switching operation unit 1588 or displays the displayed game ball on the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 479. A configuration is provided to notify that game balls are being supplied to another pachinko machine 1100 by displaying transfer setting information corresponding to the fact that the pachinko machine 1100 is set to be able to be transferred to call attention. is preferred.

As shown in FIG. 22, the pachinko machine 1100 is provided with two ball detection members 1559A and 1559B. One ball detection member 1559A, like the ball detection member 559 described above, is provided at the upper end portion of the auxiliary side guide passage 553, and after game balls overflow the main side guide passage 552, a predetermined amount of the auxiliary side guide passage 553 is detected. When the game balls are stored up to the upper limit, the ball detection member 559 detects that the game balls are supplied to the upper limit of the auxiliary side guide passage 553 .

The other ball detection member 1559B is provided at the upper end of the main side guide passage 552, and when the game ball is stored up to the predetermined upper limit of the main side guide passage 552, the game ball is detected by the ball detection member 1559B. It is detected that the main side guide passage 552 is supplied to the upper limit. In the pachinko machine 1100, when the switching operation unit 1588 is operated to set the game balls to be transferable to another pachinko machine 1100, the payout control board 930 controls the main side of the two ball detection members 1559A and 1559B. A ball detection member 1559B provided in the guide passage 552 performs control to pay out the game balls under the condition that the game balls are not stored up to the upper limit of the main side guide passage 552 as one of the conditions. When the ball detection member 1559B detects that the game balls are stored up to the upper limit of the main side guide passage 552, the payout control board 930 controls the payout motor 542 to stop the payout of the game balls. As a result, when the main side guide passage 552 is overflowing with game balls, the game balls can be stored in the pachinko machine 1100 without entering the auxiliary side guide passage 553 . Therefore, when the player wants to transfer the game balls to the other pachinko machine 1100, the player can reduce the necessity of manually transferring the game balls paid out to the auxiliary storage unit 241 to the other pachinko machine 1100. The game ball can be easily transferred to the pachinko machine 1100.

In addition, rear side passages 1590A and 1590B for supplying game balls to other pachinko machines 1100 are branched from the main side guide passage 552, and are provided for transferring game balls to the game ball management device 700. The passage 1580 is provided by branching from the auxiliary guide passage 553 . Since the put out game balls are preferentially supplied to the main side guide path 552 rather than the auxiliary side guide path 553, setting is made to transfer the game balls to both the other pachinko machine 1100 and the game ball management device 700. In this case, the game ball can be preferentially transferred to another pachinko machine 1100.例文帳に追加Therefore, it is possible to reduce the situation in which a player suffers a disadvantage due to a shortage of game balls in the other pachinko machines 1100, and it is more preferable when a plurality of players play games side by side at a plurality of pachinko machines 1100. You can proceed with the game. It should be noted that, among the other pachinko machines 1100 and the game ball management device 700, the game ball is preferentially supplied to the game ball management device 700, for example, a game ball is supplied to the rear side passage branching from the main side guide passage 552. Another pachinko machine 1100 may be connected to the rear side passage branched from the auxiliary side guide passage 553 to which the ball management device 700 is connected.

Here, as shown in FIG. 21, sound devices 283 and 284 are provided in front of the two rear passages 1590A and 1590B so as to overlap each other. It is easy to reach players. In addition, the rear side passage members forming the two rear side passages 1590A and 1590B are rotatably supported by shafts 1593A and 1593B provided on the rear side portion of the outer frame 101 and integrated with the outer frame 101. . When the rear passage member is rotated vertically by the shafts 1593A and 1593B, the rear passage member is configured to be accommodated within the rectangular outer shape of the outer frame 101 when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 100. When the pachinko machine 100 is installed in the game hall, the rear side passage member does not come into contact with the peripheral portion and break. In addition, in an installation state in which a part of the rear passage member forming the two rear passages 1590A and 1590B can be expanded and contracted, and the rear passages 1590A and 1590B can be connected to the main guide passage 552, the guide member Even if the rear block 104 including 550 rotates with respect to the outer frame 101, it is preferable that the rear side passages 1590A and 1590B and the main side guide passage 552 maintain a continuous state. Alternatively, when the rear block 104 including the guide member 550 rotates with respect to the outer frame 101 in an installation state in which the rear passages 1590A and 1590B can be connected to the main guide passage 552, the entrance switching members 1591A and 1592A , 1591B and 1592B may be configured to close the inlets and outlets of the rear passages 1590A and 1590B and to close the passage in the main guide passage 552 that continues to the rear passages 1590A and 1590B.

In this way, the pachinko machine 1100 is provided with rear passages 1590A and 1590B for transferring game balls to other pachinko machines 1100, and by operating the switching operation section 1588, the player can win a big win. In such a case, the game balls can be distributed to friends and family who are playing the game at the adjacent pachinko machine 1100 by a simple operation without touching the game balls. In addition, since the game balls can be supplied to the adjacent pachinko machine 1100 without passing the game balls through the front side of the pachinko machine 1100, the space in front of the pachinko machine 1100 can be easily utilized by the player. To provide a pachinko machine 1100 capable of making a game easier by eliminating the need to install an extra ball box or a cup-shaped ball container on the side of a player and expanding a space for placing a cellular phone and drinks owned by the player. can be done.

<Structure of reservoir>
Next, the configuration of the main storage mechanism 230 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described in more detail. The pachinko machine 100 is provided with a specific path switch 448 (see FIG. 10) for detecting a game ball that has entered a specific path formed inside the lower big winning device 433 (see FIG. 7), and a jackpot is won. When the lower prize winning device 433 is opened, if there is no game ball in the storage unit 231 of the pachinko machine 100 and there is no game ball in the auxiliary storage unit 241, the game ball is placed in the specific path within the opening operation time. If it is not possible to enter the game balls, or if a lottery such as opening the lower prize winning device 433 for a short period of time is won, some of the predetermined number of game balls that have become possible to win due to the winning cannot be won. There is a possibility that inconvenience may occur. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 100, the storage section 231 includes a normal storage area 235 in which the game balls flow down to the side of the outflow port 231B in which the shooting device 330 is provided, and the storage section 231 has a predetermined amount or more of game balls paid out. An auxiliary storage area 236 is provided in which the game balls are stored when the game balls are released, but the game balls do not flow down toward the shooting device 330 even if the number of game balls in the storage unit 231 decreases according to the shooting operation of the game balls. there is

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 25, the game balls supplied from the inflow port 231A enter the storage portion 231, and the game balls are stored. In the storage section 231 , game balls preferentially flow down to the normal storage area 235 out of the normal storage area 235 and the auxiliary storage area 236 . The bottom surface of the normal storage area 235 has a slight slope (about 0.5 to 5°) downward to the right, and continues from the inflow port 231A to the outflow port 231B that continues to the launching device 330 side, and the game ball to flow down (advance) the game ball from the left side to the right side. As a result, in the payout of game balls below a certain amount, the game balls flow down only in the normal storage area 235 of the storage section 231 and the game balls do not enter the auxiliary storage area 236 .

The auxiliary storage area 236 is provided so as to be adjacent to part of the normal storage area 235 and is formed in the storage part 231 on the front side of the normal storage area 235 . The area of the auxiliary storage area 236 is preferably about 5 to 50%, more preferably about 10 to 25%, of the bottom area of the storage part 231, and the number of game balls to be stored is in the range of 5 to 50. preferably within the range of 10 to 30.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the shape of the reservoir 231 cut along line X-X' of FIG. As shown in FIG. 26, a boundary 236A between the normal storage area 235 and the auxiliary storage area 236 is formed by a series of ridge-shaped peaks protruding upward, and its height is such that a certain amount of game balls Until the game balls are stored in the storage section 231, they are set to such an extent that the game balls cannot enter the auxiliary storage area 236 side. For example, in the front-rear direction, the boundary 236A is constituted by a top portion that protrudes upward by about 0.5 to 5 mm from the lowest position of the storage portion 231 . 26(A) and 26(B), the boundary 236A is formed as a mountain-like slope whose top is the boundary between the normal storage area 235 and the auxiliary storage area 236. Alternatively, it may be formed by a protruding portion that partially protrudes upward. Alternatively, as another shape of the boundary A, as shown in FIG. The boundary 236A may be configured by a step that is configured to be one step higher on the normal storage area 235 side.

When the number of game balls stored in the storage part 231 is small, the game balls are normally guided to the storage area 235 . On the other hand, when the number of game balls stored in the storage section 231 increases, the game balls climb over the boundary 236A and are stored in the auxiliary storage area 236.例文帳に追加When a game ball is shot by the launching device 330 during a game, the game ball stored in the normal storage area 235 advances to the right according to the shooting operation, but the game ball in the auxiliary storage area 236 is assisted by the boundary 236A. It will remain inside the reservoir area 236 . The height of this boundary 236A is set low enough to guide the game ball to the normal storage area 235 over the boundary 236A when the player pushes the game ball to the back side. When the boundary 236A is configured by a large protrusion, it is preferably set lower than the radius of the game ball and set to a height of one-third or less of the diameter of the game ball. Once a player acquires a large amount of game balls, even if the game balls in the normal storage area 235 are exhausted, the player can leave the game balls in the auxiliary storage area 236 without being conscious of it. A game can be played using the game balls in the auxiliary storage area 236 when necessary.

In this way, the storage part 231 is an area in which the game balls paid out by the payout device 540 are located upstream of the outflow port 231B and stored. A normal storage area 235 is provided that advances toward the outflow port 231B side according to the operation, and furthermore, when game balls of a predetermined amount or more are stored in the normal storage area 235 by the payout device 540, the game balls enter. An auxiliary storage area 236, which is an area where at least some game balls do not move even when the launching device 330 operates and stays, and can be transferred to the normal storage area 235 by a predetermined pressing operation by the player. is provided.

Therefore, part of the game balls stay in the auxiliary storage area 236, and the game balls that are not automatically shot by the shooting means can be secured in the auxiliary storage area 236. - 特許庁Therefore, even if the player is late in noticing that there are no game balls in the normal storage area 235, the game can be continued quickly using the game balls in the auxiliary storage area 236.例文帳に追加In addition, since the game ball in the auxiliary storage area 236 can be transferred to the normal storage area 235 by the player's pressing operation on the game ball, the transfer of the game ball from the auxiliary storage area 236 to the normal storage area 235 is simple and easy. It is possible to speed up and improve the convenience of the player.

27 and 28 show a normal storage area 1235 and an auxiliary storage area 1236 that are different from the arrangement of the normal storage area 235 and the auxiliary storage area 236 described above. As shown in FIG. 27, the auxiliary storage area 1236 is provided on the rear side of the storage part 1231 of the main storage mechanism 1230, and the normal storage area 1235 is continuous on the front side near the player, and the game balls of a certain amount or more are stored. game balls are stored not only in the normal storage area 1235 but also in the auxiliary storage area 1236 by the payout of . As shown in FIG. 28 , when the number of game balls gradually decreases, the game balls remain in the auxiliary storage area 1236 . Since the auxiliary storage area 1236 is provided on the rear side away from the player with respect to the normal storage area 1235, the presence or absence of the game ball in the auxiliary storage area 1236 is determined by the storage section 1231 when viewed from the front side where the player is located. is less likely to be hidden behind the wall portion constituting the , making it easier for the player to recognize the existence of the game ball in the auxiliary storage area 1236 . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from leaving the game ball in the auxiliary storage area 1236 and moving after finishing the game.

Here, as the boundary 1236A in the auxiliary storage area 1236, a stepped boundary 1236A surrounding the left side and front side of the auxiliary storage area 236 may be formed, and a stepless boundary 1236A may be formed on the outflow port 231B side (right side). good. As a result, when the player pushes the game ball to the right side by hand, the game ball can be quickly moved to the shooting device 330 side without going over the step, so that the game ball can be normally stored more easily and preferably. It is preferable to be able to guide to area 1235 .

Next, another embodiment different from the above embodiment will be further described with reference to FIGS. 29 to 31. FIG.

FIG. 29 is a rear view showing the arrangement of the pachinko machine 2100 and the game ball management device 700 different from the above embodiment. The pachinko machine 2100 differs from the above-described pachinko machine 1100 in the structure of the passage for connecting the game balls so as to be transportable.

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the adjacent pachinko machines 1100 are connected by the rear side passages 1590A and 1590B branching from the main side guide passage 552 so that the game balls can be transferred has been described. There is no need to branch the side passages 1590A, 1590B. As shown in FIG. 29, for the adjacent pachinko machines 2100, even if the rear side passages 2590A and 2590B are branched from the auxiliary side guide passage 553 to allow game balls to enter the main side guide passage 552 of the adjacent pachinko machine 2100. good. In this case as well, it is preferable that the entry switching members 2591A, 2592A, 2591B and 2592B can open and close the entrances and exits of the rear passages 2590A and 2590B, as in the pachinko machine 1100 described above.

FIG. 30 shows a front view and a partial cross-sectional view of a pachinko machine 3100 in a configuration in which an exit portion from which game balls paid out by the payout device 540 can be discharged is provided at a position different from that of the above embodiment. It is the figure which showed the part. The pachinko machine 3100 differs from the above-described pachinko machine 100 in the structure of a passage (transfer passage) for transferring game balls to the game ball management device. In FIG. 30, the path of the game ball passing through the transfer passage is schematically shown by the thin line with an arrow, and the discharge passage member 3101B and the guide member when moved to another position are shown by the dashed line. 550 and rear passage 3580 are shown schematically.

In the above embodiment, the discharge port 241B of the auxiliary reservoir 241 is provided as the first outlet, and the rear passages 580, 1580, 1590A are provided on the back side of the pachinko machines 100, 1100 as the second outlet. , 1590B are provided. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the second outlet is provided on the front side of the pachinko machine 3100 .

The outer frame 3101 is configured in a frame shape that forms an internal space penetrating in the front-rear direction. With respect to the outer frame 3101, a combination of the front block 3102, the intermediate block 103, and the rear block 104 including the dispensing device 540 (see FIG. 2) is configured as an opening/closing member so as to be integrally openable to the front side.

As shown in FIG. 30, the outer frame 3101 is provided with a guide passage 3101A for game balls inside the outer frame 101 in the above embodiment. is formed inside the frame portion 3101C. The inlet 3580A of the rear passage 3580 is connected to the auxiliary guide passage 553 of the guide member 550 in the above embodiment so that the upstream end of the guide passage 3101A communicates with the rear passage 3580, As a result, the auxiliary guide passage 553 and the guide passage 3101A are continuous. Then, as in the above-described embodiment, an entry switching member (not shown) is operated by the manager of the game hall or the player to bring the game balls into the front transfer state in which the game balls flow down to the auxiliary storage section 241, or the game balls It is configured such that the management device 3700 can be operated to select whether a rear side transfer state in which game balls flow down through the rear side passage 3580 is set.

Further, the front block 3102 has a shape in which a part corresponding to the height at which the main storage mechanism 230 and the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 are provided is cut away from the front block 102 in the above-described embodiment. A frame portion 3101</b>C on the left side of the outer frame 3101 is exposed to the front surface of the pachinko machine 3100 .

When the game ball is guided to the left end of the pachinko machine 3100 by the rear side passage 3580, the game ball is transferred to the front side of the pachinko machine 3100 via the guide passage 3101A provided in the outer frame 3101. The game balls transferred to the front side of the pachinko machine 3100 can be transferred to the game ball management device 3700 by the release passage member 3101B provided as part of the outer frame 3101. FIG. The game ball management device 3700 is provided with a ball insertion part 3705 having an opening formed upward so that the passage communicates with the exit part of the game balls provided in the discharge passage member 3101B in the vertical direction. Game balls can be transferred from the pachinko machine 3100 to the game ball management device 3700 via the guide passage 3101A of the frame 3101 and the internal passage of the release passage member 3101B.

Further, as shown in FIG. 30(B), the discharge passage member 3101B is provided so that the front side of the pachinko machine 3100 can be turned left and right by the shaft support portion 3101D centering on the vertical direction, and the tip side is turned to the left side. When directed, it continues to the ball insertion section 3705 of the game ball management device 3700 . On the other hand, when the tip side of the discharge passage member 3101B is directed to the right side, the exit portion of the discharge passage member 3101B opens toward the auxiliary reservoir 241, and the game ball entering the rear passage 3580 (state of discharge passage member 3101X in FIGS. 30(A) and 30(B)). As a result, even if the player is in the rear guidance state in which the game ball is guided to the rear passage 3580, the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 can be used when the player wants to pass the game ball to another player using the ball box. By causing the game balls to flow down to the auxiliary storage section 241 and release the game balls from the discharge port 241B of the auxiliary storage section 241, the necessary amount of game balls can be delivered to other players.

In this way, the outer frame 3101 is provided with a guide passage 3101A forming part of a transfer passage for transferring game balls together with the rear passage 3580 to the game ball management device 3700 . Therefore, at least part of the game balls paid out from the payout device 540 can be transferred to the game ball management device 3700 via part of the transfer path formed by the outer frame 3101 . Since the outer frame 3101 is provided on the outermost side in the horizontal direction of the pachinko machine 3100, it is possible to make it difficult for the passing sound and contact sound of the game balls passing through a part of the transfer passage to reach the player. To make it easier for a player to hear sound effects such as a set performance. In addition, the outer frame 3101 functions as a support body when the pachinko machine 3100 is attached to the game hall while supporting the parts including the payout device 540 that can be opened and closed, and is made of a material having high rigidity and strength. The portion of the transport path formed by the shell 3101 can be made difficult to tamper with or tamper with. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts such as stealing game balls possessed by a player by another person (criminal).

Next, with reference to FIG. 31, a pachinko machine 4100 provided with a normal storage area 4235 and auxiliary storage areas 4236A1 and 4236A2 different from the above embodiment will be described. The pachinko machine 4100 has a configuration of the storage section 4231 of the main storage mechanism 4230 and allows the game balls stored in the storage section 4231 to be transferred to the game ball management device 3700, in contrast to the above-described pachinko machine 100 shown in FIG. The configuration of the transfer passage is different. In FIG. 31, the thin lines with arrows schematically show the paths of the game balls passing through the transfer passage, and the dashed-dotted lines schematically show some of the game balls stored in the storage section 4231. ing.

FIG. 31(A) is a plan view of the storage section 4231 of the main storage mechanism 4230 of the pachinko machine 4100. FIG.

The storage portion 4231 of the main storage mechanism 4230 has a normal storage area 4235 in which game balls flow down to the side of the outlet 231B provided with the launching device 330, and the number of game balls paid out to the storage portion 4231 reaches a certain amount or more. An auxiliary storage area 4236 is provided in which the game balls are stored when the game balls are released, but the game balls do not flow down to the launching device 330 side even if the number of game balls in the storage part 4231 decreases according to the shooting operation of the game balls. . Between the normal storage area 4235 and the auxiliary storage area 4236, game balls can be transferred only to the side of the auxiliary storage area 4236 by the payout device 540 due to the game balls being dispensed by the boundary 4236A.

Auxiliary storage area 4236 is formed in a shape in which game balls wait in a predetermined number of rows ("5" in this embodiment), and a predetermined number ("5" in this embodiment), and the game balls wait in a row. A predetermined number (“25” in this embodiment) of game balls are stored as standby balls. Each row of the auxiliary storage area 4236 is provided with undulations so that game balls are arranged side by side in each row. The game balls are arranged side by side in each row by the shaped protrusion 4236B.

Further, the auxiliary storage areas 4236 are all set to, for example, "5" so that the number of waiting balls (hereinafter also referred to as the number of waiting balls) can be easily grasped. As the number of rows in the auxiliary storage area 4236 and the number of waiting balls in each row, a multiple of “3” (for example, “3” or “6”) or “5” is used so that the player can easily grasp the number of waiting balls. ” (eg, “5” or “10”).

FIG. 31(B) schematically shows the shape of the storage portion 4231 cut along the Y-Y' cross section of FIG. 31(A). The bottom surface of the auxiliary storage area 4236 is slanted to the front side where the player is positioned, and the lower waiting area 4236C1 where the frontmost game ball is positioned is a ball support member configured to be able to open and close the bottom surface. It is blocked by 4236D. In the standby area 4236C1, a standby area 4236C2 in which four game balls continue as standby balls is provided on the rear side (right side in FIG. 31(B)) with respect to the game balls supported by the ball support member 4236D. In the area 4236C2, five game balls are arranged side by side in each row.

In each row of the auxiliary storage area 4236 composed of the standby areas 4236C1 and 4236C2, a boundary 4236A is provided on the rear side of the bottom surface with which the five game balls come into contact, forming a top portion protruding upward. . A game ball positioned behind the auxiliary storage area 4236 is supported on the bottom surface of the normal storage area 4235 so that it can flow down to the launching device 330 side.

The ball support member 4236D is integrated with a discharge operation part 4236E provided near the auxiliary storage area 4236 in plan view. When the player performs a movement operation in a predetermined direction (for example, obliquely backward to the right) with respect to the discharge operation part 4236E, the waiting area 4236C1 constituting a part of the bottom surface of the auxiliary storage area 4236 is opened and the ball supporting member is opened. The game ball whose lower side is supported by 4236D flows downward. The number of game balls flowing downward by this movement operation matches the number of standby balls in the auxiliary storage area 4236, and in a state where game balls are arranged as standby balls in the entire area, the game balls of "25" are moved downward. can flow down.

The wall surface 4231A of the storage section 231, which supports the game ball on the front side of the game ball whose lower side is supported by the ball support member 4236D, is formed lower than the diameter of the game ball and positioned closer to the player. is configured to protrude upward from the wall surface 4231A. For this reason, the player's finger YB is easily brought into contact with the standby ball, and the game ball whose lower side is supported by the ball support member 4236D is easily transferred from the auxiliary storage area 4236 to the normal storage area 4235.

Further, the height at which the wall surface 4231A and the game ball whose lower side is supported by the ball support member 4236D contact is set higher than the center of gravity position TG of the game ball. Therefore, even if a plurality of game balls are connected behind each row of the auxiliary storage area 4236, the game balls are pushed forward and moved (for example, the standby ball rides over the wall surface 4231A). can be suppressed, and a preset number of standby balls can be easily stored in the auxiliary storage area 4236 .

Each row of the auxiliary storage areas 4236 continues obliquely rearward to the right and faces the downstream side of the normal storage areas 4235 . Therefore, the player can quickly guide the game ball to the launching device 330 side by pressing the standby ball in the auxiliary storage area 4236 toward the normal storage area 4235 . It is preferable that the direction of the downstream side in the normal storage area 4235 is set within about 45 degrees with respect to the direction in which the game balls wait side by side in the auxiliary storage area 4236, and is set within about 30 degrees. is preferred.

FIG. 31(C) is a diagram showing a part of the pachinko machine 4100 as seen from the front. The pachinko machine 4100 is configured such that the standby balls stored in the auxiliary storage area 4236 of the storage section 4231 can be transferred to the game ball management device 3700 by the release passage member 3101B provided as a part of the outer frame 3101 .

The transfer passage 4232 continues to the lower side of the standby region 4236C1 of the auxiliary storage region 4236 of the storage portion 4231, and the internal passage of the discharge passage member 3101B continues to the downstream side of the transfer passage 4232. Therefore, the standby balls stored in the auxiliary storage area 4236 can be transferred to the game ball management device 3700 via the discharge passage member 3101B provided as a part of the outer frame 3101. Therefore, in a state where game balls are arranged as standby balls in the entire area of the auxiliary storage area 4236, it is possible to transfer a certain number of game balls to the game ball management device 3700 by causing the game balls of "25" to flow downward. can.

Here, in the auxiliary storage area 4236, a certain number of game balls are stored as standby balls in a plurality of rows. Therefore, the player can easily transfer a finer number of game balls to the game ball management device 3700 by selecting the area in which the waiting balls are arranged from the auxiliary storage area 4236 . For example, when 10 game balls are to be transferred to the game ball management device 3700, the player transfers the game balls to the normal storage area 4235 for 3 rows out of 5 rows of the auxiliary storage area 4236, After 10 game balls are arranged as standby balls in two rows of the auxiliary storage area 4236, the discharge operation part 4236E may be operated. The number of waiting balls in one row out of each row may be reduced, so that game balls other than multiples of the number of waiting balls waiting in each row, such as 8 game balls, can be easily counted. It can be transferred to the management device 3700 .

In this way, the storage part 4231 is an area in which the game balls paid out by the payout device 540 are provided on the upstream side of the outflow port 231B, and the stored game balls are stored in the discharge device 330. A normal storage area 4235 that advances toward the outflow port 231B side according to the operation is provided, and is an area where the game ball does not advance and stays even if the launching device 330 operates. Auxiliary storage area 4236 is provided as a countable storage area in which game balls can be transferred to the normal storage area 4235 by all pressing operations, and a predetermined number of game balls are arranged side by side and can be counted. The number of game balls parked in the auxiliary storage area 4236 is stored side by side for each fixed number as a unit number. To make it easy to take out game balls for several minutes from the game machine. In addition, since the game ball in the auxiliary storage area 4236 can be transferred to the normal storage area 4235 by pressing the game ball by the player, the game ball can be easily transferred from the auxiliary storage area 4236 to the normal storage area 4235. It is possible to speed up and improve the convenience of the player.

Here, similar to the sound devices 283 to 285, a sound device 4286 is provided on the front side of the transfer passage 4232 so as to overlap, and effect sounds such as effects output from the sound device 4286 easily reach the player. It's becoming The acoustic device 4286 does not necessarily need to be placed in a position overlapping the transfer passage 4232 on the front side, and may be placed in a shifted position. It is preferably arranged on the side closer to the center. In addition, a sound detection unit such as a microphone that detects sound from the back side is provided for the sound device 4286, and the sound detected by the sound detection unit of the sound device 4286 is output so that the opposite phase sound is output together with the sound effect. is detected by the sub-control board 940, and the opposite phase sound is preferably output from the sound output section of the acoustic device 4286 as well.

<Structure of storage display unit>
Next, the configuration of the pachinko machine 5100 having the storage display section 601 will be described with reference to FIGS. 32 to 37. FIG. FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the storage display unit 601, and FIG. Here, FIGS. 32 and 33 schematically show each configuration of the pachinko machine 5100 other than the storage display section 601. As shown in FIG.

The storage display unit 601 is installed instead of the pressing operation device 261 (see FIGS. 1 and 5), and is arranged so as to cover the main storage mechanism 230 from the player's point of view. The storage display unit 601 does not necessarily need to be installed instead of the pressing operation device 261. Both the pressing operation device 261 and the storage display unit 601 may be installed in the pachinko machine, and these may be installed in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction. They may be arranged side by side or may be arranged at different heights.

In pachinko machines, since each model of each game machine manufacturer is installed in a space set in advance in the game hall, the space is limited. The area (main storage mechanism 230, auxiliary storage mechanism 240, firing operation device 250) for installing the functional parts of the pachinko machine such as performing is narrowed. For example, if another display device or operation device is provided so as to overlap the main storage mechanism 230 for storing game balls, the size of the display device or operation device can be increased, while the player can use the main storage mechanism. The inside of the 230 cannot be visually recognized, or the invisible area becomes wide, making it difficult to check the remaining number of game balls owned (rented out) by the player. Due to such problems, it has been difficult to increase the size of a new display device, an operation device, and the like.

On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 5100 of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. By photographing the storage mechanism 230 and displaying the state of the main storage mechanism 230 on the storage display unit 601, the problem that the player cannot visually recognize the main storage mechanism 230 due to the arrangement of the storage display unit 601 is covered. there is

As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, in the pachinko machine 5100, a flat storage display section 601 is attached to the storage section 231 of the main storage mechanism 230 so as to be inclined downward from the upper portion of the storage section 231 toward the front. are placed overlapping each other. Specifically, with respect to the storage unit 231, the storage display unit 601 is arranged diagonally above the front where the player (specifically, the player's viewpoint or head) is positioned.

The storage display unit 601 is composed of a thin plate-like display device such as a liquid crystal display device. It has become.

The length of the storage display portion 601 in the left-right direction is formed to be smaller than the length of the storage portion 231 in the left-right direction. An area that does not overlap with 601 is set. In this non-overlapping region, the opening portion of the storage portion 231 is exposed upward, and the player can directly take in and out game balls through this opening portion, or rent out game balls from the game ball management device on the game arcade side. It is possible to transfer the game ball from the game ball management device to the pachinko machine 5100 by inserting the passage exit portion of the game ball.

As shown in FIG. 33 , a camera device 611 is installed on the back side (bottom side or lower side) of the storage display section 601 . Similarly, a camera device 612 is installed on the back side (bottom side or lower side) of the storage section 231 . As described above, when viewed from the player, the storage unit 231 is covered by the storage display unit 601, making it difficult for the player to visually recognize the storage unit 231 in the portion overlapping the storage display unit 601. there is Also, since the accumulation display section 601 is provided adjacent to a part of the accumulation section 231, the photographed image is interrupted, and it is difficult to photograph the same field of view as the player with one camera device. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 5100, the storage units 231 and 241 are photographed by the two camera devices 611 and 612, and an image that the player would normally be able to see without the storage display unit 601 is synthesized and displayed on the storage display unit 601. do.

Here, when a game ball is placed on at least part of the storage display unit 601 around the storage display unit 601, the game ball is guided to at least one of the storage units 231 and 241. A guideway as a means may be provided. In addition, the upper end portion of the accumulation display unit 601 is configured to enter the lower side of the game area, and is arranged close to the decorative design display device 479, and straddles the decorative design display device 479 and the accumulation display unit 601. It is also possible to display continuous images in response to the images, or to perform the variable display of the symbols according to the images.

FIG. 34 shows an electrical block diagram of the pachinko machine 5100 having the storage display section 601. As shown in FIG. Here, FIG. 34 additionally shows only the main configuration related to the storage display unit 601 with respect to the electrical configuration diagram shown in FIG. are omitted.

The pachinko machine 5100 is configured such that the sub-control board 940 controls the camera devices 611 and 612 and the storage display section 601 . Connected to the sub control board 940 are camera devices 611 and 612 for photographing the reservoirs 231 and 241 and a reservoir display section 601 capable of displaying the reservoirs 231 and 241 as an image. In addition, the sub control board 940 includes an image data storage unit 941 and a display data generation unit 942. The image data storage unit 941 and a part of the ROM of the sub control board 940 constitute the display data generation unit 942. , a program stored in a part of the ROM by the sub control board 940, and the control processing of the CPU.

Here, it is not necessary for the sub-control board 940 to be configured to control the camera devices 611 and 612 and the storage display unit 601. A control unit capable of communicating with the sub-control board 940 and including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. is provided in the storage display unit 601, and the storage display unit 601 controls at least one of the camera devices 611, 612 and the storage display unit 601, and the storage display unit 601 is controlled by another control unit. may be controlled.

Image data captured by the camera devices 611 and 612 are supplied to the display data generation section 942 of the sub control board 940 . The display data generation unit 942 superimposes the image data stored in advance in the image data storage unit 941 and the photographed data to generate stored display data.

The display data generator 942 supplies the stored display data to the stored display unit 601 . At this time, the display data generation unit 942 processes (rotates, translates, enlarges/reduces) and combines the photographed data photographed by the camera devices 611 and 612 so that the data that would otherwise be visible to the player if the storage display unit 601 were not present. Assumed visual recognition image data processed into an image close to the state of the storage units 231 and 241 is generated, and a predetermined virtual image is added to the supposed visual image data to generate stored display data.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 35, the storage display unit 601 displays the storage display data as if the player were visually recognizing the storage units 231 and 241 from above, and the images captured by the camera devices 611 and 612. A switch button 602, which is a virtual image not included in the photographed data, is displayed. The switch button 602 is displayed so as to overlap a part of the pachinko machine 5100, and the player can perform an input operation by operating the frame portion of the storage section 241 where the switch button 602 is displayed. may be configured. For example, the camera device 612 detects the motion of the player's finger moving downward when the player's hand is placed in a position overlapping the display position of the switching button 602 by inserting the hand under the storage display unit 601, thereby , it may be detected that the switch button 602 has been operated by the player.

FIG. 35 shows a state in which the player puts his/her hand under the accumulation display section 601, and the player's inserted hand is also displayed in the accumulation display section 601 as an image. Therefore, the player can visually recognize the image of the accumulation display section 601 with a natural feeling as if the accumulation display section 601 does not exist. In the following description, for ease of understanding, the storage units displayed in the storage display unit 601 are denoted by an X at the end of the storage units 231X and 241X, and the storage units 231X and 241X are described separately.

The storage display unit 601 has a touch panel type configuration that allows the player to perform an input operation. When the player touches the switching button 602, which is a virtual image, the storage display unit 601 supplies the sub-control board 940 with an operation signal indicating that the switching button 602 has been operated. When the sub-control board 940 recognizes that the switching button 602 has been operated by the player, it superimposes a virtual image on the photographed data photographed by the camera device 612 to generate auxiliary stored display data. As a result, as shown in FIG. 36 , the storage display section 601 displays the auxiliary storage section 241 of the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 . As a result, the player can easily check the state of the auxiliary storage section 241, which was conventionally difficult to visually recognize. The player can display the original stored display data (FIG. 35) by operating the switching button 602 again.

Furthermore, the storage display unit 601 superimposes and displays a specific virtual image according to the lottery result. As the virtual image, for example, a so-called character, which is an anthropomorphic animal or plant, or a deformed person, is superimposed and displayed, or an image of a game ball is superimposed and displayed.

For example, when the lottery result is a big win, the big winning device 434 is opened along with the announcement of the winning result, and the game ball wins the big winning device 434.例文帳に追加However, there is a time lag between the display of the winning result and the payout of game balls as a privilege for the winning game balls in the big winning device 434, and until the game balls are stored in the storage units 231 and 241 after winning. In some cases, the player's pleasure is reduced.

Therefore, in the pachinko machine 5100, when a big win is won, the image of the game ball is superimposed on the storage parts 231X and 241X during execution of the variation display of the winning to generate storage display data as if the game ball were stored. That is, in the pachinko machine 5100, by superimposing the virtual image of the game ball, the sub-control board 940 acts as a medium amount variation rendering means that makes the game ball appear to have increased.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 37, the display data generation unit 942 combines the photographed data photographed by the camera devices 611 and 612 to generate the expected visual recognition image data, and also generates an image for the assumed visual recognition image data. The character images 603A and 603B and the game ball image stored in the data storage unit 941 are superimposed to generate accumulated display data. As a result, the game balls have not yet been paid out, and the number of game balls existing in the actual storage units 231 and 241 at this time is very small (see FIG. 37(B)). On the display unit 601, the character images 603A and 603B (see FIG. 37(A)) carry the game balls and add the game balls to the storage units 231X and 241X, so that the game balls in the storage units 231X and 241X Pooled display data is displayed to indicate an increase. In addition, the image of the superimposed game ball is synchronized with the opening of the big winning device 434 corresponding to the start of the special game state (after a certain amount of game balls are paid out, for example, one round is completed). When the game ball exists in the storage unit 231 at a certain timing or more than a certain amount in the photographed data, for example, when the game ball exists in the entire range of the display screen of the storage display unit 601) It will not be displayed and will be an image of the actual game ball. As a result, the storage display data in which the actual storage units 231 and 241 are faithfully reproduced is displayed on the storage display unit 601 again.

In this way, the accumulation display section 601 is provided so that the accumulation sections 231 and 241 are covered from the player's point of view, and images (the accumulation section 231, 241) is superimposed on the virtual image and displayed on the storage display section 601 . As a result, a new image can be superimposed while allowing the player to visually recognize the storage units 231 and 241, and the player's enjoyment of the game can be increased.

In addition, in the pachinko machine, if the game area is set large, or if the shooting operation device 250 and storage units 231, 241, etc. necessary for the game are provided, a performance device (for example, , input operation device 260) is narrowed.

On the other hand, the pachinko machine 5100 performs a game using a game ball as a game medium, and includes a shooting operation device 250 as operation means for performing operations related to the game by the player, and a shooting operation device 250 used for the game. Storage units 231 and 241 of the main storage mechanism 230 and the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 as storage means for storing game media, camera devices 611 and 612 as imaging means for shooting the storage portions 231 and 241, and camera devices 611 and 612 , which is an image photographed by and includes game balls stored in storage units 231 and 241, and an image of a game ball as a preset virtual image, storage unit 231X as a virtual storage display image , 241X, and a sub-control board 940 as a stored image generating means for generating stored display data indicating that the number of game balls in 241X has increased; A storage display unit 601 is provided as storage image display means to be displayed.

Therefore, the storage display unit 601 can display the game balls stored in the storage units 231 and 241, which are located on the far side and cannot be visually recognized, to the player by means of the virtual storage display image. Since the image of the game ball can also be displayed, it is possible to reduce restrictions on the arrangement of the storage units 231 and 241 and the storage display unit 601 capable of displaying images. Therefore, it is possible to provide the player with a game effect by means of an effect device that effects a change in the amount of game balls possessed by the player using the virtual accumulated display image as a new way of enjoying the pachinko machine 5100 . That is, it is possible to provide the pachinko machine 5100 in which the effect device using the game balls used in the game can be suitably arranged.

In addition, the configuration of the reservoirs 231 and 241 varies in shape and size depending on the manufacturer and model, and there is still room for improvement in the configuration of the reservoirs 231 and 241 .

On the other hand, the pachinko machine 5100 includes a shooting operation device 250 as operation means for performing game-related operations by the player, a main storage mechanism 230 and an auxiliary storage mechanism as storage means for storing game media used in the game. Storage parts 231, 241 of a 240, a main control board 920 as a lottery means for executing a lottery that is established with a predetermined probability of lottery when execution conditions for a big win lottery as a predetermined lottery condition are met, and a lottery for the big win lottery. A secondary control board 940 and a storage display section 601 are provided as a medium amount variation effect means capable of executing a medium amount variation effect to produce different numbers of game balls stored in the storage part 231 according to the result. .

Therefore, the player can experience the change in the number of game balls stored in the storage part 231 by executing the medium amount variation performance according to the lottery result of the big win lottery, and the storage part 231 can be simply operated. Not only the function as a functional component, but also the function as a performance device can be added. Therefore, it is possible to set the storage section 231 having a unique characteristic of a model or a manufacturer in a gaming machine having a limited space.

Depending on a specific condition such as a ready-to-win state in which some of the plurality of symbols are stopped and some of the symbols corresponding to the big hit are stopped and displayed, the storage display unit 601 displays the pressing operation device 261 (FIGS. 1 and 4). 5) is displayed, and the switch image can be substituted for the pressing operation device 261. Alternatively, the player may operate the display position of the switch image as an input operation. .

<Configuration of physical contact part>
Next, the configuration of the pachinko machine 6100 having the physical contact portion 621 will be described. The pachinko machine 6100 differs from the pachinko machine 5100 having the storage display section 601 described above in that it has a physical contact section 621 . The physical contact portion 621 is configured to be arranged between the main storage mechanism 230 and the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 when viewed from the player. In addition, the pachinko machine 6100 does not need to be installed with the storage display unit 601 and the physical contact unit 621, and the physical contact unit 621 may be provided without the storage display unit 601. At least one of the storage display unit 601 and the physical contact unit 621 may be installed at another location, or may be installed at two or more locations.

Conventional pachinko machines generally allow players to enjoy the game through visual and auditory senses, and there are also provided devices that allow input operations by means of production buttons and vibration generators and devices that act on the sense of touch. . However, if the player can be entertained by combining both the sense of sight and touch, there is a possibility that the player will be able to enjoy the game even more.

As shown in FIG. 38A, in the pachinko machine 6100, the camera device 612X is arranged below the reservoir 231. As shown in FIG. A movable physical contact portion 621 is provided between the storage portions 231 and 241 in the vertical direction.

As shown in FIG. 38(B), the physical contact portion 621 includes a main body portion 621A formed to imitate a plurality of game balls, and the main body portion 621A provided on one side (surface side) and on the opposite side ( and a bottom surface portion 621Aa formed flat on the rear surface side). Normally, the back side of the bottom portion 621Aa is exposed between the storage portions 231 and 241 of the pachinko machine 6100 to form the front surface (part of the front surface) of the pachinko machine 6100. In other words, the physical contact portion 621 is normally housed and placed at a position where it cannot be touched by the player, and the main body portion 621A is positioned on the rear side of the pachinko machine 6100 with respect to the bottom portion 621Aa. It is housed in a storage room 623 inside the main body of the pachinko machine 6100.

Further, the physical contact portion 621 has a rotating portion 621B that supports the body portion 621A so as to be rotatable, and a support portion 621C that connects the front surface of the pachinko machine 6100 and the upper side of the physical contact portion 621. The physical contact portion 621 changes from the storage arrangement to the contactable arrangement in which the player can contact the main body section 621A due to the rotational movement of the main body section 621A in the rotating section 621B. Specifically, the physical contact portion 621 rotates about 90 degrees forward about the lower portion of the bottom portion 621Aa in the storage arrangement, and when the main portion 621A rotates, the main portion 621A moves to the front of the pachinko machine 6100. The support portion 621C, which protrudes to the side and is bent at the time of storage, extends to maintain the main body portion 621A in a substantially horizontal state, that is, in a state in which the main body portion 621A is positioned above the bottom surface portion 621Aa. As a result, the physical contact portion 621 is arranged so as to cover the upper side of the auxiliary storage portion 241, thereby providing a contactable arrangement.

Switching between the storage arrangement and the contactable arrangement is performed by the sub-control board 940 controlling the actuator 621Ca connected to the sub-control board 940 and installed at the bent portion of the support portion 621C. For example, as a result of the lottery, when a jackpot is won and the transition is made to the special game state, the sub control board 940 drives the actuator 621Ca to drive the support portion during the variable display that stops with a stop symbol indicating that the jackpot has been won. 621C is extended to transition the physical contact portion 621 from the retracted configuration to the touchable configuration. At this time, an image of game balls piled up in the auxiliary storage section 241 is displayed in the photographed data photographed by the camera device 612X. Also, when the player puts his/her hand between the storage portions 231 and 241, the physical contact portion 621 is touched. By visually recognizing it, it is possible to combine visual sense and tactile sense, and enjoy the sensation as if game balls are heaped up in the auxiliary storage portion 241 by visual and tactile sense.

Then, when transitioning to the special game state, the sub-control board 940 drives the actuator 621Ca to fold the support portion 621C to store the main body portion 621A inside the pachinko machine 6100 for storage arrangement. The position of the body portion 621A is fixed by a stop maintenance mechanism (for example, a mechanism for holding a fixed position by magnetic force).

In this way, by using the physical contact portion 631, which is a real object, to make it look as if the game ball has increased, the physical contact portion 631 can be touched by the player, and the player can still pay out during the game. It is possible to provide the player with a new pleasure of being able to virtually touch a large number of game balls that have not been touched by the physical contact portion 631.例文帳に追加Further, according to the result of the lottery, by arranging the physical contact part 621, which is an object that actually exists, above the auxiliary storage part 241, an image is displayed on the storage display part 601 as if the number of game balls has increased. In addition, by having the player actually touch the physical contact portion 621, it is possible to provide a tactile sensation similar to that of a large number of game balls, and to make the player feel an increase in the number of game balls both visually and tactilely. be able to.

Next, with reference to FIG. 39, a pachinko machine 7100 having a physical contact portion 631 as another embodiment different from the above embodiment will be described. FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram showing the pachinko machine 7100 and the physical contact section 631. As shown in FIG. The pachinko machine 7100 differs from the above-described pachinko machine 6100 in the configuration of the physical contact portion 631 . The physical contact portion 631 is different from the physical contact portion 621 imitating a game ball in that it has a shape imitating a human hand. In addition, the pachinko machine 7100 may also be configured to include the physical contact portion 621 imitating the game ball described above, and the player can contact two or more physical contact portions at the same place, and the pachinko machine Either physical contact portion selected by the control of the control means such as the sub-control board 940 may protrude on the front side, or at least one of the physical contact portions 621 and 631 may be installed at a different location. and two or more physical contact portions may be provided at two or more locations.

The surface of the physical contact portion 631 is made of a soft material such as silicone resin so that the feel of the physical contact portion 631 is similar to that of a human hand. The physical contact portion 631 is fixed to the moving mechanism 632, and the moving table 632A slides along the rails 632B and moves horizontally in the front-rear direction, so that the physical contact portion 631 moves inside the pachinko machine 7100 in the storage arrangement. Housed in chamber 633, physical contact portion 631 is disposed between storage portions 231 and 241 in a contactable arrangement. The physical contact portion 631 is composed of fingers and palm portions that are supposed to come into contact with the player, and does not have a wrist portion that is not supposed to come into contact with the player.

Here, in the contactable arrangement, if the photographed data photographed by the camera device 612 is used as it is, the physical contact portion 631 lacking the wrist portion is photographed as the auxiliary stored display data displayed on the stored display portion 601, An image that looks like an object is displayed. On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 7100, the photographed data photographed by the camera device 612 is stored in advance in the image data storage unit 941, and a virtual image 631X representing a hand including the wrist portion, Hey!” is superimposed with a character image prompting the player to touch the physical contact portion 631 to generate auxiliary stored display data.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 40, an image in which a human hand is placed on the auxiliary storage section 241 is displayed on the storage display section 601. FIG. In other words, the appearance of the main body corresponding to the physical contact portion 631 itself is not directly displayed on the storage display portion 601 . Therefore, as the substance of the physical contact portion 631, elements other than tactile sense (tactile sensation such as shape and softness) (such as color and shape of the portion where contact does not occur) can be made inexpensively by omitting resemblance to human hands. While making it possible to manufacture, it is possible to display an image that resembles the hands of various people such as men, women, white people, black people, children, old people, etc., when viewed from the player's point of view.

For example, this contactable arrangement is partly executed in a ready-to-win state in which part of a plurality of patterns are stopped and part of the patterns corresponding to the big win are stopped and displayed during the variable display, and the game is played. The person is encouraged to grasp the hand (physical contact portion 631) in the reach state. For example, when winning a jackpot lottery, the physical contact unit 631 advances and the player touches the storage display unit 601 before the change display ends and the lottery result is displayed or at the same time as the change display ends. An image 646 is displayed in which the physical contact portion 631 is brought close to an easy position, and images of famous athletes, idols, etc. are displayed. A comment from an athlete or the like is output. On the other hand, if the lottery result is a loss, the player is encouraged to grasp the hand (physical contact portion 631) in the reach state, but the physical contact portion 631 does not move forward and is positioned on the rear side and is stored. The physical contact portion 631 is not displayed on the display portion 601 . The player recognizes that he/she has not won the jackpot lottery by not being able to shake hands with the physical contact portion 631 on the storage display portion 601 .

Alternatively, before the announcement of the lottery result, an image of the physical contact part 631 stored in the box is displayed, and as the announcement of the lottery result, the owner of the physical contact part 631 (hand) that shook hands is clarified. An embodied image that embodies the physical contact portion 631 may be displayed, and an effect prompting a handshake may be executed. In this case, if a big win lottery is won, a famous athlete, hero, idol, etc. is displayed with an image of hands suitable for that person. The villain is displayed with an image of the hand corresponding to the person. Even in this case, not only are the game balls paid out as a bonus for winning the jackpot, but also the feeling of shaking hands with a famous athlete or an idol is provided to the player by a combination of visual and tactile sensations. It is possible to increase the joy of the player when he/she hits the jackpot, thereby making the game even more enjoyable.

Also, it is generally said that the human tactile sense is very ambiguous and is attracted to the visual sense. For example, if you touch a vertical cylindrical shape and show a tilted cylindrical shape, you will feel that the cylindrical shape you are touching is tilted. This phenomenon can also be exploited for physical contacts.

For example, in a state where the physical contact portion 621 (see FIG. 37) of the pachinko machine 6100 is arranged to be contactable, the storage display portion 601 displays a character image saying "Please touch the lower plate!" When the player puts his/her hand above the auxiliary storage portion 241, it contacts the physical contact portion 621 having a shape in which spherical shapes overlap. When the result of the lottery is a big hit, an image based on photographed data photographed by the camera device 612X is displayed on the storage display part 601, and the player is made to visually recognize the image of the game balls piled up in the auxiliary storage part 241.例文帳に追加be able to. On the other hand, if the result of the lottery is a loss, an image of grapes is displayed so that the player can recognize that the grapes were touched.

In this way, after the physical contact portions 621 and 631 are positioned in the contactable arrangement and touched by the player, the embodied images of the physical contact portions 621 and 631 according to the lottery result are displayed, whereby the common physical contact portion is displayed. Using the contact parts 621 and 631, it is possible to give the player the sensation of touching a plurality of types of objects.

The pachinko machine 6100 also includes storage units 231 and 241 that store game balls, and a main control board 920 that executes a lottery that is established with a predetermined probability of lottery when conditions for executing a jackpot lottery are established as predetermined lottery conditions. and a physical contact unit 621 controlled by a sub-control board 940 so as to be able to execute a medium amount variation effect in which the number of game balls stored in the storage unit 241 varies according to the lottery result of the jackpot lottery. I have. Therefore, the player can experience the change in the number of game balls stored in the storage part 241 by executing the medium amount variation performance according to the lottery result of the big win lottery, and the storage part 241 can be simply operated. Not only the function as a functional component but also the function as a performance device can be added. Therefore, it is possible to set the storage section 241 having the individuality peculiar to the model and the manufacturer in the gaming machine with limited space.

The pachinko machine 7100 also includes storage units 231 and 241 that store game balls, and a main control board 920 that executes a lottery that is established with a predetermined lottery probability when conditions for executing a jackpot lottery as predetermined lottery conditions are satisfied. , a physical contact portion 631 as a touched means that can be placed at a predetermined position that a player can touch, and a display image including an expression image corresponding to the physical contact portion 631 is generated according to the lottery result of the big win lottery. and a storage display section 601 as image display means for displaying the display image generated by the sub control board 940 . Therefore, the shape of the physical contact portion 631 touched by the player can be provided to the player by adding a different impression to the shape of the physical contact portion 631 touched by the player by means of the representation image displayed on the storage display portion 601 and the physical contact portion 631 . can. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game machine capable of suitably executing an effect utilizing visual and tactile sensations.

<Production (1) by imparting a sense of movement>
Next, a pachinko machine 7100 having a function of imparting a sense of movement will be described with reference to FIGS. 42 to 51. FIG. FIG. 42 shows the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 7100. As shown in FIG. In the pachinko machine 7100, a physical contact unit 641 having a movement sensation imparting unit 645 that imparts a movement sensation of moving or about to move in one direction without actually moving the position, and a player's operation. and a storage display portion 651 having a vibrating portion 653 that vibrates in accordance with the pressure. It should be noted that the configuration for imparting the sense of movement of the pachinko machine 7100 may be applied in combination with other configurations in each embodiment.

Conventional pachinko machines generally allow players to enjoy games through sight and sound. However, there is a problem that it is difficult to make a game machine with a machine model-specific or manufacturer-specific personality with conventional effects alone, and it is difficult to provide players with new effects and gameplay that are different from conventional ones. be. Therefore, if the player can be entertained by further utilizing the tactile sense to impart a sense of movement, there is a possibility that the player will be able to enjoy the game even more.

FIG. 43(A) is a schematic diagram schematically showing the arrangement including the positional relationship between the physical contact portion 641 and the player when the pachinko machine 7100 is viewed from the left side, and FIG. 43(A) shows an enlarged state of the peripheral portion of the physical contact portion 641. FIG. 43(A) shows a state in which the physical contact portion 641 is positioned on the rear side, and FIG. 43(B) shows a state in which the physical contact portion 641 is positioned on the front side.

As shown in FIG. 43A, in the pachinko machine 7100, the camera device 612X is arranged below the storage section 231, like the pachinko machine 6100 described above. A movable physical contact portion 641 is provided between the storage portions 231 and 241 in the vertical direction.

The physical contact portion 641 is formed in a box-like shape with a handle 641A provided on the front side, and is supported by a rod-shaped shaft portion that is continuous in the front-rear direction so as to be movable in the front-rear direction, for example. It is provided so as to be movable back and forth with respect to the supporting shaft portion by an amount corresponding to the length of the shaft portion. The weight of the physical contact portion 641 itself is supported by the shaft portion, so that the player can feel the physical contact portion 641 in a non-operating state in which the movement sensation imparting portion 645 provided inside is not operating. can be moved in the front-rear direction within a certain range with little force. The physical contact unit 641 is installed under the storage unit 231 of the pachinko machine 7100 via the moving mechanism 642, and is configured to be movable within a certain range by the moving mechanism 642.

The moving mechanism 642 includes a movable support portion 642A that supports the physical contact portion 641 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction, and an operating mechanism 642B that moves the physical contact portion 641 including the movable support portion 642A in the front-rear direction. I have it. The operation mechanism 642B includes an actuator (for example, a motor) whose operation is controlled by the control of the sub-control board 940, whereby the physical contact portion 641 including the movable support portion 642A is arranged on the rear side to play a pachinko game. 42 (A)) in which it is housed on the back side of the machine 7100, and the state in which the player moves forward from the housed state to a position where it projects forward and overlaps with the lower side of the storage portion 231, and the player touches the physical contact portion 641. It is configured to be movable between an operating state in which it is easy to contact.

Here, the physical contact portion 641 may be movable in a predetermined direction. may be supported to include curves and arcs. In addition, the movable direction does not need to be limited to a predetermined one direction, and the physical contact portion 641 is connected to the main body portion of the pachinko machine 7100 (for example, the lower side of the storage portion 231) by a bendable wiring cable, Within a predetermined range corresponding to the length range of the distribution cable, it may be attached so as to be freely movable in the height direction, the front and back, and the left and right directions. The body portion (eg, sub-control board 940) and the physical contact portion 641 may be provided respectively, and the physical contact portion 641 may be movable within a certain range by wireless communication. By storing an effect control program corresponding to the pachinko machine 7100 in a mobile communication terminal such as a smartphone, the player's mobile communication terminal may be controlled by the pachinko machine 7100 and used instead of the physical contact unit 641. .

As shown in FIG. 43(B), actuators 645A and 645B constituting a movement sensation imparting portion 645 are provided near the ends of the physical contact portion 641 in the front-rear direction. These actuators 645A and 645B are installed in a housing space formed inside a resin case that forms the outer shape of the physical contact portion 641. It is fixed at the position where

The two actuators 645A and 645B are configured by the same mechanism, and the two actuators 645A and 645B are installed so as to generate specific asymmetric vibration patterns by generating vibrations with different frequencies in different directions. It is As this asymmetrical vibration pattern, for example, an asymmetrical vibration in which vibration is strongly transmitted in either one of the first direction and the opposite direction along the direction in which the two actuators 645A and 645B are spaced apart. A pattern is generated under the control of the sub-control board 940 . Either one of the actuators 645A and 645B may be provided. It is preferable to be able to transmit the feeling of movement generated in the game to the player in a well-balanced manner.

As a mechanism for generating this vibration, for example, in each of the actuators 645A and 645B, a weight is supported by a mechanism capable of moving in one predetermined direction and in the opposite direction. The two actuators 645A and 645B are controlled by the sub control board 940 so that there is a difference between the speed (acceleration) when moving in one direction and the speed (acceleration) when moving in the opposite direction. be. That is, while a large acceleration for a short time is generated in one direction, a small acceleration for a long time is generated in the opposite direction compared to the one direction, or the maximum acceleration in the one direction and the opposite direction is generated. By periodically repeating this motion with different velocities producing a higher acceleration in one direction than in the opposite direction, an asymmetrical vibration pattern is produced.

As a result, when the player grips the physical contact portion 641 in which the movement sensation imparting portion 645 is accommodated, the vibration is strongly transmitted in one of the forward and backward directions as the specific direction with large acceleration. Power will be transmitted strongly. As a result, even if the physical contact portion 641 does not move in the specific direction, or even if it moves slightly, it is possible to make the player feel the illusion that the physical contact portion 641 moves greatly in the specific direction. can. The moving sensation imparting section 645 is controlled in its movable operation by the sub control board 940 in combination with the display control of the image displayed on the storage display section 651 .

Further, the pachinko machine 7100 is provided with an accumulation display section 651 having an operation section 652 and a vibrating section 653, as shown in FIG. The storage display unit 651 is configured in the same manner as the storage display unit 601 according to the above-described embodiment, and is electrically connected to the sub control board 940 . control is performed.

FIG. 44 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the layout of the vibrating section when the storage display section 651 is viewed from the display surface side. As shown in FIG. 44, the storage display unit 651 has a touch panel type operation unit 652 . The operation unit 652 is configured to be capable of detecting a player's touch operation with respect to a substantially rectangular operable range over the entire displayable range of the storage display unit 651 .

When the player touches a specific portion on the surface of the storage display section 651 (operation section 652 ), the operation section 652 supplies an operation signal indicating the player's operation to the sub control board 940 . A plurality of vibrating sections 653 are installed below the operating section 652 (on the far side as seen from the player). FIG. 44 illustrates a state in which a plurality of vibrating units 653 are spaced apart in the vertical and horizontal directions, and a total of 25 units of 5 columns×5 rows are arranged. A plurality of them are installed vertically and horizontally over the entire displayable range of 651. The display screen of the storage display unit 651 is installed so as to be slightly movable upward or downward in a direction perpendicular to the display surface, and this movement may be partial movement due to partial deformation. Alternatively, the entire display surface may be movable. When the vibrating unit 653 operates while the player is in contact with the display surface, the display screen of the storage display unit 651 moves slightly upward due to the vibration of the vibrating unit 653, and the player vibrates the vibrating unit 653. It is configured so that you can feel

FIG. 45 is a schematic diagram illustrating generation of vibration by the vibrating section 653, and also shows the display content of the storage display section 651 and the player's hand operation in a situation where the vibration is generated. As shown in FIG. 45, in the storage display portion 651, images of three drawers viewed from the front are displayed as examples of a plurality of types of contact objects representing physical contact portions 641 that cannot be directly visually recognized by the player playing the game. is displayed. When the player visually recognizes this display, selects the "2" drawer as a selection target, and touches the corresponding location of the storage display unit 651, the drive control unit 944 of the sub-control board 940 displays the corresponding location or the corresponding The vibration part 653 arranged at the position closest to the point is vibrated for a short period of time (for example, 0.1 second). As a result, the accumulation display section 651 is displayed as if the "drawer 2" selected by the player is recessed even though the position of the surface of the accumulation display section 651 has hardly changed (moved). It is possible to give the player a feeling as if he had operated a physical button.

Here, the vibration of the vibrating portion 653 is preferably set to a time shorter than 0.2 seconds, preferably shorter than 0.1 seconds, and preferably shorter than 0.05 seconds. In addition, it is preferable to perform control by movement along the direction perpendicular to the display surface a small number of times, for example, it is preferable to vibrate by generating upward or downward movement motions of 10 times or less. It is preferable to set it to 5 times or less, and it is suitable to set it to 2 times or less. Further, in the case of performing control to vibrate by moving upward or downward two times or more, control may be performed so as to include control for gradually increasing the amount of movement. In addition, the vibrating section 653 may generate a vibration pattern in which the strength of vibration is the same in the direction perpendicular to the display surface (that is, the depth side and the near side of the pressing operation surface). It is preferable to have a configuration that generates an asymmetrical vibration pattern like the movement sensation imparting section 645, so that when the operation section 652 is pressed, it either dents toward the back side along the direction of the pressing operation or toward the front side. It is possible to make the reaction force feel large.

After the player selects the contact target, as shown in FIGS. 46 and 47, the auxiliary stored image data including the image 641X of the physical contact portion 641 is displayed in the stored display portion 651 as the selected "drawer 2". is displayed. The image 641X of the physical contact portion 641 displayed at this time may be a real-time image actually captured by the camera device 612X, or may be a prepared fake image. When a fake image is displayed as the physical contact portion 641, an image 641X of the physical contact portion 641 as the fake image is displayed in place of the position of the physical contact portion 641 in the image captured by the camera device 612X. In the image 641X of the physical contact portion 641, even if the physical contact portion 641 has a simple outer shape and color, the image 641X may have a different color from the actual color, or may have a pattern or undulations on the outer shape. displayed. As a result, it is possible to express a wide variety of contact objects at low cost, or to express contact objects with high-quality decorations such as gold and silver on the surface. It can be entertained by limited physical contact 641 .

In addition to the image 641X of the physical contact portion 641, the storage display portion 651 also displays a character image that prompts contact with the physical contact portion 641, such as "Let's open drawer 2!" As shown in FIG. 47, when the player inserts his hand between the storage unit 231 and the auxiliary storage unit 241, the image of the player's hand captured by the camera device 612X is displayed as part of the auxiliary stored image data. be done.

As shown in FIG. 48, when the player touches the physical contact portion 641, the state in which the player's actual hand is in contact with the image 641X of the physical contact portion 641 is displayed on the storage display portion 651 as auxiliary stored image data. to be displayed.

Here, for example, depending on the result of the operation of the drawer when the drawer is touched, the setting of the feeling of movement imparted to the player when the drawer is touched is different as part of the effect, such as suggesting the result of the lottery. . The physical contact portion 641 has its initial position at the farthest side of the movement range in the front-rear direction, and the drawer is arranged at the front side so as to be movable. 940 controls and sets.

When the drawer is set so that it does not open even if it is touched, when the player touches the physical contact portion 641 and touches 641A, the physical contact portion 641 is moved to the far side in the direction opposite to the pulling direction. , is generated by the movement sensation imparting section 645 under the control of the sub-control board 940 . Even if the player operates to pull the physical contact portion 641 forward, the display of the storage display portion 651 is such that the image 641X of the physical contact portion 641 is temporarily larger than the actual movement and is on the near side (pachinko). 7100) and then returned to its original position. In other words, the movement sensation imparting unit 645 operates so as to generate a movement sensation on the far side opposite to the operation direction, and the player cannot open the drawer even if it is pulled, that is, the player feels that the drawer could not be opened. become.

On the other hand, when the drawer is set to open when the drawer is touched, as shown in FIG. , and the physical contact portion 641 slightly moves forward. At this time, the movement sensation imparting part 645 operates so as to generate a sensation of movement in the forward direction, and imparts a sensation of movement as if the physical contact part 641 had moved forward, as shown in FIG. 49(B). , the storage display portion 651 displays a contact corresponding image including an image 641X of the physical contact portion 641 moved forward by a larger amount than the actual movement amount. As a result, although the physical contact portion 641 does not actually move much, the player can feel that the physical contact portion 641 (drawer) has moved forward greatly when pulled, that is, the drawer has opened. can.

As an effect using this physical contact portion 641, for example, the sub control board 940 performs a variable display according to the lottery results related to the special symbols in the main control board 920, and a part of the plurality of symbols stops to win a big hit. , and the display data generator 942 displays an image (see FIG. 45) for selecting the physical contact portion 641 . When the result of the lottery is "lost", the drawer does not open, and when the result of the lottery is "win", the drawer opens. .

The display data generation unit 942 of the sub control board 940 generates a contact corresponding image corresponding to the lottery result when an operation signal is supplied from the accumulation display unit 651 due to the withdrawal being selected by the player. 651. Further, the drive control unit 944 drives the movement mechanism 642 (see FIGS. 42 and 43 (A)) to move the physical contact unit 641 forward so that the player can easily operate the physical contact unit 641. Position it in an accessible arrangement.

If the lottery result is "lost", the sub-control board 940 detects the presence of the player's hand from the stored image data, and detects that the player has touched the handle 641A that is part of the physical contact portion 641. , the drive control unit 944 is controlled, the movement sensation imparting unit 645 is operated, and the physical contact unit 641 is controlled so that a movement sensation such as moving to the back side is generated. Count contact time. When recognizing that the predetermined contact time has elapsed, the sub-control board 940 superimposes, for example, a character image saying "Unfortunately! Lost!" and displays it on the stored image data, as shown in FIG. As a result, in addition to the movement sensation imparted by the movement sensation imparting unit 645, the player visually recognizes as if the physical contact unit 641 has moved, thereby moving the physical contact unit 641 to the far side. It gives the feeling of trying to move, and gives the illusion that the physical contact portion 641 has actually moved a lot.

On the other hand, if the lottery result is "win", the sub-control board 940 detects the presence of the player's hand from the photographed data photographed by the camera device 612X. When it detects that it touches 641A, it controls the drive control unit 944 to operate the movement sensation imparting unit 645 . As a result, as shown in FIG. 49A, the player feels as if the physical contact portion 641 moves toward the player side (forward direction) with respect to the player's hand. At this time, as shown in FIG. 49(B), the display data generation unit 942 generates an image that cuts out the outline of the player's hand, and moves the image of the player's hand toward the player (forward direction). A contact corresponding image is generated to be displayed so as to be displaced from the actual amount of movement, and is displayed on the storage display unit 651 as a contact corresponding image. As a result, the player can visually recognize as if the physical contact portion 641 has moved, in addition to the movement sensation imparted by the movement sensation imparting portion 645, thereby moving the physical contact portion 641 forward. It gives the feeling of trying to move, and gives the illusion that the physical contact portion 641 has actually moved a lot.

The contact corresponding image at this time is preferably generated by superimposing the image of the player's hand and the opening of the drawer on a previously stored image in which the player's hand is not captured. As a result, a realistic contact corresponding image can be generated without disturbing the image of the stationary portion (auxiliary storage portion 241X).

As shown in FIG. 51, when the display data generator 942 recognizes that the player has touched the physical contact portion 641 (applied force to the physical contact portion 641) for a predetermined period of time, the display data generation portion 942 will display "big hit!" As shown in the figure, the accumulation display part 651 displays an image congratulating the winning by notifying that the lottery result is "win" and overflowing a large number of extra prizes (coins in the figure) from the drawer.

In this way, in the pachinko machine 7100, the physical contact portion 641 is arranged at a place where the player cannot visually recognize, and at the same time when the moving sensation imparting portion 645 is activated, the contact corresponding image in which the physical contact portion 641 moves to the storage display portion 651 is displayed. is displayed by the display data generator 942 . By visually recognizing this contact corresponding image, the player can increase the sense of movement with respect to the physical contact portion 641 touched by the player. Therefore, even if the operable range of the physical contact part 641 is limited, the illusion that the physical contact part 641 is moving greatly is given to the player, and the sense of movement is utilized to make the player enjoy the game. can entertain you more.

In addition, the movement sensation corresponding to the lottery result by the movement sensation imparting unit has illustrated the case where the direction in which the movement sensation is generated is different. , for example, when the player touches the handle 641A, which is a part of the physical contact portion 641, the movement sensation imparting portion 645 is operated to move the physical contact portion 641 to the far side. A feeling of movement is generated, and the feeling of movement is likely to be generated greatly in the case of winning, so that many gold coins are in the drawer during the variable display so that the weight can be felt, and in the case of non-winning, it is possible to feel the weight. , it may be possible to make it easier to select a presentation in which there are fewer gold coins in the drawer or no gold coins than in the case of winning.

<Production (2) by imparting a sense of movement>
Next, the configuration of the pachinko machine 8100 having the physical contact portion 671 will be described with reference to FIGS. 52 to 55. FIG. FIG. 52 shows the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 8100. As shown in FIG. The pachinko machine 8100 includes a physical contact portion 671 arranged at a position visible to the player and movable by the player, and a storage display portion 661 having a detection portion 665 for detecting contact by the physical contact portion 671. and the configuration of the firing operation device 750 and the configuration of the firing control board 960 are different from the pachinko machine according to the above-described embodiment. The physical contact portion 671 and the retention display portion 661 will omit the description of the configurations common to the physical contact portion 641 and the retention display portion 651 according to the above embodiment, and only the different portions will be described. Regarding the firing control board 960 as well, the description of the configuration common to the firing operation device 250 and the firing control board 900 according to the above embodiment will be omitted, and only the different parts will be described. The physical contact unit 671 and the storage display unit 661 can perform the effect by imparting a sense of movement, and the configuration of the firing operation device 750 and the configuration of optimizing the firing operation by imparting a sense of movement by the firing control board 960 are Only one configuration may be added to the pachinko machine according to each of the above embodiments or the conventional pachinko machine.

First, the configuration that enables the physical contact portion 671 and the retention display portion 661 to provide an effect by providing a sense of movement will be mainly described. As shown in FIG. 53, unlike the pachinko machine 7100, the physical contact portion 671 in the pachinko machine 8100 is arranged at a position visible to the player. Also, the physical contact portion 671 is fixed to the pachinko machine 8100 in a movable state via a fixing device 672 by a thin cable 672A that also serves as a communication line. This is a measure to ensure communication between the physical contact portion 671 and the sub-control board 940 and to prevent the player from accidentally taking the physical contact portion 671 home or losing it. Note that the cable 672A is omitted in subsequent drawings.

As shown in FIG. 54, the physical contact portion 671 has a thin bar-like shape with a diameter of about 10 mm, which is easy for the player to hold, and has a length of about 10 cm, for example. The tip of the physical contact portion 671 is tapered like a pen, and inside the physical contact portion 671, a movement sensation imparting portion 675 (see FIG. 52) is arranged. As shown in FIG. 53, the storage display unit 661 includes an operation unit 662 for detecting contact with the player's finger on the surface thereof, and a detection unit 665 for detecting contact by the movement sensation imparting unit 675. have. The operation unit 662 and the detection unit 665 may be shared using the same contact sensor, or may be separately provided with a plurality of sensors. For example, by determining the magnitude of the current value, it is possible to configure the operation unit 662 and the detection unit 665 using the same electrode. In this case, the physical contact portion 671 is designed so that current flows more easily than the human body. On the other hand, for example, by installing a magnet at the tip of the physical contact portion 671 and detecting the magnetic force by the detection portion 665, the operation portion 662 and the detection portion 665 can be configured separately.

As shown in FIG. 54(A), a pachinko machine 8100 is provided with camera devices 611 and 612X configured in the same manner as in the above embodiment. is displayed in the storage display portion 661 . In a situation where this pooled image data is displayed on the pooled display portion 661 , the player can perform an operation to touch the displayed game ball via the physical contact portion 671 . For example, when the tip of the physical contact portion 671 is brought into contact with the image of the game ball, the image of the game ball is set such that the image is different from that of the other game balls. , Realizes the effect as if the hit ball is hidden.

When the player brings the tip of the physical contact portion 671 into contact with the game ball one by one, and the physical contact portion 671 comes into contact with the winning ball, the movement sensation imparting portion 675 of the physical contact portion 671 moves in the longitudinal direction of the physical contact portion 671. produces a sensation of movement toward the lower extremity (downward) along the At this time, the storage display portion 661 displays a guiding frame 666 as an index for guiding the game ball. When the player moves the physical contact portion 671 so as to slide on the surface of the storage display portion 661, the physical contact portion 671 moves with the winning ball and the interlocking game ball interlocking with the winning ball as if the game ball sticks to a magnet. It follows the physical contact portion 671 in conjunction with the . The number of the interlocking game balls is determined according to the kind of winning, and when the number of the interlocking game balls is large, a large feeling of movement is given, and when the number of the interlocking game balls is small, a small feeling of movement is given.

The player can get the illusion of actually hanging and carrying the interlocking game ball by combining the image with the sense of movement. Then, as shown in FIG. 55A, when the player carries the interlocking game ball into the guidance frame 666, as shown in FIG. The number of game balls brought into the 666 is displayed in the privilege game ball display field 667, and a character image indicating the timing until the privilege game balls start to be launched, such as "Start with two more balls!" is displayed. After that, the number of game balls displayed in the privilege game ball display field 667 decreases one by one in accordance with the shooting operation of the game balls, and within a certain period after the launch of the privilege game balls (for example, from the start of shooting) 6 seconds after the end of the launch), any of the general winning gates (eg, general winning device 439A, 439B) or the winning gate related to the symbol lottery (eg, starting winning device 431A, 431B) , the decorative symbol display device 479 and the storage display unit 661, it becomes a lucky chance that the privilege image can be displayed. This privilege image is displayed when the start winning has already occurred and the execution condition of the unit game corresponding to the winning related to the special symbol is satisfied in the unit game that is being displayed in fluctuation or waiting for the start of fluctuation. is displayed with a high probability, and if the condition is not met, the privilege image may not be displayed or may be controlled to be displayed with a low probability, and the number of privilege game balls fluctuates. When the execution condition of the unit game corresponding to the winning of the special symbol is met in the unit game waiting to be started, it may be set more easily than when it is not met. In addition, when the player separates the physical contact portion 671 from the storage display portion 661 while carrying the interlocking game ball, the game ball also separates from the physical contact portion 671 and returns to the normal display of the stored image data. can be

The sub-control board 940 displays the accumulated display of the physical contact portion 671 in a state in which the accumulated image data representing the real-time image of the accumulation portion 231 (the image that the player would be able to visually recognize without the accumulated display portion 661) is displayed. When a detection signal indicating that contact with the portion 661 has been detected is supplied from the detection portion 665, game balls are cut out from the stored image data, and one or more "winning balls" are determined by lottery. The sub-control board 940 monitors the detection signal of the detection unit 665, and when it recognizes that the physical contact unit 671 has come into contact with the position where the hit ball is displayed, the movement sensation imparting unit 675 is activated under the control of the drive control unit 944. put it into operation. Then, the sub-control board 940 stores stored image data in which the game balls and the guide frame 666 are superimposed so as to move the number of interlocked game balls determined according to the lottery result according to the contact position of the physical contact portion 671. Displayed on the display unit 661 .

Then, when the sub-control board 940 recognizes that the tip of the physical contact portion 671 has moved to a predetermined position within the guide frame 666, the sub-control board 940 stops the movement sensation imparting portion 675 and displays the real-time image of the storage portion 231. A privilege game ball display column 667 representing the same number of privilege game balls as the interlocking game balls is superimposed on the stored image data to be displayed. Then, when the sub-control board 940 recognizes that the game ball has won a prize from the time when the game ball corresponding to the bonus game ball is first shot to the end of the shot and by the elapse of a predetermined time from the end of the shot, the bonus game ball wins. A privilege image corresponding to what has been done is displayed on the storage display unit 661 or the decorative pattern display device 479 .

Thus, in the pachinko machine 8100, the detection unit 665 detects the operation information corresponding to the input operation by the physical contact unit 671, and the storage display unit 661 displays an image of operating the physical contact unit 671 to carry the interlocking game ball. At that time, the movement sensation applying unit 675 makes the player feel that the physical contact unit 671 is moving downward or is about to move. When the player's input operation corresponding to the operation information input through is executed, a privilege image is displayed as a given privilege. Therefore, since the physical contact portion 671 can be used as an input device, the physical contact portion 671 can be used to add a sense of movement and perform a predetermined privilege in addition to the game performed using the game balls in the game area. It is possible to provide a game machine capable of executing a game to be acquired and giving new enjoyment to a player.

The image of the game ball displayed on the storage display unit 661 is displayed so as to move according to the movement of the physical contact unit 671, and the weight of the game ball is displayed by the movement sensation imparting unit 675 in the downward direction. By imparting a sense of movement, the player can be entertained by giving the player an illusion as if he were actually carrying (hanging) the interlocking game ball. In addition, by displaying a privilege image according to the winning of the privilege game ball corresponding to the moved interlocking game ball, a game-like operation using the physical contact portion 671 in the storage display portion 661 and an image are combined. A new way of enjoying games can be provided.

<Configuration of firing operation device using movement sensation>
Next, the configuration of the shooting operation device 750 using movement sensation provided in the pachinko machine 8100 (see FIG. 52) will be described with reference to FIGS. 56 to 58. FIG.

As a conventional firing operation device, a rotary type is widely used. This rotary type shooting operation device incorporates an elastic member such as a spring so that when the player releases the handle, the handle returns to the initial position. However, in order to operate the shooting operation device having such a configuration, the player must stop the handle and play the game by constantly applying force against the elastic member, which can tire the player's hands. There is a risk that damage or failure will occur if a foreign object is pinched and the fixing is forcibly fixed. On the other hand, when the elastic force is not applied by the elastic member, the feeling that the player is operating the steering wheel becomes poor, and the feeling that the player is actively playing the game fades, or fine adjustment is not necessary. It could get difficult.

The pachinko machine 8100 of the present embodiment has a configuration of the shooting operation device 750 that uses a sense of movement, and the control that generates the sense of movement allows the player to feel that he or she is actively playing the game. It is possible to realize a pachinko machine that makes the hand less tired and facilitates fine adjustment of the shooting operation.

As shown in FIG. 56, the firing operation device 750 according to the present embodiment includes a pedestal 751 and a rotary member rotatably supported by the pedestal 751, similarly to the firing operation device 250 (see FIGS. 1 and 5). It has a movable firing handle 752 and a firing stop switch 757 . 52, the firing operation device 750 includes a variable resistor 253 and a contact sensor 254, and the variable resistor 253 detects the rotational operation amount of the firing handle 752. FIG. When the player rotates the firing handle 752, the contact sensor 254 detects the player's contact with the firing handle 752, and the firing device 330 (see FIG. 3) emits light with an intensity corresponding to the amount of rotation of the firing handle 752. A game ball is ejected toward the game board 400 (see FIG. 3).

The firing handle 752 has an annular handle body 756, a finger hooking portion 753, and a movement sensation imparting portion 755, as shown in FIG. When the pachinko machine 8100 is viewed from the front (the state shown in FIG. 56), the firing handle 752 can be freely rotated clockwise and counterclockwise with reference to a rotation center RO as a rotation center axis along the front-rear direction. It is supported by the pedestal 751 so as to be rotatable in both directions, and is not given an elastic force by an elastic member as in the conventional art, and only substantially the same frictional resistance is applied in both directions, so that it is easily rotatably supported in both directions. It is

The finger hooking portion 753 is formed in a shape in which a plurality of finger hooking portions 753 protrude outward from an annular handle body 756, and the handle body 756 and the plurality of finger hooking portions 753 are integrally molded with resin.

A part of the front side of the pedestal 751 is arranged so as to overlap the front side of a part of the firing handle 752 near the rotation center RO so as to cover the front part of the firing handle 752, and constitutes the front part of the firing operation device 750, Specifically, it constitutes a cap portion that limits forward movement of the firing handle 752 . The finger hook portion 753 protrudes outward from the cap portion of the pedestal 751 when viewed from the front side. Therefore, the player can easily rotate the shooting handle 752 by gripping the shooting operation device 750 so that the palm is in contact with the cap portion and placing a finger on the finger hook portion 753 .

The operating portion of the firing stop switch 757 is set to have a size different from that of the firing stop switch 255 described above. With respect to the portion 753, it is formed to have a length that always protrudes on at least one side in the circumferential direction. In addition, the operation portion of the firing stop switch 757 is arranged to protrude outwardly away from the rotation center of the firing handle 752 at a plurality of locations. The interval is set to be different from an integral multiple of the angle of separation from the center. As for this interval, when one firing stop switch 757 is positioned so as to overlap most on the back side with one of the finger hooks 753, the operating portion of the other firing stop switch 757 is positioned between the two finger hooks 753. It is preferable that the center of the operating portion of the firing stop switch 757 in the circumferential direction in which the firing handle 752 rotates is positioned approximately in the center between the two finger hook portions 753. is. As a result, the firing handle 752 is rotatable, and the operating portion of the firing stop switch 757 can be easily operated regardless of the initial position at which the rotation operation is performed.

Further, the operating portions of the two firing stop switches 757 are both provided so as to protrude to the left side corresponding to the central side in the horizontal direction of the pachinko machine 8100 when viewed from the front side. For this reason, the player can select and operate the operation portion of the firing stop switch 757 on the side that is easier to operate with the thumb of the right hand. The operation portion of the switch 757 can be selected, further facilitating the firing stop operation.

The movement sensation imparting part 755 is integrally attached to the firing handle 752 so as to overlap with the back side of the cap portion of the pedestal 751 , and is configured to be rotatable together with the firing handle 752 . As described above, the movement sensation imparting unit 755 is configured to generate a counterclockwise movement sensation under the control of the firing control unit 963, and when placed at the position shown in FIG. Vibration corresponding to the movement sensation in the circumferential direction in the counterclockwise direction as one direction (direction of the arrow attached to the position overlapping the movement sensation imparting portion 755 in FIG. 56(A)) is generated at a plurality of locations. , anti-clockwise movement sensation can be generated in the firing handle 752 . The feeling of movement generated in the firing handle 752 is transmitted to the player as a feeling that the firing handle 752 is about to move in the counterclockwise direction. A sense of movement is transmitted to the player's hand, and the same operational feeling as in the conventional art can be felt by the player during the shooting operation.

The shooting handle 752 is rotated by the player's rotation operation, and does not return even if the player releases the hand, and its position remains unchanged. The movement sensation imparting part 755 is fixed to the firing handle 752 , and the movement sensation imparting part 755 rotates together with the firing handle 752 . The movement sensation imparting part 755 is provided at a position spaced apart from the rotation center RO of the firing handle 752 so as to generate a movement sensation in the circumferential direction in which the firing handle 752 can rotate. Note that the number of movement sensation imparting units 755 may be one, or may be provided at two or more locations. Further, the movement sensation imparting unit 755 may generate a movement sensation not only in the counterclockwise direction but also in the clockwise direction.

The firing control unit 963 gives the firing operation device 750 a large sense of movement when the player is changing the position of the firing handle 752, and a small movement when the player is not changing the position of the firing handle. Controlled to give sensations or not generate movement sensations.

Specifically, the firing control unit 963 (see FIG. 52) of the firing control board 960 is composed of an MPU (not shown) as a one-chip microcomputer, and a CPU (not shown) as an arithmetic processing unit. It includes a ROM (not shown) that stores various control programs to be executed and fixed data, and a RAM (not shown) that temporarily stores various data during execution of the control programs. Firing control unit 963 monitors changes in the current value in variable resistor 253 representing the rotation angle of firing handle 752, that is, rotational acceleration, as sensory control processing. is changed, the voltage applied to the movement sensation applying unit 755 is increased to increase the movement sensation. As a result, the player can obtain an operation feeling that is the same as that of a general shooting handle 252, and can operate the shooting operation device 750 without any sense of incongruity.

On the other hand, when the rotational acceleration is zero, that is, when the player has not changed the position of the firing handle 752 for a certain period of time or longer (for example, 20 seconds or longer), the firing control unit 963 (see FIG. 52) gradually reduces the voltage value applied to the movement sensation imparting unit 755 to gradually reduce the movement sensation. As a result, when the shooting operation device 750 is not changed, the player feels only a small movement sensation, so that the player can relax and loosen the grip of the shooting handle 752, and feel a small movement sensation. You can be aware that you are playing a game by the operation of .

For example, as shown in FIG. 57, at time t1, when the player starts rotating the firing handle 752, the firing control section 963 activates the movement sensation imparting section 755 so that the movement sensation increases at a predetermined increasing speed. put it into operation. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 56(B), the player pushes the shooting handle 752 clockwise (in the direction of arrow S in FIG. 56(B)) so that the game ball is shot strongly. When the rotating operation is performed, the movement sensation imparting portion 755 vibrates so that the greater the amount of rotation operation, the greater the movement sensation is generated in the counterclockwise direction (direction of arrow K in FIG. 56B).

At time t2, when the movement sensation reaches the maximum sensation value, which is the maximum value, the firing control section 963 continues to apply the maximum voltage to the movement sensation imparting section 755 . For this reason, unlike the elastic force of the conventional elastic member, the reaction force does not increase as the amount of rotation operation increases. You can do the firing operation. The movement sensation imparting unit 755 may generate a greater movement sensation as the rotation operation amount increases, or may generate a movement sensation corresponding to the rotation operation amount from the initial position. good.

At time t3, when the rotational acceleration becomes zero, the firing control section 963 counts the zero time since the rotational acceleration became zero. At time t4, when the firing control unit 963 recognizes that the zero time has exceeded the predetermined rotation stop threshold, the movement sensation is imparted so that the movement sensation is imparted with an adjusted decrease sensation value that reduces the movement sensation at a predetermined decreasing speed. 755. At time t5, when the firing control unit 963 recognizes that the sense of motion has reached the sustained sensation value due to the fact that the zero time has exceeded the maintenance threshold, it maintains the sense of motion at the sustained sensation value. Note that the sustained sensation value does not necessarily have to be a value that causes a sense of movement, and may be set to zero, which does not cause a sensation of movement at all.

At time t6, when rotation acceleration is detected due to a change in the rotation angle, the firing control section 963 operates the movement sensation imparting section 755 so that the movement sensation increases at a predetermined increasing speed. At time t7, when the movement sensation reaches the maximum sensation value, which is the maximum value, the firing control section 963 continues to apply the maximum voltage to the movement sensation imparting section 755 .

From time t7 to time t8, the firing control unit 963 continues counting zero time, and resets the zero time counter to zero when rotational acceleration is detected. At time t9, when the firing control unit 963 recognizes that the zero time has exceeded the predetermined rotation stop threshold, the movement sensation is imparted so that the movement sensation is imparted with an adjusted decrease sensation value that reduces the movement sensation at a predetermined decrease speed. 755. At time t10, when the firing control unit 963 recognizes that the sense of motion has reached the sustained sensation value due to the fact that the zero time has exceeded the maintenance threshold, it maintains the sense of motion at the sustained sensation value.

As described above, once the firing handle 752 rotates, it does not return to its original position, and when the contact sensor 254 detects that the player's hand has been released, a certain period of time (for example, two minutes) elapses. It is configured such that when a reset condition such as elapse is satisfied, the operation amount of the rotation angle is reset, and adjustment operation of the firing handle 752 from the initial position is required.

Next, sensation control processing executed by the firing control section 963 of the firing control board 960 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. It should be noted that this sensation control processing is periodically executed (for example, at a 2 ms (millisecond) cycle) as part of the main processing in the firing control section 963 .

When the sensation control process is started in step S100, the process moves to step S101, and it is determined whether or not the player is in contact with the contact sensor 254 (see FIG. 52) of the shooting operation device 750. If the player is not in contact, there is no need to impart a movement sensation, so the sensation control process ends. If it is determined in step S101 that the player is in contact, the process proceeds to step S102. In step S102, it is determined whether or not a rotation acceleration representing a change in rotation angle has been detected. If the rotational acceleration is not detected, the process moves to step S103, and the rotation counter that counts the zero time after the rotational acceleration becomes zero is incremented by "1". In step S104, it is determined whether or not the value of the rotation counter exceeds the rotation stop threshold.If it exceeds, the rotation acceleration is zero for a certain period of time and the player is adjusting the rotation angle of the firing operation device 750. It recognizes that it is not, and moves to step S105. In step S105, it is determined whether or not the value of the rotation counter exceeds the maintenance threshold value. If it exceeds, the movement sensation has decreased to the maintenance sensation value, so the process proceeds to step S106. In step S106, a sense of movement is imparted with a sustained sense value. On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step S105, the movement sensation is higher than the maintenance sensation value, so that the movement sensation is reduced with the adjusted sensation value according to the value of the rotation counter so as to reduce the movement sensation at a predetermined deceleration speed. Granted. Further, when the value of the rotation counter is equal to or less than the rotation stop threshold in step S104, it is recognized that the time during which the rotation acceleration is zero is short and the player is adjusting the rotation angle of the shooting operation device 750, and step S108. move to In step S108, a sense of movement is imparted with the maximum sense value. Furthermore, in step S102, when rotational acceleration is detected, the player is adjusting the rotation angle of the shooting operation device 750, so the process proceeds to step S110. In step S110, the sensation of movement is given with the maximum sensation value. In step S111, the value of the rotation counter remains "0" or is reset to "0".

In this way, the firing operation device 750 of the pachinko machine 8100 gives the player who operates the firing handle 752 the feeling of moving in the anti-rotational direction where the firing force is reduced without actually moving the position. Since it is provided with a moving sensation imparting part 755 that makes it possible to easily operate the displacement operation part, it is held at a fixed position so that the position of the operation means will not be displaced even if the player loosens his/her hand after positioning. It is possible to give the player a suitable feeling of operation by giving a sense of movement.

In addition, as the control of the movement sensation imparting unit 755 by the firing control unit 963 of the power supply/firing control board 960, when a predetermined generation condition is satisfied, the A player may be given a sense of movement that occurs intermittently (eg, five 0.1 second vibrations at 0.2 second intervals). During a certain period of time when the player starts the shooting operation, a feeling of continuous movement is given in a certain direction, so that the player can continue the shooting operation while maintaining a situation where a predetermined occurrence condition is satisfied. A function that can be easily recognized, can prompt the player to perform an action corresponding to the occurrence condition, and furthermore, can notify the player that the situation requires an operation other than the shooting operation. It can be added in a form that can be easily transmitted to the player at a low cost by using a movement sensation imparting means that generates a sensation for facilitating the shooting operation.

For example, the predetermined generation condition is when the number of game balls stored in the storage unit 231 of the main storage mechanism 230 for storing game media used in the game is less than or equal to a predetermined amount (remaining 10). It may be the case that the condition to shoot the game ball is satisfied, or the case that the game ball is not shot to the game area even if the condition to shoot the game ball is satisfied. An operation to quickly replenish game balls can be prompted.

Also, the predetermined occurrence condition may include at least a situation in which the displacement operation by the player is not detected for a certain period of time or longer, or may include at least a situation in which the sustaining sensation value is reached.

Further, the predetermined occurrence condition may be a condition under which a predetermined operation that causes the player to suffer a disadvantage is being executed. A sense of movement may be imparted to guide the direction of the game. In this case, the sense of movement is directed in a predetermined direction that matches the direction that strengthens or weakens the firing operation that requires guidance. is preferably generated. In this case, not only when it is necessary to guide the shooting operation, but also when other conditions are satisfied, such as when the number of game balls stored in the storage unit 231 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the player is provided with a sense of movement. In the case of transmitting the game situation to , at least the time of occurrence of the sensation of movement when the sensation of movement occurs intermittently, the magnitude of the sensation of movement, the time of vibration, the number of times of vibration, etc., are transmitted differently. It may be generated by changing some conditions, and in this situation, it is necessary to operate the storage display unit 661 as a display unit provided on the lower side of the pachinko machine 8100 near the firing operation device 750 with characters. status can be displayed.

In addition, the predetermined occurrence condition may correspond to a period during which the winning opening is opened by sliding in the front-rear direction, or one of the passages of a game ball provided with passages overlapping in the front-rear direction. The entry of a game ball into a predetermined path may be regarded as establishment of a predetermined condition, whereby a situation that is difficult to confirm visually from the front side can be conveyed to the player in an easy-to-understand manner through the sense of touch.

In addition, the predetermined occurrence condition may be configured to occur in response to the result of the lottery for the starting prize. is likely to occur, and it may be transmitted to the decorative design display device 479 that the situation should be noted.

Further, a plurality of occurrence conditions may be set as the predetermined occurrence conditions, and generation control of a plurality of movement sensations may be selected, and the player may select a combination of the occurrence conditions and movement sensations. It may be possible to select and operate a predetermined occurrence condition and the type of movement sensation by an input operation on the storage display section 661 .

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and part of the configurations described in the above embodiments may be applied as configurations of other embodiments, or as described below. It may be modified and implemented. In this case, each configuration described below may be applied to each of the above embodiments, or a plurality of configurations described below may be combined and applied to each of the above embodiments.

(1) In the above-described embodiment, it is detected that the player's hand touches the physical contact portion 641 by clipping from the image or touching the handle 641A, and when it is detected, the moving image of the drawer opening is displayed on the storage display portion 651. However, not limited to this, for example, a stress sensor is attached to the handle 641A, a value corresponding to the force with which the player pulls the handle 641A is detected, and a movement sensation is displayed with a magnitude corresponding to this value. can be added, and a moving image of the drawer opening at a corresponding speed can be displayed on the storage display section 651 . In this case, the physical contact portion 641 is also used as an input means for detecting the pulling force of the player.

In the above embodiment, the drawer is switched to open or not according to the lottery result. may be displayed in In addition, the effect of opening the drawer may be executed at a timing different from the display of the lottery result, and the speed and weight of the drawer opening may be changed according to the lottery result. It is also possible to make the player feel it. For example, when the drawer hits, the drawer is heavy because it is full of treasures, and it opens slowly, giving a small feeling of movement. can be given.

In the above embodiment, the storage display unit 651 has the vibrating unit 653, and when the player touches the specified area of the storage display unit 651, a short vibration is applied. ), the physical contact portion 671 may be vibrated. In this case, by vibrating only one of the two actuators that constitute the movement sensation imparting unit 675, for example, the one that is installed closer to the storage display unit 661, it is as if the storage display unit 661 was pressed. This illusion can be given to the player.

In the above embodiment, the detection unit 665 is provided on the storage display unit 661 side. For example, an acceleration sensor can be installed in the physical contact portion 671, and a privilege can be given according to the amount of movement. Alternatively, a billiard table may be displayed on the storage display unit 661, and the ball displayed on the table may be touched by the physical contact unit 671. , or the physical contact part 671 may be made like an arrow and weight may be generated by the movement sensation imparting part to play a game simulating a throwing competition.

In the above embodiment, the physical contact portion 671 is connected by a cable 672A having a communication function, but it may communicate with the sub-control board 940 by wireless communication, for example.

In the above embodiment, the sense of movement is used for the rotary firing operation device 750, but it can be applied to a sliding firing operation device, for example. In this case, the absolute position of the slide lever represents the rotation angle, and when the player starts playing the game, the player sets the lever to the initial position (for example, the left end) before starting the game.

In the above embodiment, the firing operation device 750 does not use an elastic member so that it does not return to the initial position. When the power is turned on, or when a selectable reset button is pressed by operating the storage display unit 661, the firing operation device 750 is returned to the default initial position. good.

In the above embodiment, as with the conventional firing handle, as the amount of rotation from the initial position increases, the firing handle 752 moves in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation. Although it is set to rotate, the launch control unit 963 may control the direction of the sense of movement to be the opposite direction when the amount of rotation operation increases by a certain amount or more. For example, in a shooting operation with a small amount of rotational operation from the initial position (for example, a shooting operation in a left-handed game method), the player is given a sense of movement in the counterclockwise direction, and the amount of rotational operation from the initial position is a certain amount or more. A large firing maneuver (eg, a firing maneuver in a right-handed game) may give the player a sense of clockwise movement.

In the above-described embodiment, the movement sensation in the firing operation device 750 is exemplified by the case where the firing handle 752 generates the movement sensation. A portion is provided along the direction of the stop operation, and for the player who is in contact with the firing stop switch 757, when a predetermined occurrence condition is satisfied, such as when the number of suspensions of the unit game reaches the upper limit, the stop is performed. Controls that generate a sense of movement may be implemented to convey situations where manipulation is required.

In the above-described embodiment, it is preferable to display the symbols that are being changed and displayed by the decorative symbol display device 479 on the storage display units 601, 651, and 661, and a combination of a plurality of symbols (for example, a combination of three identical symbols) will result in a big hit. When the symbols are formed, at least one of the ready-to-win symbols constituting the jackpot symbols excluding the last symbol to be stopped or the symbol that will be a big hit if the symbol is stopped last is displayed in the storage display units 601, 651, 661 in the relevant situation. preferably displayed in

For example, in the storage display unit 651 (see FIG. 51), the symbols during the variable display in the decorative pattern display device 479 are displayed, and in the ready-to-win state, only when the lottery result is "hit", and when the last stop is a big hit. is in the drawer, and the drawer is moved forward so that the player pulls out the corresponding pattern.

Further, for example, in the storage display unit 661 (see FIG. 54), the symbols that are being displayed in a variable display on the decorative pattern display device 479 are displayed, and in the ready-to-win state, only when the lottery result is "hit", numbers are displayed. Alternatively, the same number of game balls as the number corresponding to the big win pattern may be accompanied as interlocking game balls to suggest the occurrence of the big win to the player.

In the above embodiment, the physical contact portion 621 imitating a game ball is provided, but the configuration of the physical contact portion is not limited to the above configuration. Provide a groove that does not represent the meaning of When the lottery result is announced, the last mahjong tile is displayed in the storage display section 601. - 特許庁As a result, the player can feel as if he or she were touching the last mahjong tile. In addition to mahjong tiles, the same is true for shogi pieces.

Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, the physical contact units 621 and 631 are provided with contact sensors for detecting the contact of the player to detect the presence or absence of the contact of the player, and the contact of the player is confirmed. An image corresponding to the contact operation on the physical contact portions 621 and 631 may be displayed on the storage display portion 601 or the decoration symbol display device 479, such as displaying the result of the jackpot lottery in synchronism with the case of the winning. As a result, the player touches a position of the physical contact portions 621 and 631 that cannot be photographed by the camera devices 611 and 612, and increases the accuracy of recognizing the contact operation, and produces an effect using the physical contact portions 621 and 631. can be enjoyed to the fullest.

In the above-described embodiment, the character images 603A and 603B are displayed as virtual images.

Although the two camera devices 611 and 612 are provided in the above embodiment, at least one camera device is sufficient, and three or more camera devices may be installed. In addition, although the photographed data photographed by the two camera devices 611 and 612 are combined as the stored display data, any one of the data may be used as it is.

In the above embodiment, the stored display data and the auxiliary stored display data are switched by operating the switch button 602. For example, thumbnail images can be used to display one large and the other small, or to divide the screen into two. both can be displayed at the same time.

In the above embodiment, the physical contact parts 621, 631 are housed in the storage chambers 623, 633 in the pachinko machine, respectively, but they do not necessarily have to be housed in the pachinko machine. For example, the configuration of the physical contact portion 621 as it is is provided outside the pachinko machine, and it may be folded along the outer wall of the pachinko machine when arranged for storage, or the front side of the physical contact portions 621 and 631 may be folded when arranged for storage. A covering wall member (lid member) may be provided. Moreover, although the physical contact portions 621 and 631 are provided between the storage portions 231 and 241, they may be provided below or beside the auxiliary storage portion 241 or above the storage portion 231, for example.

Although the physical contact portion 621 is configured to be movable in the above embodiment, it may be of a fixed type. For example, a fixed physical contact unit may be stored in a box-shaped storage space having an openable and closable lid member, and the storage arrangement and the contactable arrangement may be switched by opening and closing the lid member. This box-shaped storage space may be provided on the back side of the lid member along the front surface of the pachinko machine, or may be provided on the front side of the pachinko machine or above the storage section so as to protrude outside the pachinko machine. You may provide the wall member and cover member which comprise.

In the above embodiment, the representation image data and the embodied image data are displayed on the stored display section 601, but the stored display section 601 is not necessarily required. For example, the decorative design display device 479 may display the expression image data and the embodied image data.

In the above-described embodiment, the storage units 231 and 241 are photographed by the two camera devices 611 and 612, and an image that the player would normally see if the storage display unit 601 is not provided is synthesized and displayed on the storage display unit 601. However, the state of the storage units 231 and 241 may be displayed so as to be easier to see than the image that the player would normally see if there is no storage display unit 601. For example, the upper storage unit 231 The area that cannot be visually recognized in the lower storage unit 241 (for example, the area on the back side corresponding to the rear side of the game machine, and the area on the downstream side where the game ball is taken into the game machine in the upper storage unit) You may make it display on the storage display part 601. FIG.

In the above-described embodiment, when the switch button 602 is operated, the auxiliary storage unit 241 of the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 is displayed in the storage display unit 601 in a state that is easily visible to the player. You may make it have a function. For example, a driving means such as a solenoid is added to the ball removing mechanism 243 for discharging the game ball from the auxiliary storage portion 241 of the auxiliary storage mechanism 240 so that the ball removing operation can be electrically executed by the player's input operation. The switching button 602 may be provided with a function as an operation portion of the operation member 242 . In this case, the ball removing operation member 242 may be displayed on the storage display unit 601, and the player may operate the ball removing operation member 242 to move. As such, it is preferable to provide the pachinko machine 5100 as a structure capable of moving motion so as to provide the player with a feeling of actual operation.

Further, in this case, it is detected whether or not the game balls are stored in either of the storage portions 231 and 241 in a predetermined amount or more, and in a state in which the game balls are stored in a predetermined amount or more, a ball removal operation is performed. When the member 242 is operated, whether the game ball is actually discharged or is left in the game machine without being discharged is set as a part of the performance suggesting the result of the big win lottery to the player. may For example, as one of the effects when a big hit is won, an image prompting the operation of the ball removal operation member 242 on the storage display unit 601 during the variable display (for example, switching button 602 in a different mode from normal ( For example, an image displayed in blinking display such as red) is displayed, and if it is a fluctuation display that a big win is won when the ball removal operation member 242 is operated, the ball is removed and the game of the storage unit 241 is played. A state in which the balls are being pulled out is maintained while the amount of stored balls is reduced, and ball pulling may not be executed unless a big win is won. For the player, a new game feature is provided in which an operation required when a large number of game balls are paid out in a special game state after winning a big win is executed in advance, and the result of winning a big win can be recognized by the success or failure of the operation. can provide. In this ball-drawing effect, when the display screen switching button 602 is operated with respect to the display image of the storage display unit 601, an image in which the ball has been pulled out is displayed in the image displayed on the display screen. A configuration in which ball extraction is not actually performed may be adopted.

In addition, at least a part of the physical contact portions 621 and 631 is configured to have a state changing portion whose state including at least one of shape, hardness, and temperature changes, and the state changes according to a predetermined lottery result. The state of the unit may be changed, and in this case, an image corresponding to the state of the state changing unit may be displayed on the storage display unit 601 . For example, in order to change the hardness of the hand of the physical contact portion 631, the electro-rheological fluid is housed inside and surrounded by a soft surface covering portion, and the electric current state to the electro-rheological fluid is changed to change the hand. may vary in hardness.

(2) In the above embodiments, the pachinko machines 100, 1100, 2100, 3100, and 4100 are configured to have the auxiliary storage section 241, but may be configured without the auxiliary storage section 241. Even in this case, since the auxiliary storage areas 236, 1236, 4236 are provided in the storage sections 231, 1231, 4231, the spare game balls can be left in the storage sections 231, 1231, 4231, A game can be played using the game balls in the auxiliary storage areas 236, 1236, 4236 when necessary. In addition, it does not have an exit part of the auxiliary storage part 241, does not provide a downstream part of the auxiliary side guide path 554 that continues to the auxiliary storage part 241, may be provided with an exit portion for taking out the game machine. Since the auxiliary storage unit 241 is provided in the lower part of the pachinko machine 100, 1100, it may be difficult to monitor because it is hidden behind the player. Crime prevention performance can be enhanced.

In the above embodiment, by selecting either the downstream side of the auxiliary side guide passage 553 or the rear side passages 580, 1580 with the entrance switching member 581, the case where the direction in which the game ball flows down has been described. It is not necessary to enter 100% into one side and not enter the other side at all. Before the game balls advance to the rear side passages 580 and 1580, a distribution mechanism may be provided for distributing the direction of the game balls for each fixed number so that some of the game balls are returned to the auxiliary side guide passage 553, By making the width of the opening of the rear passage 580 selectable, the rate at which game balls flow down may be adjustable. Regarding the configuration for changing the flow-down ratio of the game ball by the entry switching member in other embodiments, it is not necessary to make the game ball flow down to either one, and the game ball may flow down to both.

In the above embodiment, the configuration is described in which the adjacent pachinko machines 1100, 2100 are connected by the rear passages 1590A, 1590B, 2590A, 2590B branching from the guide passages 552, 553 so that the game balls can be transferred. It is not necessary to mutually connect the left and right adjacent pachinko machines 1100 and the rear side passage, and the pachinko machines whose backs face each other are connected by the rear side passage, or the pachinko machines which are located apart from each other with other pachinko machines interposed therebetween. Also, the rear side passage may be connected so that the game balls can be transferred.

In the above embodiment, the pachinko machines 100, 1100, 2100, 3100, 4100 are connected to the adjacent game ball management devices 700, 3700 and the adjacent pachinko machines 1100, 2100 so that the game balls can be transferred. However, what can be transferred is not limited to game balls, but instead of this, or in addition to this, it is also possible to transfer game machine information, for example, the occurrence of winnings etc. Information on the winning of game balls (information corresponding to the probability of winning and the ratio between the number of balls fired and the number of prize balls), information on the lottery of gaming machines such as the occurrence of big wins and game status, detection of cheating and game addiction The information regarding the occurrence of an abnormality such as the use of the gaming machine may be transferable to another gaming device or gaming machine. In this case, it is not always necessary to provide the game machine with a connection line capable of information communication. A control for information output is provided as control, and a detection sensor for detecting game balls is provided at the entrance portion to which game balls are transferred to the opponent's game device or game machine, and information is output based on the detection result of the detection sensor. It may be transmittable.

In the above embodiment, the rear side passages 580, 1580, Although the configuration in which 1590A, 1590B, 2591A, and 2591B branch has been described, the configuration is not limited to this, and for example, it may branch at an angle of about 30°. It is sufficient that the game ball can be guided in a direction different from the continuous direction of the guide passages 552 and 553 .

In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the game ball lending device 290 is provided in the gaming machine such as the pachinko machine 100 has been described. It may also be possible to operate the management device operation unit 702 to perform an operation for lending game balls corresponding to the game value possessed by the player or an operation for returning the value storage medium.

In the above-described embodiment, the entry switching member 581 operates by manually operating the switching operation unit 584 to switch between the entry blocking posture and the entry allowing posture. A driving source such as a motor driven by the operation of is provided, and the entry switching member 581 may be configured to operate electrically. In this case, an operation switch is provided on the front side of the pachinko machine 100, and the entry switching member The operation of 581 may be set by the manager of the game hall, or an operation switch may be provided on the front side of the pachinko machine 100 so that the player can operate whether or not the game ball can enter the rear passage 580. Alternatively, a first operation switch for the player is provided on the front side of the pachinko machine 100, and a second operation switch for the administrator of the game hall is provided on the back side, and the second operation switch is operated to operate the first switch. The operation switch may be enabled/disabled so that the player can switch whether or not the game ball can enter the rear passage 580 only when the game hall management device corresponds to the rear passage 580. It is preferable to be able to

The configuration of the entry switching members 581, 1581, 1591A, 1591B, 2591A, 2591B is not limited to the above configuration, and prevents and permits entry of game balls into the rear passages 580, 1580, 1590A, 1590B, 2590A, 2590B. As long as it can be switched, other configurations may be used. For example, postures may be switched by sliding movement.

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the rear passage members forming the rear passages 580, 1580, 1590A, 1590B, 2590A, 2590B, and 3580 are provided in the pachinko machine 100 has been described. , 4100 need not be provided with rear passage members. A rear side passage member may be provided in the game ball management device 700, and the pachinko machine 100 may be provided with a ball outlet for entering the game balls from the auxiliary side guide passage 553 to the rear side passage 580 on the back side of the pachinko machine 100.例文帳に追加. In this case, the entry switching member 581 is provided in the guide member 550 of the pachinko machine 100 to switch between the entry blocking posture for blocking the output of the ball from the ball exit and the entry of the game ball from the ball exit to the rear passage 580. It is preferable that a switch operation is possible between the permissible entry permissible attitude.

The pachinko machines 100, 1100, and 2100 do not necessarily have a configuration in which game balls enter the game ball management device 700 from a plurality of ball insertion units provided in the front and rear, but only from one of the front and rear sides. It is good also as a structure which makes a game ball enter.

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the game balls paid out by the payout device 540 are stored in the auxiliary storage area 4236 has been described. Even if it becomes, the game ball does not enter (is not stored) in the auxiliary storage area 4236, and the player may store the game ball in the auxiliary storage area 4236 by manual operation. Even in this case, an auxiliary storage area 4236 is provided next to the normal storage area 4235, and the player presses the game ball to cross the boundary separating the normal storage area 4235 and the auxiliary storage area 4236. It is preferable to be able to transfer game balls from the storage area 4235 to the auxiliary storage area 4236 .

In the above-described embodiment, the standby balls stored in the auxiliary storage area 4236 are described as being able to enter the transfer passage 4232 without contacting the game balls, but not limited to this, the auxiliary storage area 4236 is stored. A configuration may also be adopted in which a player touches a game ball and manually enters the game ball into the transfer passage.

In the above-described embodiment, the waiting balls stored in the auxiliary storage area 4236 have been described in the case where the player manually transfers the game balls to the normal storage area 4235. By a person's operation, the game ball may be transferred from the auxiliary storage area 4236 to the normal storage area 4235 without contacting the standby ball. For example, the bottom surface of the auxiliary storage area 4236 is configured to be operable to rise or change the angle of inclination, and an operation unit operated by the player to move the bottom surface is provided integrally with the bottom surface. Alternatively, a drive source such as a motor that operates the bottom surface of the auxiliary storage area 4236 and a switch that can be pressed to control the operation of the drive source are provided, and the player operates the switch to release the auxiliary storage area 4236. You may be able to transfer game balls to the normal storage area 4235 .

(3) The present invention may be applied to a different type of pachinko machine or the like from the above embodiment. For example, the game may be implemented as a pachinko machine in which, once a big win is made, the expected value of the big win is increased until the big win state occurs a plurality of times (for example, two or three times). In addition, the game may be implemented as a pachinko machine that enters a special game state on the condition that the ball wins in a predetermined area after the big winning symbols are displayed. It may also be applied to an enclosed pachinko machine in which balls circulate. Furthermore, in addition to the pachinko machine, it may be implemented as various game machines such as an arrange ball type pachinko and a mammoth ball. Also, the present invention is not limited to pachinko machines, and may be implemented in gaming machines that use tokens other than game balls as game media. Alternatively, it may be applied to a game machine such as a parrot as a reel-type game machine using game balls as game media.

<Invention extracted from the above embodiment>
Hereinafter, the features of the group of inventions extracted from the above-described embodiments will be described while presenting problems, effects, and the like as necessary. In the following description, for ease of understanding, configurations corresponding to the above-described embodiments are appropriately shown in parentheses or the like, but are not limited to the specific configurations shown in parentheses or the like. Also, the meanings and examples of terms described in each feature may be applied as the meanings and examples of terms described in other features described with the same wording.

<Feature 10>
A game machine (pachinko machine 100, 1100, 2100, 3100, 4100) that performs a game using game media,
a payout device (payout device 540) that pays out game media;
storage units (storage units 231 and 241) that store game media paid out from the payout device on the front side of the gaming machine so that the player can take out the game media;
a first exit portion (discharge port 241B of the auxiliary storage portion 241) for discharging the game media stored in the storage portion to the outside of the gaming machine;
a first payout passage (auxiliary-side guide passage 553) provided between the payout device and the storage portion for paying out game media from the payout device to the storage portion;
A second exit portion (rear side passages 580, 1580) provided separately from the first payout passage for discharging the game media paid out from the payout device to the outside of the game machine at a position different from the first exit portion. and the exit of the discharge passage member 3101B);
entry switching means (entry switching members 581, 1581, 1591A, 1591B, ball support member 4236D) capable of switching whether or not the game media dispensed from the dispensing device enter the second exit portion; A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

In the conventional game machine, the game balls paid out as a privilege according to winning or the game balls rented according to the amount of money deposited are placed near the player in addition to the ball tray provided in the game machine. It was common to pass the ball outlet of the ball tray into a ball box or the like and store it. Also known is a game device configured to store information corresponding to the amount of money possessed by a player and the number of game balls in a value storage medium such as an IC card (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-224362). Gazette).

In these conventional gaming machines, it is possible that there is still room for improvement in the configuration for managing game media possessed by players.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 10, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably managing the game balls possessed by the player. That is, while using the first exit portion to transfer the game balls to the ball box or gaming device managed by the player himself, as in the conventional case, the second exit portion can be used to transfer the game balls to another gaming machine. It is possible to suitably transfer the game ball to the game device.

In addition, the gaming machine according to feature 10 has an entry rate switching section (entry blocking section 582) that prevents game balls from entering the second exit section, and a shaft section that allows the entry rate switching section to rotate. A rotation shaft portion (rotation shaft portion 583) that can switch between an entry blocking posture that blocks the entry of the game ball into the second exit portion and an entry allowable posture that allows the entry of the game ball, and an entry blocking posture. and a switching operation unit (switching operation unit 584) for switching between the posture and the entry allowable posture.

In addition, the rate at which the game medium enters the game changed by the entry rate changing means may include a rate in which 100% enters one side and does not enter the other side at all. It may also include the rate at which the medium flows down.

In addition, the description of putting out the gaming machine according to the feature 10 may mean that the gaming medium is ejected from a storage portion or a passage that can support the gaming medium in the gaming machine, or a position where the gaming medium cannot be supported in the gaming machine. You may put out the game media on.

In addition, the second exit portion described in feature 10 may be located at a different position from the first exit portion and eject the game media in a direction different from the first exit portion in the gaming machine. may put out game balls on the front side of the gaming machine, and the second outlet may put out the game balls at a position different from the front side of the gaming machine.

<Feature 11>
In the gaming machine according to feature 10,
The first payout passage is
The downstream side constitutes an inflow port (inflow port 231A) for game balls in the storage section,
The second outlet section is
It is provided in the middle of the first payout passage and on the branched side upstream from the inflow port, and is configured to release game balls out of the game machine when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the first payout passage. A gaming machine characterized by:

According to the gaming machine described in feature 11, the second outlet is provided upstream of the inlet, and only when the storage section is full and game balls are stored upstream of the inlet, the game is played. A ball can enter on the side of the second outlet. As a result, while maintaining the state in which the game balls are filled in the storage part of the gaming machine during the game, only the game balls paid out more can be released to the second exit part, To expedite the payout of game balls and suitably manage the game balls.

<Feature 12>
In the gaming machine according to feature 10 or feature 11,
The second outlet section is
The number of loanable game balls that can be rented to a player is stored in a value storage medium, and game balls are transferred to a game device (game ball management device 700) capable of renting game balls according to the player's operation. transportably connected and
The number of game balls transported through the second exit section is added to the number of lendable balls and stored in the storage medium by the gaming device. game machine.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 12, the game balls can be transferred to the game device via the second exit without passing through the first exit and added to the lendable number, It is possible to achieve the effect of not passing through the first outlet. For example, by providing the first exit portion at a position close to the player, it is possible to suppress the inconvenience that the effect sound of the production becomes difficult to hear due to the contact sound of passing game balls.

<Feature 13>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features 10 to 12,
A gaming machine, wherein the second exit portion is configured to discharge game balls to a passage that allows game balls to flow down to a storage portion of another gaming machine.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 13, it is possible to transfer, lend, and borrow game balls to other gaming machines played by friends and family members, thereby improving the convenience of the player.

<Feature 14>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features 10 to 13,
The game machine, wherein the entry ratio changing means is configured to allow the player to operate to change the ratio of game balls entering the second exit portion.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 14, the player can select the exit portion from which the game ball comes out at a free timing, and the convenience of the player can be improved.

<Feature 15>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features 13 to 14,
A game machine, wherein the first payout passage is provided with a connecting portion for connecting a passage into which a game ball ejected from a second exit provided in another game machine can enter.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 15, since the second outlet of another gaming machine can be connectable, game balls can be supplied bidirectionally between the connected gaming machines. , can further enhance convenience.

<Feature 16>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features 11 to 15,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the second outlets are provided at a plurality of locations, and are configured to be able to discharge game balls into passages that allow game balls to flow down to the reservoirs of the plurality of gaming machines.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 16, it is possible to further enhance the convenience by, for example, enabling bi-directional supply of game balls between a plurality of gaming machines.

<Feature 17>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features 10 to 16,
the first dispensing passage is branched into two passages and connected to the first storage portion and the second storage portion, respectively;
The gaming machine, wherein the second outlet is branched from the first payout passage downstream of a branched portion of the first payout passage that branches into two passages.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 17, since the game ball flows to the second outlet on the downstream side from the branched portion branched into two passages, one of the first storage portion and the second storage portion Convenience can be further enhanced by making it possible to change the ratio of game media entering the second outlet so that game balls do not flow to the side.

<Feature 20>
a game area visible to the player (a game ball flowing down area);
Firing operation means (firing operation device 250) for performing a shooting operation by the player;
shooting means (shooting device 330) for shooting game balls into the game area by the player's operation on the shooting operation means;
A payout device (payout device 540) for paying out game balls;
a storage means (main storage mechanism 230) for storing game balls paid out by the payout device and used in a game;
A delivery unit (outflow port 231B) for delivering game balls stored in the storage means to the shooting means side,
In the storage means (storage units 231, 1231, 4231), there is a region located upstream of the delivery unit and where the game balls paid out by the payout device are stored. is provided with a normal storage area (normal storage areas 235, 1235, 4235) in which advances toward the delivery unit in accordance with the operation of the launching means,
Further, it is an area into which game balls enter when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the normal storage area by the payout device, and at least some of the game balls do not advance even if the shooting means operates. and a stationary storage area (auxiliary storage areas 236, 1236, 4236) capable of transferring game balls to the normal storage area by a predetermined pressing operation by a player.

In the conventional game machine, the game balls paid out as a privilege according to winning or the game balls rented according to the amount of money deposited are placed near the player in addition to the ball tray provided in the game machine. It was common to pass the ball outlet of the ball tray into a ball box or the like and store it. Also known is a game device configured to store information corresponding to the amount of money possessed by a player and the number of game balls in a value storage medium such as an IC card (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-224362). Gazette).

In these conventional gaming machines, it is possible that there is still room for improvement in the configuration for managing game media possessed by players.

Also, in conventional gaming machines, game balls paid out as rewards in accordance with winning prizes or game balls lent out in accordance with the amount of money deposited are stored in storage means (so-called upper tray) installed near the player's hand. stored. Auxiliary auxiliary storage means (so-called lower plate) is provided below the storage means (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-22160). The player can compensate for the lack of game balls in the storage means by replenishing the storage means with the game balls stored in the auxiliary storage means.

However, in the conventional game machine, the auxiliary storing means is positioned away from the storing means, and the operation of supplementing the game balls may be troublesome.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 20, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of appropriately managing the game balls possessed by the player. That is, some of the game balls stay in the stationary storage area, and game balls that are not automatically shot by the shooting means can be secured in the stationary storage area. Therefore, even if the player is late in noticing that there are no game balls in the normal storage area, the game can be quickly continued using the game balls in the stationary storage area. In addition, the game balls in the stationary storage area can be transferred to the normal storage area by a predetermined pressing operation by the player. Convenience can be improved.

<Feature 21>
In the gaming machine according to feature 20,
A gaming machine characterized in that an upwardly protruding ridge is provided at a height lower than a radius of a game ball at least part of a boundary between the normal storage area and the stationary storage area.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 21, the boundary is formed by the ridges, and the game ball can be easily transferred from the stationary storage area to the normal storage area by the player's pressing operation on the game ball. can be done.

<Feature 22>
In the gaming machine according to feature 21,
A gaming machine, wherein a part of the boundary is positioned on a side where the delivery port is provided.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 22, if the game ball is pushed out toward the side where the delivery port is provided as part of the boundary, the game ball is supplied to the launching means via the delivery port in a short time. can do. Therefore, it is possible to make it easy to shoot the game ball accurately and reliably in a situation where the player wants to shoot the game ball in a hurry, and reduce the possibility of the player suffering an unexpected disadvantage.

<Feature 23>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features 20 to 22,
The normal storage area and the stationary storage area are provided side by side on the front side of the gaming machine where the player is positioned and on the rear side of the gaming machine,
A game characterized in that the normal storage area and the stationary storage area are provided with a bottom portion inclined forward and backward with a top portion projecting upward so that the game ball stays at a distance. machine.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 23, since the normal storage area and the stationary storage area are clearly separated by the inclination of the bottom surface, it is possible for the player to easily recognize the game balls stored in the stationary storage area. can.

<Feature 24>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features 20 to 23,
A gaming machine, wherein the stationary storage area is provided on the front side of the gaming machine where the player is positioned with respect to the normal storage area.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 24, the player can easily visually recognize the normal storage area to make it easy for the player to check the remaining amount of game balls in the normal storage area, and the stationary storage area can be viewed by the player. Since it is provided at a close position, it is possible for the player to easily transfer the standby balls stored in the stationary storage area to the normal storage area by manually pressing the standby balls.

<Feature 25>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features 20 to 24,
A gaming machine, wherein the stationary storage area is provided on the rear side of the gaming machine away from the player with respect to the normal storage area.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 25, since the stationary storage area is easily visible, the player can easily visually recognize the state in which the game ball remains in the stationary storage area, and the game ball can be placed in the stationary storage area. It is possible to prevent the player from leaving the game and moving away.

<Feature 26>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features 20 to 25,
A gaming machine, wherein the stationary storage area is set to a size that occupies 5 to 50% of the bottom area of the storage means.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 26, a moderate amount of game balls can be secured in the stationary storage area.

<Feature 30>
a payout device (payout device 540) that pays out game media;
an exit portion (exit port 241B of auxiliary storage portion 241, rear passages 580 and 1580, and exit passage member 3101B) for discharging game media paid out from the payout device to the outside of the gaming machine;
a passage forming member that forms a transfer passage through which game media pass between the exit portion and the dispensing device;
A game machine (pachinko machine 3100, 4100) in which an opening and closing member capable of opening and closing operations on the front side is supported by an outer frame member configured in a frame shape forming an inner space penetrating in the front-rear direction,
The dispensing device is provided on the opening/closing member,
A gaming machine, wherein the outer frame member constitutes a part of the passage forming member and forms a part of the transfer passage (guiding passage 3101A).

In the conventional game machine, the game balls paid out as a privilege according to winning or the game balls rented according to the amount of money deposited are placed near the player in addition to the ball tray provided in the game machine. It was common to pass the ball outlet of the ball tray into a ball box or the like and store it. Also known is a game device configured to store information corresponding to the amount of money possessed by a player and the number of game balls in a value storage medium such as an IC card (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-224362). Gazette).

In these conventional gaming machines, it is possible that there is still room for improvement in the configuration for managing game media possessed by players.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 30, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably managing the game balls possessed by the player. That is, since the payout device is provided in the opening/closing member, and the outer frame member constitutes a part of the passage forming member and forms a part of the transfer passage, at least part of the game balls paid out from the payout device It is discharged out of the game machine through a part of the transfer passage formed by the outer frame member. Since the outer frame member is provided on the outermost side in the left-right direction of the game machine, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to hear the passing sound or contact sound of the game medium passing through a part of the transport path. It is possible to make it easy for the player to hear the effect sound such as the performance. In addition, the outer frame member supports the opening/closing member including the payout device and functions as a support when the game machine is installed in the game hall. A portion of the transport path that is formed can be made difficult to tamper with or tamper with. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts such as stealing game balls possessed by a player by another person (criminal).

<Feature 31>
The gaming machine according to feature 30,
The opening/closing member has a shape that overlaps a part of the outer frame member on the front side, and has a shape that exposes a vertically long frame-constituting portion provided on one side in the left-right direction of the outer frame member to the front side of the game machine. is,
A game machine, wherein the frame-constituting portion is formed with a passage that allows the game ball to be transferred to the front side of the game machine after flowing downward as a part of the transfer passage.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 31, the game ball can be put out to the front side of the gaming machine via the outermost side in the left-right direction of the gaming machine. can be easily heard, and the game ball can be managed by the player on the front side of the gaming machine as in the conventional case.

<Feature 40>
A game machine (pachinko machine 100, 1100, 2100, 3100, 4100) that performs a game using game media,
a payout device (payout device 540) that pays out game media;
an exit portion (rear side passages 580, 1590A, 1590B, an exit for game balls via an entrance 3580A, and a discharge port 241B of the auxiliary storage portion 241) for discharging game media paid out from the payout device to the outside of the gaming machine; ,
a passage forming member that forms a transfer passage through which game media pass between the exit portion and the dispensing device;
A game machine characterized by comprising sound output means (sound devices 283 to 285, 4286) provided on the front side with respect to a part of the transfer passage and outputting a predetermined sound.

In the conventional game machine, the game balls paid out as a privilege according to winning or the game balls rented according to the amount of money deposited are placed near the player in addition to the ball tray provided in the game machine. It was common to pass the ball outlet of the ball tray into a ball box or the like and store it. Also known is a game device configured to store information corresponding to the amount of money possessed by a player and the number of game balls in a value storage medium such as an IC card (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-224362). Gazette).

In these conventional gaming machines, it is possible that there is still room for improvement in the configuration for managing game media possessed by players.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 40, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably managing the game balls possessed by the player. That is, since the sound output means is provided on the front side with respect to a part of the transfer passage, the sound of the game medium passing through the transfer passage and the contact sound in the process until the game medium is ejected out of the game machine are reduced. The sound output by the output means can be preferentially delivered to the player, and the player can easily hear the effect sound such as the performance set in the game machine. In addition, the sound output means includes a highly rigid metal member and a housing (enclosure) for emitting sound. It is possible to reduce the strength of the sound reaching the player side.

<Feature 41>
The gaming machine according to feature 40,
A sound detection means provided on the front side with respect to a part of the transfer passage and detecting a sound generated on the side where the part of the transfer passage is provided,
Based on the sound detected by the sound detection means, the sound output means outputs a sound including a sound for reducing the output of the sound to the front side of the game machine (an opposite phase sound that cancels the detected sound). A gaming machine characterized by outputting to the front side.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 41, since the sound detection unit can reduce the degree of output of the sound generated in a part of the transfer passage to the front side of the game machine, the game ball passes through the transfer passage. The sound and the contact sound can be easily canceled, and the effect sound set in the game machine can be easily delivered to the player.

<Feature 50>
a game area visible to the player (a game ball flowing down area);
Firing operation means (firing operation device 250) for performing a shooting operation by the player;
shooting means (shooting device 330) for shooting game balls into the game area by the player's operation on the shooting operation means;
A payout device (payout device 540) for paying out game balls;
A storage means (main storage mechanism 4230) for storing game balls paid out by the payout device and used in a game;
A delivery unit (outflow port 231B) for delivering game balls stored in the storage means to the shooting means side,
The storage means has an area provided on the upstream side of the delivery part where the game balls paid out by the payout device are stored, and the stored game balls are released according to the operation of the shooting means. A normal storage area (normal storage area 4235) that advances toward the delivery unit is provided,
Furthermore, even if the shooting means operates, the game ball does not advance and stays in the area, and the game ball can be transferred to the normal storage area by a predetermined pressing operation by the player, and a predetermined number of games can be played. A gaming machine characterized by having a countable storage area (auxiliary storage area 4236) in which balls are arranged side by side and can be counted.

In the conventional game machine, the game balls paid out as a privilege according to winning or the game balls rented according to the amount of money deposited are placed near the player in addition to the ball tray provided in the game machine. It was common to pass the ball outlet of the ball tray into a ball box or the like and store it. Also known is a game device configured to store information corresponding to the amount of money possessed by a player and the number of game balls in a value storage medium such as an IC card (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-224362). Gazette).

In these conventional gaming machines, it is possible that there is still room for improvement in the configuration for managing game media possessed by players.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 50, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably managing the game balls possessed by the player. That is, since the player can count the number of game balls parked in the countable storage area, the player can easily take out the required number of game balls from the gaming machine. In addition, since the game balls in the countable storage area can be transferred to the normal storage area by a predetermined pressing operation by the player, the transfer of the game balls from the countable storage area to the normal storage area can be performed easily and quickly, Convenience for the player can be improved.

<Feature 51>
The gaming machine according to feature 50,
a payout device (payout device 540) that pays out game media;
a storage unit (auxiliary storage unit 241) that stores the game media paid out from the payout device on the front side of the gaming machine so that the player can take out the game media;
a first exit portion (discharge port 241B of the auxiliary storage portion 241) for discharging the game media stored in the storage portion to the outside of the gaming machine;
a first payout passage (auxiliary-side guide passage 553) provided between the payout device and the storage portion for paying out game media from the payout device to the storage portion;
The game balls stored in the countable storage area are discharged out of the game machine at a position different from the first exit by a predetermined discharge operation by the player. A gaming machine characterized by comprising an internal passage).

According to the gaming machine described in feature 51, by using the first exit part, the game balls can be transported to the ball box or the game device managed by the player himself in the same way as before, and further, the second exit part can be used. It is possible to suitably transfer as many game balls as the player wants to transfer to another game machine or game device using the exit part.

<Feature 60>
A gaming machine for playing games using gaming media,
Operation means (shooting operation device 250) for performing game-related operations by the player;
storage means (storage units 231 and 241 of main storage mechanism 230 and auxiliary storage mechanism 240) for storing game media used in a game;
a photographing means (camera devices 611, 612, 612X) for photographing the storing means;
Storage for generating a virtual storage display image using a captured image captured by the shooting means and including the game media stored in the storage means and a preset virtual image (image of a game ball) image generation means (sub control board 940);
A gaming machine (pachinko machines 5100, 6100, 7100) characterized by comprising a pooled image display unit (pooled display unit 601) provided at a position covering at least part of the pooled unit and displaying the virtual pooled display image. ).

Conventional game machines are provided with, for example, a game area in which game balls flow down, a shooting operation device for a player to perform a shooting operation below the game area, and a reservoir for storing game balls. is common (for example, see JP-A-2006-345989).

In a conventional game machine, if the game area is set large or if a shooting operation device or a storage unit necessary for the game is provided, the area where the performance device for giving pleasure to the player is provided is narrowed. There is a possibility that there is still room for improvement with respect to the configuration of .

According to the gaming machine described in feature 60, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which the production device using the game medium used in the game can be appropriately arranged. That is, the game media stored in the storage means, which is positioned on the far side and cannot be visually recognized, can be displayed to the player by the virtual storage display image by the storage image display means, and the virtual image is also displayed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce restrictions on the arrangement of the storing means and the stored image display means capable of displaying an image. Therefore, for example, it is possible to provide the player with a new way of enjoying the game machine, which is a game effect by the effect device using the virtual stored display image.

Note that the stored image display means described in feature 60 does not necessarily have to be provided at a position that covers at least a part of the storage means, and the stored image display means is provided at a position that does not cover at least a part or all of the storage means. Even in this case, the degree of freedom of the arrangement position of the storage means can be increased, and the gaming machine can be configured such that the storage means and the stored image display means can be preferably arranged. Also, the stored image display means may be provided at a position interposed between the player's viewpoint and the storage means.

Further, in the gaming machine according to feature 60, a payout device (payout device 540) for paying out game balls may be provided, and the storage means may store the game balls paid out by the payout device and used in the game. good.

<Feature 61>
The gaming machine according to feature 60,
A gaming machine, wherein the virtual image is a character set in the gaming machine.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 61, the character set in the gaming machine and familiar to the player is made to appear on the accumulated image display means together with the game media paid out to the player, and the game won by the player. A player can be entertained through an effect according to the number of media.

<Feature 62>
The gaming machine according to either feature 60 or feature 61,
A lottery means (main control board 920) that executes a lottery that is established with a predetermined lottery probability when a predetermined lottery condition is satisfied,
The gaming machine, wherein the virtual image is composed of an image using the result of the lottery.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 62, since the virtual image is composed of the image using the lottery result, the operation can be changed according to the lottery result, and the player can be entertained according to the lottery result. Also, the player can enjoy the game even more by enhancing the joy of the game.

<Feature 63>
The gaming machine according to any one of features 60 to 63,
The storage means has main storage means for paying out game balls, and auxiliary storage means (auxiliary storage mechanism 240) provided below the main storage means,
A gaming machine, wherein the photographing means photographs at least the auxiliary storing means.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 61, since the main storage means is positioned on the upper side, at least a part thereof is easily covered, and the auxiliary storage means, which has been difficult to visually recognize, can be photographed and displayed by the stored image display means. Therefore, it is possible for the player to easily visually recognize the condition of the auxiliary storage means.

In addition, in the gaming machine according to feature 63, the photographing means has means for photographing the main storing means (camera device 611) and means for photographing the auxiliary storing means (camera device 612). The means may be configured to be able to display a virtual storage display image using a photographed image containing the game media stored in the main storage means and the auxiliary storage means. Thus, in a gaming machine having a configuration in which a plurality of storing means are provided, an effect corresponding to the number of game media paid out to the player can be executed by the stored image display means.

Further, the storage image display means may be configured to be able to display a virtual storage display image including a photographed image of both the main storage means and the auxiliary storage means. The player can easily recognize both the means and the situation through one image. In this case, either one of the main storage means and the auxiliary storage means may be displayed in a reduced size compared to the other, and the player can select one of the reduced sizes. You may

<Feature 64>
The gaming machine according to feature 63,
The image generation means is
A virtual stored display image including game media stored on the back side of the stored image display means when viewed from a predetermined viewpoint position of the player, and viewed from the player side with respect to the directional view taken by the shooting means. A gaming machine characterized by correcting and generating an image.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 64, it is possible to correct the difference in the image caused by the difference between the installation location of the photographing means and the position of the player's eyes, and to display an image that the player will be able to visually recognize. Therefore, it is possible for the player to visually recognize the image of the stored game media without a sense of discomfort.

<Feature 70>
A gaming machine for playing games using gaming media,
Operation means (shooting operation device 250) for performing game-related operations by the player;
storage means (storage units 231 and 241 of main storage mechanism 230 and auxiliary storage mechanism 240) for storing game media used in a game;
A lottery means (main control board 920) that executes a lottery that is established with a predetermined lottery probability when a predetermined lottery condition is satisfied;
Medium amount variation effect means (sub control board 940, storage display unit 601, A game machine (pachinko machines 5100 and 6100) characterized by comprising a physical contact portion 621).

In a conventional pachinko machine, for example, when a jackpot is won, the jackpot win is notified by the result of the variable display, and the big prize device is opened so that game balls enter the big prize device and a large amount of game balls are stored. It is known to pay out to departments (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-345989).

However, in conventional gaming machines, unless a game ball wins a prize in a prize winning device or a player does not lend a game ball, the number of game balls stored in the storage unit does not increase. The number of game balls gradually decreases, and only a large amount of game balls are temporarily paid out to the storage section after winning the jackpot. For this reason, the player needs to pay attention to the reservoir when the reservoir is empty, nearly empty, full (full) or full. It was nothing more than a functional component that was only operated. In other words, the configuration of the storage section differs in shape and size depending on the manufacturer and model, and there is a possibility that there is still room for improvement regarding the configuration of the storage section.

In addition, there is a time lag between when the player recognizes the result of winning the lottery and when the game ball enters the prize winning device and the game ball is paid out. For example, after winning the jackpot, it takes time for the game balls to be stored in the ball tray or the like as the storage means, so the player's sense of joy may be reduced by the amount of time required. had a nature.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 70, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of adding a function as an effect device to the storage section. That is, by executing the medium amount variation effect according to the lottery result, the player can experience the variation in the amount of the game media stored in the storage unit, and the storage unit functions only as a functional component. Instead, it is possible to add a function as an effect device, and it is possible to set a storage unit having a unique characteristic of a model or a manufacturer in a game machine with limited space.

For example, an effect of increasing the amount of game media is executed as a medium amount variation effect according to the lottery result, so that the player can be made to experience an increase in the amount of game media in advance. As a result, the player can enjoy the game even if it takes a long time from the winning of the lottery to the provision of the game medium to the player. Therefore, it is possible to realize an effect that makes the player feel like winning a large amount of game media without excessively increasing the gambling property such that a large amount of game media are paid out in a short time.

<Feature 71>
The gaming machine according to feature 70,
a photographing means (camera device 611) for photographing the storage means;
a stored image display unit (stored display unit 601) capable of displaying a captured image captured by the shooting unit and including the game media stored in the storage unit;
The medium amount variation rendering means is
Image generation means (display data generation unit) for generating, as an image to be displayed on the stored image display means, an increase display image including game media in a quantity larger than the number stored in the storage means according to the lottery result of the lottery means 942).

According to the gaming machine described in feature 71, by using the stored image display means, the number of game media possessed by the player is displayed in an easy-to-recognize manner based on the photographed image of the stored means during normal times. When a specific lottery result is obtained, an increase display image can be displayed, and the game media that the player will acquire after a certain period of time has passed can be suggested to the player in advance. Therefore, it is possible to execute a new display performance utilizing the stored image display means even in the normal game state before winning the lottery.

<Feature 72>
The gaming machine according to feature 71,
The image generation means is
A game characterized in that an image generated by adding an image of a virtual game medium to the image of the game medium stored in the storage means photographed by the photographing means is displayed as the increased display image. machine.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 72, the image of the virtual game medium is added to the photographed image representing the current state of the storage means. It is possible to execute an effect as if the number of game media is increased by an image including a game media which is an image including a situation and which can be touched by the player. For example, when a player tries to touch a game medium, an additional display image can be generated including the player's hand and the game medium in contact with the hand, thereby realizing an effect including tactile sensation. can do.

<Feature 73>
The gaming machine according to feature 71 or 72,
The image generation means is
A gaming machine characterized by displaying an image using preset virtual game media as the increase display image when no game media are stored in the storage means.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 73, even in a situation where game media are not stored in the storage means, it is possible to execute an effect with an increase display image using an image prepared in advance.

<Feature 74>
A gaming machine according to any one of features 70 to 73,
The medium amount variation rendering means is
Depending on the result of the lottery, a decorative body (physical contact portion 621), which is a decorative body having a three-dimensional shape imitating a game medium and is capable of being displaced, is positioned on the storage section, and the amount of the medium is increased. This game machine is characterized by executing a variable performance.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 74, since the decorative part that actually exists is used, the player can touch and confirm the state in which the game medium has increased, and enjoy the performance in the game using the sense of touch. can be increased.

<Feature 75>
A gaming machine according to any one of features 70 to 74,
The storage means includes main storage means and auxiliary storage means provided below the main storage means,
The medium amount variation rendering means is
A gaming machine characterized in that, according to the result of the lottery, a decorative body including a three-dimensional shape imitating a game medium is positioned on the auxiliary storage means to execute the medium amount variation effect.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 75, by using the auxiliary storage means arranged in a position that is likely to become a blind spot due to the provision of the main storage means, in order to execute the effect using the ornaments that actually exist, It is possible to make it difficult for the player to visually recognize that the decorative body is not a real game medium. Therefore, it is possible to further increase the enjoyment of the performance in which the player touches and confirms the increased amount of game media.

<Feature 76>
The gaming machine according to feature 74 or 75,
a movable mechanism (supporting portion 621C) that displaces the decoration;
A housing portion (storage chamber 623) provided within an operation range in which the decoration body is displaced by the movable mechanism, and houses the decoration body in such a manner that the decoration body cannot be visually recognized from the player side when the medium amount variation effect is not executed. A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

According to the gaming machine described in feature 76, the decoration is stored in the storage portion that is normally not visible to the player, and the player can visually recognize the decoration only in a situation where the medium amount variation presentation is executed. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to make the player feel a sense of anticipation for the appearance of the ornament, and to enjoy the medium amount variation effect as a rare thing.

<Feature 80>
A gaming machine for playing games using gaming media,
Operation means (shooting operation device 250) for performing game-related operations by the player;
storage means (storage units 231 and 241 of main storage mechanism 230 and auxiliary storage mechanism 240) for storing game media used in a game;
A lottery means (main control board 920) that executes a lottery that is established with a predetermined lottery probability when a predetermined lottery condition is satisfied;
Contacted means (physical contact portion 631) that can be placed at a predetermined position that a player can contact;
image generation means (sub-control board 940, display data generation section 942) for generating a display image including an expression image corresponding to the contacted means according to the lottery result of the lottery means;
A game machine (Pachinko machine 7100) characterized by comprising image display means (storage display section 601) for displaying a display image generated by the image generation means.

In a conventional pachinko machine, it was common to entertain a player by means of variable display effects including visual and auditory display images and sounds (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-345989).

However, there is a problem that it is difficult to create a game machine with a machine model-specific or manufacturer-specific personality with only conventional effects, and it is difficult to provide players with new effects and gameplay that are different from the conventional ones. there were.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 80, the representation image displayed on the image display means and the touched means allow the player to view the shape of the touched means touched by the player in a form in which a different impression is added by the representation image. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game machine capable of suitably executing an effect utilizing visual and tactile sensations.

<Feature 81>
In the gaming machine according to feature 80,
The contacted means is configured to be displaceable,
In the standby state (storage arrangement), the player is arranged in a position where it is impossible or difficult to contact,
A game characterized in that, when a predetermined appearance condition corresponding to the lottery result is satisfied, the player is displaced from the standby state to the appearance state (contactable arrangement) and arranged at a position where the player can contact. machine.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 81, since the player can be allowed to touch the touched means only when the appearance condition is satisfied, the player's expectation for satisfying the appearance condition can be enhanced. , the player can enjoy the game using the contacted means even more.

<Feature 82>
In the gaming machine according to feature 80 or feature 81,
The contact means is
A gaming machine characterized in that, in the standby state, it is housed in a housing portion (storage chamber 633) that is invisible from the player side.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 82, since the player cannot visually recognize the contacting means in the standby state, the rarity of the appearance of the contacting means is increased, and the player can enjoy the appearance of the contacting means itself. can be made

<Feature 83>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features 80 to 82,
Having a photographing means (camera device 611) for photographing the contacted means,
At least a portion of said contacting means is arranged so as to be invisible from a predetermined viewpoint position of a player playing a game even in said appearing state,
The image generation means generates an image captured by the imaging means and including at least part of the contact receiving means,
The game machine, wherein the image display means is configured to be able to display an image including at least a part of the contact receiving means generated by the image generation means.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 83, while reproducing the movement of the contacting means as it is, the contacting means can be represented by processing the photographed image by changing the color etc. It is possible to display an image in an elaborate form, etc., while maintaining the tactile sensation and the reality of movement of the touched means that the player touches, while achieving a higher-definition expression than the actual object.

<Feature 84>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features 80 to 83,
The image generation means generates a display image including the expression image based on image information stored in advance in a storage means,
The game machine, wherein the image display means displays the display image generated by the image generation means based on the image information stored in the storage means.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 84, any image can be used regardless of the captured image. It is possible to display an image that does not specify the form of the contacting means that has appeared from among the forms set in multiple shapes without displaying only the shape, or to display multiple types of images alternately. It is possible to display a free form as a display image that is not bound by the form of the contacted means appearing as , and it is possible to give a degree of freedom to the expression of the contacted means.

<Feature 85>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features 80 to 84,
The image generating means generates a display image including at least one of a plurality of embodied images that embodies the contacted means,
The image display means is
Simultaneously with displaying the lottery result of the lottery means or after displaying the lottery result, a display image including the embodied image corresponding to the lottery result of the lottery means is displayed.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 85, the embodied image corresponding to the lottery result can be displayed from among a plurality of embodied images even though the same touched means is touched. The touched means that has been touched is embodied as a plurality of objects afterward, and the enjoyment of making the player touch the touched means can be increased.

<Feature 86>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features 80 to 85,
The storage means includes main storage means and auxiliary storage means provided below the main storage means,
A gaming machine, wherein the contacted means is provided between the main storage means and the auxiliary storage means below the main storage means and above the auxiliary storage means.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 86, since the contacting means is provided between the storage means and the auxiliary storage means, the contacting means is arranged at a position that is easy for the player to touch but difficult for the player to visually recognize. It is possible to emphasize the impact given to the player by displaying the expression image or the embodied image.

<Feature 87>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features 80 to 86,
The image display means is
It is provided so as to cover at least a part of the storage means as viewed from the player, and displays the expression image data according to the lottery result of the lottery means, while the expression image data is not displayed when the expression image data is not displayed. A gaming machine characterized by displaying storage display data based on photographed data of storage means.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 87, the storage display means can cover up the physical contact means, and the representation image data can be displayed in the direction in which the physical contact means exists as seen from the player. can enhance the reality of

<Feature 88>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features 80 to 87,
The physical contact means are
Represents only the contact area assumed to be touched by the player, of the representation source object that is the source of physical representation,
The image generation means is
A gaming machine, wherein at least a part of a non-contact area of the expression source object, which is not expected to be touched by the player, is expressed in addition to the contact area as the expression image data.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 88, since the non-contact area is displayed in the expression image data, the player does not feel uncomfortable, and physical contact means is not required for the non-contact area. The configuration of the contact means can be simplified.

<Feature 90>
Operation means (shooting operation device 250) for performing game-related operations by the player;
storage means (storage units 231 and 241 of main storage mechanism 230 and auxiliary storage mechanism 240) for storing game media used in a game;
Physical contact means (physical contact portion 641) that can be arranged at a predetermined position where the player can physically contact;
Movement sensation imparting means (movement sensation imparting unit 645) that makes the player who comes into contact with the physical contact means feel a movement sensation of moving or about to move in a predetermined direction;
an image generation means (display data generation unit 942) for generating a display image including a contact corresponding image corresponding to the physical contact means;
A gaming machine comprising image display means (storage display unit 651) for displaying the display image.

In a conventional pachinko machine, it was common to entertain a player by means of variable display effects including visual and auditory display images and sounds (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-345989).

In such conventional gaming machines, there is still a possibility that there is still room for improvement in terms of the construction of devices that provide new enjoyment to players. For example, it is difficult to create a game machine with a machine model-specific or manufacturer-specific personality with only conventional effects, and it is difficult to provide players with new effects and gameplay that are different from conventional ones. there were.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 90, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of giving new enjoyment to the player. That is, by visually recognizing the contact corresponding image through the display image displayed by the image display means, the player can increase the sense of movement with respect to the physical contact means that the player has touched, and the player can utilize the sense of movement. can make the game even more enjoyable.

In addition, in the gaming machine described in feature 90, the movement sensation imparting means may be a movement sensation imparting means for giving a sensation of movement or about to move in a predetermined direction without moving the position. Alternatively, instead of this, it may be a movement sensation imparting means that makes the user feel a force of moving in a predetermined direction without moving the position.

Further, the predetermined direction in which the sense of movement of moving or about to move is caused by the sense of movement imparting means may be a linear direction or a rotating direction.

Further, the moving sensation imparting means may be means for giving a moving sensation by vibrations that generate accelerations of different magnitudes in one direction and the other direction along a predetermined direction. As a result, it is possible to give the player a small feeling different from the feeling that the player feels by the reaction force of the elastic member with respect to the conventional production button. To provide a game machine in which even a player can easily play a game and can easily adjust the magnitude of the feeling.

<Feature 91>
In the gaming machine according to feature 90,
A photographing means (camera device 611) for photographing the storage means,
The image generation means is
generating a display image that is an image captured by the imaging means and that includes the game media stored in the storage means;
The image display means is
Means for displaying a display image including the game media stored in the storage means, provided so as to cover at least a part of the storage means when viewed from a predetermined position where the player's head is positioned. game machine.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 91, at least part of the storage means, which has become invisible due to the provision of the image display means, is compensated for by the display image displayed on the image display means, and at the same time, the virtual object and other virtual images can be displayed at the same time, a new way of enjoying the gaming machine can be realized.

<Feature 92>
In the gaming machine according to feature 90 or feature 91,
The physical contact means are
Provided below the game area,
The image generation means is
A game machine that generates a display image including an expression image that expresses the physical contact means.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 92, the physical contact means is provided at a position that is difficult for the player to visually recognize, and the image display means displays the image of the physical contact means as a representation image, thereby making the physical contact means different from the real thing. It is possible to give the illusion of different things, or to give the illusion of colors and patterns that are different from the real thing.

<Feature 93>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features 90 to 92,
The image generation means is
A gaming machine, wherein the physical contact means generates an image of movement in the one direction.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 93, by displaying an image in which the physical contact means has moved in the same direction as the sense of movement, it is possible to give the player the illusion that the physical contact means has really moved. .

<Feature 94>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features 90 to 93,
A lottery means (main control board 920) that executes a lottery that is established with a predetermined lottery probability when a predetermined lottery condition is satisfied,
The image generation means is
A gaming machine, wherein the contact corresponding image is generated according to the lottery result of the lottery means.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 91, since the contact corresponding image is generated according to the lottery result, the player can enjoy the contact corresponding image according to the lottery result while using the sense of movement.

<Feature 95>
In the gaming machine according to feature 94,
The moving sensation imparting means includes:
A game machine characterized in that whether or not to provide a sense of movement is changed according to the result of the lottery.

According to the gaming machine described in feature 95, the feeling of movement can be given or not depending on the result of the lottery. It is possible to reduce disappointment at the time of winning.

<Feature 96>
In the gaming machine according to feature 94 or 95,
The physical contact means are
A gaming machine characterized in that it is arranged at a predetermined position where a player can physically come into contact with it according to the result of the lottery.

According to the game machine described in feature 96, the physical contact means can be arranged at a predetermined position only when necessary, so the physical contact means will not interfere with the game during normal times when the physical contact means are not used.

<Feature A0>
Operation means (shooting operation device 250) for performing game-related operations by the player;
storage means (storage units 231 and 241 of main storage mechanism 230 and auxiliary storage mechanism 240) for storing game media used in a game;
Physical contact means (physical contact portion 671) that can be arranged at a predetermined position where the player can physically contact;
Movement sensation imparting means (movement sensation imparting unit 675) for causing the player who has come into contact with the physical contact means to feel that the player is moving, is about to move, or is about to move in a predetermined direction. When,
a detection means (detection unit 665) capable of detecting operation information input by a player through an operation using the physical contact means;
A game machine, comprising: privilege giving means (sub-control board 940) for giving a predetermined privilege when a player performs an input operation corresponding to the operation information detected by the detecting means.

In conventional pachinko machines, it was common for players to enjoy the game by producing a variable display including visual and auditory display images and sounds (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-345989). .

In such conventional gaming machines, there is still a possibility that there is still room for improvement in terms of the construction of devices that provide new enjoyment to players.

According to the gaming machine described in feature A0, the physical contact means can be used as an input device, and a sense of movement is added using the physical contact means in addition to the game performed using the game medium in the game area. It is possible to provide a game machine capable of giving a new enjoyment to a player by making it possible to execute a game in which a predetermined privilege is obtained by playing the game.

In addition, in the game machine described in feature A0, the movement sensation imparting means may be a movement sensation imparting means that gives a sensation of movement or about to move in a predetermined direction without moving the position. Alternatively, instead of this, it may be a movement sensation imparting means that makes the user feel a force of moving in a predetermined direction without moving the position.

Further, the moving sensation imparting means may be means for giving a moving sensation by vibrations that generate accelerations of different magnitudes in one direction and the other direction along a predetermined direction. As a result, it is possible to give the player a small feeling different from the feeling that the player feels by the reaction force of the elastic member with respect to the conventional production button. To provide a game machine in which even a player can easily play a game and can easily adjust the magnitude of the feeling.

Further, the predetermined direction in which the sense of movement of moving or about to move is caused by the sense of movement imparting means may be a linear direction or a rotating direction.

Also, the privilege given by the privilege giving means may be a privilege as a game value to which a game value is substantially added for the player, such as a prize ball that can be used in the game, and a special image. It may be a privilege set separately from the game value, such as displaying or increasing the effect that can be executed in the variable display.

<Feature A1>
In the gaming machine according to feature A0,
An image display means (storage display unit 661) for displaying an image is provided,
The detection means is
A gaming machine, wherein it is detected that the physical contact means contacts or approaches the image display means.

According to the gaming machine described in feature A1, it is possible to perform processing by combining the image display means and the physical contact means. It is possible to enhance the operational feeling.

In addition, in the gaming machine described in feature A1, the detection means may have means for detecting a state in which the physical contact means is placed at a predetermined position with respect to the image display means. may have means for detecting movement of the physical contact means.

<Feature A2>
In the gaming machine according to feature A0 or A1,
A photographing means (camera device 611) for photographing the storage means,
The image display means is
Means for displaying a display image including the game media stored in the storage means, provided so as to cover at least a part of the storage means when viewed from a predetermined position where the player's head is positioned. game machine.

According to the gaming machine described in feature A2, the hidden storing means is photographed by the photographing means to allow the player to visually recognize the status of the storing means, and the storing means is arranged in a position that is easy for the player to visually recognize and easy to operate. An input operation using the physical contact means can be performed on the stored display means.

<Feature A3>
In the gaming machine according to feature A2 or feature A3,
The image display means is
A game machine characterized by displaying a movement-corresponding image corresponding to a movement sensation imparted to a player by the movement sensation imparting means.

According to the gaming machine described in feature A3, for example, the image can be changed in accordance with the movement of the physical contact means, and at the same time, a sense of movement can be imparted to the player. can.

<Feature A4>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features A0 to A3,
The privilege granting means is
A game medium with a privilege, on which a prescribed privilege image is displayed when the player enters a prescribed prize-winning slot, is provided with the prescribed privilege by executing an effect in which the player can operate the game medium by an input operation. game machine.

According to the gaming machine described in feature A4, in addition to the normal game, the privilege image is displayed according to whether or not the privilege-attached game medium wins a prize, so it is possible to increase the enjoyment of the player.

<Feature A5>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features A0 to A4,
A gaming machine, wherein the detection means has a strain sensor capable of measuring a strain amount corresponding to a force applied to the physical contact means.

According to the gaming machine described in feature A6, since the force applied by the player can be recognized by the strain sensor, it is possible to perform evaluations and rewards according to the force, thereby expanding the range of games. can.

<Feature A6>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features A0 to A5,
A gaming machine, wherein the detection means has an acceleration sensor for measuring movement of the physical contact means.

According to the gaming machine described in feature A6, since the speed of movement of the player can be recognized, evaluation and benefits can be given according to the speed of movement of the player, thereby expanding the range of games. be able to.

<Feature A7>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features A0 to A6,
The moving sensation imparting means includes:
A gaming machine characterized by increasing or decreasing the sense of movement according to the magnitude of an input operation by a player.

According to the gaming machine described in feature A8, since the feeling of movement can be changed according to the magnitude of the player's input operation, the magnitude of the player's input operation, the necessary remaining input operation, etc. can be expressed as the magnitude of movement sensation, and the width of the game can be expanded.

In addition, in the gaming machine described in feature A7, the magnitude of the input operation may be the magnitude of the operation amount, the magnitude of the operation force, or a combination thereof.

<Feature B0>
Operation means (shooting operation device 250) for performing game-related operations by the player;
storage means (storage units 231 and 241 of main storage mechanism 230 and auxiliary storage mechanism 240) for storing game media used in a game;
an image display means (storage display unit 651) for displaying an image;
detection means (operation unit 652) capable of detecting operation information input by the player to the image display means;
a vibrating means (vibrating section 653) which is provided so as to be contactable with the player and which vibrates the player in a predetermined direction;
vibrating means for giving short-time (shorter than 0.2 seconds, instantaneous, or extremely short-time) vibration to the player in response to detection of operation information input by the player by the detecting means; A game machine characterized by comprising a vibration control section (sub-control board 940) for controlling.

In conventional pachinko machines, it was common for players to enjoy the game by producing a variable display including visual and auditory display images and sounds (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-345989). .

In such a conventional game machine, there is still room for improvement in terms of the structure of the device that gives the player a feeling.

According to the gaming machine described in feature B0, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of giving the player a favorable feeling. The vibration can inform the player that an operation input has been made, and the short-time vibration gives the player the illusion that the operated part has physically moved, and whether or not the physical button has been operated. It is possible to give the player a feeling such as

In addition, in the gaming machine described in feature B1, the vibration by the vibration means may be vibration caused by one moving motion in a predetermined direction, and the vibration means may be an input operation to the image display means. Vibration may be given to the player with the direction along the direction of .

<Feature B1>
In the gaming machine according to feature B0,
The game machine, wherein the vibration means has means for vibrating an image display surface on which the image display means displays an image.

According to the gaming machine described in feature B1, the image display means arranged at a position where the hand of the player who performs the input operation to the image display means can be easily reached can be vibrated. It is easy to set an opportunity to experience the vibration by the vibration means, and the player can be further entertained.

<Feature B2>
In the gaming machine according to feature B0 or feature B1,
The image display means is
means for displaying a display image including the game media stored in the storage means, the image display means being provided so as to cover at least a part of the storage means when viewed from a predetermined position where the player's head is positioned; A gaming machine, wherein the means is means for displaying a display image including an operation input area for a player to input operation information.

According to the gaming machine described in feature B2, by displaying the operation input area (button) as an image and giving vibration to the operation input area, it is possible to strongly give the player the illusion that the button has been pressed. In addition, it is possible to easily check the game media stored in the storage means.

<Feature B3>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features B0 to B2,
The vibration control unit is
When the player's input operation satisfies a specific condition, a vibration pattern that is different from that when the condition is not met and in which at least one of the vibration frequency and the vibration time of the vibration means is changed. A gaming machine characterized by controlling vibration means to apply vibration to a player.

According to the gaming machine described in feature B3, by using a plurality of types of vibration patterns, it is possible to sensuously inform the player of the difference in operation content when the operation content is different. For example, when button images of ``YES'' and ``NO'' are displayed, by changing the vibration pattern between ``YES'' and ``NO'', the player can confirm that there is no operation error.

<Feature B4>
In the gaming machine according to features B0 to B3,
The vibrating means is
A physical contact means that can be placed at a predetermined position with which a player can physically contact;
The detection means is
A gaming machine, wherein operation information input by a player can be detected using the physical contact means.

According to the gaming machine described in feature B4, it is possible to perform an input operation using physical contact means instead of the player's own hand. By enabling the input operation with the physical contact means, the relationship between the game and the input operation can be strengthened, and the game can be enjoyed more.

<Feature B5>
In the gaming machine according to features B0 to B4,
The detection means is
A gaming machine, wherein operation information input by a player can be detected by detecting a state in which the physical contact means touches or approaches a display image of a game medium stored in the storage means.

According to the gaming machine described in feature B5, it is possible to make it easy to understand whether or not there is an operation in relation to the stored image processing means.

<Feature B6>
In the gaming machine according to features B0 to B5,
The physical contact means are
A means (actuator) capable of generating a plurality of types of vibrations that generate vibrations at different frequencies in the positive direction and the opposite direction along a predetermined direction,
The game machine, wherein the vibration means selectively generates a part of the plurality of kinds of vibrations.

According to the gaming machine described in feature B7, the movement sensation imparting means and the vibration means can be shared by one physical contact means, so that the configuration can be simplified.

<Feature C0>
Operation means (shooting operation device 750) for performing game-related operations by the player;
a shooting device for shooting a game medium into the game area in response to an operation on the operation means;
The operating means are
a displacement operation unit (shooting handle 752) that is displaced when a player performs a displacement operation and holds the displaced position;
a displacement information output unit (variable resistor 253) capable of movably supporting the displacement operation unit and outputting information (or a signal) corresponding to the amount of displacement of the displacement operation unit;
contact detection means (contact sensor 254) for detecting contact of the player;
The player who operates the displacement operation part is made to feel the movement along the displacement direction of the displacement operation part, that is, moving in a predetermined direction in which the firing force becomes small, or about to move. Movement sensation imparting means (movement sensation imparting unit 755);
A gaming machine comprising a sensation control section (shooting control section 963) that controls the movement sensation imparting means.

A rotary type is widely used as a shooting operation device in a conventional pinball game machine. This rotary type shooting operation device incorporates an elastic member such as a spring so that when the player releases the handle, the handle returns to the initial position (for example, JP-A-2006-345989). Gazette).

In such gaming machines, it is possible that there is still room for improvement with respect to the structure of the operating section that is operated by the player when playing a game.

According to the gaming machine described in feature C0, it is possible to provide a gaming machine having operation means suitable for the player. That is, it is possible to facilitate the operation of the displacement operation part and to easily hold the displacement operation part at a fixed position so that the position of the operation means will not be displaced even if the player loosens his or her hand after positioning the displacement operation part. By providing a sense of movement, it is possible to provide the player with a favorable feeling of operation.

<Feature C1>
In the gaming machine according to feature C0,
The sensory control unit
A gaming machine characterized in that the motion sensation imparting means is operated to impart a sense of movement only when the contact means detects the contact of the player.

According to the gaming machine described in feature C1, a feeling of movement is imparted only when the player is playing a game, thereby avoiding a situation in which the displacement operation part moves while the player is not operating. be able to.

<Feature C2>
In the gaming machine according to feature C0 or C1,
The displacement operation unit is configured to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions,
The movement sensation imparting means changes the intensity of the player's feeling of movement in the predetermined direction not according to the absolute position of the displacement operation section, but according to the presence or absence of the displacement operation of the displacement operation section. A game machine characterized by

According to the gaming machine described in feature C2, even if the player holds the displacement operation part at a fixed position, the feeling of movement changes. It can be made more difficult to get tired.

<Feature C3>
In the gaming machine according to feature C1 or feature C2,
A plurality of finger hook portions formed in the same size as finger hook portions (finger hook portions 753) for hooking the player's fingers are provided on the displacement operation portion at predetermined intervals over the entire circumference. A game machine characterized by

According to the gaming machine described in feature C3, even if the position of the displacement operation part is displaced, the same operation can be performed by putting a finger on another finger hooking part, so the displacement operation part is purposely returned to the initial position. The function can be omitted, and the operating means can be configured at low cost.

<Feature C4>
In the gaming machine according to features C0 to C3,
The game machine, wherein the movement sensation imparting means makes the player feel a movement sensation in one direction opposite to a moving direction when an operation for increasing the firing force of the shooting means is performed.

According to the gaming machine described in feature C4, it is possible to facilitate fine adjustment of the firing force of the firing means by using the sense of movement.

<Feature C5>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C4,
The sensory control unit
The movement sensation imparting means is configured to impart a greater movement sensation in a predetermined displacing operation state in which the player displaces the displacement operation section than in a predetermined displacement stop state in which the player does not displace the displacement operation section. A game machine characterized by controlling.

According to the gaming machine described in feature C5, in a predetermined displacing operation state in which the displacing operation part is displaced, the feeling of movement is used instead of the reaction force in a normal gaming machine, and the player does not feel uncomfortable. In a predetermined non-displacement state in which the displacement operation part is not displaced, the feeling of movement is reduced, the position of the displacement operation part can be easily held, and the player can be relaxed.

<Feature C6>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C5,
The sensory control unit
The displacement acceleration (rotational acceleration) of the displacement operation part is monitored, and the movement is performed so as to give a maximum (or maximum momentary maximum) movement sensation in a predetermined displacement acceleration state in which the displacement acceleration occurs. A game machine characterized by controlling a sensation imparting means.

According to the game machine described in feature C6, when the player starts displacing the displacement operation part, the maximum feeling of movement can be quickly imparted, and the reaction force is different from the reaction force of a normal game machine. It is possible to realize a firing operation with excellent operability using.

<Feature C7>
In the gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C6,
The sensory control unit
A gaming machine characterized in that the displacement acceleration (rotational acceleration) of the displacement operating portion is monitored, and when the displacement acceleration is not detected for a predetermined period of time, the movement sensation imparting means is controlled such that the movement sensation gradually decreases. .

According to the gaming machine described in feature C7,
When the player has not displaced the displacement operation part for a predetermined time, the player can be relaxed by gradually reducing the sense of movement.

<Feature C8>
In the gaming machine according to features C1 to C7,
The sensation control unit controls the movement sensation imparting means so as to impart to the player a sensation of movement that is intermittently generated in a predetermined direction when a predetermined generation condition is satisfied. game machine.

According to the gaming machine described in feature C8, the situation in which the predetermined occurrence condition is established can be easily recognized while the player continues the shooting operation, and the action corresponding to the occurrence condition can be executed. can be urged to the player.

In addition, in the gaming machine according to feature C8, the predetermined generation condition is that the number of game media stored in the storage means for storing game media used in the game is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, and the game ball is fired. In this case, the player can be urged to quickly replenish additional game balls.

Also, during a certain period of time when the player starts the shooting operation, a sense of continuous movement is given in a certain direction, and a predetermined occurrence condition is established in a situation where the player's displacement operation is not detected for a certain period of time or more. In this case, it is preferable to give a sense of movement intermittently in the fixed direction or in the opposite direction, and the function to convey to the player that an operation other than the shooting operation is required is added to the shooting operation. It can be added in a form that can be easily transmitted to the player at a low cost by using a movement sensation imparting means that generates a sensation of easing.

Note that at least one of the features 10 to C8 may be applied in combination with any other feature or a plurality of other features. The basic configuration of a gaming machine to which each of the features described above can be applied is shown below.

Pachinko machine: a shooting operation means operated by a player, a game ball shooting means for shooting game balls based on the operation of the shooting operation means, a passage section for guiding the shot game balls to a predetermined game area, This game machine is provided with game parts arranged in a game area, and gives a privilege to a player when a game ball passes through a predetermined passing part of the game parts.

Spindle-type game machine such as slot machine: The rotation of the rotating body is started based on the operation of the start operation means, the rotation of the rotating body is stopped based on the operation of the stop operation means, and the player responds to the pattern after the stop. A game machine that gives benefits to

As described above, the present invention is suitable for game machines such as pinball game machines.

100, 1100, 2100, 3100, 4100, 5100, 6100, 7100, 8100: pachinko machine, 230: main storage mechanism, 231, 241: storage section, 240: auxiliary storage mechanism, 400: game board, 601, 651, 661 : storage display unit 603A, 603B: character image 611, 612, 612X: camera device 621, 631, 641, 671: physical contact unit 623, 633: storage room 645, 675: movement sensation imparting unit 653 : vibration part, 665: detection part, 920: main control board, 940: sub control board, 963: launch control part

Claims (1)

A gaming machine for playing games using gaming media,
an operation means for performing game-related operations by a player;
storage means for storing game media used in a game;
lottery means for executing a lottery that is established with a predetermined lottery probability when a predetermined lottery condition is met;
and contact receiving means that can be placed at a predetermined position where the player can contact,
The contacted means is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position moved along the predetermined direction with respect to the first position, and based on a lottery result by the lottery means, It is possible to generate vibration in a vibration pattern determined from two or more types of vibration patterns, and in a state in which a part of the hand of the player is in contact with the contact means, vibration according to the vibration pattern. It is configured so that the feeling of is transmitted to the player,
A moving mechanism capable of moving a predetermined object in the one direction and the opposite direction along the predetermined direction is provided for the contacted means. It is configured to be able to give the player a feeling that the contacted means moves in a direction while vibrating,
As the vibration pattern, the contacting means vibrates during the movement, and the movement of the contacting means is detected by a detection means capable of detecting the movement of the contacting means, and the contacting means stops after the movement. A gaming machine characterized by being provided with control for continuing vibration even in a situation.

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