JP4894305B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine where a player easily judges whether sufficient game balls are reserved in the case of starting one game time in the game machine which is provided with take-in devices which take in game balls reserved in a ball tray and which take predetermined two or more game balls in the case of starting the one game time. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine is provided with a reel device variably displaying patterns, and variable display the patterns by the reel device is started by taking in of the predetermined number of game balls reserved in an upper tray 151 by the take-in devices 301 to 303 and operating of a start lever. In this case, between a transparent panel which makes variable display of the patterns visible and an upper plate 151, a horizontally long window part is provided. Moreover, on the deep side of the horizontally long window part, a fluorescent tube 554 is provided. Then, not only the horizontally long window part but also the entrance paths 305 to 307 of the take-in devices 301 to 303 are irradiated with light from the fluorescence tube 554. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  As this type of gaming machine, there is known a ball-use spinning machine that uses a game ball as a game medium and can play a game similar to a so-called slot machine (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This gaming machine includes a ball tray that stores game balls and a take-in device that takes in the stored game balls. Then, after a predetermined number of game balls are taken in by the take-in device, one game turn is started by operating the start lever. At this time, the rotation of the reel in the reel device is started with the start of the game. Thereafter, the rotation of the reel is stopped in accordance with the pressing operation of the stop button by the player, and one game round is completed. In this case, game balls are paid out according to the display pattern when the reels are stopped.

  The above-mentioned ball-use spinning game machine includes a take-in device for taking in game balls, and the game balls stored in the ball tray are introduced into the take-in device. The take-in device is provided with a take-in passage through which the introduced game ball flows down, and a gate that prevents or allows the game ball to pass through the take-in passage when driven by an electric actuator or the like. Then, at the start of one game round, the gate allows the game balls to pass through the take-in passage, and a predetermined number of game balls pass through the take-in passage. That is, a predetermined number of game balls are taken into the take-in device.

In such a configuration, whether or not there are enough game balls to start one game turn is determined by visually observing the game balls stored in the ball tray. In this case, it is necessary to set a bet for each game time in the ball-cylinder spinning machine, as in the slot machine. In a trunk game machine, a plurality of game balls are set as one bet, so that the number of game media increases when a valuable value equivalent to that of a slot machine is taken in during a game. Therefore, it is difficult for the player to determine whether there are enough game balls to start one game round. Therefore, there are inconveniences such as stopping the game or performing a new lending operation even though enough game balls are stored in the ball tray to start one game round. May suffer disadvantages.
JP 2005-118487 A

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that allows a player to easily determine whether or not sufficient gaming balls are stored. To do.

The invention according to claim 1 is a ball tray that is provided in the front portion of the gaming machine and stores a game ball,
A take-in device for taking in game balls stored in a ball tray;
A blocking permission member that is provided in the capturing device and blocks or allows the game ball to be captured;
Optical detection means for detecting a game ball permitted to be taken in by the blocking permission member;
With
In the gaming machine in which the blocking permission member is driven to block the loading when at least a prescribed number of gaming balls are loaded after allowing the loading at the start of one game round,
An alignment passage is provided in at least one of the ball tray or the take-in device, and ends at a position where the take-in is blocked by the blocking permission member, and aligns the stored game balls toward the blocking permission member. ,
Forming the alignment passage so that the aligned game balls are visible from the front side of the gaming machine;
Specific illumination means for illuminating the alignment passage so that a specific area upstream of the specified number of game balls from the position of the blocking permission member in the alignment passage is illuminated and the upstream and downstream sides are not illuminated. It is provided.

According to the present invention, it is possible for a player to easily determine whether or not sufficient game balls are stored.

First, invention groups that can be extracted from the present embodiment are shown as means n (n = 1, 2, 3,...), And will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for easy understanding, the corresponding configuration in the embodiment of the invention is appropriately shown in parentheses, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses.

Means 1. A ball tray (upper plate 151) that is provided in the front portion of the gaming machine and stores game balls;
A take-in device (take-in devices 301 to 303) for taking in game balls stored in a ball tray;
A gate (capture gate member 320) that is provided in the capture device and prevents or allows the game ball to be captured;
In the gaming machine in which the gate is driven to prevent the take-up when at least a prescribed number of game balls have been taken in after allowing the take-in at the start of one game round,
Alignment passages (guide passages 171 to 173) that are provided in at least one of the ball tray or the take-in device and end at a position where the take-in is prevented by the gate and align the stored game balls toward the gate. , Inlet passages 305-307),
Forming the alignment passage so that the aligned game balls are visible from the front side of the gaming machine;
The specific illumination means (of the upper cover plate 157) illuminates the alignment passage so that the specific position upstream of the specified number of game balls from the position of the gate in the alignment passage is illuminated and the upstream side is not illuminated. A gaming machine comprising a transparent area TA and a fluorescent tube 554).

In the gaming machine of the means 1, at the start of one game round, at least a prescribed number of game balls are taken in by the take-in device. In addition, since the alignment passage for aligning the game balls stored in the ball tray toward the gate is provided, the game balls can be taken in smoothly. In such a configuration, the game balls aligned in the alignment passage are visible from the front side of the gaming machine, and a specified number of game balls from the position of the gate in the alignment passage (position of the end of the alignment passage) by the specific illumination means. The specific position on the upstream side is illuminated, and the upstream side is not illuminated. Therefore, the player can easily determine whether or not there is a specified number of game balls by visually checking whether or not there is a game ball at the illuminated specific position. For example, in a configuration in which the start of one game round is allowed by taking in a specified number of game balls, the game is stopped even though sufficient game balls are stored at the start of one game round. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconvenience such as trapping or a new lending operation.

Mean 2. Means 1 comprises bet number setting means (bet switch 38) operated to set the bet number for each game, and the prescribed number is set as the number of game balls for one bet,
A gaming machine, wherein the take-in devices are arranged in parallel for the maximum number of bets that can be set in one game round, and the alignment passage is provided for each take-in device.

According to the means 2, the number of bets for one game is set by operating the betting number setting means. In such a configuration, as many capture devices as possible can be set in one game round. Thereby, by taking in a predetermined number of game balls simultaneously by each take-in device, the game balls for the maximum number of bets are taken in quickly, and the time required for taking in the game balls can be shortened. In this case, an alignment passage is provided for each take-in device, and a specific position is illuminated by the specific illumination means in each alignment passage, and the upstream side is not illuminated. Therefore, it is possible for the player to easily determine whether or not there are as many game balls as the maximum number of bets by visually checking whether or not there are game balls at a specific position illuminated by the specific lighting means. In addition, regarding one take-in device, by visually checking whether or not there is a game ball at a specific position illuminated by the specific illumination means in one alignment passage, it is determined whether or not there are game balls for one bet. It can be easily judged. From the above, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconveniences such as stopping a game or performing a new lending operation even when sufficient game balls are stored at the start of one game round. .

In addition, in this structure, the said effect can be acquired, aiming at the simplification of a structure by setting it as the structure which uses one specific illumination means with respect to several alignment channel | paths.

Means 3. The means 1 is configured to allow the start of a game when a specified multiple of the specified number of game balls are taken in,
A gaming machine characterized in that the take-in devices are arranged in parallel for the specific number, and the alignment passage is provided for each take-in device.

According to the means 3, in a configuration in which the start of the game is allowed when a specified number of specific multiple times of game balls are taken in, a plurality of take-in devices are arranged in parallel. Thereby, by taking in a predetermined number of game balls simultaneously by each take-in device, the number of game balls necessary for the start of the game is quickly taken in, and the time required for taking in the game balls is shortened. . In this case, an alignment passage is provided for each take-in device, and a specific position is illuminated by the specific illumination means in each alignment passage, and the upstream side is not illuminated. Therefore, it is easy for the player to determine whether or not there are as many game balls as necessary to start the game by visually checking whether or not there is a game ball at a specific position illuminated by the specific lighting means in each alignment passage. Can be judged. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconveniences such as stopping the game or performing a new lending operation even when sufficient game balls are stored at the start of one game round.

In addition, in this structure, the said effect can be acquired, aiming at the simplification of a structure by setting it as the structure which uses one specific illumination means with respect to several alignment channel | paths.

Means 4. In any one of the means 1 to 3, the specific illuminating means includes a light emitting means (fluorescent tube 554) that emits light toward the alignment passage, and the specific position is illuminated so that the upstream side is not illuminated. The game machine is characterized by further comprising irradiation range restricting means (transparent area TA of the upper cover plate 157) for restricting the light irradiation range by the light emitting means.

According to the means 4, the irradiation range restricting means restricts the irradiation range of the light from the light emitting means, so that the specific position in the alignment passage is illuminated and the upstream side is not illuminated. With such a configuration, the alignment passage is illuminated as described above even if a light emitting means having a wide irradiation range is provided. Therefore, the degree of freedom in selecting the light emitting means is increased, and a general-purpose light emitting means can be used as the specific illumination means.

Means 5. In means 4, a picture display device (reel device 503) for variably displaying a picture, and a window portion (transparent panel 13) provided above the ball tray on the front part of the gaming machine and making the variable display of the picture visible. A start operation means (start lever 33) operated to start variable display of the picture, and stop operation means (stop switches 35 to 37) operated to stop variable display of the picture,
When a predetermined number of game balls are taken in by the take-in device and the start operation means is operated, variable display of the picture is started, and according to the stop picture after the stop operation means is operated A configuration in which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the ball tray,
The ball tray and the take-in device are arranged so that the alignment passage is on the back side of the window portion,
Between the rear end portion of the ball tray and the window portion, an opening space to the back side of the gaming machine front body (door block 4) constituting the gaming machine front portion is not formed between the two. A shielding body (upper cover plate 157) for shielding is provided,
A gaming machine characterized in that the light emitting means is provided above the shield, and the irradiation range restricting means is formed on the shield.

In the gaming machine of means 5, when a predetermined number of game balls are taken in by the take-in device and the start operation means is operated, variable display of the picture on the picture display device is started. Then, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the ball tray according to the stop picture after the operation of the stop operation means. In this case, since the ball tray and the capture device are arranged so that the alignment passage is located behind the window portion, there is an act of trying to insert a fraudulent jig into the capture device through the alignment passage. It becomes difficult to do. Thereby, it is possible to suppress an act of illegally starting a game by inserting a fraudulent jig into the take-in device and actually taking in a game ball. Further, since the shield is provided, it is shielded so that an open space to the back side of the front face of the gaming machine is not formed between the back end of the ball tray and the window. Thereby, it is possible to suppress an act of cheating by inserting a fraudulent jig from between the two into the back side of the front body of the gaming machine.

In the above configuration, the light emitting means is provided above the shield, and the irradiation range regulating means is further formed on the shield. That is, the function of suppressing the fraud as described above and the function as the irradiation range restricting unit are combined in the shield, and the configuration can be simplified.

The “predetermined number” may be the same as the specified number. Moreover, it does not need to be the same as the prescribed number. As such a case, a case where a plurality of capture devices are arranged in parallel like the above-described means 2 and 3 is conceivable.

Means 6. In the means 5, the window portion and the ball tray are arranged apart from each other in the vertical direction, and are located on the near side of the alignment passage between the window portion and the ball tray in the front portion of the gaming machine. While providing a receding wall part (laterally long window part 50) that receded from the window part,
Arranging the shield so that an open space to the back side of the gaming machine front body is not formed between the receding wall and the back end of the ball tray,
Furthermore, at least a part of the receding wall is formed of a transparent material,
Provided with a display means (panel 559) for displaying decoration or game information on a portion made of a transparent material of the receding wall portion made of a material capable of transmitting light of the light emitting means,
A gaming machine, wherein the light emitting means is arranged so as to emit light from the back side of the display means.

Since the gaming machine is characterized by stopping the desired picture by operating the stop operation means while visually recognizing the variable display of the picture, the height of the player's eyes is the height of the window. It is common. In this case, according to the means 6, the window portion is not extended right above the ball tray, but a receding wall portion that is retracted from the window portion is provided between the window portion and the ball tray. Therefore, the visibility to the alignment passage can be secured. Further, since the receding wall portion is on the near side of the alignment passage, the state where the alignment passage is disposed at the back position is maintained, and the effect of suppressing the fraud is not lost.

Further, according to this configuration, the light emitting means functions as a backlight for decoration or game information displayed at the position of the receding wall. Therefore, decoration or game information can be brightly illuminated, and further, a decoration effect can be given. Further, as described above, the alignment path is illuminated by the light from the light emitting means, and it can be easily determined whether or not there is a prescribed number of game balls. That is, both functions can be shared by one light emitting means, and the structure can be simplified as compared with the structure in which the light emitting means is provided for each function.

The “display means” may be integrated with the receding wall portion such as ink directly applied to a portion formed of the transparent material of the receding wall portion, and is given decoration or game information. It may be separate from the receding wall, such as a panel. Moreover, in a separate structure, the structure affixed directly on the receding wall part may be sufficient, and the structure provided apart from the receding wall part may be sufficient.

Mean 7 In the means 4, a cover body is provided which is made of a transparent material and covers the upper part of the bottom surface of the alignment passage to prevent the game balls from being stacked in the alignment passage.
A gaming machine, wherein the light emitting means is provided above the cover body, and the irradiation range restricting means is formed on the cover body.

According to the means 7, the provision of the cover body prevents the game balls from being stacked in the alignment passage. Thereby, a game ball flows down smoothly in the alignment path. In addition, since the cover body is formed of a transparent material, the gaming balls on the bottom surface of the alignment passage can be visually recognized from the front side of the gaming machines in the configuration in which the gaming balls are prevented from being stacked as described above.

In such a configuration, the light emitting means is provided above the cover body, and the irradiation range restricting means is further formed on the cover body. That is, the function of preventing the game balls from being stacked on the cover body as described above and the function as the irradiation range regulating means are combined, and the configuration can be simplified.

Means 8. A gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 7, wherein the specific position is illuminated by the specific lighting means while the power of the gaming machine is on.

According to the means 8, it is possible to easily determine whether or not a predetermined number of game balls are always present in the alignment path under a situation where a game is possible.

In the configuration provided with the above means 4, the power of the gaming machine is turned on by “providing that the light emitting means is supplied with light emission while the power of the gaming machine is on”. A specific position can always be illuminated while it is turned on.

Means 9. A gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 7, further comprising illumination control means for controlling the specific illumination means so that the specific position is illuminated for a predetermined period after the end of at least one game.

According to the means 9, it is possible to easily determine whether or not there is a prescribed number of game balls in the alignment path for a predetermined period after the end of one game round.

Means 10. In any one of the means 1 to 9, the specific illumination means illuminates a specific range from the position of the gate to the specific position in the alignment passage.

According to the means 10, the player determines whether or not there is a prescribed number of game balls by visually checking whether or not the game balls are filled in a specific range illuminated by the specific lighting means in the alignment passage. can do. Therefore, such a determination can be made more easily. Moreover, according to this structure, all the game balls waiting in the alignment path can be easily visually recognized.

In the configuration including the above means 4, the “irradiation range restriction means regulates the light irradiation range by the light emitting means so that the specific range from the gate position to the specific position in the alignment path is illuminated. To be configured.

Means 11. A game characterized in that in any one of the means 1 to 10, a step portion (step portion 310) is provided so as to form a step shape from the position of the gate to the specific position and upstream thereof. Machine.

According to the means 11, since it has a stepped shape up to the specific position and upstream thereof, the boundary between the part illuminated by the specific illumination means and the part not illuminated is clarified. Accordingly, even if a light source with a narrow irradiation range is not used, that is, even if a general-purpose light source is used, it is easy to configure so that the specific position is illuminated and the upstream side is not illuminated. Further, according to this configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a specified number of game balls based on not only the illumination from the specific illumination means but also the step shape, and this determination can be made more easily. .

Note that the direction of “stepped” includes not only the vertical direction but also the horizontal direction. Moreover, the diagonal direction may be sufficient.

Means 12. In the means 11, the gate is made up and down with respect to the end of the alignment passage, thereby making it an intruding piece (incorporating gate member 320) that prevents or allows the uptake.
A gaming machine, wherein when the specified number of game balls are taken in after being immersed in the terminal, the protruding and retracting piece is driven to protrude with respect to the terminal.

According to the means 12, the taking-in / out piece is prevented from being allowed or allowed to be allowed in / out from the end of the alignment passage. Then, when a specified number of game balls are taken in after being immersed in the terminal, the protruding and retracting piece is driven so as to protrude from the terminal. As a result, a specified number of game balls are taken in quickly.

In this case, the length of the passage from the stepped portion to the position of the appearing piece (hereinafter also referred to as a standby passage length) is set so that a prescribed number of game balls can wait. Therefore, when a transition to a state in which the taking-in of the game ball by the take-in device is permitted, a prescribed number of game balls and the game balls on the downstream side are separated. Therefore, by using the separated distance to project the protruding and appearing pieces, it is possible to reliably prevent the game ball from being taken in when the prescribed number of game balls have been taken in.

Means 13. The gaming machine according to claim 12, wherein the stepped portion is formed so that the downstream side of the stepped portion is lower than the upstream side.

According to the means 13, the momentum of the game ball flowing toward the gate is always absorbed at a specific position on the bottom surface of the alignment passage. As a result, the specified number of game balls and the subsequent game balls are largely separated from each other, so that when the specified number of game balls have been captured, the game ball can be reliably prevented from being captured.

Means 14. In any one of means 1 to 13, forming at least part of the alignment passage in the take-in device,
The take-in device is arranged side by side with respect to the ball tray, and the gaming machine structure (cover member 152) located above the bottom surface (bottom surfaces 305a to 307a) of the alignment passage formed in the take-in device is transparent. A gaming machine characterized by being made of material.

According to the means 14, since at least a part of the alignment passage is formed in the take-in device, the game balls arranged in the take-in device are taken in when the game balls are taken in. Therefore, the game ball can be taken in smoothly. In this case, since the take-in device is arranged side by side with respect to the ball tray, and the gaming machine component located above the bottom surface of the alignment passage formed in the take-in device is formed of a transparent material, the front side of the game machine The game balls in the alignment passage can be viewed from the side.

Means 15. In the means 14, the capture device includes a housing (housing 311 and 312) in which at least a part of the alignment passage is formed and the gate is accommodated.
Opening the housing upward so that the bottom surface of the alignment passage is exposed to the outside of the housing;
The gaming machine component is a cover body (cover member 152) that covers the open upper side of the alignment passage in order to prevent game balls from being stacked in the alignment passage formed in the take-in device. To play.

According to the means 15, the housing is opened upward so that the bottom surface of the alignment passage formed in the capture device is exposed to the outside of the housing, and the cover body covering the open side of the top surface is formed of a transparent material. Therefore, the alignment passage formed in the take-in device can be visually recognized from the front side of the gaming machine.

In addition, since a predetermined number of game balls are taken in each time the game is taken in, the number of game balls passing through the alignment passage is relatively large when a game is performed. Therefore, dust or the like tends to accumulate on the bottom surface of the alignment passage. And when dust etc. accumulate, there exists a possibility that passage of the game ball of an alignment path may be inhibited. In addition, dust or the like may accumulate on the gate side and cause malfunction of the gate. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically clean the bottom surface of the alignment passage. Under such circumstances, as described above, the bottom surface of the alignment passage is exposed to the outside of the housing by opening the housing upward. Therefore, the bottom surface of the alignment passage can be easily cleaned by removing the take-in device from the gaming machine, and the workability of maintenance of the alignment passage can be improved.

Further, in the configuration in which the bottom surface of the alignment passage is exposed to the outside of the housing, the cover body is provided, so that it is possible to prevent the game balls from being stacked in the alignment passage at a normal time not during maintenance. Thereby, a game ball flows down smoothly in the alignment path.

It should be noted that “preventing stacking of game balls” can be realized by making the height dimension of the alignment passage less than two game balls by the cover body.

Means 16. In any one of the means 1 to 15, the detection means (ball detection sensors 201 to 204) provided in at least one of the ball tray or the take-in device and detecting a game ball at the provided position;
Illumination color changing means (illumination color changing unit 590, illumination color switching processing of display control device 506) for changing the color of light illuminating the alignment passage based on the detection result of the detecting means Machine.

According to the means 16, since the color of the light that illuminates the bottom surface of the alignment passage is changed based on the detection result of the detection means, the suggestion according to the storage state of the game balls can be made by the color of the light. For example, when a detection means is provided at a position upstream from the gate position for a plurality of game balls that are multiple times the specified number, and the game ball is detected by the detection means over a predetermined period of time. A configuration in which the color of the illuminating light is changed to a specific color is conceivable. In this case, it is possible to indicate to the player that there are a plurality of game balls that are multiple times the specified number. And since this suggestion is made by the color of the light that illuminates the alignment passage, the configuration can be simplified compared to a configuration in which means for separately illuminating is provided.

As the “illumination color changing means”, a configuration in which a multicolor light emitting type LED is provided as the light source of the specific lighting means, and the illumination color changing means changes the light emission color of the LED according to the detection result of the detecting means. .

In addition to such a configuration, a disk (disk 591) in which light transmissive films (light transmissive films F1, F2, and F3) of different colors are attached in a circumferential direction and a rotation for driving the disk to rotate. A configuration in which driving means (stepping motor 595) is provided is conceivable. Specifically, the disk is formed with a shaft portion (shaft portion 592) serving as a rotation axis at the center thereof, and frame portions (frame portions 593a to 593c) extending radially from the shaft portion are seen at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction. A plurality are formed. Then, a light transmissive film is attached so as to close the opening between the frame portions. In this case, the color of the light transmissive film is made different between the frame portions. The disk having such a structure is disposed so that the film surface faces the bottom surface of the alignment passage, and the light source of the specific illumination means is provided above the disk so as to illuminate only one light transmissive film provided on the disk. And according to the detection result of a detection means, a disk is rotationally driven by a rotation drive means, and the light transmissive film illuminated by the light source of a specific illumination means is changed. Thereby, the illumination color changing means can be provided with a relatively simple configuration. In particular, in the configuration provided with the means 6, the color of the light for illuminating the alignment passage can be appropriately changed while always irradiating the display means with the same color light.

Means 17. In any one of the means 1 to 16, a picture display device (reel device 503) that variably displays a picture, and a window portion that is provided above the ball tray in the front part of the gaming machine and that allows the variable display of the picture to be visually recognized. (Transparent panel 13), start operation means (start lever 33) operated to start variable display of the picture, and stop operation means (stop switches 35 to 37) operated to stop variable display of the picture. )
When a predetermined number of game balls are taken in by the take-in device and the start operation means is operated, variable display of the picture is started, and according to the stop picture after the stop operation means is operated A gaming machine configured to pay out a predetermined number of game balls to the ball tray.

The present invention is preferably applied to a gaming machine including a start operation means and a stop operation means that are actively operated by a player.

The “predetermined number” may be the same as the specified number. Moreover, it does not need to be the same as the prescribed number. As such a case, a case where a plurality of capture devices are arranged in parallel like the above-described means 2 and 3 is conceivable.

Means 18. A ball tray (upper plate 151) that is provided in the front portion of the gaming machine and stores game balls;
A take-in device (take-in device 301 to 303) that has a gate (take-in gate member 320) that prevents or allows the take-in of game balls and takes in the game balls stored in the ball tray;
The required number of balls is set in units of the number of bets, and according to the number of bets that are input and set by the player for each game, game balls for the number of bets are loaded through the capturing device. In the gaming machine to
The take-in device is juxtaposed for the maximum number of bets that can be set in one game round,
Furthermore, it is provided in at least one of the ball tray or each of the capture devices corresponding to each of the capture devices, and the position where the capture is prevented by the gate is terminated, and the stored game balls are used as the gate. Alignment passages (guide passages 171 to 173, entrance passages 305 to 307) to be aligned
Each of the aligned passages is formed so that the aligned game balls are visible from the front side of the gaming machine,
Specific lighting means for illuminating each alignment passage so as to illuminate a specific position on the upstream side of the required number of game balls from the position of the gate in each alignment passage and not to illuminate the upstream side more than that. A gaming machine comprising a transparent area TA of a plate 157 and a fluorescent tube 554).

In the gaming machine of means 18, game balls for the number of bets are taken into the take-in device in accordance with one or more bets entered and set by the player. In this case, as many take-up devices as possible can be set in one game round. As a result, the game balls for the maximum number of bets can be taken in quickly by simultaneously taking in the game balls for one bet for each take-in device, and the time required for taking in the game balls can be shortened. In addition, by providing an alignment passage for aligning the game balls toward the gates of the respective capture devices in correspondence with the respective capture devices, the game balls can be taken in smoothly.

In such a configuration, the game balls arranged in each alignment passage can be visually recognized from the front side of the gaming machine, and further, the necessary ball from the position of the gate in each alignment passage (the position of the end of each alignment passage) by the specific illumination means. A specific position on the upstream side of a number of game balls is illuminated, and the upstream side is not illuminated. Therefore, it is possible for the player to easily determine whether or not there is a maximum number of game balls by visually checking whether or not there is a game ball at the illuminated specific position in each alignment passage. . In addition, regarding one take-in device, whether or not there are game balls for one bet is determined by visually checking whether or not there is a game ball at a position illuminated by the specific illumination means in one alignment passage. It can be easily judged. From the above, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconveniences such as stopping a game or performing a new lending operation even when sufficient game balls are stored at the start of one game round. .

Means 19. A ball tray (upper plate 151) that is provided in the front portion of the gaming machine and stores game balls;
A take-in device (take-in device 301 to 303) that has a gate (take-in gate member 320) that prevents or allows the take-in of game balls and takes in the game balls stored in the ball tray;
In a gaming machine in which the start of one game round is allowed when a prescribed number of game balls are taken in by the take-in device,
While arranging a plurality of the capture devices, the specified number is a specific multiple of the number of the capture devices arranged in parallel,
Furthermore, it is provided in at least one of the ball tray or each of the capturing devices corresponding to each of the capturing devices, and the position where the capturing is prevented by the gate is terminated, and the stored game balls are used as the gate. Alignment passages (guide passages 171 to 173, entrance passages 305 to 307) to be aligned
Each of the aligned passages is formed so that the aligned game balls are visible from the front side of the gaming machine,
Specific lighting means for illuminating each alignment passage so as to illuminate a specific position upstream of the specific plurality of game balls from the position of the gate in each alignment passage and not to illuminate the upstream side of the specific position. A gaming machine comprising a transparent area TA of a plate 157 and a fluorescent tube 554).

In the gaming machine of means 19, at the start of one game round, a prescribed number of game balls are taken in by the take-in device. In this case, a plurality of capture devices are arranged in parallel, and the specified number is set to a specific multiple of the number of capture devices arranged in parallel. As a result, a specified number of game balls can be taken in quickly by simultaneously taking in a plurality of specific game balls for each take-in device, and the time required for taking in the game balls can be shortened. In addition, since the alignment passage is provided corresponding to each take-in device, the game balls can be taken in smoothly.

In such a configuration, the game balls aligned in each alignment passage are visible from the front side of the gaming machine, and are further specified from the gate position (position of the end of each alignment passage) in each alignment passage by the specific illumination means. A specific position on the upstream side of a plurality of game balls is illuminated, and the upstream side is not illuminated. Therefore, it is easy for the player to determine whether there is a required number of game balls at the start of one game round by visually checking whether there is a game ball at the illuminated specific position in each alignment passage. Can be judged. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconveniences such as stopping the game or performing a new lending operation even when sufficient game balls are stored at the start of one game round.

The invention of each means can be made more suitable by applying any one of the means 4 to 17 to the means 18 and the means 19.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment relating to a revolving gaming machine using a gaming ball in which a game is played using a gaming ball as a gaming medium will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The gaming machine in the present embodiment requires taking in a game ball (for example, a game ball similar to a pachinko machine: a pachinko ball) as a predetermined number of game media (game value) in the game, and a predetermined condition is satisfied A plurality of game balls, and in some cases, a large number of game balls are paid out. This game machine is supplied with game balls from the same game ball supply system as the pachinko machine in the game hall, etc., and this game is installed in the existing island facility (pachinko island) where the pachinko machine is installed. It is possible to install a machine.

  First, the outline of the external configuration and internal structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described. Here, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the entire gaming machine 1, FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming machine 1, and FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming machine 1. In the following description, unless otherwise noted, directions such as left, right, up and down are described with reference to the state viewed from the front of the gaming machine 1.

  The gaming machine 1 has an outer frame 2 as a main body frame, and a gaming machine main part 3 attached to the outer frame 2 so as to be rotatable forward. The outer frame 2 is configured by connecting wooden plate members to four sides, and has a rectangular shape as a whole. When the gaming machine 1 is installed in the game hall, the outer frame 2 is attached and fixed to the island facility. The outer frame 2 can be made of a metal such as synthetic resin or aluminum.

  The gaming machine main unit 3 includes a door block 4 that is a door body unit, a face change block 5 that is a picture display unit (see FIG. 15), and a payout block 6 that is a payout unit for game balls (see FIG. 3). It is configured. The surface changing block 5 is attached to the back side of the door block 4, and the payout block 6 is attached so as to cover the surface changing block 5 from the back side. The surface changing block 5 and the payout block 6 are rotatably supported by a part of the door block 4, and can be rotated integrally with the door block 4 with respect to the outer frame 2. In contrast, each has a structure that can be individually rotated.

(Description of door block 4)
Next, the door block 4 will be described.

  The door block 4 has substantially the same size (vertical dimension and horizontal dimension) as the outer frame 2, and a symbol visual recognition part that enables visual recognition of a reel symbol, a liquid crystal symbol, etc., which will be described later, by the player during the game A manually operated operation unit, a lower plate unit for storing game balls surplus in the upper plate unit, and the like are provided.

  A viewing window 21 having a substantially trapezoidal shape as a symbol viewing portion is formed in the upper half of the door block 4. A transparent panel 13 made of a flat transparent plate and having substantially the same shape as that of the viewing window 21 is fitted into the viewing window 21, and the inside of the viewing window 21 can be seen through the transparent panel 13. ing. The viewing window 21 is provided in an almost upper half area of the front surface of the door block 4. According to the viewing window 21 configured to be relatively large, an image can be displayed using a large liquid crystal display device. In addition to being able to give a great impact to the player by the effect, the visibility of the symbol of the reel device, which is the main display device of the gaming machine 1, is good.

  On the front side of the door block 4, an enclosure 23 is provided on the left and right side portions and the upper portion of the viewing window 21, and the enclosure portion 23 includes a central lamp portion 24 and a pair of left and right side lamp portions 25. And a speaker unit 26 is provided at the upper right corner and upper left corner of the door block 4. During the game, the lamp units 24 and 25 and the speaker unit 26 perform a lamp effect, a sound effect, and the like according to the game situation each time. In other words, the player is notified of the formation of the winning combination by appropriately changing the light emission color and light emission pattern by the lamp units 24 and 25 or by appropriately changing the sound pattern by the speaker unit 26. Further, it is possible to perform error notification or the like using the lamp units 24 and 25 and the speaker unit 26.

  Below the viewing window 21 is provided an operation unit 30 provided with various operation members operated by the player. The operation unit 30 has a front plate portion 31 which is horizontally long and slightly arcuate as a whole. The front plate portion 31 is provided with a start lever 33 and a stop switch 35 including a triple button. , 36, 37 are provided. In addition, at the upper end portion of the front plate portion 31, the bed switch mounting plate portion protrudes rearward from the front plate portion 31 at a position toward the left side (generally between the start lever 33 and the left stop switch 35). 32 is formed, and a button-like bed switch 38 is attached to the attachment plate portion 32.

  The bet switch 38 allows the player to set a bet (the number of bets), and a predetermined number of game balls stored in the upper plate 151 are taken in by the pushing operation. In the present embodiment, a so-called MAX bet switch is provided as the bet switch 38, and game balls equivalent to 3 bets (for 15 balls) are taken in by an effective one-time pressing operation. The bet switch 38 constitutes an input command means for instructing input of a game ball as an investment value.

  The start lever 33 is an operation member for starting rotation of each reel (rotating body) of the reel device 503 described later, and start operation means operated to start rotation of each reel, that is, to start variable display of symbols. Constitute.

  The stop switches 35 to 37 are provided so as to correspond to the reels to be stopped (left, middle and right three rows of reels), and are operated to stop each of the rotating reels individually. Configure the means. Each of the stop switches 35 to 37 can be stopped when each reel is rotated at a constant speed, and is pressed in this state. Further, while a stop operation is possible, a lamp (not shown) is turned on to notify that the stop operation is possible, and is turned off when the rotation of each reel is stopped.

  An upper plate unit 15 is mounted behind the operation unit 30. The upper plate unit 15 will be described in detail later.

  A horizontally long window portion 50 extending in the left-right direction is provided between the viewing window 21 (transparent panel 13) and the operation unit 30. The horizontally long window portion 50 is located on the back side of the viewing window 21 (transparent panel 13), and the width dimension in the left-right direction is the width dimension in the left-right direction of the viewing window 21 and the width dimension in the left-right direction of the upper plate unit 15. Is slightly shorter. Two small holes 51 and 52 are provided on the right side of the horizontally long window portion 50. The small holes 51 and 52 are holes for exposing operation switches 518 and 519, which will be described later, so that they can be pushed.

  In the door block 4, a bulging portion 70 is formed below the operation portion 30 so that the design shape is continuous with the surrounding portion 23 and the concave portion 61, and is surrounded by the bulging portion 70. A lower tray 71 and an ashtray 72 are formed. A lower dish discharge port 74 and a speaker hole 75 are formed in the back wall portion 73 surrounded by the bulging portion 70. When the game ball is fully stored in the upper plate 151 or its upstream passage and the game ball is paid out from the payout device, or for the game ball stored in the upper plate 151 When the ball removal operation is performed, the game ball is discharged to the lower plate 71 through the lower plate discharge port 74.

  An opening is formed in the bottom of the lower plate 71, and an opening / closing plate 76 is provided in the opening. In addition, a ball punching operation piece 77 for a lower dish is provided at a substantially central portion of the bulging portion 70. The ball removal operation piece 77 is an operation piece for discharging the game balls stored in the lower plate 71 to a ball storage box (a so-called dollar box) placed below the lower plate 71, from the normal position shown in the figure. By operating leftward, the opening / closing plate 76 slides to the open position, and the game balls in the lower plate 71 are discharged. In addition, lower plate lamp portions 78 are provided on the left and right sides of the lower plate 71 in the bulging portion 70.

(Description of the upper plate unit 15)
Next, the upper plate unit 15 will be described. 4 is a perspective view of the upper plate unit 15, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the upper plate unit 15.

  The upper plate unit 15 has an upper plate 151 having a function of temporarily storing a game ball to be taken into a later-described take-in unit, and covers the vicinity of the ball outlet portion on the upper surface side of the upper plate 151. A cover member 152 is attached, and a horizontally long thin plate-like upper cover plate 157 is attached so as to cover a part of the upper plate 151. Further, on the lower surface side of the upper plate 151, a ball operation device 153 operated by a player to obtain a rental ball and a discharge operation transmitted by a player to remove a ball of a take-in unit described later. A device 154 is attached.

(Description of the upper plate 151)
Next, the configuration of the upper plate 151 will be described. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the upper plate 151, and FIG. 7 is a plan view of the upper plate 151.

  The upper plate 151 constitutes a tray member for temporarily storing game balls lent out from the ball lending device of the island facility or game balls paid out from the payout device. The bottom plate portion 161 and its peripheral portion Is formed into a horizontally long bowl shape. A game ball storage area is formed by being surrounded by the bottom plate portion 161 and the peripheral wall portion 162. Of the peripheral wall 162, the back side wall 162a is located on the back side of the transparent panel 13, and the back side wall 162a is provided with a discharge port 163 at a position on the left side when viewed from the front. In addition, the bottom plate portion 161 is provided with an opening 164 at a position on the right side when viewed from the front. In the upper plate 151, the inclination direction of the bottom plate portion 161 is roughly divided into the near side region R1 and the far side region R2, and the near side region R1 is inclined so as to be generally lower toward the far side region R2, The back side region R2 is generally inclined so as to become lower from the discharge port 163 toward the opening 164. Therefore, when a game ball is discharged from the discharge port 163, the game ball finally flows toward the opening 164.

  A concave portion 165 having a concave shape on the back side is formed in the front wall portion of the peripheral wall portion 162, and the bet switch is used when the upper plate unit 15 is assembled to the door block 4 by the concave portion 165. Interference between the mounting plate portion 32 and the upper plate 151 is avoided.

  Two partition portions 167 and 168 that are raised from the bottom plate portion 161 are provided in the rearmost region R <b> 2 of the upper plate 151, and three rows are formed by partitioning the partition portions 167 and 168. The guide passages 171, 172, and 173 are formed. Each of these guide passages 171 to 173 is provided so as to communicate with the opening 164, and constitutes an alignment passage portion for aligning the game balls in each row. Each of the guide passages 171 to 173 has a passage length in which five or more game balls can be aligned. A take-in unit, which will be described later, is located below the opening 164, and the game balls that have passed through the respective guide paths 171 to 173 are introduced into the take-in unit. This will be described later.

  The upper plate 151 is provided with a plurality of ball detection sensors 201 to 204. These ball detection sensors 201 to 204 are configured by flat proximity sensors having small thickness dimensions, and a game ball is detected based on a change state of a magnetic field in a state where the game ball enters the detection range. In more detail regarding this configuration, the ball detection sensors 201 to 204 include a plate-shaped sensor main body, and a detection surface is provided on the upper surface thereof. The sensor body is fixed to the back surface of the bottom plate portion 161 of the upper plate 151 so that the detection surface faces upward. The sensor body detects a change state of the magnetic field in a state where the game ball enters the area corresponding to the detection surface and outputs an electrical signal. In this embodiment, an OFF signal is output when there is no game ball in the area corresponding to the detection surface, and an ON signal is output when there is a game ball in the area. In addition, it is good also as a structure which outputs specific signals, such as an ON signal, only when there is a game ball in the area | region corresponding to a detection surface, without outputting an OFF signal.

  Specifically, the first sphere detection sensor 201 is arranged at a position near the discharge port 163 in the back side region R2 with respect to the arrangement positions of the sphere detection sensors 201 to 204. The second to fourth detection sensors 202 to 204 are arranged at positions upstream of the most downstream portion by five game balls in the guide passages 171 to 173. And each ball | bowl detection sensor 201-204 detects a game ball | bowl in the respectively arrange | positioned position.

  On the front side of the three rows of guide passages 171 to 173, a ball rental operating device installation unit 175 for installing the ball rental operating device 153 and the like is provided. The ball lending operation device installation portion 175 is formed with two left and right circular concave portions 176 and 177 and a rectangular window portion 178.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the rental ball operating device 153 includes an operating device substrate 181 and a base plate 182 for installing the operating device substrate 181, and the operating device substrate 181 is installed on the base plate 182. As a result, a ball rental operating device 153 is configured.

  Here, the ball lending operation device 153 performs the ball lending operation in a state where, for example, bills or cards are inserted into a vertically long card unit (ball lending unit) arranged on the side (for example, the left side) of the gaming machine 1. The card return operation and the effective frequency are confirmed. A ball lending button 183, a return button 184, and a frequency display unit 185 are integrally arranged in parallel on the operation device substrate 181. In this case, the ball lending button 183 is operated to obtain a lending ball based on information recorded on a card (recording medium) or the like, and the lending ball is paid out as long as the remaining amount exists on the card or the like. . The return button 184 is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit. The frequency display portion 185 displays the remaining amount information of the card, the amount of money inserted, and the like.

  In a state where the ball rental operation device installation unit 175 is installed in the ball rental operation device installation unit 175, the frequency display unit 185 can be viewed from the window 178 of the ball rental operation device installation unit 175. Further, when the push button members 186 and 187 are pushed, the ball lending button 183 and the return button 184 are indirectly pushed, and accordingly, the lending of game balls, the return of cards and the like are appropriately performed. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the cover member 152 includes a cover main body 188 and a lower cover body 189 that is assembled in an overlapping manner on the lower surface side of the cover main body 188. Both the cover main body 188 and the lower cover body 189 are formed of a synthetic resin material having transparency such as an acrylic resin or a polycarbonate resin. Circular holes 188a and 189a are formed in the cover main body 188 and the lower cover body 189, respectively. When the cover member 152 is attached to the upper plate 151 in a state where these two members are overlapped with each other, the holes 188a and 189a are provided. The push button members 186 and 187 are exposed through the. Thereby, the push operation of the push button members 186 and 187 is possible. Further, since the cover main body 188 and the lower cover body 189 are each formed of a transparent body, even if the cover member 152 is put on the frequency display portion 185, the frequency display and the like can be visually recognized. Reference numeral 190 denotes a fixing hook portion for fixing the cover member 152 to the upper plate 151.

  The cover member 152 is attached to the upper plate 151 so as to cover the opening 164, a part of each of the guide passages 171 to 173 and the rental ball operating device installation unit 175 from above, and at that time, the cover member 152 The guide passages 171 to 173 also function as passage height regulating members for regulating the dimension in the height direction to approximately one game ball. That is, by attaching the cover member 152 to the upper plate 151, one game ball is taken in each of the guide passages 171 to 173. At this time, since the cover member 152 is made of a transparent body, the lower game balls (game balls passing through the guide passages 171 to 173) are visible.

  As described above, the back side wall portion 162 a of the upper plate 151 is located on the back side with respect to the transparent panel 13. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, which is a side view of the gaming machine 1, the upper plate 151 is arranged so that the entire rear side region R <b> 2 of the upper plate 151 is located on the back side of the transparent panel 13. . As a result, the guide passages 171 to 173 constituting the exit passage of the upper plate 151 are disposed at the back position, and an illegal act of trying to insert a fraudulent tool into the take-in unit via the guide passages 171 to 173 is performed. It can be difficult to do. In this case, a horizontally long window portion 50 is provided between the transparent panel 13 and the upper plate 151 so as to be retracted from the transparent panel 13. And this retreated position is from the virtual line (dotted line of FIG. 8) which connected the viewpoint PV1, PV2, PV3 of the general player who plays a game in the game machine 1, and the back guide passage 173. Is on the back side. Thereby, even from the viewpoint of the player in front of the transparent panel 13, the back side region R <b> 2 of the upper plate 151 such as the guide passages 171 to 173 at the back position can be visually recognized. Further, in the configuration in which the horizontally long window portion 50 is provided so as to be retracted from the transparent panel 13, the horizontally long window portion 50 is positioned on the near side of the guide passages 171 to 173. In other words, the guide passages 171 to 173 are located at the back, and the deterrence preventing effect is not lost.

  The upper cover plate 157 is attached to the upper plate 151 as described above. The upper cover plate 157 is formed of a synthetic resin material having transparency such as an acrylic resin or a polycarbonate resin. With the upper cover plate 157, an upper lid is provided at a portion including the back region R2 of the upper plate 151 (see FIG. 4). The covered portion of the upper plate 151 by the upper cover plate 157 corresponds to a portion where the upper plate 151 is hidden inside the door block 4 when the upper plate unit 15 is mounted on the door block 4. And the upper cover board 157 is contact | abutted in the horizontally long window part 50 and the back surface side, and has shielded between the top plate 151 and the space (inner area | region of the door block 4) inside a game machine. If the portion of the upper plate 151 that has entered the inside of the door block 4 remains open upward, fingers or fraudulent jigs or the like placed from the front side of the upper plate 151 to the back side will open upward on the back side of the upper plate 151. There is a concern that it will be inserted into the gaming machine through the part and illegal activities will be performed inside the gaming machine. In contrast, by providing the upper cover plate 157 as described above, it is possible to suppress fraud by inserting a finger, a fraudulent tool, or the like into the gaming machine through the upper plate 151.

(Description of capture unit 16)
The take-in unit 16 constitutes a take-in means for taking in a predetermined number of game balls based on an operation by the player. Each take-in unit 16 takes in a predetermined number of game balls. The (game) start condition is satisfied, and preparations for starting the game are made.

  9 is a perspective view of the capture unit 16 as viewed from the front side, FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the capture unit 16 as viewed from the rear side, and FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the capture unit 16. The take-in unit 16 is provided with three take-in devices 301, 302, and 303 so as to overlap each other, and the take-up unit 16 has a substantially cubic shape as a whole. In the following description, the capture device 301 located on the near side in FIG. 9 is referred to as “first capture device”, the capture device 302 located in the center is referred to as “second capture device”, and the capture device located on the back side. The device 303 is also referred to as a “third capture device”.

  Entrance passages 305, 306, and 307 are formed on the upper surface of each of the take-in devices 301 to 303, and these entrance passages 305 to 307 constitute a game ball entrance portion in the take-in unit 16. The intake unit 16 is arranged such that the inlet passages 305 to 307 communicate directly with the guide passages 171 to 173 provided in the upper plate 151. Therefore, the game balls supplied from the upper plate 151 are directly guided to the entrance passages 305 to 307. Then, the images are sequentially taken in a line. A coupling case member 308 for coupling them is attached to the side surfaces of the respective capture devices 301 to 303. In the coupling case member 308, a take-in unit relay board 309 that collects the electrical wiring and the like in the take-in unit 16 at a time and can be electrically connected to the main control device or the like is accommodated.

(Description of capture devices 301-303)
Next, the configuration of each of the capture devices 301 to 303 will be described. However, since each of the capture devices 301 to 303 has substantially the same configuration, the third capture device 303 is basically described as an example here. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the take-in device 303, FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the take-in device 303, and FIGS. 14 and 15 are views of the take-in devices 301 to 303 with respect to the upper plate 151. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating positional relationship. In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the vertical and horizontal directions are described in the state shown in FIG.

  The take-in device 303 includes a pair of front and back housing members 311 and 312 made of a synthetic resin molded product. These two housings 311 and 312 are connected by screws or the like to form a substantially square box-shaped housing, and a game ball passage to be described later is formed in the internal space, and an opening / closing gate for opening and closing the passage The mechanism is accommodated. Each housing 311, 312 is molded from a black resin material containing carbon. For convenience of explanation, the housing member 311 is also referred to as a “first housing”, and the housing member 312 is also referred to as a “second housing”.

  The upper walls of the first housing 311 and the second housing 312 are respectively formed with passage walls 313 and 314 that are slightly lower than one game ball, and the two housings 311 and 312 are coupled to face each other. The inlet passage 307 is formed between the passage walls 313 and 314. That is, the upper wall of the entrance passage 307 is removed. With this configuration, the bottom surface 307a of the inlet passage 307 is open upward and exposed to the outside of the housing.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the take-in unit 16 is arranged such that the inlet passages 305 to 307 are positioned below the opening 164 formed in the upper plate 151. As described above, the opening 164 is covered with the cover member 152. Therefore, the open top side of each of the inlet passages 305 to 307 is covered with the cover member 152 as shown in FIG. In this case, the space between the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the entrance passages 305 to 307 and the cover member 152 is approximately one game ball. Thereby, the dimension in the height direction of each of the entrance passages 305 to 307 is generally restricted to one game ball, and the game balls flow down one by one in each of the entrance passages 305 to 307. Further, as described above, the cover member 152 is transparent, and as shown in FIG. 8, the horizontally long window portion 50 is also provided so that the rear side region R2 of the upper plate 151 including the opening 164 can be visually recognized. By being provided to be retreated, the inside of the entrance passages 305 to 307 can be visually recognized.

  The passage length of the entrance passage 307 is five game balls (corresponding to one bed), and the bottom surface 307a is slightly inclined downward toward the left side of FIG. In this case, the entrance passage 307 (inlet passages 305 to 307) is lower than the guide passages 171 to 173 formed in the upper plate 151, as shown in FIG. Specifically, a step portion 310 is provided at a boundary portion between the entrance passages 305 to 307 and the guide passages 171 to 173. The step portion 310 has a height corresponding to approximately one game ball. As a result, the alignment passage made up of the guide passages 171 to 173 and the entrance passages 305 to 307 has a stepped shape in the vertical direction so that the entrance passages 305 to 307 are low. Note that the lower wall portion of the cover member 152 has a stepped shape in accordance with the stepped shape. When the game ball stored in the upper plate 151 is pushed downstream, the load caused by the force with which the game ball comes into contact with the stepped portion forming the stepped shape is absorbed by the stepped portion. . Therefore, it can suppress that this load is transmitted downstream.

  The intake device 303 is provided with an intake passage 315 and a discharge passage 316 so as to be surrounded by the first housing 311 and the second housing 312 on the downstream side of the inlet passage 307. Similar to the entrance passage 307, the intake passage 315 and the discharge passage 316 have passage widths sufficient to allow the game balls to pass in a row. The intake passage 315 is provided continuously to the inlet passage 307 and is formed to bend in the vertical direction in the middle thereof. When a predetermined game start operation is performed by the player, a predetermined number of game balls, which are conditions for starting each game, are taken in through the take-in passage 315. Further, the discharge passage 316 is provided so as to be branched from the bent portion (corner portion) of the intake passage 315 from the intake passage 315. At the time of payment at the end of the game, the game balls remaining on the take-in device 303 and the upper plate 151 are returned to the player through the discharge passage 316 (ie, the upper plate 151 and the like are removed). )

  A take-in gate member 320 is provided on the side of the take-in passage 315 in the housing internal space so as to follow the vertical direction portion of the take-in passage 315. The take-in gate member 320 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 321, and the claw portion 320 a provided at the distal end portion of the take-in gate member 320 is taken in by turning about the support shaft 321. Invade with respect to the passage 315. At this time, a passage notch 322 is formed in the passage wall of the take-in passage 315, and the claw portion 320 a of the take-in gate member 320 goes in and out through the passage notch 322. When the claw portion 320a of the take-in gate member 320 protrudes from the take-in passage 315, the game ball is prevented from passing through the take-in passage 315. Further, when the claw portion 320a of the take-in gate member 320 is immersed in the take-in passage 315, the game ball is allowed to pass through the take-in passage 315.

  In such a case, since the protruding and retracting position of the claw portion 320a of the intake gate member 320 is a position immediately downstream of the corner portion in the intake passage 315, in other words, the passage notch portion 322 is immediately downstream of the corner portion in the intake passage 315. Therefore, in the state where the claw portion 320a of the intake gate member 320 protrudes into the passage (passage prevention state), the game ball flowing to the corner portion of the intake passage 315 is in the intake passage 315. It has a configuration that does not flow into the vertical part.

  A solenoid 325 is disposed in the housing internal space as a drive source for the take-in gate member 320. The solenoid 325 has an output shaft 325a that moves in the expansion / contraction direction when energized. The solenoid 325 is disposed so that the output shaft 325a protrudes downward on the right side of the take-in gate member 320. The output shaft 325a of the solenoid 325 is provided with a coil spring 326 for holding the output shaft 325a in an extended state. The solenoid 325 is fixed to the first housing 311 by a solenoid cover 327.

  A guide 331 is attached to the tip of the solenoid output shaft 325a. A part of the rotating piece 332 is engaged with the guide 331, and the other part of the rotating piece 332 is drivingly connected to the rear end portion of the take-in gate member 320. Reference numeral 333 is a support shaft that is provided substantially at the center of the rotating piece 332 and rotatably supports the rotating piece 332.

  According to this configuration, when the solenoid 325 is not energized, the output shaft 325a is held in an extended state by the urging force of the coil spring 326 as shown, and the claw portion 320a of the take-in gate member 320 is taken in the take-in passage. It is in a state of protruding into 315. Thereby, the intake passage 315 is closed. On the other hand, when the solenoid 325 is energized, the output shaft 325a moves in the contracting direction against the urging force of the coil spring 326. Accordingly, the take-in gate member 320 is turned through the guide 331 and the turning piece 332, and the claw portion 320 a of the take-in gate member 320 is in a state of being retracted outside the take-in passage 315. Thereby, the intake passage 315 is opened. When the energization of the solenoid 325 is stopped, the output shaft 325 a is extended by the urging force of the coil spring 326, and the claw portion 320 a of the take-in gate member 320 returns to the state in which it protrudes into the take-in passage 315.

  On the other hand, through holes 337 and 338 are respectively provided at the inlet positions of the discharge passage 316 in the first and second housings 311 and 312, and the discharge gates pass through the through holes 337 and 338 in the front-rear direction. A member 340 is provided. The discharge gate member 340 is not provided individually to the capture devices 301 to 303 but is provided in common to all the capture devices 301 to 303. Depending on the operating state of the discharge gate member 340, each In the take-in devices 301 to 303, the discharge (ball removal) of the game balls is allowed or prevented at the same time.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the take-in device 303 is provided with a sensor unit 370 that detects the passage of the game ball in the take-in passage 315. This sensor unit 370 constitutes a game ball counting means for counting the number of game balls passing through the take-in passage 315, and includes a known optical sensor composed of a light emitting element and a light receiving element.

  The sensor unit 370 has a substantially U-shape and is assembled so as to straddle the first and second housings 311 and 312. Specifically, the sensor unit 370 includes a sensor body 371 extending in the thickness direction of the take-in device 303, and both ends of the sensor body 371 along the outer wall surfaces of the housings 311 and 312 toward the take-in passage 315. And extending arm portions 372 and 373. A sensor circuit board (not shown) is accommodated in the sensor body 371, and a connector hole 371a for exposing a connector terminal 374 provided on the sensor circuit board to the outside is provided on the back surface of the sensor body 371. Is formed.

  A light emitting element is accommodated in one of the arm portions 372 and 373, and a light receiving element is accommodated in the other. In addition, a pair of upper and lower sensor detection holes 376 are formed at the distal ends of the arm portions 372 and 373 at portions that are inside each other. In this case, two light emitting elements and two light receiving elements are accommodated in the arm portions 372 and 373, respectively, and each of these elements emits and receives light through the sensor detection hole 376. A pair of upper and lower through holes 378 are formed in the first and second housings 311 and 312. When the sensor unit 370 is assembled to each housing 311 and 312 in the housing joined state, each arm portion 372. , 373 are arranged such that the position of the sensor detection hole 376 provided at the front end portion of the housing 311 matches the position of the through hole 378 of each housing 311, 312.

  The game ball taking-in operation of the take-in device 303 having the above configuration will be briefly described. In the initial state of the take-in device 303, the solenoid 325 is not energized, and the claw portion 320 a of the take-in gate member 320 protrudes into the take-in passage 315. Further, since the discharge gate member 340 is in a non-operating state, the inlet of the discharge passage 316 is closed by the discharge gate member 340. In this case, among the game balls that have entered the take-in device 303, the top game ball is held in a state where it hits both the take-in gate member 320 and the discharge gate member 340.

  In the take-in state of the take-in device 303, the claw portion 320a of the take-in gate member 320 is retracted by energization of the solenoid 325. Thereby, the passage of the game ball in the take-in passage 315 is allowed, and the game ball is taken in sequentially. When the game ball is taken in, the game ball that has entered the take-in passage 315 from the entrance passage 307 collides with the discharge gate member 340 in the passage closed state, and the momentum of the flow is reduced by the collision, and then the take-in It flows to the downstream side of the passage 315. At this time, the front and rear game balls flow down in a state of being separated from each other in the intake passage 315, and the passage of the game balls is reliably detected by the sensor unit 370. Then, when the sensor unit 370 detects the passage of game balls equivalent to 1 bed (five), the energization of the solenoid 325 is stopped, and the claw portion 320a of the take-in gate member 320 protrudes into the take-in passage 315. It becomes a state and the passage of the game ball in the intake passage 315 is blocked. In other words, by taking in the game balls with the above configuration, the time required for taking in a predetermined number of game balls (take-in time) depends on the falling speed of the game balls, and the take-in time is shortened. Can be planned.

  In the discharge state of the take-in device 303, the discharge gate member 340 is operated by the discharge operation by the player, and the passage is opened. As a result, the game ball is allowed to pass through the discharge passage 316, and the game ball is discharged.

  In the main take-in unit 16 in which the take-in devices 301 to 303 having the above-described configuration are provided in triplicate, game balls are supplied from the guide passages 171 to 173 of the upper plate 151 to the take-in devices 301 to 303, respectively. In accordance with the operation of the front bet switch 37, the respective take-in devices 301 to 303 take in the game balls. Specifically, for example, when 15 (maximum bet) game balls are taken in, the take-in gate member 320 is simultaneously operated to the open position in all the take-in devices 301 to 303, and the take-in of game balls is performed all at once. To begin. And in each take-in apparatus 301-303, each take-in gate member 320 is operated to a closed position by taking in five game balls. As a result, the game balls for Max Bets are quickly taken in, and the time required for taking in the game balls can be shortened.

  In this case, as described above, the entrance passages 305 to 307 of each of the take-in devices 301 to 303 have a passage length of 5 game balls (one bed), and the entrance passages 305 to 307 and the upper plate. A step portion 310 is provided at the boundary with the 151 guide passages 171 to 173, and the alignment passage including both the passages is stepped so that the entrance passages 305 to 307 are low. Therefore, when the taking-in of the game balls in each of the take-in devices 301 to 303 is started, the game balls waiting in the entrance passages 305 to 307 flow downstream as they are, but are guided to the guide passages 171 to 173. Since the waiting game balls collide with the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the entrance passages 305 to 307 and flow downstream, the game balls for one bed are separated from the downstream game balls. Therefore, by making the take-in gate member 320 project using the separated distance, each take-in device 301 to 303 reliably takes in the game ball when the take-in of the game ball for one bed is completed. Can be prevented.

  If any of the three capture devices 301 to 303 is not filled with a game ball, or if any of the capture devices does not operate normally due to a malfunction of the solenoid 325, etc. The game balls are taken in by the remaining take-in devices that can perform normal take-in operations. For example, when the first take-in device 301 is not filled with a game ball or when the solenoid 325 or the like of the take-in device 301 is out of order, a take-in device other than the first take-in device 301 (second, second, 15 game balls are taken in by the 3 take-in devices 302 and 303).

  On the other hand, when the game balls remaining on the take-in devices 301 to 303 and the upper plate 151 are discharged to the lower plate 71, the discharge gate member 340 is operated in accordance with the operation of the discharge operation transmitting device 154, and each of the take-in devices. In 301 to 303, game balls are discharged all at once.

(Explanation of the replacement block 5)
Next, the surface changing block 5 will be described. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the surface changing block 5 as seen from the oblique front, FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the surface changing block 5 as seen from the oblique rear, and FIG. 18 is a front view of the surface changing block 5.

  The main part of the surface changing block 5 is a synthetic resin front frame 501, a reel device 503 as a symbol display device, a liquid crystal display device 504 as an auxiliary effect device, and a main control unit that performs various main controls relating to the game. A control device 505, a display control device 506 for performing subordinate display control based on a command from the main control device 505, a pedestal base 507 for the main control device for mounting the main control device 505, and a display control device 506 And a display control device base base 508. In the present embodiment, the face change block 5 is configured to include all the main parts that determine the game content of the gaming machine 1, and this face change block is used when changing the model in a game hall or the like. The model can be changed by replacing 5 with the new model. That is, the surface changing block 5 is an exchange unit at the time of model change.

  The front frame 501 is formed of a colored (for example, black) light-shielding material and has a substantially square shape when viewed from the front. The portion of the front frame 501 that is edged in a substantially trapezoidal shape has a shape and size that substantially match the viewing window 21 of the door block 4. In this case, in a state where the surface changing block 5 is attached to the door block 4, almost the entire front frame 501 is visible from the viewing window 21 of the door block 4.

  A display window 511 having a horizontally long rectangular shape is provided on the front surface of the front frame 501, and a display window 512 having a horizontally long rectangular shape is also provided above the display window 511. In the following description, the lower display window 511 is referred to as “lower display window 511”, and the upper display window 512 is referred to as “upper display window 512”. The lower display window 511 corresponds to a reel symbol display unit for displaying the reel symbol attached to the outer periphery of the reel device 503, and the upper display window 512 is a liquid crystal for displaying a display image by the liquid crystal display device 504. It corresponds to an image display unit.

  Each of the display windows 511 and 512 is provided at a substantially central portion in the left-right direction on the front surface portion of the front frame 501 and has substantially the same horizontal dimension (the height dimension is slightly larger in the upper display window 512). However, the size (absolute size) of each display window 511, 512, the relative size when comparing each display window 511, 512, and the shape of each display window 511, 512 can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the upper display window 512 may be more horizontally long, or the upper display window 512 may be smaller than the lower display window 511. In the front portion of the front frame 501, the peripheral portions of the display windows 511 and 512 are substantially flat surfaces.

  A protruding portion 513 is provided on the peripheral edge of the lower display window 511 so as to protrude forward. When the reel device 503 is attached to the back side of the front frame 501, a part of the reel device 503 protrudes forward from the front surface portion (flat portion around the display window) of the front frame 501. The protruding portion of the reel device 503 is surrounded. In this case, the upper and lower overhang portions 513 can clearly divide the reel symbol range that is visible / invisible (or difficult to view) from the outside at the front protruding portion of the reel device 503. Further, according to the left and right overhang portions 513, it is possible to suppress the inside of the reel device 503 from being seen from the outside.

  In the gaming machine 1, when the front frame 501 is viewed through the viewing window 21 (transparent panel 13) of the door block 4, a wide area including the display windows 511 and 512 can be viewed. Therefore, if various information (model information, dividend table, etc.) and decorations related to the gaming machine 1 are given to the front area of the front frame 501, the various information and decorations can be played through the visual window 21 (transparent panel 13). Visible from the front of the machine. In this case, as described above, the portions other than the display windows 511 and 512 in the front surface portion of the front frame 501 are generally flat surfaces, and therefore it is possible to affix a seal or the like to which various information or the like is applied to the front region. .

  As shown in FIG. 18, an information display substrate 514 is provided on the right side of the lower display window 511 of the front frame 501. On this information display board 514, the number of acquired balls displayed when the small role is established, and the number of games for displaying, for example, the number of remaining games in a special game state such as a big bonus or a regular bonus A display unit is provided. These display units are composed of a 7-segment display, but it is naturally possible to replace them with a liquid crystal display or the like.

  A horizontally long lower panel 516 is formed below the lower display window 511 on the front side of the front frame 501. The lower panel portion 516 is a portion that can be seen from the front of the gaming machine through the horizontally long window portion 50 provided in the door block 4. Here, the configuration of the lower panel portion 516 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining the configuration of the lower panel portion 516. Such a cross section is a cross section at a position including the take-in unit 16 in the left-right direction of the gaming machine 1.

  The lower panel portion 516 includes a base portion 550 that is open forward and has a hollow inside, and a panel 559 that covers the opening 551 of the base portion 550 (see FIG. 18). The base portion 550 is integrally formed with a pair of upper and lower rail portions 552 and 553 on the opening 551 side. The rail groove widths of these rail portions 552 and 553 are substantially the same as the thickness dimension of the panel 559, and the panel 559 is supported by the base portion 550 by fitting the upper and lower ends of the panel 559 to the rail portions 552 and 553. ing. Note that the rail portions 552 and 553 are open toward the left side as viewed in the state of FIG. 18, and the panel 559 is attached and detached by sliding from the open side.

  The panel 559 is formed of a synthetic resin material having transparency such as an acrylic resin or a polycarbonate resin. Game information related to the gaming machine 1 is given to the back side of the panel 559. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20, a payout table relating to payout of prize balls is given. Note that what is given to the back side of the panel 559 is not limited to the payout table, and for example, a decoration such as a character corresponding to a game model may be given.

  The base portion 550 is provided with a fluorescent tube 554 that illuminates the panel 559 from the back side thereof. The fluorescent tube 554 has a length in the longitudinal direction slightly shorter than the length in the left-right direction of the base portion 550, and is supported by support portions 555 formed on both left and right ends of the base portion 550. The fluorescent tube 554 is disposed at a position near the lower wall portion 557 in the base portion 550. While the power of the gaming machine 1 is on, the fluorescent lamp 554 is always supplied with driving power via the display control device 506, and emits white light. The white light from the fluorescent tube 554 functions as a backlight for the payout table, and is visually recognized by the player through the panel 559 and the horizontally long window portion 50. Thereby, the payout table is brightly illuminated from the back side, and the visibility is improved. Further, a decoration effect can be given to the payout table.

  A pair of upper and lower operation switches 518 and 519 are provided on the right side of the lower panel portion 516. The operation switches 518 and 519 are, for example, push button type switch members used for the operation of the information menu. By pressing the operation switches 518 and 519, the number of jackpots, the total number of games, the probability of jackpot occurrence, the number of balls played (throwing in) Various information such as the difference between the number of game balls and the number of payout game balls) is appropriately displayed on the liquid crystal display device 504 or the like. The information menu includes a description of a special game in the gaming machine 1 and the like.

(Description of reel device 503)
FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the reel device 503. The reel device 503 includes a metal case member 540 and three reels 541, 542, and 543 on the left, middle, and right that are accommodated in the case member 540. The case member 540 has three reels 541 to 543 rotatably accommodated therein, and a part of the reels 541 to 543 appears forward. On the upper part of the case member 540, a reel relay board 548 is provided for electrical connection between the reel device 503 and a control system such as the main controller 505.

  Since the configuration of each of the reels 541 to 543 is well known, detailed illustration is omitted here, and the configuration will be briefly described. Each of the reels 541 to 543 includes a cylindrical skeleton member that forms a cylindrical cage, and a belt-like belt wound around the outer periphery thereof. On the outer peripheral surface of the belt, a number of symbols as identification information are printed at equal intervals (for example, 21 symbols). A stepping motor as a drive source is provided at the center of each of the reels 541 to 543, and the reels 541 to 543 are driven to rotate individually, that is, independently, by driving the stepping motor. The reel device 503 is provided with a reel index sensor (rotational position detection sensor) for detecting the rotational position of each of the reels 541 to 543 as another configuration. Further, a backlight (rear light emitting means) made of a fluorescent lamp or the like is provided on the inner peripheral side of each reel 541 to 543, and each symbol attached to the outer peripheral surface of the reel is brighter than the rear by this backlight. Illuminated. By the light emission of the backlight, it is possible to improve the visibility of each symbol attached to the outer peripheral surface of the reel and to diversify the auxiliary effects in the game.

(Description of payout block 6)
Next, the payout block 6 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The payout block 6 includes a back cover member 601 integrally formed of a synthetic resin material, a payout mechanism 602 for paying out game balls, a payout control device 603 that controls payout control, and a power supply voltage generated from an external power supply. It has a power supply device 604 that supplies various control devices and actuators, and is configured by integrating them.

  The back cover member 601 has a protective cover portion 612 that protrudes rearward (backward of the gaming machine 1) and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 612 has a shape in which the left and right surfaces and the upper and lower surfaces and the rear surface are closed, and is large enough to accommodate at least the reel device 503, the main control device 505, and the display control device 506 of the surface changing block 5. Have

  The payout mechanism 602 is attached to the back cover member 601 so as to bypass the protective cover portion 612. That is, as the payout mechanism 602, a tank 615 opened upward is provided at the uppermost portion of the back cover member 601, and the game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are sequentially replenished to the tank 615. Below the tank 615, for example, tank rails 616 that have four rows (four strips) of ball paths in the front-rear direction and are gently inclined toward the downstream side are connected. The tank rail 616 extends in the vertical direction downstream of the tank rail 616. Case rails 617 are connected.

  A payout device 618 for paying out game balls is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 617. The payout device 618 includes a payout motor and a payout gate member driven by the payout motor. The payout motor is driven by a control signal from the payout control device 603, and the payout gate is driven as the payout motor is driven. The member moves to the passage opening position. Thereby, the required number of game balls are paid out as appropriate.

  The payout device 618 has a game ball discharge function for discharging game balls staying on the case rail 617 and the like to the outside in addition to a game ball payout function performed in accordance with winnings during a game. When the game ball is discharged, the passage switching lever is switched from the payout execution position to the discharge execution position, and the payout motor is driven to discharge the game ball to the outside.

  As with the tank rail 616, the case rails 617 are provided in four rows in the front-rear direction, and the payout devices 618 are provided in four rows accordingly. On the downstream side of the payout device 618, a passage forming member 630 for forming four rows of game ball passages is also provided. The passage forming member 630 has a payout passage and a discharge passage inside thereof, and the payout to the upper plate 151 and the like is performed when the game ball passes through the payout passage. Further, the game ball is discharged to the outside by passing through the discharge passage. The passage forming member 630 is provided with a payout relay board 635 that relays a payout command signal from the payout control device 603 to the payout device 618.

(Explanation of the structure regarding the suggestion of the maximum bet possible area)
In this gaming machine 1, the maximum bet possible area is suggested, so that the player can determine whether or not the number of game balls that can be bet on the game are stored in the upper plate 151 and the take-in unit 16. Can be easily determined. Therefore, the following suggestive configuration will be described. FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the periphery of the upper plate 151 for explaining the configuration, and FIG. 23 is a transverse sectional view of the vicinity of the take-in unit 16 for explaining the configuration. The following description will be given with reference to FIG. 19 as appropriate.

  As described above, when the bet switch 38 is operated by the player, the equivalent to the maximum bet, that is, 15 game balls are taken in by the take-in unit 16. The take-in unit 16 includes three take-in devices 301 to 303. When taking in game balls, each take-in device 301 to 303 takes in five game balls. In this case, each of the take-in devices 301 to 303 is provided with inlet passages 305 to 307 having a passage length corresponding to five game balls, and the waiting game balls are taken into the inlet passages 305 to 307. That is, when five game balls are waiting in each of the entrance passages 305 to 307, the maximum bet is possible.

  As described above, the bottom surfaces 305 a to 307 a of the inlet passages 305 to 307 are exposed to the outside of the housings 311 and 312, and are positioned below the opening 164 formed in the upper plate 151. The upper surfaces of the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a are covered with a cover member 152 having transparency. Thereby, the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a are visible from the front side of the gaming machine 1.

  In the above configuration, the bottom surfaces 305 a to 307 a of the entrance passages 305 to 307 are configured to be illuminated by light from the fluorescent tube 554 provided in the surface changing block 5. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the fluorescent tube 554 has a length dimension substantially the same as the horizontal dimension of the upper plate 151, and the left and right ends of the fluorescent tube 554 are located on the upper plate 151. It is slightly inside from the left and right ends. Therefore, the fluorescent tube 554 is located above the rear side region R2 of the upper plate 151 and the inlet passages 305 to 307 formed in the capture devices 301 to 303.

  A laterally long through hole 558 extending along the longitudinal direction of the fluorescent tube 554 is formed in the lower wall portion 557 of the lower panel portion 516 formed in the surface changing block 5 at a position below the fluorescent tube 554 ( (See FIG. 19). Furthermore, as described above, the upper cover plate 157 that covers the upper side of the rear region R2 of the upper plate 151 has transparency. Therefore, the light from the fluorescent tube 554 passes through the upper cover plate 157 and illuminates the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the inlet passages 305 to 307.

  In the configuration in which the bottom surfaces 305 a to 307 a of the entrance passages 305 to 307 are illuminated by the fluorescent tube 554, light from the fluorescent tube 554 is taken into the guide passages 171 to 173 formed in the upper plate 151 and the take-in devices 301 to 303. The passage 315 is not irradiated.

  That is, although the upper cover plate 157 has transparency as described above, a black film as a light absorbing material is pasted on the upper surface of the upper cover plate 157 except for a part thereof. And the transparent area | region TA where this black film is not affixed is located above the bottom faces 305a-307a of the entrance passages 305-307.

  The transparent area TA is formed in consideration of the light diffraction phenomenon. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 22, the transparent area TA has a dimension in the front-rear direction that is shorter than the dimension in the parallel arrangement direction of the capture devices 301 to 303 in the capture unit 16. Is located above the central inlet passage 306. Further, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the transparent area TA has a lateral dimension shorter than the passage length of the inlet passages 305 to 307, and the transparent area TA extends in the passage length direction of the inlet passages 305 to 307. It is located above the substantially central portion.

  With the above configuration, the light emitted from the fluorescent tube 554 illuminates only the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the entrance passages 305 to 307, and does not illuminate the guide passages 171 to 173 and the intake passage 315. In this case, as described above, the step portion 310 is provided at the boundary between the guide passages 171 to 173 and the entrance passages 305 to 307 so that the entrance passages 305 to 307 are lower than the guide passages 171 to 173. ing. Thereby, the boundary between the portion illuminated by the light emitted from the fluorescent tube 554 and the portion not illuminated is clarified. Therefore, even if a general-purpose light emitting means having a wide irradiation range such as the fluorescent tube 554 is used, the entrance passages 305 to 307 can be illuminated and the guide passages 171 to 173 can be prevented from being illuminated.

  The fluorescent tube 554 is configured to irradiate white light as described above, but the color of the light applied to the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the entrance passages 305 to 307 is appropriately changed. Such a configuration will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 19, an illumination color changing unit 590 is provided on the lower panel portion 516 of the surface changing block 5. The illumination color changing unit 590 includes a disk 591 and a stepping motor 595. The disk 591 is formed with a shaft portion 592 serving as a rotation shaft at the center thereof, and frame portions 593a, 593b, and 593c extending radially from the shaft portion 592 are equally spaced (120 ° intervals) in the circumferential direction. It is formed with. Then, the light transmissive films F1, F2, and F3 are attached so as to close the openings between the frame portions 593a, 593b, and 593c. In this case, the light-transmitting films F1, F2, and F3 (hereinafter also referred to as the first film F1, the second film F2, and the third film F3) have blue, green, and red, respectively. They are different.

  An output shaft 596 extending in the vertical direction of the stepping motor 595 is fixed to the shaft portion 592 of the disk 591. As the stepping motor 595 is driven and the output shaft 596 is rotated, the disk 591 is integrally rotated accordingly. In this case, since the rotation direction of the output shaft 596 is always a constant direction (for example, clockwise direction), the rotation direction of the disk 591 is also always a constant direction. Specifically, the disk 591 rotates so as to change in the order of blue → green → red when viewed at a predetermined position. Further, the stepping motor 595 is set to advance one step by giving a driving signal of one pulse and to make one rotation by giving a driving signal of 360 pulses.

  The illumination color changing unit 590 is fixed to the lower panel portion 516 of the surface changing block 5 so that the film surface of the disk 591 faces the upper cover plate 157, that is, the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the entrance passages 305 to 307. Has been. In this case, as shown in FIG. 19, the stepping motor 595 is fixed on the back side of the fluorescent tube 554, and a part of the disk 591 is located below the fluorescent tube 554. A region located below the fluorescent tube 554 in the disk 591 is a portion of one light transmissive film F1, F2, F3.

  By providing the illumination color changing unit 590 as described above, the color of the light illuminating the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the entrance passages 305 to 307 is not white, but the light transmissive film F1 positioned below the fluorescent tube 554. , F2 and F3 are different. That is, when the first film F1 is located, it is illuminated with blue light, and when the disk 591 is rotated and the second film F2 is located, it is illuminated with green light, from which the disk is illuminated. When 591 rotates and the 3rd film F3 is located, it is illuminated by red light. And the storage condition of the game ball in the upper plate 151 and the taking-in apparatuses 301-303 is suggested by the color of the light to illuminate. This will be described later.

(Explanation of electrical configuration)
Next, the electrical configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be described based on the block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 24, each electrical component is divided into a door block 4, a surface changing block 5 and a payout block 6. In addition, a supply line of power supplied from the power supply device 604 is indicated by a double line arrow, and a signal line is indicated by a solid line arrow.

  In FIG. 24, the main control device 505, the display control device 506, and the payout control device 603 are all configured by a logical operation device having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and the CPU of each control device is a ROM. Various controls relating to the game are executed based on a calculation program stored in advance. Each of these control devices is connected via a signal line, a relay board, and the like, and in the game, the game progresses by exchanging commands and the like between the control devices.

  Specifically, in the surface changing block 5, the main controller 505 is connected to the reel device 503 and the external terminal plate 575 via the reel relay substrate 548, and the display control device 506 via the sub relay substrate 701. It is connected. In the reel device 503, the rotation of each reel 541 to 543 is controlled based on a command from the main control device 505. The external terminal board 575 is a relay device connected to a hall management device (so-called hall computer) installed in a game hall or the like. Through this external terminal board 575, the game situation (number of games, number of games, etc.) is changed to the hall. Output to the management device. The display control device 506 receives various commands related to the auxiliary effects of each game from the main control device 505, and performs the auxiliary effects by the liquid crystal display device 504 according to the commands, and the door upper relay board provided in the door block 4 The driving of speakers and lamps is controlled via 703 (corresponding to the audio lamp relay board 108). Further, the display control device 506 supplies power to the fluorescent tube 554 provided in the surface changing block 5 while the power of the gaming machine 1 is on.

  The payout block 6 is provided with a payout block relay board 702, and the main control device 505 of the surface changing block 5, the payout control device 603 of the payout block 6, and the take-in unit via the payout block relay board 702. 16 is connected. In addition, the main controller 505 of the surface changing block 5 and the door block relay board 704 of the door block 4 are connected via a payout block relay board 702.

  In this case, when various operation members (the bet switch 38, the start lever 33, and the stop switches 35 to 37) of the door block 4 are operated by the player, the operation is detected by the operation detection unit built in these operation members. Each operation detection signal is input to the main controller 505 via the door block relay board 704 and the payout block relay board 702. For example, when an operation detection signal associated with the operation of the bet switch 38 is input to the main control device 505, the main control device 505 outputs an acquisition control signal to the acquisition unit 16 via the payout block relay board 702. By this take-in control signal, the solenoid 325 in each take-in device 301 to 303 of the take-in unit 16 is driven, and game balls are taken in sequentially. The detection signal of the game ball take-in detection sensor (sensor unit 370) at the time of taking in the game ball is also input to the main controller 505 via the payout block relay board 702.

  In addition, a stop symbol (three upper and lower symbols visible from the visual window 21 of the door block 4 and a combination of the symbols) of each reel of the reel device 503 is a predetermined game ball paying combination (small role symbol, bonus symbol). If it matches, the main control device 505 sets the number of game balls to be paid out according to each winning combination, and issues a payout control signal corresponding to the payout number via the payout block relay board 702. To 603. As a result, the payout control device 603 drives the payout device 618 to pay out the game ball.

  The power supply device 604 takes in AC 24 volt power supplied from the outside, generates + 12V power for driving various switches, motors, etc., + 5V power for logic, backup power for RAM backup, and the like. + 5V power and backup power are supplied to the main controller 505, the payout controller 603, and the like.

(Explanation of electrical configuration for suggesting max bet possible area)
Next, an electrical configuration related to the suggestion of the maximum betable area will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration relating to the suggestion of the maximum betable area.

  First to fourth ball detection sensors 201 to 204 provided on the upper plate 151 are connected to the input side of the display control device 506. On the other hand, a stepping motor 595 of the illumination color changing unit 590 is connected to the output side of the display control device 506. The display control device 506 outputs a drive signal to the stepping motor 595 based on the detection result of the game ball input from the first to fourth ball detection sensors 201 to 204 to rotate the disk 591. Thereby, the light transmission films F1 to F3 located below the fluorescent tube 554 are changed, and the color of light illuminating the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the entrance passages 305 to 307 is changed.

(Explanation of lighting color switching process)
Next, the illumination color switching process executed by the CPU of the display control device 506 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining the illumination color switching process. The illumination color switching process is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle of 2 msec.

  In the illumination color switching process, first, in step S101, it is determined whether or not the first sphere detection sensor 201 is ON. If the first sphere detection sensor 201 is ON, it is determined in step S102 whether or not the first counter C1 is 1000. The first counter C1 is a counter that is incremented by 1 each time an affirmative determination is made in step S101. As described above, the illumination color switching process is executed at a cycle of 2 msec. Therefore, in step S102, it is determined whether or not 2 seconds have elapsed since the first sphere detection sensor 201 was turned on. If the negative determination is made in step S101 when the first counter C1 is not 0, the value of the first counter C1 is cleared to 0.

  If the first counter C1 is not 1000, the process is terminated as it is. If the first counter C1 is 1000, a drive signal is output to the stepping motor 595 so that the color of the light illuminating the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the inlet passages 305 to 307 is blue in step S103.

  As described above, the stepping motor 595 is set to advance one step by giving a driving signal of one pulse and to make one rotation by giving a driving signal of 360 pulses. In the disk 591, the films F <b> 1 to F <b> 3 are provided at 120 ° intervals, and the films F <b> 1 to F <b> 3 are arranged in the order of blue → green → red when viewed in the rotation direction of the disk 591. Therefore, when the illumination color is changed from the red state to the blue state, a 120-pulse drive signal is given because it is necessary to rotate 120 °. On the other hand, when the illumination color is changed from the green state to the blue state, a drive signal of 240 pulses is given because it is necessary to rotate 240 °.

  In addition, a blue flag storage area, a green flag storage area, and a red flag storage area are provided in the RAM of the display control device 506 in correspondence with each color so that it can be determined which color the illumination color is. Yes. Each time an illumination color is set, a flag is set in the flag storage area for the corresponding color. In step S103, in order to set the illumination color to blue, a flag is set in the blue flag storage area. Thereafter, this process is terminated. In accordance with the setting of the flag, the flag is deleted from the flag storage area corresponding to the color set so far. The same applies to step S106 and step S107 described later.

  If the first sphere detection sensor 201 is not ON in step S101, it is determined in step S104 whether the second to fourth sphere detection sensors 202 to 204 are ON. If all the sensors 202 to 204 are ON, it is determined in step S105 whether or not the second counter C2 has reached 1000. The second counter C2 is a counter that is incremented by 1 each time an affirmative determination is made in step S104. As described above, the illumination color switching process is executed at a cycle of 2 msec. Accordingly, in step S105, it is determined whether or not 2 seconds have elapsed since the second to fourth ball detection sensors 202 to 204 are turned on. If the negative determination is made in step S104 when the second counter C2 is not 0, the value of the second counter C2 is cleared to 0.

  If the second counter C2 is not 1000, the process is terminated. If the second counter C2 is 1000, a drive signal is output to the stepping motor 595 so that the color of the light illuminating the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the inlet passages 305 to 307 becomes green in step S106. The drive signal output mode in this case is the same as that described in step S103. In step S106, a flag is set in the green flag storage area in order to set the illumination color to green. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  If any one of the second to fourth ball detection sensors 202 to 204 is not ON, a negative determination is made in step S104, and the process proceeds to step S107. In step S107, a drive signal is output to the stepping motor 595 so that the color of the light illuminating the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the inlet passages 305 to 307 is red. The drive signal output mode in this case is the same as that described in step S103. In step S107, a flag is set in the red flag storage area in order to set the illumination color to red. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  The illumination color switching mode by executing the illumination color switching process described above will be described below.

  When sufficient game balls are stored in the upper plate 151 and there is a game ball up to a position near the discharge port 163 in the rear region R2 of the upper plate 151, the first ball detection sensor 201 detects the game ball. The Then, when 2 seconds elapse in this state, the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the entrance passages 305 to 307 are illuminated with blue light. In this situation, the second to fourth ball detection sensors 202 to 204 also detect the game ball, but the detection result is prioritized while the first ball detection sensor 201 detects the game ball. The

  After that, the game is continued and the game balls stored in the upper plate 151 are reduced, so that they are not detected by the first ball detection sensor 201 but detected by the second to fourth ball detection sensors 202 to 204. It will be in the state. Then, when 2 seconds elapse in this state, the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the entrance passages 305 to 307 are illuminated with green light. In this case, as described above, the second to fourth ball detection sensors 202 to 204 are arranged at positions upstream from the most downstream portion by five game balls in the guide passages 171 to 173. In addition, the passage lengths of the entrance passages 305 to 307 through which the guide passages 171 to 173 communicate with each other are five game balls. That is, in a state where the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a are illuminated with green light, it is suggested that 30 game balls, that is, two or more max bets are stored.

  Thereafter, the game is continued, and the second to fourth ball detection sensors 202 to 204 no longer detect the game ball, so that the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the entrance passages 305 to 307 are illuminated with red light. In this case, as described above, the light irradiation range includes only the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the entrance passages 305 to 307, and does not include the guide passages 171 to 173 on the upstream side. Therefore, the player can easily determine that one max bet is possible by visually recognizing that the game ball is in the entire range illuminated by the red light.

(Outline explanation of the game)
Next, an outline of the game performed by the player for the gaming machine 1 configured as described above will be briefly described.

  At the start of the game, when the player presses the bet switch 38 in a situation where there are enough game balls on the upper plate 151, the game balls are taken in by the take-in devices 301 to 303 of the take-in unit 16. Done. When the start lever 33 is operated after a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls corresponding to the number of bets has been taken in, the reels 541 to 543 of the reel device 503 are simultaneously or in a predetermined order. Start spinning. When the start lever 33 is operated, the main control unit 505 performs an internal lottery regarding a small role, replay (replay), bonus game, and the like. When the reels 541 to 543 are rotated, the symbols attached to the outer peripheral surface thereof are visually recognized in such a manner as to move from top to bottom through the viewing window 21.

  Thereafter, when the player operates the stop switches 35 to 37 in an arbitrary order, the rotation of the corresponding reels 541 to 543 is stopped in accordance with the operation timing of each of the stop switches 35 to 37. At this time, when the reels 541 to 543 are stopped, pull-in stop control for stopping a predetermined symbol at a specific position is appropriately performed. For example, when a small combination is established by an internal lottery, the stop symbols can be slid up to 4 symbols from the operation timing of the stop switches 35 to 37 so that the combination of the stop symbols in which the small combination is established (Stop symbol sliding is performed). Incidentally, after the start of the rotation of the reels 541 to 543, when the specified time elapses without the stop switches 35 to 37 being operated, the rotation of the reels 541 to 543 is stopped at that time.

  When the reels 541 to 543 are stopped (when the symbols are stopped), when the stopped symbols and the combinations thereof match the small role symbols and bonus symbols, the number of game balls corresponding to the winning combination at that time is paid out. In this case, the game ball is paid out to the upper plate 151 by driving the payout device 618. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20, 50 game balls are paid out when the bell symbol combination is stopped, and 30 game balls are paid out when the watermelon symbol combination is stopped, as shown in FIG. 10 game balls are paid out when the cherry symbol stops at the left reel 541. In addition, although it is not payout of a game ball, the privilege of a replay (replay) is provided by the combination of a human character symbol stopping.

  According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

  As the take-in unit 16, three take-in devices 301 to 303 are arranged in parallel, and each take-in device 301 to 303 is configured to take in five game balls at the same time. As a result, up to 15 bets of game balls can be taken in quickly, and the time required for taking in the game balls can be shortened. In such a configuration, the light emitted from the fluorescent tube 554 is equivalent to one bed from the most downstream portion of the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the inlet passages 305 to 307 formed in the capture devices 301 to 303 (5 pieces). The position on the upstream side of the game ball is illuminated, and the guide passages 171 to 173 on the upstream side are not illuminated. Therefore, it is easy for the player to determine whether or not there is a game ball equivalent to Max Bet by visually checking whether or not there is a game ball at a position illuminated by the fluorescent tube 554 in each of the entrance passages 305 to 307. Judgment can be made. Further, with respect to one take-in device 301 to 303, in one entrance passage 305 to 307, by visually checking whether or not there is a game ball at a position illuminated by the fluorescent tube 554, a game ball corresponding to one bed is obtained. It can be easily determined whether or not there is. From the above, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconveniences such as stopping a game or performing a new lending operation even when sufficient game balls are stored at the start of one game round. . In addition, since the single fluorescent tube 554 is also used for the plurality of inlet passages 305 to 307, the above effects can be achieved while simplifying the configuration.

  While the power source of the gaming machine 1 is on, the driving power is supplied to the fluorescent tube 554. As a result, while the gaming machine 1 is powered on, light is emitted from the fluorescent tube 554, which is always sufficient to start one gaming round in a situation where gaming with the gaming machine 1 is possible. It is possible to easily determine whether or not there is a game ball.

  A predetermined range from the most downstream portion of the bottom surface 305a to 307a of each of the entrance passages 305 to 307 to the position upstream of the game ball equivalent to one bed is illuminated. Thus, it is possible for the player to determine whether there are enough game balls at the start of one game round by visually checking whether the game balls are filled in the illuminated range. it can. Therefore, such a determination can be made more easily.

  Further, the step portion 310 is provided at the boundary between the guide passages 171 to 173 and the entrance passages 305 to 307 so that the entrance passages 305 to 307 are low. Thereby, in the alignment path which consists of the guide paths 171 to 173 and the entrance paths 305 to 307, the position of the portion illuminated by the light from the fluorescent tube 554 and the portion not illuminated are shifted. Therefore, even when a general-purpose light emitting means such as the fluorescent tube 554 is used, it is easy to configure so that only the entrance passages 305 to 307 are illuminated. Furthermore, according to this configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a game ball for one bed in each of the capture devices 301 to 303 on the basis of not only the light from the fluorescent tube 554 but also the step shape. Therefore, such a determination can be made more easily.

  The take-in units 16 are arranged side by side with respect to the upper plate 151. In addition, the upper portions of the housings 311 and 312 are opened upward so that the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the inlet passages 305 to 307 are exposed to the outside of the housings 311 and 312 in each of the intake devices 301 to 303. And the cover member 152 formed with the transparent material was provided so that the upper direction of the bottom face 305a-307a of the entrance passages 305-307 was covered. Thereby, the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the inlet passages 305 to 307 are visible, and the above-described effects can be obtained.

  In this case, each of the take-in devices 301 to 303 takes in one game bet of game balls for each game, so that the number of game balls passing through the entrance passages 305 to 307 is relatively large when a game is performed. . Therefore, dust or the like tends to accumulate on the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the entrance passages 305 to 307. And when dust etc. accumulate, there exists a possibility that the passage of the game ball of the entrance passages 305-307 may be inhibited. Further, dust or the like may cause malfunction of the take-in gate member 320. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically clean the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the inlet passages 305 to 307. Under such circumstances, as described above, the upper portions of the housings 311 and 312 are opened upward, so that the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the inlet passages 305 to 307 are exposed to the outside of the housings 311 and 312. Therefore, by removing the take-in unit 16 from the gaming machine 1, the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the entrance passages 305 to 307 can be easily cleaned, and the maintenance workability of the entrance passages 305 to 307 can be improved.

  Further, in the configuration in which the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the entrance passages 305 to 307 are exposed to the outside of the housings 311 and 312, the cover member 152 is provided. Stacking is prevented. Thereby, the game ball smoothly flows down through the entrance passages 305 to 307.

  The upper plate 151 and the take-in unit 16 were arranged so that the guide passages 171 to 173 and the entrance passages 305 to 307 were on the back side of the transparent panel 13. As a result, it becomes difficult to perform an act of trying to insert a fraudulent jig into the take-in devices 301 to 303, and the fraudulent jig is erroneously detected by the sensor unit 370 by inserting the fraudulent jig. Can be suppressed. Further, an upper cover plate 157 is provided so that an open space to the back side of the door block 4 is not formed between the horizontally long window portion 50 and the back side wall portion 162 a of the upper plate 151. Thereby, the act which tries to cheat by inserting the fraudulent jig | tool into the back side of the door block 4 from between both can be suppressed. In the above configuration, the upper cover plate 157 is formed of a transparent material, and a light absorbing material is provided on the upper surface of the upper cover plate 157 except for the transparent region TA. That is, the irradiation range regulating means is formed on the upper cover plate 157. Thereby, the function which suppresses injustice and the function as an irradiation range control means are combined in the upper cover board 157, and simplification of a structure can be achieved.

  The fluorescent tube 554 is arranged behind the panel 559 displaying the payout table via the horizontally long window portion 50. Therefore, since the fluorescent tube 554 functions as a backlight for the payout table, the payout table can be illuminated brightly, and a decoration effect can be given. Further, as described above, the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the entrance passages 305 to 307 are illuminated by the light from the fluorescent tube 554, so that it can be easily determined whether or not there is sufficient game ball at the start of one game round. it can. That is, both functions can be shared by one fluorescent tube 554, and the number of members can be reduced as compared with the configuration in which the fluorescent tube 554 is provided for each function.

  Sphere detection sensors 201-204 are provided on the upper plate 151, and a drive signal is given to the stepping motor 595 of the illumination color changing unit 590 based on the detection results of the sensors 201-204 to rotate the disk 591. The color of the light that illuminates the bottom surface 305a to 307a of 307 is changed. Thereby, the suggestion according to the storage condition of a game ball can be performed with the color of light. In addition, since the suggestion is performed using light from the fluorescent tube 554 that illuminates the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the entrance passages 305 to 307, a plurality of functions can be shared by one fluorescent tube 554. The number of members can be reduced as compared with the configuration in which the light emitting means is provided.

  In addition to the embodiment described above, for example, the following may be implemented.

  (1) You may change the structure regarding irradiation of the light to the bottom face 305a-307a of the entrance channel | paths 305-307 formed in each taking-in apparatus 301-303. An example of the change will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the capture unit 16 for explaining the configuration.

  The upper walls of the inlet passages 305 to 307 are removed as in the above embodiment, and the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the inlet passages 305 to 307 are open upward. However, in this configuration, as shown in FIG. 27, the passage wall on the discharge passage 316 side slightly extends toward the inlet passages 305 to 307, and the extending wall 751 covers the upper part of the through hole 378. Yes. As in the above embodiment, the housings 311 and 312 of the capture devices 301 to 303 are molded of a black resin material and do not transmit light. Thus, in the configuration in which the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the entrance passages 305 to 307 are irradiated with light from the fluorescent tube 554, the light is prevented from entering the intake passage 315. This is because if the light enters the take-in passage 315, the light receiving element of the sensor unit 370 senses the light, and the game ball may not be detected accurately.

  The technical idea of this configuration is that “the take-in device is an optical ball detection means for detecting a game ball passing through the ball take-in passage at a position downstream of the ball stopper member and in the vicinity thereof. And the housing of the capture device has a light-shielding outer wall above the ball detecting means. "

  (2) In the above embodiment, the entire bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the inlet passages 305 to 307 are illuminated with light from the fluorescent tube 554, but this may be changed. For example, it is good also as a structure which illuminates the bottom face 305a-307a vicinity located in the most upstream part of the entrance passages 305-307. Even in this case, by not illuminating the upstream side, it is possible for the player to visually recognize whether or not there is a game ball at the illuminated position, thereby starting one game round. At this time, it can be easily determined whether or not there are enough game balls.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the specific illumination unit is configured by the fluorescent tube 554 as the light emission unit and the irradiation range regulating unit (transparent area TA) formed on the upper cover plate 157. Means may be configured. However, in this case, it is necessary to provide the light emitting means so as to illuminate a predetermined number of regions from the gate position (that is, the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the inlet passages 305 to 307) and not the upstream side. That is, it is necessary to select a light emitting unit having an optimal irradiation range so as to have such a configuration, and to arrange the light emitting unit at an optimal position so that the irradiation range is a range corresponding to the specified number.

  Alternatively, the light emitting means having a narrow irradiation range may be provided so as to illuminate a specific position upstream of the gate position by a specified number (that is, a position on the most upstream side of the inlet passages 305 to 307). Even in this case, there is no need to provide an irradiation range regulating means.

  (4) In the above embodiment, a game ball equivalent to a maximum bet (equivalent to 3 bets) is taken in by the bet switch 38 being operated by the player. A configuration may be adopted in which a certain number of game balls are always taken in when the switch 38 is operated. Then, when the fixed number of game balls are taken in and the start lever 33 is operated, the reels 541 to 543 of the reel device 503 start to rotate (that is, the game is allowed to start). And). Even in this case, the time required for taking in the game ball can be shortened by arranging a plurality of take-in devices in parallel. In addition, each capture device captures a specified number of game balls, and if a specified number of game balls are captured by all capture devices, it is determined that the predetermined number of game balls have been captured. In the configuration, the position that is upstream of the specified number of game balls upstream from the most upstream part of the inlet passages 305 to 307 is illuminated by the light from the fluorescent tube 554, and the upstream side is not illuminated further. The player can easily determine whether or not there are enough game balls at the start of one game round.

  (5) In the above embodiment, the power is always supplied to the fluorescent tube 554 while the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, but this may be changed. For example, the fluorescent tube 554 may be controlled to be turned on / off based on the control of a control device such as the display control device 506 or the main control device 505. In this configuration, the fluorescent tube 554 is controlled to be turned on for a predetermined period after the rotation of the reels 541 to 543 is stopped, so that a sufficient amount of games can be performed at the start of one game round for a predetermined period after the end of one game round. It can be easily determined whether or not there is a ball.

  (6) In the above embodiment, the passage lengths of the entrance passages 305 to 307 are equivalent to one bed (a prescribed number), but may be shorter than this. In this case, game balls equivalent to one bet are connected across the boundary between the entrance passages 305 to 307 and the guide passages 171 to 173. In such a configuration, it is necessary to illuminate not only the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the entrance passages 305 to 307 but also the downstream side of the bottom surfaces of the guide passages 171 to 173 with the light from the fluorescent tube 554 in order to suggest the maximum betable region. is there. That is, it is necessary to configure so that the positions of the guide passages 171 to 173 on the downstream side corresponding to one bed from the position of the take-in gate member 320 are illuminated and the downstream side is not illuminated.

  (7) In the above embodiment, the light emitting means (fluorescent tube 554) constituting the specific illumination means is provided above the entrance passages 305 to 307 and illuminates the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a. May be. For example, the capturing devices 301 to 303 may be formed so that at least the bottoms of the inlet passages 305 to 307 are light-transmitting, and light emitting means may be provided below the bottoms. That is, it is good also as a structure which illuminates the game ball waiting in the entrance passages 305-307 from the downward direction. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which illuminates the game ball waiting in the entrance passages 305-307 from the side. Furthermore, even if it is the structure which provides a light emission means above the entrance channel | paths 305-307, it is good also as a structure which arrange | positions a light emission means not to illuminate the bottom faces 305a-307a but to illuminate the waiting game ball.

  (8) In the above embodiment, the irradiation range regulating means is formed on the upper cover plate 157 (the black film and the transparent area TA attached to the upper surface of the upper cover plate 157), and this is formed on the cover member 152. It is good also as a structure. In this case, the function of preventing the game balls from being stacked on the cover member 152 in the guide passages 171 to 173 and the entrance passages 305 to 307 is combined with the function as the irradiation range restricting means, thereby simplifying the configuration. be able to. For example, it is good also as a structure which forms an irradiation range control means in the lower wall part 557 in the lower panel part 516 of the surface change block 5. FIG.

  (9) The formation method and configuration of the irradiation range regulating means are not limited to the configuration in the above embodiment and are arbitrary. For example, instead of sticking a black film on the upper surface of the upper cover plate 157, a light-impermeable coating material such as black may be applied to the upper surface and the lower surface of the upper cover plate 157. Further, instead of the light absorbing material, a light reflecting material such as a metal paste may be provided on the upper surface and the lower surface of the upper cover plate 157. In this case, the light emitted from the fluorescent tube 554 and reflected by the light reflecting material can illuminate the payout table or the like emitted toward the panel 559 and attached to the panel 559 more brightly.

  (10) In the above embodiment, the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the respective entrance passages 305 to 307 are illuminated with light from the fluorescent tube 554 that illuminates the panel 559 with the payout table attached thereto, but this may be changed. For example, in addition to the light emitting unit for illuminating the panel 559, a light emitting unit for illuminating the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a may be provided. In this case, the light emitting means for illuminating the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a may be LEDs. When a multi-color light emitting type LED is used, the storage status of the upper plate 151 can be suggested by changing the illumination color based on the detection results of the ball detection sensors 201 to 204.

  (11) In the above embodiment, the illumination color changing unit 590 is provided, and the light that illuminates the bottom surfaces 305a to 307a of the entrance passages 305 to 307 according to the detection results of the ball detection sensors 201 to 204 disposed on the upper plate 151. However, the illumination color changing unit 590 and the ball detection sensors 201 to 204 may be omitted. In this case, it is not possible to suggest the storage state of the game balls in the upper plate 151, but it is possible to illuminate the area where the maximum bet can be made, so whether or not there are enough game balls for the player to start one game round. It can be easily determined.

  Also, in the configuration in which the illumination color change unit 590 and the sphere detection sensors 201 to 204 are provided, the configuration of the illumination color change unit 590 and the sphere detection sensors 201 to 204 is arbitrary. For example, the driving means for driving the disk 591 may be a motor other than the stepping motor. Further, the illumination color may be changed by a configuration other than the disk 591. Further, the sphere detection sensors 201 to 204 are not necessarily magnetic sensors, and may be optical sensors or the like. Furthermore, the arrangement positions of the ball detection sensors 201 to 204 are also arbitrary. The aspect of the illumination color switching process is also arbitrary.

  (12) In the above embodiment, the fluorescent tube 554 that emits white light is provided as the light emitting means. However, instead of this, a light emitting means that emits light such as blue or red may be provided.

  (13) In the above embodiment, the fluorescent tube 554 is configured to be supplied with power from the display control device 506, but may be configured to be supplied with power from the main control device 505. Alternatively, power may be directly supplied from the power supply device 604.

  (14) In the above embodiment, the reel device 503 is provided as a unit as the surface changing block 5, but the reel device 503 may be directly attached to the door block 4 instead of such a configuration. However, in this configuration, it is necessary to provide the door block 4 with the payout table, the fluorescent tube 554, and the illumination color changing unit 590 provided in the surface changing block 5. As this configuration, for example, a configuration in which a payout table is provided on the back surface of the horizontally long window portion 50 and the fluorescent tube 554 is disposed on the back side of the horizontally long window portion 50 can be considered.

  (15) In the above-described embodiment, the payout table is displayed through the horizontal window 50 by providing the panel 559 with the payout table provided behind the horizontal window 50, but this may be changed. For example, decoration and game information may be provided integrally with the horizontally long window portion 50 by applying ink to the back surface of the horizontally long window portion 50. Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the panel 559 was spaced apart and arrange | positioned back with respect to the horizontally long window part 50, you may affix the panel 559 directly to the horizontally long window part 50. FIG.

  (16) In the above embodiment, the cover member 152 is detachably provided on the upper plate 151. However, the cover member 152 may be integrally formed with the upper plate 151. In this configuration, the entire upper plate 151 is formed of a transparent material, and a portion that should be shielded from light is applied with a light shielding tape or coated with a light shielding ink, so that the portion is divided into a transparent portion and a light shielding portion. can do.

  Further, the cover member 152 may be detachably attached to the housings 311 and 312 of the capture devices 301 to 303. However, in order to facilitate the cleaning of the inlet passages 305 to 307, it is desirable that the cover member 152 is fixed to the housings 311 and 312 in a simple manner. For example, a configuration in which an engagement rail portion is provided on the cover member 152 and the engagement rail portion is fitted in a rail groove formed in the housings 311 and 312 can be considered.

  (17) Although the guide passages 171 to 173 and the entrance passages 305 to 307 are shifted in the vertical direction in the above embodiment, they may be shifted in the horizontal direction. Also in this configuration, the boundary between the guide passages 171 to 173 and the entrance passages 305 to 307 can be clarified, and it is easy to configure so that the specific position is illuminated and the upstream side is not illuminated.

  (18) In the above-described embodiment, three capture devices 301 to 303 are provided as the capture unit 16, but only one capture device may be provided. However, in this case, at the start of the game, the game ball equivalent to the Max Bet is taken in by one take-in device, so the guide passage of the upper plate on the downstream side equivalent to the Max Bet from the position of the take-in gate member. It is necessary to configure so that the position is illuminated and the downstream side is not illuminated.

  Moreover, it is good also as a structure which provides two, four, five, or six or more capture devices.

  (19) The number of games balls inserted per bet (predetermined number), the maximum number of games inserted, the number of payouts, etc. in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not particularly limited to the above numerical values.

  (20) In the above-described embodiment, the take-in gate member 320 that appears and disappears with respect to the take-in passage 315 is provided as a gate, but this may be changed. For example, it is good also as a structure which provides a rotary body as a gate. In this case, the rotation of the rotating body allows the game ball to be taken in, and the rotation of the rotating body is stopped to prevent the game ball from being taken in.

It is a perspective view showing the whole gaming machine in one embodiment. It is a front view of a gaming machine. It is a rear view of a gaming machine. It is a perspective view of an upper plate unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of an upper plate unit. It is a perspective view of an upper plate. It is a top view of an upper plate. It is a side view of a gaming machine including a partially broken section. It is a perspective view of an intake unit. It is a perspective view of an intake unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of an intake unit. It is sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of a taking-in apparatus. It is a disassembled perspective view of a taking-in apparatus. It is a figure which shows the position of the taking-in unit with respect to an upper plate. It is a figure which shows the position of the taking-in unit with respect to an upper plate. It is a perspective view of a surface change block. It is a perspective view of a surface change block. It is a front view of a surface change block. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view for demonstrating the structure of a lower panel part. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the game information provided to the panel. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a reel apparatus. It is a disassembled perspective view around an upper plate unit. It is a cross-sectional view around the take-in unit. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the electrical structure of a game machine. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the electrical structure of a game machine. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an illumination color switching process. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure regarding the suggestion of another max bet possible area | region.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 2 ... Outer frame, 4 ... Door block as front body of game machine, 5 ... Surface change block, 6 ... Discharge block, 13 ... Transparent panel as window part, 33 ... Start lever as starting operation means 35-38 ... Stop switch as stop operation means, 38 ... Bet switch as bet number setting means, 50 ... Horizontal long window portion as a retreating wall portion, 151 ... Top plate as a ball tray, 152 ... Cover member, 157 ... an upper cover plate as a shield, 171 to 173 ... a guide passage constituting an upstream passage, 201 to 204 ... a ball detection sensor as a detection means, 301 to 303 ... an intake device, 305 to 307 ... an upstream passage Constructing inlet passage, 305a to 307a ... bottom surface, 310 ... stepped portion, 311, 312 ... housing, 315 ... take-in passage, 320 ... take-in gate member as ball stop member 325... Solenoid as driving means, 503. Reel device as picture display device, 506. Display control device, 554. Fluorescent tube as light emitting means, 559. Panel as display means, 590. Illumination color changing unit, 591 ... disk, 592 ... shaft portion, 593a to 593c ... frame portion, 595 ... stepping motor as rotation drive means, F1, F2, F3 ... light transmissive film, R1 ... sphere storage portion. Front side region, R2... Back side region constituting the ball reservoir, TA.

Claims (2)

A ball tray that is provided in the front part of the gaming machine and stores game balls;
A take-in device for taking in game balls stored in a ball tray;
A blocking permission member that is provided in the capturing device and blocks or allows the game ball to be captured ;
An optical detection means for detecting a game ball permitted to be taken in by the blocking permission member ; and
In the gaming machine in which the blocking permission member is driven to block the loading when at least a prescribed number of gaming balls are loaded after allowing the loading at the start of one game round,
An alignment passage is provided in at least one of the ball tray or the take-in device, and ends at a position where the take-in is blocked by the blocking permission member, and aligns the stored game balls toward the blocking permission member. ,
Forming the alignment passage so that the aligned game balls are visible from the front side of the gaming machine ;
Specific illumination means for illuminating the alignment passage so that a specific area upstream of the specified number of game balls from the position of the blocking permission member in the alignment passage is illuminated and the upstream and downstream sides are not illuminated. A gaming machine characterized by having The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising payout means for paying out a game ball toward the ball tray.

Images