Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of opening / closing easily an opening / closing part to a frame body.SOLUTION: When opening / closing an inner frame 7 to an outer frame 2, in the state where a resin projection 104 having a narrow breadth is allowed to have a contact with a resin support part 106, an inner frame plate metal 100 is out of contact with a modesty panel 102, and frictional resistance is reduced, and the inner frame 7 is easily openable / closable to the outer frame 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0003] Gaming machines (pachinko machines) have been known in the past that have a gaming area in which gaming balls (gaming media) move and that launch gaming balls into the gaming area in response to player operation. This type of gaming machine has a start winning hole in the gaming area as a detection area for detecting gaming balls. When it detects that a gaming ball has entered the start winning hole, it conducts a special lottery and starts displaying a varying number of symbols on the display device. If the result of the special lottery is a jackpot, it displays the symbols stationary in a specific manner. This then transitions the gaming state to a special gaming state, in which multiple jackpot games are played. During each jackpot game, it opens a special winning hole in the gaming area and pays out gaming balls in response to the entry of the gaming ball into the special winning hole.

[0003] In this type of gaming machine, in order to make it easier to open and close the opening / closing part relative to the frame of the gaming machine while simplifying the earthing structure, when the opening / closing part is opened or closed relative to the frame, a resin protrusion provided on the opening / closing part comes into contact with a metal receiving member provided on the frame (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5756717 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, if the resin protrusion comes into contact with the metal receiving member when opening and closing the opening / closing part relative to the frame body, the frictional resistance increases as the weight of the opening / closing part increases, causing severe wear on the resin protrusion and making it difficult to open and close the opening / closing part relative to the frame body.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a gaming machine in which the opening / closing section can be easily opened and closed relative to the frame body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a game progresses according to the results of a lottery, comprising a frame body, an opening / closing section that can be opened and closed relative to the frame body, a first member provided on the frame body, a second member provided on the opening / closing section, a third member provided on the first member, and a fourth member provided on the second member, wherein the fourth member comes into contact with the third member when the opening / closing section opens and closes relative to the frame body, thereby preventing the second member from coming into contact with the first member, and the third member and the fourth member are made of different types of resin.

[0008] In the present invention, the opening / closing section can be easily opened and closed relative to the frame body, and the durability of the third member and the fourth member can be increased. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the opening / closing portion can be easily opened and closed relative to the frame body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the front frame of the embodiment of the present invention in an open state. [Figure 3] 1 is a front view showing the external configuration of a game board according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a front view showing the external configuration of a game board according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is an enlarged oblique view of the lower right portion of the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from diagonally forward. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is a right side view of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the lower part of the inner frame of the embodiment of the present invention, seen obliquely from the rear. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an enlarged oblique view of the lower part of the outer frame of the embodiment of the present invention, seen obliquely from the front. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the interior of the inner frame of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram illustrating the functional blocks of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the embodiment are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0012] 1. Configuration of the gaming machine 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior configuration of a gaming machine according to this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is used for playing games using gaming balls (gaming media) loaned from an amusement parlor. It includes an outer frame 2 (frame body) that forms the exterior 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 (opening / closing section) that holds the gaming board 6 and various control boards inside the gaming machine, a glass unit 8 that makes the gaming area 4 visible but inaccessible to players, and a front frame 10 formed on the front of the gaming machine to surround the gaming area 4. The front frame 10 forms a front frame opening 11 in an area corresponding to the gaming area 4 so that the player can see the gaming area 4. The glass unit 8 is attached from the rear side to close the front frame opening 11, thereby forming the front of the gaming machine together with the glass unit 8.

[0013] A portion of the front frame 10 is made of a translucent material that allows light to pass through, and inside the portion made of the translucent material are provided a plurality of front frame lamps 12 that output light effects to enhance the game. The front frame 10 also has a speaker 14 that outputs sound effects to enhance the game.

[0014] An upper tray 16 for storing game balls is provided in the center of the lower part of the front frame 10, and a payout opening 18 for paying out game balls from the gaming machine to a player is provided on the left side of the inner surface of the upper tray 16 at the back. A handle 20 is provided on the right side of the lower part of the front frame 10, and when a player turns the handle 20 clockwise facing the gaming machine, a launcher (not shown) provided inside the gaming machine is activated, and game balls are launched into the gaming area 4. The launcher of this embodiment can launch 99 game balls per minute (1.65 balls per second).

[0015] A supply port 22 is provided on the right side of the inner surface of the upper tray 16 at the back side for supplying game balls from the upper tray 16 to the launching device. Also, a lower tray 24 is provided below the upper tray 16 for storing surplus game balls when the upper tray 16 cannot store all the game balls.

[0016] In addition, a performance input device 25 (performance operation means) consisting of buttons, handles, etc. is provided in the center of the front side of the upper tray 16, and when the player operates the performance input device 25, the performance performed by the gaming machine changes.

[0017] Here, the inner frame 7 and front frame 10 are attached to the outer frame 2 so as to be rotatable about a frame rotation axis 26 that runs along the left edge of the inner frame 7, the left edge of the front frame 10, and the left edge of the outer frame 2. When a key is inserted into the cylinder lock 27 provided on the right side of the upper tray 16 and rotated in one direction, the lock is released and the inner frame 7 and front frame 10 can be opened relative to the outer frame 2.

[0018] 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inner frame 7 and the front frame 10 are open relative to the outer frame 2. As shown in FIG. 2, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the front frame 10 is attached so as to be rotatable relative to the inner frame 7 around the frame rotation axis 26, and the front frame 10 can be opened relative to the inner frame 7. This allows the front frame 10 to be open relative to the inner frame 7 and the outer frame 2 when the inner frame 7 is closed relative to the outer frame 2, or the front frame 10 and the inner frame 7 to be open relative to the outer frame 2 when the front frame 10 is closed relative to the inner frame 7, or the front frame 10, inner frame 7, and outer frame 2 can all be open as shown in FIG. 2.

[0019] Fig. 3 is a front view showing the external configuration of the gaming board 6 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, a circular outer rail 28 is provided on the gaming board 6, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 28 is the gaming area 4 in which gaming balls move. An arc-shaped inner rail 30 is provided on the left end of the gaming area 4 so as to follow the outer rail 28, and the outer rail 28 and inner rail 30 guide gaming balls launched from a launcher (not shown) provided below the gaming board 6 into the gaming area 4.

[0020] A liquid crystal display 31 (effect image display means) that displays effect images and the like to add excitement to the game is provided at the back of the game board 6, and a game board opening 32 is formed in the center of the game board 6 as an opening that allows the player to view the liquid crystal display 31. A decorative portion 33 is also formed in the center of the game board 6 so as to surround the game board opening 32. The decorative portion 33 has a portion made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the portion made of the translucent material are provided a plurality of decorative portion lamps 34 that output effect lights and the like to add excitement to the game.

[0021] As shown in Figure 4, the game board opening 32 in this embodiment is equipped with a display element 36 (movable object) that forms a V shape in front of the display area of ​​the LCD display 31, and the display element 36 is configured to be able to move (displace) between an appeared state (first state) in which it covers part of the display area of ​​the LCD display 31 and is visible to the player, as shown in Figure 4, and a stored state (second state) in which it is stored below the LCD display 31 and is not visible to the player, as shown in Figure 3.

[0022] In this embodiment, game balls cannot pass through the front side of the game board opening 32 and the decorative portion 33, and game balls launched from the launching device fall into the game area 4 on the left side of the game board opening 32 or the game area 4 on the right side of the game board opening 32. In the game area 4, many game nails (not shown) are nailed so as to intersect with the surface of the game board 6, and the movement direction of the game balls moving through the game area 4 changes randomly.

[0023] Furthermore, a left opening 40 is formed on the left side of the decorative section 33, through which game balls falling in the game area 4 on the left side of the game board opening 32 can pass, and game balls that pass through this left opening 40 pass through a passage 42 provided inside the decorative section 33 and fall onto a stage 44 provided below the decorative section 33. 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, so that game balls that fall onto the stage 44 from the passage 42 move back and forth on the stage 44 before falling downward from near the center of the stage 44.

[0024] A first start winning opening 46 is provided below the center of the stage 44, into which a gaming ball that has fallen downward from near the center of the stage 44 can enter. This first start winning opening 46 has a built-in sensor (detection means) that detects the entry of a gaming ball, and is configured so that when a gaming ball enters, the gaming ball is collected inside the gaming machine, and each time a gaming ball enters the first start winning opening 46, a predetermined number of gaming balls (a specified number of one or more, for example, three) is paid out to the player, and a special lottery is held to obtain a random number value and determine whether or not the player has won a jackpot.

[0025] Furthermore, a passing gate 48 is provided in the gaming area 4 on the right side of the gaming board opening 32, through which gaming balls pass without being collected inside the gaming machine. This passing gate 48 has a built-in sensor that detects the passing of a gaming ball, and each time a gaming ball passes through the passing gate 48, a random number value is obtained and a regular lottery is held to determine whether or not a regular win has occurred.

[0026] In addition, in the gaming area 4 to the right of the gaming board opening 32, below the passing gate 48, there is provided a second start winning opening 50 through which a gaming ball is collected inside the gaming machine when it enters. This second start winning opening 50 has a built-in sensor (gaming medium detection means) that detects the entry of a gaming ball, and is also provided with a normal role device 52 (auxiliary means) that has an auxiliary member that can operate between a reduced state (a state that does not assist entry, a non-assisted state) in which it is difficult for a gaming ball to enter the second start winning opening 50, and an expanded state (a state that assists entry, an auxiliary state) in which it is easy for a gaming ball to enter. The normal role device 52 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid that operates the auxiliary member, and is controlled to enter the expanded state under predetermined conditions when a normal win is won in the normal lottery. Each time a game ball enters the second start winning port 50, a predetermined number of game balls (a prescribed number greater than one, for example, one) is paid out to the player, and a special lottery is held to obtain a random number value and determine whether or not the player has won the jackpot.

[0027] In addition, the number of game balls paid out to the player each time a game ball enters the first start winning port 46 and the number of game balls paid out to the player each time a game ball enters the second start winning port 50 may be the same or different numbers.

[0028] In addition, a jackpot opening 54 is provided in the game area 4 to the right of the game board opening 32. When a gaming ball enters the jackpot opening 54, the gaming ball is collected inside the gaming machine. The jackpot opening 54 has a built-in sensor that detects the entry of a gaming ball, and a special device 56 with a plate-like member that closes the jackpot opening 54. The special device 56 is configured to be operable between an open state (first state, entry-enabled state) in which the gaming ball can enter the jackpot opening 54 and a closed state (second state, entry-disabled state) in which the gaming ball cannot enter the jackpot opening 54. The special device 56 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid that operates the plate-like member, and is controlled to open under predetermined conditions in a special game state that begins when a jackpot is won in a special lottery. Each time a gaming ball enters the jackpot opening 54, a predetermined number of gaming balls (e.g., 10) are paid out to the player.

[0029] In addition, at the bottom of the game area 4, an outlet 62 is provided for retrieving into the game machine game balls that have fallen through the game area 4 without entering any of the winning holes.

[0030] The game ball launching device is configured so that the launching force of the game ball can be changed by adjusting the amount of rotation of the handle 20 shown in Figure 1. When the amount of rotation of the handle 20 is small, the game ball is launched so that it falls into the game area 4 on the left side of the game board opening 32, and when the amount of rotation of the handle 20 is large, the game ball is launched so that it falls into the game area 4 on the right side of the game board opening 32.

[0031] Therefore, the player adjusts the amount of rotation of the handle 20 depending on the game situation, and launches the game ball so that it falls down the left-side game area 4, or passes through the left opening 40, the passage 42 and the stage 44, and enters the first starting winning port 46 (left hit), or so that it falls down the right-side game area 4, passes through the passing gate 48, or enters the second starting winning port 50, or enters the big winning port 54 (right hit).

[0032] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the gaming ball falls through the left-hand gaming area 4, it will not pass through the passing gate 48 and will not win the second starting winning opening 50 or the large winning opening 54, and when the gaming ball falls through the right-hand gaming area 4, it will not win the first starting winning opening 46.

[0033] In addition, at the bottom right of the game board 6, outside the game area 4, there is provided a status display device 70 that shows various states of the game machine, such as the results of the regular lottery, the results of the special lottery, and the game status, by turning on and off lamps, etc.

[0034] 2. Support structure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the lower right portion of the gaming machine of this embodiment, seen obliquely from the front. In FIG. 5, the front frame 10 is closed relative to the inner frame 7, and the front frame 10 and the inner frame 7 are open relative to the outer frame 2.

[0035] As shown in Figure 5, when the inner frame 7 is open relative to the outer frame 2, the weight of the inner frame 7, or the weight of the inner frame 7 and the front frame 10 closed relative to the inner frame 7, causes a slight distortion in the frame rotation axis 26, causing the inner frame 7 to sag downward and to the right.Therefore, when the inner frame 7 is closed relative to the outer frame 2, the metal inner frame sheet metal 100 (second member) that forms the lower right part of the back of the inner frame 7 comes into contact with the resin panel 102 (first member) that forms the lower part of the front of the outer frame 2.

[0036] Therefore, a resin protrusion 104 (fourth member) having a narrow width is provided at the lower end of the inner frame sheet metal 100, protruding farther rearward than the back surface of the inner frame sheet metal 100 and protruding slightly downward below the bottom surface of the inner frame sheet metal 100.

[0037] On the other hand, at the upper right end of the panel 102, a resin support portion 106 (third member) is provided which comes into contact with the protrusion 104 of the inner frame 7 when the inner frame 7 is closed against the outer frame 2, and supports the protrusion 104 when the inner frame 7 is closed against the outer frame 2.

[0038] As a result, in this embodiment, when the inner frame 7 is closed onto the outer frame 2, the protrusion 104 comes into contact with the support portion 106, thereby preventing the inner frame metal sheet 100 and the fascia board 102 from coming into contact with each other.

[0039] Fig. 6(A) is a right side view showing a state in which the protrusion 104 and the support portion 106 are close to each other. As shown in Fig. 6(A), when the inner frame 7 is open relative to the outer frame 2, the lower surface of the protrusion 104 is lower than the upper surface of the support portion 106, so that the front end of the support portion 106 is formed with a curved surface 108 that slopes downward toward the front, and the lower surface of the protrusion 104 is formed with a slope 110 that makes it easier for the protrusion 104 to climb the curved surface 108 of the support portion 106.

[0040] Therefore, when the inner frame 7 is closed against the outer frame 2, the inclined surface 110 of the protrusion 104 first comes into contact with the curved surface 108 of the support portion 106, and when the inner frame 7 is pushed in the direction of closing against the outer frame 2, the inclined surface 110 of the protrusion 104 climbs up the curved surface 108 of the support portion 106, causing the protrusion 104 to ride up onto the support portion 106.

[0041] When the inner frame 7 or the front frame 10 and the inner frame 7 are closed relative to the outer frame 2, the lower surface of the protrusion 104 is supported by the upper surface of the support portion 106 in the correct position so that the inner frame 7 or the front frame 10 and the inner frame 7 do not sag, as shown in Figure 6(B).

[0042] In this embodiment, when the inner frame 7 is opened or closed relative to the outer frame 2, the narrow resin protrusion 104 comes into contact with the resin support portion 106, preventing contact between the inner frame metal 100 and the fascia board 102 and reducing frictional resistance, making it easier to open and close the inner frame 7 relative to the outer frame 2.

[0043] However, if the protruding portion 104 and the supporting portion 106 are made of resin, the protruding portion 104 and the supporting portion 106 will wear out as the inner frame 7 is repeatedly opened and closed relative to the outer frame 2, and the inner frame 7 and the outer frame 2 will come into contact at areas other than the protruding portion 104 and the supporting portion 106. Here, if the supporting portion 106 is formed integrally with the header panel 102, it will become necessary to replace the header panel 102 when the supporting portion 106 wears out.

[0044] Therefore, in this embodiment, the protruding portion 104 is provided as a separate member from the inner frame sheet metal 100, and the support portion 106 is provided as a separate member from the header board 102.

[0045] 7(A) and 7(B) are enlarged perspective views of the lower part of the inner frame 7 as seen obliquely from behind. As shown in Fig. 7(A), the inner frame sheet metal 100 of this embodiment is formed with a first mounting portion 112 to which the protruding portion 104 is attached, and by screwing the protruding portion 104 to the first mounting portion 112, the protruding portion 104 can be replaceably attached to the inner frame 7 as shown in Fig. 7(B).

[0046] 8(A) and 8(B) are enlarged perspective views of the lower part of the outer frame 2 as seen obliquely from the front. As shown in Fig. 8(A), a second mounting part 114 to which the support part 106 is attached is formed at the upper right end of the header board 102 of this embodiment, and the support part 106 is screwed to the second mounting part 114, so that the support part 106 can be replaceably attached to the header board 102 as shown in Fig. 8(B).

[0047] Thus, in this embodiment, when the protrusion 104 wears out, it can be removed from the inner frame sheet metal 100 and replaced with a new protrusion 104, and when the support portion 106 wears out, it can be removed from the fascia board 102 and replaced with a new support portion 106.

[0048] In particular, in this embodiment, the protruding portion 104 is made of POM (polyoxymethylene resin, or polyacetal resin), which has excellent abrasion resistance and sliding properties. Also, the support portion 106 is made of PC (polycarbonate resin), which is stronger and has better impact resistance than POM, while the panel 102 is a design component that constitutes the appearance of the gaming machine, and is therefore made of PC (polycarbonate resin), which is flame-resistant and glossy.

[0049] As a result, in this embodiment, the frictional resistance between the protrusion 104 and the support portion 106 when the inner frame 7 is opened and closed relative to the outer frame 2 is reduced, making it easier to open and close the inner frame 7 relative to the outer frame 2, while also improving the durability of the protrusion 104 and the support portion 106 and preventing the aesthetic appearance of the gaming machine from being marred.

[0050] 3. Outer rail configuration In this embodiment, when the handle 20 shown in Figure 1 is rotated clockwise, a launching device (not shown) located below the game board 6 shown in Figure 3 is activated and a game ball is launched.The launched game ball moves from below the game board 6 between the outer rail 28 and the inner rail 30 from bottom to top, and reaches the game area 4.

[0051] Here, in the region X including the lowest end of the outer rail 28, the inner surface of the outer rail 28, i.e., the surface that comes into contact with the game ball, is formed flat, but in the region Y above the region X, the inner surface of the outer rail 28 is curved.

[0052] Furthermore, the launching force of the launching device changes depending on the amount of rotation of the handle 20, but even if the launching force is A, which prevents the game ball from reaching the game area 4, or the minimum launching force B, which allows the game ball to reach the game area 4, or the launching force C, which allows the game ball to reach a predetermined position Z on the upper left side of the game area 4, which is optimal when launching the game ball so that it moves through the game area 4 to the left of the game board opening 32, the first contact position, which is the position where the game ball launched from the launching device first comes into contact with the inner surface of the outer rail 28, is within the range of area X and does not reach area Y.

[0053] As a result, in this embodiment, regardless of whether the game ball is launched with launch force A, launch force B, or launch force C, the position where the launched game ball first comes into contact with the inner surface of the outer rail 28 is flat, so the trajectory of the ball after contacting the inner surface of the outer rail 28 can be stabilized.

[0054] 4. Heat dissipation hole configuration Fig. 9(A) is a rear view of the inside of the inner frame 7. As shown in Fig. 9(A), a sub-board case 200 that covers a sub-board for controlling a performance device such as a liquid crystal display 31 is provided at the top of the inside of the inner frame 7, and a number of circular first heat dissipation holes 202 are provided on the back of the sub-board case 200.

[0055] 9(B), a rear cover 204 is provided behind the sub-substrate case 200 to cover the rear surface of the sub-substrate case 200, and a large number of vertically elongated oval second heat dissipation holes 206 are provided in the rear cover 204. Some of the second heat dissipation holes 206 are provided at positions that overlap some of the first heat dissipation holes 202 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0056] The second heat dissipation hole 206 is formed to a size that does not allow game balls to pass through, but is formed to a size that allows screws provided above the sub-board case 200 and above the back cover 204 to pass through.

[0057] However, the first heat radiation hole 202 is formed to a size that allows the threaded portion of a screw to pass through but not the head of the screw to pass through.

[0058] As a result, in this embodiment, heat generated from the sub-board can be efficiently discharged, and game balls can be prevented from entering the inside of the rear cover 204, or screws can be prevented from entering the sub-board case 200.

[0059] 5. Functional Blocks 10 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 board 500 and a sub-board 600. The main board 500 receives input signals from input means such as a passing gate sensor 502, a first start winning opening sensor 504, a second start winning opening sensor 505, a special winning opening sensor 506, and a payout sensor 508, performs various calculations to execute a game, and controls the operation of output means such as a normal role drive device 520, a special role drive device 522, and a payout device 524 based on the calculation results.

[0060] Furthermore, the sub-board 600 receives signals sent from the main board 500 and input signals from the effect input device switch 602, performs various calculations to execute effects that match the progress of the game, and controls the operation of effect devices 626, such as effect display device 620, sound device 622, and movable object drive device 624, based on the calculation results. The functions of each board, such as the main board 500 and the sub-board 600, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in the ROM, etc.

[0061] The main board 500 is configured to include a random number generating means 540, a normal lottery means 542, a normal drive control means 544, a special lottery means 546, a game state transition control means 548, a special drive control means 550, a payout control means 552, a communication control means 554, and a main memory 570.

[0062] The random number generating means 540 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 within a predetermined count range). In this embodiment, the term "random number" includes not only values ​​that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values ​​that are generated regularly but can actually function as random numbers because the timing of their acquisition is irregular.

[0063] The normal lottery means 542 acquires a random number value (random number value for lottery) from the random number generating means 540 based on a detection signal from the passing gate sensor 502, which is activated each time a game ball passes through the passing gate 48, and performs a normal lottery to determine whether or not the acquired random number value is a normal win.

[0064] When a normal win is won in the normal lottery, the normal drive control means 544 controls the normal accessory drive device 520 so that the normal accessory 52 is expanded under predetermined conditions.

[0065] The special lottery means 546 acquires a random number value (random number value for lottery) from the random number generating means 540 based on a detection signal from the first start entry port sensor 504, which is activated each time a game ball enters the first start entry port 46, or based on a detection signal from the second start entry port sensor 505, which is activated each time a game ball enters the second start entry port 50, and determines whether the acquired random number value will result in a jackpot, and if a jackpot is won, a special lottery is held to determine which of multiple types of jackpot patterns has won.

[0066] The game state transition control means 548 performs game state transition control processing to transition the game state among the normal state, the special game state, the probability variable state, and the time-shortened state based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition.

[0067] The normal state is a game state that corresponds to the initial state among a plurality of game states, and it is possible to transition from the normal state to a special game state.

[0068] The special game state is initiated when a jackpot is won in a special lottery in the normal state, the probability variable state, or the time-saving state, and ends when a predetermined number of rounds (number of executions) of jackpot games are played depending on the type of jackpot symbol. If the jackpot symbol is a probability variable symbol, the game will transition to the probability variable state when the special game state ends, and if the jackpot symbol is a normal symbol, the game will transition to the time-saving state when the special game state ends.

[0069] The probability variable state is a game state in which a special lottery is conducted to increase the probability of winning a jackpot compared to the normal state, and a normal lottery is conducted to increase the probability of winning a normal jackpot compared to the normal state. In the probability variable state, the time required for one special lottery and one normal lottery is shortened compared to the normal state, thereby controlling the timing of special and normal lottery draws to occur more frequently. While it is possible to transition from the probability variable state to the special game state, the game ends and transitions to the normal state once 9,999 special lotteries have been performed in the probability variable state. However, because the probability of winning a jackpot in the special lottery is set to approximately 1 / 50 in the probability variable state, the special game state begins before 9,999 special lotteries have been performed in the probability variable state, making it almost impossible to transition from the probability variable state to the normal state.

[0070] The time-saving state is a game state in which a special lottery is held so that the probability of winning a jackpot is the same as in the normal state, but a normal lottery is held so that the probability of winning a normal jackpot is higher than in the normal state. In the time-saving state, the time required for one special lottery and one normal lottery is shortened compared to the normal state, so that the special lottery and normal lottery opportunities occur more frequently. It is possible to transition from the time-saving state to the special game state, but the state ends and the game transitions to the normal state when the number of special lotteries held in the time-saving state reaches 100.

[0071] The special drive control means 550 controls the drive of the special feature drive device 522 so that the special feature 56 is opened in a predetermined manner according to the type of jackpot symbol during each jackpot game in the special game state.

[0072] The payout control means 552 controls the payout device 524 to pay out a number of game balls equivalent to a predetermined number of prize balls for each detection signal based on the detection signal from the first start winning port sensor 504, the second start winning port sensor 505, or the large winning port sensor 506.

[0073] The communication control means 554 controls the transmission of signals to the sub-board 600. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the main board 500 and the sub-board 600 are connected in a communication manner such that only one-way communication from the main board 500 to the sub-board 600 is possible, and signals cannot be transmitted from the sub-board 600 to the main board 500.

[0074] Next, a description will be given of the sub-substrate 600. The sub-substrate 600 is configured to include a performance control means 640 and a sub-memory 670.

[0075] The performance control means 640 controls the performance display device 620 to light or flash the front frame lamp 12 and decorative lamp 34, display performance images on the LCD display 31, control the sound device 622 to output performance sounds from the speaker 14, and drive the movable object drive device 624 to operate movable objects, based on the notification signal sent from the main board 500, the input signal from the performance input device switch 602, and the performance data stored in the sub-memory 670, thereby controlling the performance device 626 to execute performances to liven up or assist the game.

[0076] For example, in response to the occurrence of a game event such as a game ball entering the first start winning port 46 or the second start winning port 50, an operation on the effect input device 25, or a change in the game state, a special lottery effect process, a state effect process, etc. are performed.

[0077] In the special lottery effect processing, the effect control means 640 causes the effect device 626 to execute a special variable effect that effects a special lottery, based on a notification signal transmitted from the main board 500. In this embodiment, the effect control means 640 causes the liquid crystal display 31 to variably display a special pattern image, and then causes the liquid crystal display 31 to statically display the special pattern image in a manner according to the result of the special lottery, and also causes the liquid crystal display 31 to display a variable effect image that moves a character image or changes a background image, thereby executing a special variable effect on the liquid crystal display 31.

[0078] In this embodiment, the execution types of the special variable effect are Premium Reach, Super Reach 1, Super Reach 2, Normal Reach, and No Reach, and the effect control means 640 determines which of the execution types to use for the special variable effect based on the results of the special lottery. The special variable effect of each execution type has different display patterns for the special symbol images and variable effect images, different movement patterns for the movable objects, different probabilities of selection depending on the results of the special lottery, and different execution times from start to finish. As a result, the special variable effect of each execution type has different expectations for winning a jackpot when the special variable effect of each execution type is executed, and different expectations for winning a probability variable or normal symbol.

[0079] Furthermore, as a special variable effect, the effect control means 640 controls the movable object drive device 624 in accordance with the progression of the special symbol image and variable effect image, to operate movable objects such as the first effect object 36 and the second effect object 38. In detail, in this embodiment, the effect control means 640 (control means) controls the movable object drive device 624 such as a solenoid or motor to drop the first effect object 36 from a reference position to a drop position, to raise the second effect object 38 from the reference position to a raised position, and to return the first effect object 36 or the second effect object 38 from the dropped position or raised position to the reference position.

[0080] In the status presentation process, the presentation control means 640 performs status presentation that indicates the current game status to the player by moving the character image on the LCD display 31, changing the background image, or moving movable objects according to the current game status, based on the notification signal sent from the main board 500.

[0081] For example, when the current game state is the normal state, the presentation control means 640 performs a presentation state transition lottery under predetermined conditions to determine which of a plurality of presentation states the presentation state should be set to. The presentation control means 640 then causes the liquid crystal display 31 to display a normal state image corresponding to the set presentation state. When the current game state is the probability variable state, the presentation control means 640 causes the liquid crystal display 31 to display a probability variable state image suggesting that the current game state is the probability variable state. When the current game state is the time-saving state, the presentation control means 640 causes the liquid crystal display 31 to display a time-saving state image suggesting that the current game state is the time-saving state and indicating the number of times the special lottery has been performed until it reaches 100. When the current game state is the special game state, the presentation control means 640 causes the liquid crystal display 31 to display a special game state image indicating that the current game state is the special game state and indicating the number of rounds that have been played and the number of rounds that are remaining.

[0082] Furthermore, the performance control means 640 controls the output of specific performance sounds from the speaker 14, the display of specific performance images on the liquid crystal display 31, and the operation of movable objects based on operations performed on the performance input device 25 at predetermined timing.

[0083] 4. Variations The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible, and modifications are introduced below. Note that the above-described embodiment and the various methods described below as modifications can be appropriately combined and adopted as a control method for realizing the present invention.

[0084] First, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the protruding portion 104 was formed from POM and the supporting portion 106 was formed from PC, but the protruding portion 104 may be formed from another resin that has excellent abrasion resistance and sliding properties, and the supporting portion 106 may be formed from another resin that is stronger and more impact resistant than POM.

[0085] Moreover, the protruding portion 104 and the supporting portion 106 may be made of the same type of resin.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the support portion 106 and the header panel 102 were made of PC, but the support portion 106 and the header panel 102 may be made of different types of resin.

[0087] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the present invention was applied to a pachinko gaming machine that has a gaming area in which gaming balls move and that launches gaming balls into the gaming area in response to player operation, but the present invention may also be applied to a slot machine that has multiple reels with patterns arranged on their outer surfaces, that rotates the multiple reels in response to player operation, and that stops the multiple reels in a manner in response to the results of a lottery. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 2 outer frame, 4 playing area, 6 playing board, 7 inner frame, 8 glass unit, 10 front frame, 11 front frame opening, 12 front frame lamp, 14 speaker, 16 upper tray, 18 dispensing outlet, 20 handle, 22 supply port, 24 bottom tray, 25 performance input device, 26 Frame pivot, 27 Cylinder lock

Claims

[Claim 1] A substrate case having a first heat dissipation hole formed therein; a cover member that covers a rear surface of the board case and has a second heat dissipation hole formed therein; The second heat dissipation hole is The hole is formed to a size that the game ball cannot pass through, and is formed to a size that the screw provided above the base case can pass through, and is provided at a position overlapping with the first heat dissipation hole in the front-rear direction; The first heat dissipation hole is A gaming machine characterized in that the threaded portion of the screw is formed to a size that allows passage therethrough but the screw head of the screw is formed to a size that does not allow passage therethrough.

Images