JP7532331B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Conventionally, it is known that in gaming machines such as slot machines and pachinko machines, group effects are performed on liquid crystal displays (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2020-146361 A

However, there is a demand for improved presentation effects in gaming machines.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can improve the presentation effects.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises:
A display means;
A performance control means for controlling the execution of a group performance in which a group of a plurality of characters is displayed moving in a predetermined direction on the display means,
The group is characterized in that there is no character of the same type as the leading character of the group and having the same movement trajectory from the starting point to the ending point.

In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention is
A display means;
A performance control means for controlling the execution of a group performance in which a group of a plurality of characters is displayed moving in a predetermined direction on the display means,
The plurality of characters include a first character and a second character,
the first character in the group is the first character;
The group is characterized in that there is no second character that has the same movement trajectory from a starting point to an end point as a leading character among the second characters.

In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention is
A display means;
A performance control means for controlling the execution of a group performance in which a group of a plurality of characters is displayed moving in a predetermined direction on the display means,
The gaming machine, wherein the group does not include any character of the same type as the last character in the group and having the same movement trajectory from the starting point to the end point.

In group performances, the first and last characters attract particular attention. According to the present invention, there are no characters of the same type that have the same movement trajectory as a highly attention-grabbing character, making it possible to create group performances that do not feel monotonous.

In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention is
A display means;
A performance control means for controlling the execution of a group performance in which a group of a plurality of characters is displayed moving in a predetermined direction on the display means,
The plurality of characters include a plurality of types of characters including a second character and a third character,
In the group performance, the third character is displayed overlapping the front side of the second character,
The third character overlapping the front side of the second character has a moving speed faster than the second character overlapping the third character.

With this configuration, the two overlapping characters are of different types and have different movement speeds, making it possible to create a group presentation that does away with the monotonous atmosphere. Also, the character in the foreground has a faster movement speed, which can increase the impact of the group presentation.

The present invention can improve the presentation effect.

1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating its external configuration. FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the gaming machine. FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram of the game state. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the display related to the group performance. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the display related to the group performance. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a ball return prevention mechanism, showing an example of an amusement machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a front view of the ball return prevention mechanism when the ball return prevention member is in a closed state. FIG. 4 is a front view of the ball return prevention mechanism when the ball return prevention member is in the open state. The same is a figure showing the state in which a game ball that has entered the game area is attempting to return to the boundary area when the ball return prevention member is in a state between the closed state and the open state. 12 is an enlarged view of the area surrounded by the dotted line in FIG. 11 . 12 is an enlarged view of the area surrounded by the dotted line in FIG. 11 . The same figure shows a state in which a game ball that has returned from the game area to the boundary area collides with the ball return prevention member.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, "front and rear" basically means that when a player is in front of a gaming machine, the player side is "front" and the gaming machine side is "rear", "up and down" means that the top side of the gaming machine is "up" and the bottom side is "down", and "left and right" means that the left hand side of the player playing with the gaming machine is "left" and the right hand side is "right".

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the gaming machine according to this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is used to play games using gaming balls (gaming media) loaned from an amusement facility, and includes an outer frame 2 that forms the outer surface of the gaming machine, a gaming board 6 that is provided inside the gaming machine and forms a gaming area 4 in which the gaming balls move, an inner frame 7 that holds the gaming board 6, a glass unit 8 that makes the gaming board 6 visible but inaccessible to the player, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached. The inner frame 7 is attached to the outer frame 2 via a hinge mechanism so as to be able to open and close. The front frame 10 is also attached to the inner frame 7 via a hinge mechanism so as to be able to open and close. The inner frame 7 (and the front frame 10) can be opened and closed between a closed position (closed state) that blocks the opening of the outer frame 2 and an open position (open state) that opens the opening of the outer frame 2.

The portion of the front frame 10 surrounding the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the portion made of the translucent material are provided a number of front frame lamps 12 that output special lights to liven up the game. In addition, speakers 14 (sound devices) that output special sounds to liven up the game are provided on the left and right sides of the upper part and the left and right sides of the lower part of the front frame 10.

At the center of the bottom of the front frame 10 is an upper tray 16 for storing game balls, and at the left part of the inner side of the upper tray 16 is a payout outlet 18 for paying out game balls from the gaming machine to the player. A grip unit 20 is provided at the bottom right of the front frame 10, and when the player rotates the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, a launching device (not shown) installed inside the gaming machine is activated to launch game balls into the game area 4. The launching device of this embodiment can launch 99 game balls per minute (1.65 balls per second).

A supply port 22 is provided on the right side of the inner side of the upper tray 16 to supply game balls from the upper tray 16 to the launching device. In addition, a lower tray 24 is provided below the upper tray 16 to store surplus game balls when the upper tray 16 cannot store all the game balls.

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

Figure 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board 6 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, a circular outer rail 27 is provided on the game board 6, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 27 is the game area 4 in which the game balls move. In addition, an arc-shaped inner rail 28 is provided on the left end of the game area 4 so as to follow the outer rail 27, and the outer rail 27 and the inner rail 28 guide the game balls launched from a launching device (not shown) provided below the game board 6 to the game area 4.

At the center of the game board 6, there is provided a presentation unit 36 that includes a liquid crystal display 32 (display means) that displays presentation images and the like to liven up the game, and a display frame 34 that is formed to surround the liquid crystal display 32. And at the center above the liquid crystal display 32, the display frame 34 is provided with display frame lamps 38, 39 that output presentation lights and the like to liven up the game.

In this embodiment, the game ball cannot pass in front of the liquid crystal display 32, and the game ball launched from the launching device falls in the game area 4a on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32 (left-hand hitting area) or the game area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32 (right-hand hitting area). In addition, numerous game nails (not shown) are nailed into the game area 4 so as to intersect with the surface of the game board 6, so that the movement direction of the game ball moving through the game area 4 changes randomly.

In addition, an opening 40 is formed on the left side of the display frame 34, through which game balls falling through the game area 4a on the left side of the LCD display 32 can pass. Game balls that pass through this opening 40 pass through a passage 42 provided in the display frame 34 and fall onto a stage 44 provided below the LCD display 32. The top surface of this stage 44 is smoothly curved, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8 that allows game balls to fall downward from the stage 44. Game balls that fall onto the stage 44 from the passage 42 move back and forth from side to side on the stage 44 before falling downward from near the center of the stage 44.

Below the center of the stage 44, a first start opening 46 is provided through which a game ball that has fallen downward from near the center of the stage 44 can enter. In addition, a first start opening switch 100 (see FIG. 4) that detects a game ball that has entered the first start opening 46 is arranged inside the first start opening 46. When the first start opening switch 100 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the first start opening 46), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. In addition, the main control board 200 executes a first special pattern lottery as a special pattern lottery based on the input of the detection signal from the first start opening switch 100. In addition, the main control board 200 causes the payout device 130 to pay out prize balls based on the input of the detection signal from the first start opening switch 100. In addition, the game ball that has entered the first start opening 46 is collected inside the gaming machine.

To the left of the first starting hole 46 in the game area 4, multiple (three) general winning holes 47 (upper left general winning hole 47a, middle left general winning hole 47b, and lower left general winning hole 47c) are provided. In addition, a general winning hole switch 101 (see FIG. 4) is arranged on the game board 6 to detect a game ball that has entered the upper left general winning hole 47a, middle left general winning hole 47b, or lower left general winning hole 47c. When the general winning hole switch 101 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the upper left general winning hole 47a, middle left general winning hole 47b, or lower left general winning hole 47c), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. In addition, the main control board 200 causes the payout device 130 to perform a payout operation of the prize ball based on the input of the detection signal from the general winning hole switch 101. In addition, one general prize opening switch 101 may be provided for each of the upper left general prize opening 47a, the center left general prize opening 47b, and the lower left general prize opening 47c, or one may be provided for multiple (e.g., three) general prize openings 47. In addition to the upper left general prize opening 47a, the center left general prize opening 47b, and the lower left general prize opening 47c, general prize opening switches corresponding to these general prize openings may also be provided.

In addition, a pass gate 48 is provided in the game area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32, through which game balls pass without being collected inside the game machine. A gate switch 102 (see FIG. 4) that detects the passage of a game ball is provided inside the pass gate 48. When the gate switch 102 detects a game ball (the game ball passing through the pass gate 48), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Based on the input of the detection signal from the gate switch 102, the main control board 200 executes a normal symbol lottery that determines whether or not a normal win has been won.

In addition, a second start port 49 is provided below the passing gate 48 in the game area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. A second start port switch 103 (see FIG. 4) is provided in the second start port 49 to detect a game ball that has entered the second start port 49. When the second start port switch 103 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the second start port 49), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. In addition, the main control board 200 executes a second special pattern lottery as a special pattern lottery based on the input of the detection signal from the second start port switch 103. In addition, the main control board 200 causes the payout device 130 to pay out prize balls based on the input of the detection signal from the second start port switch 103. In addition, the game ball that has entered the second start port 49 is collected inside the gaming machine.

The second starting hole 49 is provided with a normal role 54 (assistance means) that can operate between a reduced state (a state in which entry is not assisted, a non-assistance state) in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 49, and an expanded state (a state in which entry is assisted, an assist state) in which it is easy for the game ball to enter. The normal role 54 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid, and is controlled to enter the expanded state under predetermined conditions when a normal winning is won in the normal symbol lottery.

The large prize opening 50 is provided in the game area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. A count switch 104 (see FIG. 4) is provided in the large prize opening 50 to detect game balls that have entered the large prize opening 50. When the count switch 104 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the large prize opening 50), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Based on the input of the detection signal from the count switch 104, the main control board 200 causes the payout device 130 to perform a payout operation of prize balls. Based on the input of the detection signal from the count switch 104, the main control board 200 counts the number of game balls that have entered the large prize opening 50. Based on the input of the detection signal from the count switch 104, the game balls that have entered the large prize opening 50 are collected inside the gaming machine.

The big prize opening 50 is provided with a special device 56 that can be operated between a closed state (second state, no entry state) in which the game ball cannot enter the big prize opening 50, and an open state (first state, entry state) in which the game ball can enter. The special device 56 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid, and is controlled to be in the open state under predetermined conditions in the special game state that starts when a big prize is won in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery or second special symbol lottery).

At the bottom of the game area 4, an outlet 62 is provided to collect game balls that have fallen through the game area 4 without entering any of the winning holes 46, 47, 49, and 50 into the game machine. Here, inside the game machine, a discharge path (not shown) is provided through which game balls collected (discharged) from the game area 4 pass. In this game machine, all game balls shot into the game area 4 (all game balls collected from the game area 4) are configured to pass through the discharge path. That is, the game balls shot into the game area 4 are collected from the game area 4 and flow into the discharge path by entering any of the winning holes 46, 47, 49, and 50 or passing through the outlet 62. Specifically, the game balls that have entered each winning hole 46, 47, 49, and 50 are detected by switches 100, 101, 103, and 104 arranged in the winning holes, and then guided to the discharge path. The game balls collected from the outlet 62 are guided to the discharge path. An out switch 106 (see FIG. 4) is provided in the discharge path. When the out switch 106 detects a game ball passing through the discharge path (discharge of a game ball from the game area 4), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. The main control board 200 counts the number of game balls discharged from the game area 4 based on the input of the detection signal from the out switch 106.

The game ball launching device is configured so that the launching force of the game ball changes by adjusting the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 (handle) shown in Figure 1. When the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is small, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4a on the left side of the LCD display 32, and when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4b on the right side of the LCD display 32.

The player can therefore adjust the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 depending on the game situation, and launch the game ball so that it falls through the left-hand game area 4a or passes through the opening 40, passage 42 and stage 44 to enter the first starting hole 46 (left hit), or so that it falls through the right-hand game area 4b and passes through the passing gate 48 or enters the second starting hole 49 or enters the big winning hole 50 (right hit).

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the gaming ball falls in the left gaming area 4a, the gaming ball does not pass through the passing gate 48, and the gaming ball does not enter (win) the second starting opening 49 or the large winning opening 50. In addition, when the gaming ball falls in the right gaming area 4b, the gaming ball does not win in the first starting opening 46, the upper left general winning opening 47a, the middle left general winning opening 47b, and the lower left general winning opening 47c.

At the bottom right of the game board 6, outside the game area 4, there is a status display unit 70 that indicates various states of the game machine by turning on and off lamps, etc.

Figure 3 is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit 70. As shown in Figure 3, the status display unit 70 is provided with a normal symbol display unit 72, a normal hold display unit 74, a first special symbol display unit 76, a first special hold display unit 78, a second special symbol display unit 80, a second special hold display unit 82, and a game status display unit 84.

The normal pattern display unit 72 is composed of two lamps, and when a normal pattern lottery is being held, the two lamps are made to flash to display the normal pattern in a variable manner, and the normal pattern is displayed stationary by turning on or off the two lamps to display the result of the normal pattern lottery.

The normal reserve display unit 74 is made up of two lamps, and when the normal symbol is already in a changing or stationary display when the game ball passes through the passage gate 48, and the random number value for the normal symbol lottery is reserved because the normal symbol lottery cannot be performed even if the random number value for the normal symbol lottery is obtained, the normal reserve number corresponding to the number of reserved random number values for the normal symbol lottery is displayed. A normal reserve number of 0 to 4 is displayed by a combination of turning on, turning off, or blinking the two lamps.

The first special pattern display unit 76 is composed of a seven-segment display, and when a first special pattern lottery is held by a game ball entering the first starting hole 46, the seven-segment display is caused to flash to display the first special pattern in a variable manner, and the seven-segment display is caused to light up in one of a number of different manners to display the first special pattern in a static manner, thereby displaying the result of the first special pattern lottery.

The first special reserve display unit 78 is composed of two lamps, and displays a first special reserve number corresponding to the number of reserved first special random number values when the random number value for special pattern selection is reserved as the first special random number value because it is not possible to perform a special pattern selection even if the random number value for special pattern selection (lottery information) is obtained, such as when the first special pattern or second special pattern is already being displayed in a changing or stopped state at the time the game ball enters the first starting hole 46, and displays a first special reserve number of 0 to 4 by combining the lighting, extinguishing, or blinking of the two lamps.

The second special pattern display unit 80 is composed of a seven-segment display, and when a second special pattern lottery is held by the entry of a gaming ball into the second starting hole 49, the seven-segment display is caused to flash to display the second special pattern in a variable manner, and the seven-segment display is caused to light up in one of a number of different manners to display the second special pattern in a static manner, thereby displaying the result of the second special pattern lottery.

The second special reserve display unit 82 is composed of two lamps, and displays a second special reserve number corresponding to the number of reserved second special random number values when the random number value for special pattern selection is reserved as the second special random number value because a special pattern selection cannot be performed even if the random number value for special pattern selection is obtained, such as when the first special pattern or second special pattern is already being displayed in a changing or stopped state at the time the game ball enters the second starting hole 49, and displays a second special reserve number of 0 to 4 by combining the lighting, extinguishing, or blinking of the two lamps.

The game status display unit 84 is composed of six lamps, and displays the type of game status currently set by a combination of turning on, off, or blinking the six lamps. In this embodiment, four types of game status can be set: a normal status (low probability status), a high probability status (high probability status/special status) in which the probability of winning a jackpot is set higher than in the normal status, a special game status that starts when a jackpot is won in a special symbol lottery, and a time-saving status (special status) in which the time for the first special symbol or second special symbol to change is shortened to trigger the execution of the special symbol lottery more frequently. The six lamps are turned on, off, or blinking in a combination to display which game status is currently set.

Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main control board 200 (main control means) and a sub-control board 202 (sub-control means). The functions of each board, such as the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROMs (an example of information storage media), or RAMs, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in a ROM or the like.

The main control board 200 controls the progress of the game. The main control board 200 receives input signals from input means such as the first start port switch 100, the general winning port switch 101, the gate switch 102, the second start port switch 103, the count switch 104, or the out switch 106, and performs various calculations to execute the game. Based on the calculation results, the main control board 200 controls the operation of output means such as the status display unit 70, the normal role 54, the special role 56, or the payout device 130.

The sub-control board 202 controls the execution of effects based on information sent from the main control board 200. The sub-control board 202 receives signals sent from the main control board 200 and input signals from the effect button switch 150, which detects operation of the effect button 26, and performs various calculations to execute effects that match the progress of the game, and controls the operation of the effect devices, such as the LCD display 32, lamps 12, 38, 39, speaker 14, and effect drive devices, based on the calculation results.

The main control board 200 is configured to include a random number generating means 210, a normal symbol selection means 220, a normal display control means 222, a normal gimmick control means 224, a special symbol selection means 230, a special display control means 240, a game state transition control means 250, a special game execution means 260, a payout control means 270, a communication control means 280, and a main memory 290.

The random number generating means 210 is a means for generating random numbers for the lottery, and is realized by a random number generator that generates hardware random numbers, or a program that generates software random numbers. Software random numbers can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to circulate through a specified count range). Note that in this embodiment, "random number values" include not only values that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values that, even if their generation is regular, can actually function as random numbers because the timing of their acquisition is irregular.

The normal symbol lottery means 220 acquires a normal symbol lottery random number value from the random number generation means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the gate switch 102 that detects each game ball passing through the passage gate 48, stores the random number value for the normal symbol lottery in the normal random number storage means 2912 of the main memory 290, and performs a normal symbol lottery to determine whether or not a normal win has occurred for the normal symbol lottery random number value read from the normal random number storage means 2912. Specifically, the normal symbol lottery means 220 performs a normal win determination process as a normal symbol lottery.

The normal win determination process is a process for determining whether or not a normal win has been won. In the normal win determination process, the normal symbol lottery means 220 selects which of the multiple types of normal symbol lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290 to refer to in order to perform the random number determination process, depending on the game state. Here, each normal symbol lottery table is one in which a normal win or a loss is associated with each of the 100 normal symbol lottery random number values from 0 to 99. Then, the normal symbol lottery means 220 refers to the selected normal symbol lottery table and determines whether or not one of the normal symbol lottery random number values read from the normal random number storage means 2912 is associated with a normal win, thereby determining whether or not a normal win has been won. Then, in the case where a normal win is won, the normal symbol selection means 220 sets the winning flag for the normal win to the ON state in the flag storage means 2916 of the main memory 290, and in the case where a loss is won, the winning flag for the normal win is set to the OFF state.

The normal symbol lottery table selected when the game state is in a special probability state or a time-saving state is set to have a higher probability of winning a normal prize than the normal symbol lottery table selected when the game state is neither a special probability state nor a time-saving state. In other words, the normal symbol lottery performed when the game state is in a special probability state or a time-saving state has a higher probability of winning a normal prize than the normal symbol lottery performed when the game state is neither a special probability state nor a time-saving state.

The normal display control means 222 is a means for controlling the display of the status display unit 70 based on the results of the normal pattern lottery, and performs normal pattern display control processing and normal hold display control processing.

In the normal symbol display control process, the normal display control means 222 changes the display of the normal symbol by flashing the two lamps of the normal symbol display unit 72 until a predetermined change time has elapsed, and displays the result of the normal symbol lottery on the normal symbol display unit 72 by turning on or off the two lamps of the normal symbol display unit 72 to stop displaying the normal symbol depending on whether or not a normal hit has been won in the normal hit determination process.

Specifically, in this embodiment, if the game state at the time the normal symbol lottery is performed is neither a high probability state nor a time-saving state, the normal symbol fluctuation time is set to 20 seconds, and if the game state at the time the normal symbol lottery is performed is a high probability state or a time-saving state, the normal symbol fluctuation time is set to 1 second, so that the opportunity to perform the normal symbol lottery occurs more frequently when the game state is a high probability state or a time-saving state.

In the normal hold display control process, the normal display control means 222 displays a normal hold number between 0 and 4 by combining turning on, off, or blinking the two lamps of the normal hold display unit 74 according to the number of random numbers for normal pattern selection stored in the normal random number storage means 2912.

The normal role control means 224 is a means for controlling the normal role 54 based on the result of the normal symbol lottery. When the game state is neither a high probability state nor a time-saving state, the normal role control means 224 controls the normal role 54 to operate in an expanded state and then to return to a reduced state until 0.1 seconds have elapsed, triggered by the normal symbol being stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a normal win. Also, when the game state is a high probability state or a time-saving state, the normal role control means 224 controls the normal role 54 to operate in an expanded state and then to return to a reduced state until 20 seconds have elapsed, triggered by the normal symbol being stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a normal win.

Therefore, when a normal win occurs in the normal symbol lottery, if the game state is neither a sure-win state nor a time-saving state, the normal device 54 operates so that the ease with which the game ball can enter the second start hole 49 is hardly increased, but if the game state is a sure-win state or a time-saving state, the normal device 54 operates so that the ease with which the game ball can enter the second start hole 49 is increased.

The special symbol lottery means 230 acquires a random number value for special symbol lottery from the random number generating means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start port switch 100, which detects each game ball entering the first start port 46, and stores it as a first special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914 of the main memory 290. The special symbol lottery means 230 also acquires a random number value for special symbol lottery from the random number generating means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the second start port switch 103, which detects each game ball entering the second start port 49, and stores it as a second special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914. The special symbol lottery means 230 then uses the first special random number value or the second special random number value read from the special random number storage means 2914 to perform a special symbol lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won. Specifically, the special symbol selection means 230 performs processes such as jackpot determination and symbol selection as part of the special symbol selection process.

The jackpot determination process is a process for determining whether or not a jackpot has occurred by reading out one jackpot determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the special random number storage means 2914. Here, one jackpot determination random number value is obtained from 65,536 jackpot determination random number values from 0 to 65,535 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start port switch 100 or the second start port switch 103, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

In the jackpot determination process, the special symbol selection means 230 selects which of the multiple types of jackpot selection tables stored in the selection table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290 to refer to for random number determination processing according to the game state. Here, each jackpot selection table is a table in which a jackpot or a miss is associated with each of 65,536 jackpot determination random number values from 0 to 65,535. The special symbol selection means 230 then refers to the selected jackpot selection table to determine whether or not one of the jackpot determination random number values read out is associated with a jackpot, thereby determining whether or not a jackpot has been won. In addition, if a jackpot has been won, the special symbol selection means 230 sets the jackpot winning flag in the flag storage means 2916 to the ON state, and if a miss occurs, sets the jackpot winning flag to the OFF state.

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

The pattern determination process is a process that is performed when a jackpot is won in the jackpot determination process, and is a process that reads out one pattern determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the special random number storage means 2914, and determines whether the jackpot pattern (type of jackpot) will be a 16-round probability variable pattern, a 4-round probability variable pattern, a 16-round normal pattern, or a 4-round normal pattern. Here, one pattern determination random number value is obtained from 100 pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99 based on the detection signal input from the first start port switch 100 or the second start port switch 103, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

In the pattern determination process, the special pattern selection means 230 selects which of the multiple types of pattern selection tables stored in the selection table storage means 2910 to refer to for the random number determination process, depending on whether the one read pattern determination random number value was stored as the first special random number value or the second special random number value. Here, each pattern selection table is one in which one of the 16-round probability variable pattern, the 4-round probability variable pattern, the 16-round normal pattern, and the 4-round normal pattern is associated with each of the 100 pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99. Then, the special pattern selection means 230 refers to the selected pattern selection table to determine which of the multiple types of jackpot patterns the one read pattern determination random number value is associated with, thereby determining which of the multiple types of jackpot patterns has been won. In addition, the special pattern selection means 230 sets the winning flag corresponding to the winning jackpot pattern to the ON state in the flag storage means 2916.

The special display control means 240 is a means for controlling the display of the status display unit 70 based on the results of the special pattern lottery, and performs a first special pattern display control process, a second special pattern display control process, a first special hold display control process, and a second special hold display control process.

The first special pattern display control process is a process that is performed when the first special random number value is read from the special random number storage means 2914 and a special pattern lottery is performed, and the special display control means 240 causes the first special pattern to be displayed in a variable manner by flashing the seven-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 76 until a predetermined variation time has elapsed, and then causes the first special pattern to be displayed in a stationary manner by lighting the seven-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 76 in a predetermined manner.

In this embodiment, the display mode of the 7-segment display is predefined to correspond to each of the four types of jackpot patterns and misses, and the special display control means 240 stops and displays the first special pattern by lighting up the 7-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 76 in a manner according to whether or not a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, and in a manner according to the jackpot pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, and causes the first special pattern display unit 76 to display the result of the special pattern lottery.

The second special pattern display control process is a process that is performed when a second special random number value is read from the special random number storage means 2914 and a special pattern lottery is performed, and the special display control means 240 causes the second special pattern to be displayed in a variable manner by flashing the seven-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 80 until a predetermined variation time has elapsed, and then causes the second special pattern to be displayed in a stationary manner by lighting the seven-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 80 in a predetermined manner.

Then, the special display control means 240 displays the second special pattern by lighting up the seven-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 80 in a manner according to whether or not a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, and in a manner according to the jackpot pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, and causes the second special pattern display unit 80 to display the result of the special pattern lottery.

In the first special hold display control process, the special display control means 240 displays a first special hold number between 0 and 4 by combining turning on, off, or blinking the two lamps of the first special hold display unit 78 according to the number of the first special random number value stored in the special random number storage means 2914.

In the second special hold display control process, the special display control means 240 displays a second special hold number between 0 and 4 by combining turning on, off, or blinking the two lamps of the second special hold display unit 82 depending on the number of second special random numbers stored in the special random number storage means 2914.

As shown in FIG. 5, the game state transition control means 250 performs a game state transition control process that transitions the game state between the normal state, special game state, special probability state, and time-saving state based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition. A single game state transition condition may be defined, or multiple game state transition conditions may be defined. When multiple conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the establishment of one of the multiple predetermined conditions, or the establishment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

The normal state is a game state that corresponds to the initial state among the multiple game states, and it is possible to transition from the normal state to the special game state. In the normal state, the normal symbol lottery is performed by referring to the normal symbol lottery table, where the winning probability of a normal hit is set to approximately 1/20, and the special symbol lottery is performed by referring to the jackpot lottery table, where the winning probability of a jackpot is set to 1/319.

In addition, in the normal state, the probability of winning a normal prize in the normal symbol lottery is low at approximately 1/20, and the normal symbol variation time is set long, and the period during which the normal device 54 is in an expanded state is short at 0.1 seconds, making it difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 49.

The special game state begins when a jackpot is won in a special symbol lottery during the normal, special bonus, or time-saving state, and ends when a predetermined number of rounds (number of executions) of special games have been played depending on the type of jackpot symbol.

Specifically, when the special game state starts based on the winning flag for the 16-round probability variation pattern being set to the ON state in the special pattern lottery, the special game state ends on the condition that 16 rounds of special games from the 1st round to the 16th round have been played.

In addition, when the special game state is started based on the fact that the winning flag for the 4-round probability variation pattern is set to the ON state in the special pattern lottery, the special game state ends on the condition that 4 rounds of special games from the 1st round to the 4th round have been played.

In addition, when the special game state is started based on the winning flag for the 16-round regular pattern being set to the ON state in the special pattern lottery, the special game state ends on the condition that 16 rounds of special games from the 1st round to the 16th round have been played.

In addition, when the special game state is started based on the fact that the winning flag for the 4-round regular pattern is set to the ON state in the special pattern lottery, the special game state ends on the condition that 4 rounds of special games from the 1st round to the 4th round have been played.

The probability variable state is initiated when the special game state, which is initiated based on the winning flag of the 16-round probability variable pattern or the 4-round probability variable pattern (probability variable pattern) being set to the ON state, ends, and it is possible to transition from the probability variable state to the special game state or the normal state. In addition, in the probability variable state, the normal pattern is drawn by referring to a normal pattern drawing table in which the winning probability of a normal win is set to approximately 19/20, and the special pattern is drawn by referring to a jackpot drawing table in which the winning probability of a jackpot is set to 1/31, making it more advantageous for the player than the normal state. The probability variable state ends when the number of times the special pattern has been drawn in the probability variable state reaches 9999, and the state transitions to the normal state.

Specifically, when the special game state ends, the game state transition control means 250 writes a value (e.g., 9999) equivalent to a predetermined number of games (e.g., 9999) to the probability change end judgment counter 2930 in the main memory 290, and performs a decrement update by subtracting a value (e.g., 1) equivalent to one game from the stored value of the probability change end judgment counter 2930 each time a special symbol lottery is performed in the probability change state. Then, when the stored value of the probability change end judgment counter 2930 reaches a threshold value (e.g., 0), the probability change state ends and the normal state begins. However, since the probability of winning a jackpot in the special symbol lottery is set to 1/31 in the probability change state, the special game state begins before the number of times the special symbol lottery has been performed in the probability change state reaches 9999, and it is designed so that the probability change state rarely transitions to the normal state.

In addition, in the special state, the probability of winning a normal jackpot in the normal symbol lottery is high at approximately 19/20, and the normal symbol fluctuation time is short at 1 second, and the period during which the normal device 54 is in an expanded state is long at 20 seconds, making it easier for the player to get the game ball to enter the second starting hole 49 than in the normal state, which is advantageous for the player.

In addition, in the special bonus state, the time for the first or second special symbol to change is often set to a shorter time regardless of the number of reserved symbols, so the opportunity to draw the special symbols occurs more frequently than in the normal state.

The time-saving state is initiated when the special game state, which is initiated based on the winning flag for the 16-round normal symbol or 4-round normal symbol being set to the ON state, ends, and it is possible to transition from the time-saving state to the special game state or the normal state. In the time-saving state, the normal symbol lottery is performed by referring to a normal symbol lottery table in which the winning probability of a normal jackpot is set to approximately 19/20, just like in the probability-changing state, but the special symbol lottery is performed by referring to a jackpot lottery table in which the winning probability of a jackpot is set to approximately 1/319, just like in the normal state, making it more disadvantageous to the player than the probability-changing state. The time-saving state ends when the number of times the special symbol lottery has been performed in the time-saving state reaches 100, and the state transitions to the normal state.

Specifically, when the game state is transitioned to the time-saving state, the game state transition control means 250 writes a value (e.g., 100) equivalent to a predetermined number of games (e.g., 100 games) to the time-saving end determination counter 2932 in the main memory 290, and performs a decrement update by subtracting a value (e.g., 1) equivalent to one game from the stored value of the time-saving end determination counter 2932 each time a special pattern lottery is performed in the time-saving state. Then, when the stored value of the time-saving end determination counter 2932 reaches a threshold value (e.g., 0), the time-saving state is terminated.

In addition, in the time-saving state, just like in the special state, the probability of winning a normal hit in the normal symbol lottery is high at about 19/20, and the normal symbol fluctuation time is short at 1 second, and the period during which the normal device 54 is in an expanded state is long at 20 seconds, so it is easier for the player to get the game ball to enter the second starting hole 49 than in the normal state, which is advantageous for the player.

In addition, in the time-saving state, just like in the probability bonus state, the time for the first or second special symbol to change is often set to a shorter period regardless of the number of reserved symbols, so the opportunity to draw the special symbols occurs more frequently than in the normal state.

The special game execution means 260 is a means for executing a special game based on the results of the special symbol lottery, and performs special game execution process 1 to special game execution process 4, etc.

The special game execution process 1 is executed based on the fact that a 16-round probability variable pattern has been won in the special pattern lottery, and the special game execution means 260 sets a value (e.g., 16) equivalent to 16 times, which is a predetermined number of rounds for the 16-round probability variable pattern, as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933, and performs an incremental update by adding a value (e.g., 1) equivalent to one round to the stored value of the round counter 2933 each time the special role 56 completes its operation in a predetermined manner in each round. Then, when the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (e.g., 16), the special game state ends.

Specifically, in the special game execution process 1, in the special game of each of the first to sixteenth rounds, when the opening timer 2934 counts 29 seconds after the special device 56 is opened or when the count switch 104 detects the entry of one game ball and the value of the big prize counter 2936, which is incremented by a value equivalent to one game ball (e.g., 1) when the count switch 104 detects the entry of one game ball, the drive control of the special device 56 is performed so that the special device 56 is in a closed state. Then, the end condition for one round is considered to be met, and "1" is incremented to the value of the round counter 2933.

The special game execution process 2 is executed based on the fact that a 4-round probability variable pattern has been won in the special pattern lottery, and the special game execution means 260 sets a value (e.g., 4) equivalent to the predetermined number of rounds for the 4-round probability variable pattern as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933, and performs an incremental update by adding a value (e.g., 1) equivalent to one round to the stored value of the round counter 2933 each time the special role 56 completes its operation in a predetermined manner in each round. Then, when the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (e.g., 4), the special game state ends.

Specifically, in the special game execution process 2, in the special game of each of the first to fourth rounds, when the opening timer 2934 counts 29 seconds after the special feature 56 is opened or when the value of the big win counter 2936 reaches an upper limit (e.g., 10), the drive control of the special feature 56 is performed so that the special feature 56 is closed. Then, the end condition for one round is considered to be met, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

The special game execution process 3 is executed based on the fact that a 16-round normal pattern has been selected in the special pattern lottery, and the special game execution means 260 sets a value (e.g., 16) equivalent to 16 times, which is a predetermined number of rounds for the 16-round normal pattern, as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933, and performs an incremental update by adding a value (e.g., 1) equivalent to one round to the stored value of the round counter 2933 each time the special role 56 completes its operation in a predetermined manner in each round. Then, when the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (e.g., 16), the special game state ends.

Specifically, in the special game execution process 3, in the special game of each of the first to sixteenth rounds, when the opening timer 2934 counts 29 seconds after the special feature 56 is opened or when the value of the big win counter 2936 reaches an upper limit (e.g., 10), the drive control of the special feature 56 is performed so that the special feature 56 is closed. Then, it is determined that the end condition for one round has been met, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

The special game execution process 4 is executed based on the fact that a four-round normal pattern has been won in the special pattern lottery, and the special game execution means 260 sets a value (e.g., 4) equivalent to four times, which is a predetermined number of rounds for the four-round normal pattern, as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933, and performs an incremental update by adding a value (e.g., 1) equivalent to one round to the stored value of the round counter 2933 each time the special role 56 completes its operation in a predetermined manner in each round. Then, when the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (e.g., 4), the special game state ends.

Specifically, in the special game execution process 4, in the special game of each of the first to fourth rounds, when the opening timer 2934 counts 29 seconds after the special feature 56 is opened or when the value of the big win counter 2936 reaches an upper limit (e.g., 10), the drive control of the special feature 56 is performed so that the special feature 56 is closed. Then, the end condition for one round is considered to be met, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

The payout control means 270 controls the payout device 130 to pay out a number of game balls equivalent to a number of prize balls that is predetermined for each detection signal based on the detection signal input from the first start port switch 100, the detection signal from the general winning port switch 101, the detection signal from the second start port switch 103, or the detection signal from the count switch 104. The number of prize balls may be any number greater than or equal to one, and the number of prize balls paid out from each of the first start port switch 100, the general winning port switch 101, the second start port switch 103, or the count switch 104 may be different or may be set to the same number of prize balls.

The payout device 130 performs the operation of paying out the number of game balls instructed by the payout control means 270. The payout device 130 has a payout motor in a game ball tank that stores the game balls, and the payout control means 270 controls the rotation angle of the payout motor to pay out the instructed number of game balls from the game ball tank. The payout device 130 is also provided with a payout switch that is activated each time a game ball is paid out, and the payout control means 270 can manage the number of game balls actually paid out from the payout device 130 based on a payout signal from the payout switch.

The communication control means 280 controls the transmission of various commands generated according to the results of various calculations in the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202. Note that in the gaming machine of this embodiment, only one-way communication from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202 is possible between the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202, and the communication connection is such that information cannot be transmitted from the sub-control board 202 to the main control board 200.

Next, the sub-control board 202 will be described. The sub-control board 202 includes a performance control means 300 and a sub-memory 302. The sub-memory 302 also includes multiple types of RAM and ROM, and various data stored in the sub-memory 302 is stored in each RAM and ROM. The performance control means 300 controls the performance device, such as displaying a performance image on the liquid crystal display 32, turning on light-emitting parts such as lamps 12, 38, and 39, outputting performance sounds from the speaker 14, and driving the performance object drive device to operate the performance object, based on various commands sent from the main control board 200, input signals from the performance button switch 150, and performance data stored in the ROM of the sub-memory 302, to cause the performance device to execute performances to liven up the game or assist the game.

The liquid crystal display 32 executes the performance by displaying a performance image on its display surface. The performance image displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 is a composite image formed by overlapping multiple layers in which drawing materials (material images) are arranged.

The presentation screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 is made up of, for example, 30 frames per second (a frame rate of 30 fps). Therefore, for example, in the case of a presentation pattern that is one minute long, the presentation screen is made up of a total of 1,800 frames (60 seconds x 30 frames).

Each frame is actually a composite image in which multiple drawing materials are superimposed. N virtual layers exist within each frame, and each drawing material is placed on each layer. Priority is set for each of the superimposed drawing materials, with lower priority drawing materials being placed on lower layers and higher priority drawing materials being placed on higher layers. Note that the composite image that makes up each frame can be constructed by superimposing a maximum of N drawing materials by placing drawing materials on all N layers, but the number of drawing materials that make up each composite image varies depending on the content of the performance, and it is not necessarily constructed from N drawing materials. Also, when there are less than N drawing materials that make up a composite image, the layers are not necessarily used from the bottom up without any vacant numbers, and layers are used taking into consideration the efficiency of the frame image synthesis process, etc., so unused layers may occur appropriately in the middle part.

When drawing one frame, the drawing materials are drawn one by one in the corresponding layer starting from the lowest priority. For example, if one frame is composed of five drawing materials, the drawing material with the lowest priority (priority 5) is first arranged in the lowest layer and drawn in a predetermined position. Next, the drawing material with the second lowest priority (priority 4) is arranged in a layer higher than the layer in which the drawing material with priority 5 is drawn and drawn in a predetermined position. In this way, the drawing materials are drawn one after another according to the priority, and finally the drawing material with the highest priority (priority 1) is arranged in a layer higher than the layer in which the drawing material with priority 2 is drawn and drawn in a predetermined position. When all the drawing materials have been drawn in each layer, a composite image of these layers viewed from the upper side (front side) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 as a composite image corresponding to the frame. In other words, when the composite image is viewed on the liquid crystal display 32, the drawing materials arranged in the lower layers are covered by the drawing materials arranged in the higher layers. In other words, the higher the layer, the higher the display priority on the LCD display 32.

The drawing process for each composite image is performed using a frame buffer, which is an area in the VRAM of the sub-memory 302, and the performance control means 300 performs the drawing process. Drawing new drawing material in a higher layer means drawing the new drawing material on top of the image buffered in the frame buffer. The drawing materials that make up a frame are drawn in the frame buffer in order of decreasing priority, and when all drawing materials have been drawn, the completed composite image on the frame buffer is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 as the image of that frame. The drawing materials are stored in the drawing material storage area (ROM) of the sub-memory 302. Each drawing material may be a still image or a video (movie).

A low-priority drawing material may be partially or completely invisible due to a drawing material with a higher priority being drawn on top of it. However, transparency can be set for each drawing material, and this does not apply if the transparency set for the drawing material overlaid on top is not 0 (completely opaque), and depending on the degree of transparency, the presence of the drawing material hidden below may be visible in the frame image. In addition, to explain in more detail, drawing materials are composed of two-dimensional pixels, and each pixel is expressed in RGBA (RGB + A (alpha value)), with A indicating transparency (opacity). For example, a pixel with A set to 255 (the upper limit when A is expressed in 8 bits) becomes transparent. Therefore, depending on the number of pixels with A equal to or greater than a certain value (e.g. 255), the lower-level drawing material can be seen.

In this embodiment, a group presentation is provided as a presentation using the liquid crystal display 32. The group presentation may suggest the result of a predetermined selection, such as a big win selection. In other words, the group presentation may suggest the expectation (degree of advantage to the player) of the awarding of a predetermined benefit (for example, a predetermined win such as a jackpot). In other words, the group presentation may give a predetermined suggestion regarding the state of the gaming machine.

A group presentation is a presentation in which a group of multiple characters is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 moving in a predetermined direction (see Figure 6). That is, in a group presentation, multiple characters are displayed on the liquid crystal display 32. Here, a single group may contain only one type of character, or may contain multiple types of characters. Also, a single group may contain multiple characters of the same type.

In group presentations, a group of multiple characters (each of the characters) moves in a predetermined direction on the screen (display area) of the liquid crystal display 32. Here, the group moving in a predetermined direction means, for example, that the group (each of the characters that make up the group) moves in an up-down direction (e.g., from bottom to top), left-right direction (e.g., from right to left), diagonal direction (e.g., from top right to bottom left), a direction spreading from the center toward the periphery, or a direction coming from the back toward the front. In this embodiment, the group moves from right to left. Note that group presentations do not have to involve each character moving from one end of the screen to the other.

In addition, in group performances, multiple characters are displayed at the same time. In other words, at a given point in time in a group performance, multiple characters are displayed on one screen.

The group performance may be performed during a predetermined performance in which the performance symbols are displayed in a variable manner, for example, during a predetermined reach performance. The performance symbols are display objects that are displayed in a variable manner on the liquid crystal display 32 in association with the display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. In this embodiment, nine types of performance symbols with any of the numbers 1 to 9 written thereon are prepared as the performance symbols, and three groups of performance symbols composed of the nine types of performance symbols are displayed in a stopped manner after being displayed in a variable manner in association with the display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The result of the special symbol lottery is then announced according to the stopping state of the three groups of performance symbols (the combination of the three performance symbols that are stopped and displayed). The group performance may be started, for example, during the display of the reach of the performance symbols (a state in which two performance symbols of the same type are stopped). Also, for example, the group may be displayed when the sound (sound announcing that the performance patterns have stopped) is output when the third (last) performance pattern stops, and the group may be hidden when the third performance pattern is fixed and stopped (when the three performance patterns have stopped and the combination of performance patterns is fixed). In other words, the group may be displayed when a predetermined sound is output when the third performance pattern stops, and then at a predetermined point in time until the variation of the performance patterns starts (restarts), all the performance patterns may be displayed as if they have stopped and the group is hidden.

Figure 6 shows a group of characters in the group presentation of this embodiment. In the group presentation, the group of characters shown in Figure 6 is displayed moving from right to left. The player can then visually recognize the range of the moving group on the screen of the liquid crystal display 32 (the range shown by the dashed line in Figure 6) (see Figure 7).

In the group presentation of the present embodiment, a plurality of types of characters are displayed, including character A1, character A2, character B1, character B2, character C1, and character C2. Also, the group includes a plurality of each of character A1, character A2, character B1, character B2, character C1, and character C2.
For example, even if two characters depict the same subject (such as a person or an animal), they can be considered to be different types of characters if they are recognized as being displayed in different ways due to differences in clothing, facial expressions, poses (movements), etc. Also, even if the characters have the same shape, they can be considered to be different types of characters if they have different patterns or colors.

In this embodiment, the display of character A1 is similar to the display of character A2, the display of character B1 is similar to the display of character B2, and the display of character C1 is similar to the display of character C2. In this embodiment, similar characters have similar external shapes (including cases where they are identical (congruent)) and different patterns and colors. For example, similar characters may be depictions of the same subject but with different clothing or facial expressions. Furthermore, the display of each character does not have to be similar to the display of other characters.

In the group performance, the characters C1 and C2 are displayed moving in a front-to-back direction (Z-axis direction) of the screen while overlapping each other (see point P indicated by an arrow in FIG. 6). Specifically, the character C1 is located at the rear, and the character C2 is displayed moving in a front-to-back direction (Z-axis direction) of the character C1 while overlapping each other. At this time, the part of the character C1 where the character C2 overlaps is covered by the character C2 and cannot be seen. Specifically, in the group performance, a state exists in which a range of 1/2 or more, more specifically a range of 1/3 or more, and even more specifically a range of 80% or more of the character C1 is covered by the character C2. In other words, in the group performance, a state exists in which the face of the character C1 is covered and cannot be seen. In addition, the moving speeds of the overlapping characters C1 and C2 are different, and the character C2 located at the front moves faster. In addition, the display size of the character C2 is larger than that of C1.
In addition, when characters C1 and C2 overlap in the front-to-back direction of the screen, it is sufficient that they are recognizable as overlapping when viewed by the player, and it is not necessary for characters C1 and C2 to be drawn on separate layers in the frame buffer.

The leading character of the group is character A1. Although the group includes multiple characters A1, there is no character A1 that has the same movement trajectory from the starting point to the end point as the leading character A1 of the group. In other words, there is no character (character A1) that is the same type as the leading character of the group and has the same movement trajectory from the starting point (display start point) to the end point (display end point). In further other words, all characters of the same type as the leading character of the group have movement trajectories from the starting point to the end point that are different from that of the leading character. Specifically, there is no character A1 that appears from the same location as the leading character and disappears from the same location as the leading character.
Note that the expression "the movement trajectories from the start point to the end point are the same" may mean that, for two characters being compared, the trajectory (a line connecting the display start point (appearance point) to the display end point (disappearance point)) of a specific point of one of the characters (for example, a specific part such as the center point, top end, bottom end, tip or rear end of the character) is the same as the trajectory of a specific point of the other character. Also, the expression "the movement trajectories from the start point to the end point are the same" may mean that, for two characters being compared, the display of one character at all display locations (all display locations from the display start (appearance) to the display end (disappearance)) can be superimposed on the display of the other character at any display location, and the display of one character at all display locations can be superimposed on the display of the other character at any display location. In addition, the movement trajectory from the start point to the end point being the same may mean that, assuming that the display start timing (appearance timing) of one of the two characters being compared is aligned with the display start timing of the other character, the two characters always completely overlap from the time they appear until they disappear.

That is, in the group presentation, a character (character A1) of the same type as the leading character of the group and having the same movement trajectory from the starting point to the end point is not visible. In other words, in the group presentation, a character of the same type as the leading character of the group, having the same movement trajectory from the starting point to the end point as the leading character, and having the same visibility does not exist. In other words, in the group presentation, a character of the same type as the leading character of the group and having the same display mode (movement trajectory and visibility) from the starting point to the end point does not exist.
Here, the same visibility means that the visible range and transparency of the character display are the same. In this embodiment, the leading character of the group is displayed throughout the entire movement trajectory (at least half of the section), without being obscured by other characters, and the entire character is displayed except when a part of the leading character is located off-screen. In contrast, a character of the same type as the leading character of the group (character A1) but with a part of it that is difficult to see because it is obscured by other characters (a character whose visibility is impaired compared to the leading character) can be said to have different visibility from the leading character.
In addition, when a part of a character is located off-screen, it is sufficient that the part is recognizable as being off-screen from the player's perspective; when drawing in the frame buffer, the part that corresponds to being off-screen does not necessarily have to be drawn.

The group also includes multiple characters C1. In the group, the movement trajectories of all of the multiple characters C1 from the starting point to the end point are different from the character C1 that is at the head of the multiple characters C1. In other words, when comparing the head character C1 of the multiple characters C1 included in the group with the other characters C1, even if any character C1 other than the head character C1 is selected as the other character C1, the movement trajectories from the starting point to the end point of the head character C1 and the selected character C1 are not the same.

If the leading character among characters A1 is character A1a, the leading character among characters A2 is character A2a, the leading character among characters B1 is character B1a, the leading character among characters B2 is character B2a, the leading character among characters C1 is character C1a, and the leading character among characters C2 is character C2a, then there may be no characters of the same type as characters A1a, A2a, B1a, B2a, C1a, and C21a that have the same movement trajectory (display mode) from the start point to the end point. In other words, for each type of character (characters A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2), the leading character among each type of character (characters A1a, A2a, B1a, B2a, C1a, C2a) may have a different movement trajectory from other characters of the same type (second or subsequent characters). Furthermore, among the multiple characters of the same type excluding the leading character (e.g., among the multiple characters A1 excluding character A1a), there may or may not be multiple characters (e.g., two characters) that have the same movement trajectory (display mode) from the starting point to the end point. For example, character A1 may include characters A1b and A1c in addition to character A1a, and characters A1b and A1c may have the same movement trajectory from the starting point to the end point.

The last character in the group is character C1. The group includes multiple characters C1, but there is no character C1 whose movement trajectory from the starting point to the end point is the same as that of the last character C1 in the group. In other words, there is no character (character C1) of the same type as the last character in the group that has the same movement trajectory from the starting point (display start point) to the end point (display end point). In yet other words, all characters of the same type as the last character in the group have movement trajectories from the starting point to the end point that are different from that of the last character. Specifically, there is no character C1 that appears from the same place as the last character and disappears from the same place as the last character.

In other words, in the group presentation, a character (character C1) of the same type as the last character in the group, who has the same movement trajectory from the starting point to the end point as the last character, cannot be seen. In other words, in the group presentation, a character of the same type as the last character in the group, who has the same movement trajectory from the starting point to the end point as the last character, and who has the same visibility as the last character does not exist. In yet other words, in the group presentation, a character of the same type as the last character in the group, who has the same display mode (movement trajectory and visibility) from the starting point to the end point does not exist.

If the last character among the characters A1 is character A1z, the last character among the characters A2 is character A2z, the last character among the characters B1 is character B1z, the last character among the characters B2 is character B2z, the last character among the characters C1 is character C1z, and the last character among the characters C2 is character C2z, it may be possible that there are no characters of the same type as the characters A1z, A2z, B1z, B2z, C1z, and C2z and that have the same movement trajectory (display mode) from the start point to the end point. In other words, for each type of character (characters A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2), the last character among each type of character (characters A1z, A2z, B1z, B2z, C1z, C2z) may have a movement trajectory different from other characters of the same type. Furthermore, among the multiple characters of the same type excluding the last character (e.g., among the multiple characters A1 excluding character A1z), there may or may not be multiple characters (e.g., two characters) that have the same movement trajectory (display mode) from the starting point to the end point. For example, character A1 may include characters A1b and A1c in addition to character A1z, and characters A1b and A1c may have the same movement trajectory from the starting point to the end point.

Here, the relationship between the movement trajectories of the first (first of a group and first of each type) and last (last of a group and last of each type) characters and other characters of the same type has been described, but instead of the first or last, the present invention may be applied to the character at the top of the screen (character moving at the top) or the character at the bottom of the screen (character moving at the bottom). That is, in the description of the movement trajectories, the words "first" or "last" may be read as "top position" or "bottom position". Here, the relationship between the movement trajectories of the first, last, top position, or bottom position characters and other characters of the same type has been described, but the above-mentioned relationships may be established between the movement trajectories of all other characters, not limited to the same type of characters. Specifically, for example, it is possible that there is no character that has the same movement trajectory from the start point (display start point) to the end point (display end point) as the first character of the group, not limited to the same type of characters. Additionally, for each relationship related to the movement trajectories of the two characters being compared, it may be possible to ensure that the entire trajectory traced by a specific point of one character does not overlap with the trajectory traced by a specific point of the other character.

When the left-right direction of the screen is considered as the X-axis and the up-down direction as the Y-axis, in the group performance, multiple characters move in the X-axis direction (predetermined direction). In addition, in the group performance, as shown in FIG. 7, multiple characters may exist on a predetermined Y-axis (on a virtual line perpendicular to the predetermined direction). In this embodiment, the Y-axis is described as passing through the center of the screen in the left-right direction, that is, passing through the center of the screen of the liquid crystal display 32. However, the Y-axis may pass through, for example, the left end (the leading end in the direction of movement of the group) or the right end (the rear end in the direction of movement of the group) of the screen. In addition, the Y-axis may pass through the first starting hole 46 (directly above the first starting hole 46) when the gaming machine is viewed from the front. In addition, the Y-axis may be set so that the number of characters present on the Y-axis is the largest. In addition, the Y-axis may be set at a position where the vertical dimension (dimension in the Y-axis direction) of the group is maximum.
Note that, below, we will explain the relationships between characters when the Y axis is taken to pass through the center of the screen, but the following relationships may also hold for the multiple types of Y axes mentioned above (for example, when the Y axis is taken to pass through the center of the screen, when the Y axis is taken to pass through the left edge of the screen, and when the Y axis is taken to pass through the right edge of the screen).

In the group presentation, there is a period in which multiple (two or more) characters A1 included in the group are located on the Y axis. On the other hand, multiple (two or more) characters A1 are prevented from reaching the Y axis at the same time.
This relationship may be established not only for character A1 but also for other types of characters included in the group. Specifically, for example, for any type (multiple types), characters of the same type may not reach the Y axis at the same time.

In addition, in the group performance, there is a period in which multiple (two or more) characters A1 and multiple (two or more) characters B1 are located on the Y axis. Here, the two characters A1 located on the Y axis during that period are characters A1f and A1g in order of the fastest to reach the Y axis, and the two characters B1 located on the Y axis during that period are characters B1f and B1g in order of the fastest to reach the Y axis. Then, if the time from when character A1f reaches the Y axis to when character A1g reaches the Y axis is the first time, and the time from when character B1f reaches the Y axis to when character B1g reaches the Y axis is the second time, the first time is shorter than the second time. In other words, the distance between character A1f and character A1g in the X-axis direction is shorter than the distance between character B1f and character B1g in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, at the time when character B1g reaches the Y axis (the time when the second time has elapsed since character B1f reached the Y axis), character B1f's range from the front end to the rear end in the X axis direction exceeds the Y axis by more than 1/2 (at least 1/3) of the length. In other words, the distance between character B1f and character B1g in the X axis direction is more than 1/2 (at least 1/3) of the length of character B1 in the X axis direction.

In addition, in the group performance, there may be cases where a specific type of character appears and cases where it does not. Furthermore, the degree of advantage (expectation of receiving a special benefit, etc.) for the player may be higher when a specific type of character appears than when it does not appear. Furthermore, a character that exists multiple times on the Y axis during a specified period, but does not reach the Y axis multiple times at the same time (character A1), characters A1f, A1g, or characters B1f, B1g may be a specific type of character.

In this embodiment, one video is prepared as drawing material for the group performance in the drawing material storage area of the sub-memory 302. Then, the performance control means 300 plays (draws) the video in one of the multiple layers, thereby executing a group performance using the liquid crystal display 32. Note that the group performance may be realized by drawing multiple drawing materials on multiple layers.

The gaming machine of this embodiment includes a display means 32 and a presentation control means 300 that controls the execution of a group presentation in which a group of multiple characters is displayed on the display means 32 moving in a predetermined direction, and the group does not include any character of the same type as the first character in the group and that has the same movement trajectory from the start point to the end point.

The gaming machine of this embodiment also includes a display means 32 and a presentation control means 300 for controlling the execution of a group presentation in which a group of multiple characters is displayed on the display means 32 moving in a predetermined direction, the multiple characters include multiple types of characters including a first character and a second character, the first character is the first character, and there is no second character in the group that has the same movement trajectory from the start point to the end point as the first character among the second characters.

The gaming machine of this embodiment also includes a display means 32 and a presentation control means 300 for controlling the execution of a group presentation in which a group of multiple characters is displayed on the display means 32 moving in a predetermined direction, and the group does not include any character of the same type as the last character in the group and with the same movement trajectory from the start point to the end point.

In group presentations, the first and last characters attract particular attention. With the gaming machine of this embodiment, there are no characters of the same type that have the same movement trajectory as a highly attention-grabbing character, making it possible to create group presentations that do not feel monotonous.

The gaming machine of this embodiment also includes a display means 32 and a presentation control means 300 for controlling the execution of a group presentation in which a group of multiple characters is displayed on the display means 32 moving in a predetermined direction, the multiple characters include multiple types of characters including a second character and a third character, and in the group presentation, the third character is displayed overlapping the front side of the second character, and the third character overlapping the front side of the second character moves faster than the second character overlapping the third character.

With this configuration, the two overlapping characters are of different types and have different movement speeds, making it possible to create a group presentation that does away with the monotonous atmosphere. Also, the character in the foreground has a faster movement speed, which can increase the impact of the group presentation.

In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment is equipped with a display means 32, and a presentation control means 300 which controls the execution of a group presentation in which a plurality of characters are displayed on the display means 32 moving in a predetermined direction, the plurality of characters including a plurality of first characters, and if a virtual line perpendicular to the predetermined direction and passing through the center of the display area of the display means is taken as the first line, in the group presentation, there is a period when a plurality of first characters are located on the first line, but the plurality of first characters never reach the first line at the same time.
With this configuration, even if characters of the same type are on a predetermined virtual line, their positions can be differentiated in the direction of movement, making it possible to create a group presentation that eliminates a monotonous atmosphere.

The gaming machine of this embodiment also includes a display means 32, and a presentation control means 300 for controlling the execution of a group presentation in which a plurality of characters are displayed on the display means 32 moving in a predetermined direction, the plurality of characters including a plurality of first characters and a plurality of second characters, and assuming that a virtual line perpendicular to the predetermined direction and passing through the center of a display area of the display means is a first line, in the group presentation, there is a period during which a plurality of first characters and a plurality of second characters are positioned on the first line, and of two first characters positioned on the first line during the period, When the time from when one first character reaches the first line to when the other first character reaches the first line is defined as a first time, and the time from when one second character, of two second characters positioned on the first line during the period, reaches the first line to when the other second character reaches the first line is defined as a second time, the first time is shorter than the second time, and at the point when the other second character reaches the first line, the one second character extends beyond the first line for a range of more than 1/3 of the length from its front end to its rear end in the specified direction.
With this configuration, it is possible to create a sense of random arrangement of characters while still creating a sense of closeness between the characters, making it possible to create a group presentation that catches the player's eye and eliminates a monotonous atmosphere.

(Application to slot machines)
In the above embodiment, an example of applying the present invention to a pachinko game machine that uses game balls as game value has been described, but the present invention may also be applied to a slot machine in which the number of bets is set using medals or electronic information as game value, the reels are spun by operating the start lever to start the game, the spinning reels are stopped by operating the stop button, and a prize can be won depending on the type of pattern or combination of patterns when the reels stop.

For example, when the configuration according to the above embodiment is applied to a slot machine, the group performance may be triggered by a predetermined operation such as a game start operation or a predetermined stop operation. The group performance may be executed when a predetermined result is obtained in a predetermined lottery executed in response to a game start operation (for example, when a predetermined role is won in an internal lottery that determines whether the role is a win or not). In addition, the slot machine may be a slot machine that assists the winning of a specific role by performing a navigation performance (instruction performance, winning assistance performance) that notifies (suggests) the mode of the stop operation (operation sequence, operation timing, etc.) that enables the winning of this specific role by displaying a navigation image on the display means 32 or outputting a predetermined performance sound from the speaker 14 when a specific role is won, that is, a slot machine with a so-called AT (assist time). In addition, in the group performance, a predetermined expectation level regarding the navigation performance (for example, the expectation level of transition to a predetermined state (AT performance state) in which the execution of the navigation performance is possible and which is advantageous to the player, the expectation level regarding an increase in the number of times the navigation performance is executed, etc.) may be suggested. The group presentation may also indicate the likelihood of winning a bonus.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
Since the gaming machine of this embodiment basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the first embodiment, the description of the configuration similar to that of the gaming machine of the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

As shown in FIG. 9, the gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine) of this embodiment has an outer rail 27 and an inner rail 28. A guide passage (guide area) 29 that guides the gaming balls launched from the launching device to the gaming area 4 is formed between the outer rail 27 and the inner rail 28. As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, a ball return prevention mechanism 50 that prevents the gaming balls from returning from the gaming area 4 to the guide passage 29 (launching device side) is provided at the upper end of the guide passage 29. Specifically, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 is provided at the upper end of the inner rail 28. In other words, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 is provided in the boundary area 700 that is the boundary between the guide passage 29 and the gaming area 4.

The ball return prevention mechanism 50 has a main body case 52, a cover 53, a ball return prevention member 54, and a support shaft 56.

The main body case 52 has a bottom surface 52a on which the ball return prevention member 54 is placed on the front side and a wall portion 52b that covers the part of the ball return prevention member 54 on the play area side 4, and a stopper wall 52c that restricts the rotation of the ball return prevention member 54 toward the play area 4. In this embodiment, the wall portion 52b and the stopper wall 52 are integrally formed, and it can be said that the upper part (upper end) of the wall portion 52b is the stopper wall 52c. In this embodiment, the main body case 52 is integrally formed with the inner rail 28, but a gap is formed between the upper end of the inner rail 28 and the stopper wall 52c. The main body case 52 has a cutout portion S as a space surrounded by the bottom surface portion 52a and the wall portion 52b, and can accommodate a part of the ball return prevention member 54 (the weight portion 54c described later). In addition, a part of the ball return prevention member 54 (opening/closing valve 54b, described later) protrudes from the upper side of the cutout S, in other words, from the gap (the upper opening of the cutout S) between the upper end of the wall 52b (stopper wall 52c) and the upper end of the inner rail 28.

The bottom surface portion 52a is formed with a first bearing portion 52d into which one end of the support shaft 56 can be inserted (supported), and a guide groove 52e into which an engagement pin of the ball return prevention member 54 described later can be inserted. The bottom surface portion 52a is also provided with a boss having a screw hole 52f and protruding forward, and a positioning pin 52g that allows the positioning of the cover 53.

The cover 53 is generally plate-shaped. The cover 53 has a screw insertion hole 53a into which the screw 55 can be inserted, a pin insertion hole 53b into which the positioning pin 52g of the main case 52 can be inserted, and a second bearing portion 53c into which the other end of the support shaft 56 can be inserted (supported). The positioning pin 52g of the main case 52 is inserted into the pin insertion hole 53b, and the screw inserted into the screw insertion hole 53a is screwed into the screw hole 52f of the main case 52, whereby the cover 53 is attached to the main case 52. The cover 53 covers the front side of the cutout portion S when attached to the main case 52.

The ball return prevention member 54 has an axial hole 54a, an on-off valve 54b, and a weight portion 54c. The on-off valve 54b and the weight portion 54c are formed so as to bend in an L-shape with the axial hole 54a as the boundary. A support shaft 56 is inserted into the axial hole 54a, and one end of the support shaft 56 is engaged with the first bearing portion 52d of the bottom surface portion 52a, and the other end is engaged with the second bearing portion 53c of the cover 53. In this way, the ball return prevention member 54 is rotatably supported by the main body case 52 and the cover 53.

The opening/closing valve 54b is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape, and its longitudinal (vertical) length is long enough for a game ball returning from the game area 4 to the boundary area 700 to collide with it. The opening/closing valve 54b has a first side portion 540b that faces the guide passage 29, and a second side portion 541b that is opposite the first side portion 540b and faces the game area 4 (left hitting area 4a) (see FIG. 9). The first side portion 540b is the portion that collides with a game ball that has been launched from the launching device and passed through the guide passage 29. The second side portion 541b is the portion that collides with a game ball that is returning from the game area 4 to the guide passage 29.

The tip of the opening/closing valve 54b is tapered. Specifically, the vertical length of the first side portion 540b is longer than the vertical length of the second side portion 541b, and slopes downward from the tip of the first side portion 540b to the tip of the second side portion 541b. In addition, a protrusion 541c that protrudes toward the play area 4 is formed in the center of the second side portion 541b.

The weight portion 54c is thicker and heavier than the opening/closing valve 54b. An engagement pin is protruded from the back side of the weight portion 54c, and this engagement pin is inserted into the guide groove 52e of the bottom surface portion 52a. The ball return prevention member 54 is rotatably supported by the main body case 52 and the cover 53 as described above, and can be displaced between the open state and the closed state. In the normal state, the ball return prevention member 54 is biased to rotate in one direction (counterclockwise) around the support shaft 56 by the weight of the weight portion 54c, and the engagement pin abuts against one end of the guide groove 52e. As a result, the ball return prevention member 54 cannot rotate any further and maintains the closed state. On the other hand, when the ball return prevention member 54 comes into contact with the game ball launched from the launching device, the contact force causes it to rotate in the other direction (clockwise) around the support shaft 56, and abuts against the above-mentioned stopper wall 52c, thereby opening the state. In addition, the ball return prevention member 54 does not have to be restricted from rotating toward the play area 4 by the stopper wall 52c. In other words, the stopper wall 52c only needs to be in contact with the ball return prevention member 54 in the open state, and in this case, "in contact" means abutting or coming close to it.

Next, referring to Figures 9 and 10, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in a closed state (first state) and when it is in an open state (second state) will be described. Figure 9 is a front view of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in a closed state, and Figure 10 is a front view of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in an open state.

9, when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the closed state (first state), the opening/closing valve 54b protrudes in a substantially vertical position from the upper opening of the notch S toward the outlet of the boundary area 700. In this state, the distance (specific distance) from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (opening/closing valve 54b) to the outer rail 27 is shorter than the diameter of the game ball B and is the shortest. Note that this distance means the shortest distance from the tip of the opening/closing valve 54b (first side portion 540b) of the ball return prevention member 54 to the outer rail 27. Therefore, even if the game ball B that once enters the game area 4 collides with a game nail 36 or the like arranged in the game area 4 and is bounced back toward the boundary area 700, it will collide with the ball return prevention member 54. In addition, the ball return prevention member 54 maintains the closed state even when it is collided with the game ball B, and does not rotate counterclockwise. Therefore, when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the closed state, it prevents the game ball B that has entered the game area 4 from returning to the guide passage 29.

9, when the game ball B launched from the launching device toward the game area 4 rises in the guide passage 29, enters the boundary area 700, and contacts the opening and closing valve 54b, the contact force can displace the ball return prevention member 54 from the closed state to the open state. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the ball return prevention member 54 rotates in the direction of opening the exit of the boundary area 700, and when it collides with the stopper wall 52c, further rotation is restricted and it becomes the open state (second state). In this state, the distance (specific distance) from the tip of the opening and closing valve 54b (first side portion 540b) to the outer rail 27 is longer than the diameter of the game ball B and is the longest. Therefore, when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the open state, it allows the game ball launched by the launching device to enter the game area 4 from the boundary area 700. After the ball return prevention member 54 is displaced to the open state, it is instantly rotated in the opposite direction (counterclockwise) by the biasing force of the weight portion 54c and displaced again to the closed state shown in FIG. 9.

As described above, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 is configured to prevent a game ball that has entered the game area 4 from returning to the guide passage 29 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the closed state, but in this embodiment, it is further configured to prevent the game ball from returning to the guide passage (guidance area) 29 even when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the middle of changing from the closed state to the open state (third state).

Figure 11 shows a state in which a game ball that has entered the game area 4 (left hitting area 4a) is attempting to return to the boundary area 700 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the process of changing from a closed state to an open state, and Figures 12 and 13 are enlarged views of the area surrounded by the dotted line in Figure 11.

In FIG. 11, a game ball B1 launched from the launching device toward the game area 4 enters the boundary area 700 from the guide passage 29 and comes into contact with the ball return prevention member 54 (opening/closing valve 54b), the outer rail 27, and another game ball B2. In FIG. 12, the contact point between the game ball B1 and the first side portion 540b of the opening/closing valve 54b is indicated by the symbol P1, the contact point with the outer rail 27 is indicated by the symbol P2, and the contact point with the other game ball B2 is indicated by the symbol P3.

The other game ball B2 enters the boundary area 700 from the game area 4 and comes into contact with the tip of the ball return prevention member 54, the outer rail 27, and the first game ball B1. In FIG. 12, the point of contact between the other game ball B2 and the tip of the opening/closing valve 54b is indicated by the symbol P4, the point of contact with the outer rail 27 is indicated by the symbol P5, and the lowest point of the other game ball B2 is indicated by the symbol P6.

In the state shown in FIG. 12, the distance (specific distance) from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 to the outer rail 27 is longer than in the closed state (see FIG. 9) and shorter than in the open state (see FIG. 10). In other words, it is the distance between the closed state and the open state. Moreover, the distance H1 from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (opening/closing valve 54b) to the outer rail 27 is shorter than the distance H2 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2 to the outer rail 27. In other words, the distance H1 from the contact point P4 between the other game ball B2 and the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 to the outer rail 27 is shorter than the distance H2 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2 to the outer rail 27. In other words, the length H1 of the perpendicular line L1 from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 to the outer rail 27 is shorter than the length H2 of the perpendicular line L2 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2 to the outer rail 27.

Also, as shown in FIG. 13, when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the intermediate state described above, the distance H3 from the contact point P4 between the other game ball B2 and the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (opening/closing valve 54b) to the contact point P3 between the other game ball B2 and one game ball B1 is shorter than the distance H4 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball to the contact point P3. In other words, the length of the line segment L3 connecting the contact point P4 and the contact point P3 is shorter than the length of the line segment L4 connecting the lowest point P6 and the contact point P3.

Also, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the intermediate state described above, the ball return prevention member 54 has not rotated enough for its tip to reach the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2. Specifically, the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 is located higher than the lowest point P6 of the game ball B2 in the vertical direction, and is located to the left of the lowest point P6 of the game ball B2 (towards the guide passage 29) in the horizontal direction. In other words, the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 is located to the upper left of the lowest point P6.

After the collision between the game balls B1 and B2 as described above, even if the game ball B2 tries to return to the guide passage 29, it will come into contact with the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (opening/closing valve 54b) from the game area 4 side. Therefore, the ball return prevention member 54 is likely to rotate counterclockwise due to the contact force from the game area 4 side toward the guide passage 29 side. Therefore, the ball return prevention member 54 blocks the exit of the boundary area 700 more than when the game balls B1 and B2 collide, making it difficult for the game ball B2 to return to the guide passage 29. As a result, even when the game balls B1 and B2 collide as shown in FIG. 11, the game ball B2 can be prevented from returning to the guide passage 29. In other words, it is possible to prevent two consecutive game balls from returning to the guide passage 29.

When the game ball B1 and the game ball B2 collide as shown in FIG. 11, if the distance (specific distance) H1 from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (opening/closing valve 54b) to the outer rail 27 is longer than the distance H2 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2 to the outer rail 27, the game ball B2 can enter between the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 and the outer rail 27 after the collision. In this case, the game ball B2 can contact the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 from above, so that the ball return prevention member 54 is more likely to rotate clockwise. Therefore, the ball return prevention member 54 opens the exit of the boundary area 700 more than when the game ball B1 and the game ball B2 collide, and the game ball B2 cannot be prevented from returning to the guide passage 29.

As described above, the pachinko game machine according to this embodiment is sufficiently improved in preventing game balls that have entered the game area 4 from returning to the guide passage (guidance area) 29 compared to conventional pachinko game machines, but as described below, further improvements are made in preventing the game ball from getting caught in the ball return prevention mechanism 50. Therefore, with reference to Figure 14, prevention of the game ball from getting caught in the ball return prevention mechanism 50 will be described. Figure 14 is a diagram showing a state in which game ball B that has returned from the game area 4 to the boundary area 700 collides with the ball return prevention member 54.

As shown in FIG. 14, game ball B has returned from game area 4 to boundary area 700 and is in contact with opening/closing valve 54b of ball return prevention member 54 and main body case 52. Specifically, game ball B is in contact with protrusion 541c of opening/closing valve 54b in the closed state, and also in contact with the upper end (stopper wall 52c) of main body case 52. In FIG. 14, the point of contact between game ball B and protrusion 541c of opening/closing valve 54b is indicated by symbol P7, the point of contact with the upper end of main body case 52 is indicated by P8, and the leftmost point of game ball B is indicated by P9.

In this state, the contact point P7 between the game ball B and the protruding portion 541c of the opening/closing valve 54b is located lower than the leftmost point P9 of the game ball B in the vertical direction. Also, the contact point P8 between the game ball B and the upper end of the main body case 52 is located to the left of the lowest point P6 of the game ball B in the horizontal direction, and is located higher than the lowest point P6 of the game ball B in the vertical direction. In other words, the contact point P8 is located to the upper left of the lowest point P6. And the distance (first distance) H5 from the contact point P7 to the contact point P8 is shorter than the distance (second distance) H6 from the leftmost point P9 to the lowest point P6 of the game ball B. Therefore, the game ball B cannot enter the gap area SP between the opening on the upper surface side facing the boundary area 700 in the main body case 52 (see FIG. 8) and the part of the second side surface portion 541b of the opening/closing valve 54b that is closer to the base end than the protruding portion 541c. Moreover, as shown by the dotted arrow in FIG. 14, when the game ball B collides with the ball return prevention member 54, a force is applied to the right from the protrusion 541c of the opening/closing valve 54b, and a force is applied diagonally upward to the right from the upper end of the main body case 52, causing the game ball B to bounce back into the game area 4. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game ball B from entering the gap area SP and getting caught between the opening/closing valve 54b of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 and the main body case 52. Therefore, the return prevention of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 caused by such a catch of the game ball B is not impaired. Therefore, the return prevention of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 can be stably ensured, and the prevention of the game ball that has entered the game area 4 from returning to the guide passage (guidance area) 29 can be further improved.

The pachinko gaming machine according to this embodiment configured in this way can achieve the following effects:

The ball return prevention mechanism 50 not only prevents a game ball that has entered the play area 4 from returning when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the closed state, but also suppresses a game ball that has entered the play area 4 from returning to the guide passage 29 even while the ball return prevention member 54 is in the process of changing from the closed state to the open state. Therefore, it is possible to improve the prevention of a game ball that has entered the play area 4 returning to the guide passage (guidance area) 29.

In addition, the pachinko game machine according to this embodiment is provided with a guide passage (guidance area) 29 which is an area between the outer rail 27 and the inner rail 28 and which guides the launched game ball to the game area 4, and a ball return prevention mechanism 50 which prevents the game ball from returning from the game area 4 to the guide passage 29, and the ball return prevention mechanism 50 has an opening/closing valve (displacement member) 54b which can be displaced between a closed state (first state) and an open state (second state), and a main body case (holding member) 52 which can hold the opening/closing valve 54b, and the opening/closing valve 54b has a second side portion (side portion) 541b which faces the game area 4, and a tip portion on the tip side of the second side portion 541b, and when the distance from the tip portion to the outer rail 27 is a specific distance, the closed state is a state in which the specific distance is shorter than the open state. In the open state, the specific distance is shorter than that in the closed state, and the main case 52 has a stopper wall (contact portion) 52c that contacts the second side portion 541b of the opening/closing valve 54b in the open state, and when the game ball is in contact with the main case (holding member) 52 (specifically, the stopper wall 52c of the main case 52) and the second side portion 541b (the protrusion 541c) in the closed state, the distance from the contact point P8 between the game ball and the main case 52 (the stopper wall 52c) to the contact point P7 between the game ball and the second side portion 541b (the protrusion 541c) is the first distance H5, and the distance from the lowest point P6 of the game ball to the leftmost point P9 is the second distance H6. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the prevention of the game ball that has entered the game area 4 returning to the guide passage (guide area) 29.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the game control form and configuration of a pachinko game machine or a slot machine are not limited to those of the above-described embodiment. The above-described control operation can also be applied to other game machines, such as medal-less game machines.

In addition, within the scope of the present invention, the components of each embodiment can be freely combined, or each component can be arbitrarily modified or omitted.

32 Liquid crystal display (display means)
300 Production control means

Claims (1)

A guide area between the outer rail and the inner rail, which guides the launched game ball to the game area;
A ball return prevention mechanism that prevents the game ball from returning from the game area to the guide area;
A display means;
A performance control means for controlling the execution of a group performance in which a group of a plurality of characters is displayed moving in a predetermined direction on the display means,
The group does not include any character of the same type as the first character of the group and having the same movement trajectory from the start point to the end point;
the ball return prevention mechanism includes a displacement member that is displaceable between a first state, a second state, and a third state, and a holding member that is capable of holding the displacement member ;
The displacement member has a side surface portion facing the outer rail and a tip portion on a tip side of the side surface portion,
A distance from the tip portion to the outer rail is set to a specific distance,
A game ball guided from the guide area to the game area is defined as one game ball;
If the game ball attempting to return from the game area to the guide area is defined as another game ball,
the first state is a state in which the specific distance is shorter than the second state,
the second state is a state in which the specific distance is longer than that in the first state,
the third state is a state in which the one game ball is in contact with the side portion, the outer rail, and the other game ball, and the other game ball is in contact with the tip portion, the outer rail, and the one game ball, so that the specific distance is longer than the first state and shorter than the second state, and is shorter than the distance from the lowest point of the other game ball to the outer rail;
In the third state, the end of the displacement member is accommodated in the space inside the holding member.
A gaming machine characterized by:

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