Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine with a reduced burden on a player.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: a design part protruding forward above a game area; and a handle formed to be rotatable. When operation torque required to rotate the handle from its initial position is defined as first operation torque, operation torque required to rotate the handle from its initial position to a left-shooting reference position is defined as second operation torque, and operation torque required to rotate the handle from its initial position to a maximum rotation position is defined as third operation torque, the second operation torque is greater than the first operation torque, the third operation torque is greater than the second operation torque, and the third operation torque is at least twice the first operation torque and is not greater than twice the second operation torque.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In gaming machines such as slot machines and pachinko machines, effect sounds are output from speakers to liven up the games. As this type of gaming machine, there is known a gaming machine having a plurality of speakers and achieving a predetermined acoustic effect using the plurality of speakers (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in gaming machines, it is required to improve the acoustic effect.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the acoustic effect.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention includes: a plurality of types of sound output means including first sound output means and second sound output means; storage means for preliminarily storing a plurality of types of sound data including first sound data and second sound data; sound control means for causing the sound output means to output sound based on the sound data stored in the storage means, wherein the first sound data and the second sound data are sound data based on a common sound material, The second sound data is sound data obtained by extracting sound in a specific frequency band from the common sound material. The second sound output means has superior playback ability for sound in a predetermined frequency band compared to the first sound output means. At least a part of the specific frequency band and the predetermined frequency band overlap. The sound control means is characterized in that it can output sound from the first sound output means based on the first sound data and output sound from the second sound output means based on the second sound data.

[0007] Also, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a plurality of types of sound output means including a first sound output means and a second sound output means, a storage means that stores in advance a plurality of types of sound data including first sound data and second sound data, and a sound control means that outputs sound from the sound output means based on the sound data stored in the storage means, and is a gaming machine comprising: The first sound data and the second sound data are sound data for a predetermined piece of music, The second sound data is sound data obtained by extracting sound in a specific frequency band of the music, The second sound output means has superior playback ability for sound in a predetermined frequency band compared to the first sound output means. At least a part of the specific frequency band and the predetermined frequency band overlap. The sound control means is characterized in that it can output sound from the first sound output means based on the first sound data and output sound from the second sound output means based on the second sound data.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an acoustic effect that cannot be obtained or is difficult to obtain when playing back one sound material (piece of music) as sound data using a sound output means. That is, conventionally, sound data of one sound material related to a predetermined piece of music (predetermined sound played during a game) is stored in a storage means, and the sound in a predetermined frequency band of the sound data is extracted using an amplifier or an equalizer function of a DSP in a gaming machine and output from each sound output means. However, with this method, the extracted frequency band depends on the equalizer settings. In contrast, in the present invention, it is possible to prepare in advance sound data obtained by dividing a sound material (piece of music) into desired frequency bands regardless of the equalizer settings. Therefore, for example, during a predetermined period, only the mid-high frequency sound included in the sound material (piece of music) is output, and during other periods, both the mid-high frequency sound and the low frequency sound included in the sound material (piece of music) are output. For acoustic effects such as changing the sound range over time, the volume balance for each sound range can be optimized for each sound material, improving the acoustic effect. Also, it is possible to change the sound range over time without changing the equalizer settings for the sound related to a predetermined piece of music output from a predetermined (one) sound output means. Also, when simultaneously outputting the sound related to a predetermined piece of music and other sounds from a predetermined sound output means, it is possible to vary the volume balance (for example, the volume balance on the frequency axis) between the sound related to the predetermined piece of music and the other sounds. Also, it becomes easier to balance the sound between multiple sound output means or to balance multiple sounds output from a predetermined sound output means. Also, by making each sound data suitable for each sound output means, it is possible to prevent damage to the sound output means caused by input of sound having a frequency lower than the lowest resonance frequency of the sound output means.

Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the acoustic effect can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine, which is one type of gaming machine, will be described, but other gaming machines may also be used. In the following description, basically, "front and back" means that when a player is on the front side of the pachinko gaming machine, the player side is "front" and the pachinko gaming machine side is "back", "up and down" means that the upper surface side of the pachinko gaming machine is "up" and the lower surface side is "down", and "left and right" means that the left hand side of the player is "left" and the right hand side is "right". Note that within the scope of the present invention, free combinations of each configuration, arbitrary modifications of each configuration, or omissions of each configuration are possible.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 100, showing a state where the door is open. The gaming machine 100 (pachinko gaming machine 100) uses game balls as gaming media. A player borrows game balls from the game parlor operator and plays a game using the gaming machine 100. In the game on the gaming machine 100, each game ball is a medium having gaming value, and the privileges (benefits) enjoyed by the player as the result of the game can be converted into gaming value based on, for example, the number of game balls acquired by the player.

[0013] The gaming machine 100 includes an outer frame 102 formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape (vertically long rectangular frame shape), an inner frame 104 (middle frame) detachably attached to the outer frame 102 via a hinge mechanism, and a front frame 300 detachably attached to the inner frame 104 via a hinge mechanism. The inner frame 104 is formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape, similar to the outer frame 102. The inner frame 104 holds a game board 108 (game board unit). Specifically, the game board unit is detachable from the inner frame 104 (inner frame assembly) with the front frame 300 opened forward.

[0014] A glass unit 110 (transparent plate) is attached to the front frame 300. Specifically, a window is formed in the central portion of the front frame 300, and the glass unit 110 is attached to the window. The glass unit 110 is, for example, a combination of two transparent plates (glass plates) cut to fit the shape of the window. In this embodiment, the glass unit 110 is used, but it may be made of resin.

[0015] Here, the configuration including the front frame 300 and the inner frame 104 is referred to as the "main body frame". The main body frame is detachable (openable and closable) from the outer frame 102. When the main body frame is closed with respect to the outer frame 102, the game board 108 and the glass unit 110 face each other substantially in parallel with a predetermined interval (gap) therebetween. At this time, the game board 108 is visible through the glass unit 110 from the front side of the gaming machine 100.

[0016] Note that, in the case of the front frame 300, it may refer only to a frame member having a substantially rectangular shape (the door base 310 to be described later), or may refer to the entire unit in which the frame member and all the members attached to the frame member (including design members and the like) are integrated.

[0017] In addition, the gaming machine 100 includes an effect device that performs effects during the progress of the game. As the effect device, there are an effect display device 114 composed of a liquid crystal display device, an effect accessory device 116 composed of a movable device, an audio output device 118 composed of a speaker (see FIG. 3), an effect lighting device 120 composed of lamps controlled in various lighting modes and emission colors, and an effect operation device 208 that accepts operations (see FIG. 3), etc. The effect display device 114, the effect accessory device 116, the audio output device 118, the effect lighting device 120, and the effect operation device 208 execute predetermined effects based on the control of a control board provided inside the inner frame 104.

[0018] A through hole 108a (see FIG. 2) that penetrates in the thickness direction (the front-rear direction of the gaming machine 100) is formed in the game board 108. An effect display device 114 is provided on the back surface of the game board 108. The effect display device 114 includes an image display unit that displays images. The image display unit is disposed inside the inner frame 104 and is exposed through the through hole 108a, so that the images displayed on the image display unit can be visually recognized from the front side.

[0019] The effect accessory device 116 is disposed in front of the effect display device 114 inside the inner frame 104 and usually retracts to the back side of the game board 108, but moves to the front of the effect display device 114 during the progress of the game or the like to give the player a sense of expectation of a big win.

[0020] The effect lighting device 120 is provided on the front frame 300 and, for example, a plurality of them are provided so as to surround the glass unit 110. The effect lighting device 120 includes LEDs or the like and is controlled to light up in various ways, for example, in accordance with the images displayed on the effect display device 114 and the like.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, the voice output device 118 is provided on the outer frame 102. The voice output device 118 outputs sounds, voices, BGM, etc. toward the front side of the gaming machine 100 in accordance with an image or the like displayed on the effect display device 114. The lower outer frame 102 has a predetermined width, and the voice output device 118 (speaker) is a component of the outer frame 102.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the gaming machine 100 seen from the front side (front). The effect operation device 208 (effect operation unit 208) includes an effect operation unit configured to be able to receive operations related to effects (predetermined operations). When the effect operation unit is operated, the effect content (display on the effect display device) is switched, or a predetermined effect occurs. On the right side of the gaming machine 100 when seen from the front side, a key portion 209 (cylinder) is provided. When a predetermined key is inserted into the key portion 209 and rotated counterclockwise (twisted), the front frame 300 can be opened to the front side, and when rotated clockwise (twisted), the front frame 300 and the inner frame 104 (i.e., the main body frame) can be opened to the front side.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a view of the game board 108 seen from the front side. The game board (game plate) 108 is formed of, for example, a transparent synthetic resin (e.g., acrylic). The game board 108 is provided with a substantially circular outer rail 114b and an inner rail 114a formed in an arc shape along the outer rail 114b. The game ball launched from a launch mechanism (launch device) (not shown) rises between the inner rail 114a and the outer rail 114b and is guided to the game area 116. The game area 116 (board surface) is a space formed between the game board 108 and the glass unit 110 and is an area where the game ball can move (flow down, roll). The game board 108 is provided with a large number of game pins and windmills, and the game ball guided to the game area 116 collides with the pins and windmills and moves (flows down, rolls) in irregular directions.

[0024] The outer rail 114b extends in a clockwise direction from below the game board 108 toward the upper left, and also extends in a clockwise direction from approximately the center in the vertical direction (up and down) of the game board 108 toward the upper right. The outer rail 114b curves and extends from the lower part to the upper part of the game board 108, and surrounds and forms the game area 116. That is, the area surrounded by the outer rail 114b is the game area 116 where the game ball moves. Also, the inner rail 114a is provided on the left side of the game board 108 and inside the outer rail 114b in the game area 116.

[0025] The game area 116 includes a first game area 116a and a second game area 116b where the degree of entry of the game ball varies according to the firing intensity of the firing mechanism, and the game balls can be separated. The first game area 116a is located on the left side of the game area 116 as viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 100, and the second game area 116b is located on the right side of the game area 116 as viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 100. Since the outer rail 114b and the inner rail 114a are on the left side of the game area 116, the game ball fired by the firing mechanism with a firing intensity less than a predetermined intensity enters the first game area 116a (left hitting area), and the game ball fired by the firing mechanism with a firing intensity equal to or greater than the predetermined intensity enters the second game area 116b (right hitting area). Operating the operation handle 340 to drive the game ball into the first game area 116a is called executing a left hit, and operating the operation handle 340 to drive the game ball into the second game area 116b is called executing a right hit.

[0026] Also, in the game area 116, a general winning opening 118 and a start winning opening 120 (start opening) into which the game ball can enter are provided. When the game ball enters the general winning opening 118 and the start winning opening 120, a predetermined number of prize balls (game balls obtained by winning) are paid out to the player. Note that the number of prize balls may be any number as long as it is one or more. Also, the number of prize balls paid out at each of the general winning opening 118 and the start winning opening 120 may be different, or may be set to the same number of prize balls.

[0027] The start winning opening 120 is provided at the lower center (center in the left-right direction) in the game area 116. Although specific explanations are omitted, when a game ball enters the start winning opening 120, a major role lottery is conducted to determine whether to grant a predetermined game benefit. If a big win is won in the major role lottery, a major role game is executed. The major role game is composed of multiple rounds of round games, and during each round game, the big winning opening is opened. The big winning opening is provided in the second game area 116b. Each round game ends when a predetermined time has elapsed since its start or when a preset upper limit number of game balls enter the big winning opening. When a game ball enters the big winning opening, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. Therefore, by executing the major role game, the player can obtain a large number of prize balls.

[0028] An out port 122 (discharge port) is provided at the lowermost part of the game area 116. Game balls that do not enter any of the general winning opening 118, the start winning opening 120, and the big winning opening are discharged from the game area 116 to the back side of the game board 108 through the out port 122.

[0029] Also, the game area 116 includes an upper passage 114c that connects the left hitting area 116a and the right hitting area 116b. This upper passage 114c is provided above the through hole 108a.

[0030] The gaming machine according to this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main board and a sub-board. And the functions of each board such as the main board and the sub-board 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 composed of a given program stored in advance in the ROM.

[0031] The main board receives an input signal from an input means (various sensors, etc.), performs various operations for executing the game, and based on the operation result, controls the operation of an output means (payout device, etc.).

[0032] The sub-board receives commands sent from the main board and input signals from an effect operation sensor that detects operations on an effect operation device 208, which will be described later, performs various calculations for executing effects according to the progress of the game, and controls the operation of the effect device based on the calculation results.

[0033] Next, the details of the door unit 300 will be described. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the door unit 300. The door unit 300 includes a plate-shaped door base 310, a tray unit 320, a handle unit 330, and the like. Note that a glass unit 110 (see FIG. 1) can be attached to the back side of the door base 310.

[0034] The tray unit 320 has a shape that protrudes forward and includes a tray. The tray is formed to be able to store game balls (loaned balls) loaned to the player and game balls (bonus balls) obtained by winning. The tray unit 320 is attached (assembled) below the front side of the door base 310. The tray unit 320 is fixed to the door base 310 by screwing from the rear side of the door base 310. Note that a concave portion is provided at the center of the tray unit 320, and the effect operation unit 208 shown in FIG. 3 is attached to this concave portion.

[0035] The handle unit 330 includes a handle 340 provided to protrude forward and a handle base 350. The handle 340 is formed to be rotatable. When the handle 340 is rotated to perform a firing operation, a game ball is fired from a firing mechanism (firing device) with an intensity (firing power) (momentum) corresponding to the rotation angle (operation angle) (rotation amount) (rotation operation amount) of the handle 340. The handle unit 330 is attached (assembled) to the lower right part of the door base 310 (the lower right part of the front frame) (the lower right of the tray unit 320). The handle unit 330 is fixed to the door base 310 by screwing from the rear side of the door base 310.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the tray unit 320 and the handle unit 330 can be individually (separately) fixed to the door base 310. Therefore, for example, with the tray unit 320 fixed to the door base 310, the handle unit 330 can be removed from the door base 310, or with the handle unit 330 fixed to the door base 310, the tray unit 320 can be removed from the door base 310. That is, only one of the tray unit 320 or the handle unit 330 can be removed to perform operations such as inspection and replacement. This enables flexible operation and improves work efficiency. In this embodiment, it is possible to attach and detach only the effect unit 208 without removing the tray unit 320 from the door base 310.

[0037] Also, for the handle unit 330, the handle 340 and the handle base 350 are each separately screwed and fixed to the door base 310. Therefore, only the handle 340 can be removed from the door base 310 while the handle base 350 is fixed to the door base 310. The handle 340 is a component with a higher replacement frequency than the handle base 350. By making only the handle 340 replaceable, the cost of replacement can be reduced. In addition, the color of the screws used for fixing the handle 340 and the color of the screws used for fixing the handle base 350 may be changed. For example, the screws used for fixing the handle 340 are made red. By changing the color of the screws in this way, the operator can easily understand which screw to remove, preventing mistakes and improving work efficiency. Also, an identification character such as "H" may be attached near the screw hole for the handle 340.

[0038] When removing components from the door base 310, first remove the tray unit 320, then remove the handle 340, and then remove the handle base 350. Note that the handle 340 and the handle base 350 may be removed simultaneously.

[0039] (Handle 340) FIG. 5(a) is a perspective view of the handle 340 as viewed from the front side, and FIG. 5(b) is a perspective view of the handle 340 as viewed from the rear side. The handle 340 includes a main body portion 341, a handle ring 342 (handle), a firing stop button 343, and a cover 344, etc. The main body portion 341 is fixed to the door base 310 as an attachment mating member and rotatably supports the handle ring 342. The handle ring 342 can rotate around the main body portion 341 within a range of a predetermined amount of rotation (predetermined operating angle) from the initial position to the maximum rotation position. The maximum rotation position is the position where the amount of rotation with respect to the initial position is the maximum. The maximum rotation position is the position at the moment when a predetermined portion of the handle ring 342 abuts (contacts) the mechanical end (stopper), and does not include the position where, after the abutment, further force is applied to press a predetermined portion of the handle ring 342 against the mechanical end and the load (reaction force) rapidly increases. The firing stop button 343 can be pressed and is provided to enable the firing of the game ball to be stopped while the handle ring 342 is rotated by a predetermined amount of rotation. Further, the cover 344 (face cover) is provided to cover the front side of the handle ring 342.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a view of the handle unit 330 as viewed from the front side in the axial direction of the handle 340. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the center (rotation axis) of the handle 340 is taken as the center P (rotation axis P). FIG. 6 shows a state where the handle ring 342 is in the initial position. The handle ring 342 is biased by an elastic member (ring spring, spring: not shown) in the counterclockwise direction with the center P as the rotation axis when viewed from the front. Therefore, when rotating the handle ring 342 in the clockwise direction from the initial position, it is necessary to operate (apply force) against the biasing force of the elastic member. Further, when the operation is released (when the application of force is stopped) while the handle ring 342 is rotated by a predetermined amount of rotation in the clockwise direction, the handle ring 342 returns to the initial position (automatically returns) by the biasing force of the elastic member.

[0041] (handle ring 342) The handle ring 342 includes a ring portion 350a, a first finger hook portion 351, a second finger hook portion 352, and a third finger hook portion 353. The first to third finger hook portions 351 to 353 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the annular ring portion 350a so as to project radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the ring portion 350a along the circumferential direction. When viewed from the front, the first to third finger hook portions 351 to 353 are substantially triangular (mountain-shaped). When the first to third finger hook portions 351 to 353 are viewed with their respective tips facing upward, the left inclined surface is an inclined surface (a steeply inclined surface) with a greater inclination than the right inclined surface. Since the left inclined surface is steeper than the right inclined surface, it is easier to hook a finger.

[0042] If the first to third finger hook portions 351 to 353 are not provided, it is necessary to hold and rotate the outer peripheral surface of the ring portion 350a. However, when the first to third finger hook portions 351 to 353 are provided, a rotation operation can be performed by hooking a finger. Therefore, the player can perform the rotation operation more easily. As a result, the burden on the player can be reduced.

[0043] The door unit 300 is a component that may be handled alone as the door unit 300. That is, it is a component for which operations such as detaching (exchanging) only the door unit 300 or transporting only the door unit 300 are performed. Therefore, situations where only the door unit 300 is placed on a surface such as the floor or only the door unit 300 is placed in a packaging member such as a box may occur.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a view of the door unit 300 seen from the front. As shown in FIG. 7, the lower edge of the door unit 300 (front frame 300) is defined as the lower edge S1. The lower edge S1 constitutes the outermost shape on the lower side of the front frame 300. If all or part of the first to third finger hook portions 351 to 353 project below (downward) the lower edge S1, when the front frame 300 is placed on the floor or the like, it may come into contact with the floor and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) may be damaged.

[0045] (Initial position: downward) FIG. 7 shows the state where the handle ring 342 is in the initial position. In the initial position, the tip of the first finger hook portion 351 faces the upper left side. The tip of the second finger hook portion 352 faces the upper side. The tip of the third finger hook portion 353 faces the upper right side. In the present embodiment, in the initial position, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes below the lower edge S1 of the front frame 300. Therefore, even when the front frame 300 is placed on the floor or the like, the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 do not contact the floor or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) is not damaged. Therefore, the risk of component breakage can be reduced.

[0046] (Maximum rotation position: downward) FIG. 8 is a front view of the door unit 300, showing the state where the handle ring 342 is in the maximum rotation position. The maximum rotation position is the position where the rotation amount (operation amount) from the initial position of the handle ring 342 is maximum. In the maximum rotation position, the tip of the first finger hook portion 351 faces the upper side. The tip of the second finger hook portion 352 faces the right side. The tip of the third finger hook portion 353 faces the lower side. In the present embodiment, in the maximum rotation position, the tip of the third finger hook portion 353 is closest to the lower edge S1.

[0047] In the present embodiment, even in the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes below the lower edge S1 of the front frame 300. Therefore, even when the front frame 300 is placed on the floor or the like with the handle ring 342 in the maximum rotation position, the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 do not contact the floor or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) is not damaged. Therefore, the risk of component breakage can be reduced.

[0048] In this embodiment, regardless of the rotational position (any rotational position) of the handle ring 342, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes below the lower edge S1 of the front frame 300. In this embodiment, it is assumed that at the maximum rotational position, the tip of the third finger hook portion 353 is closest to the lower edge S1. However, the tip of any one of the finger hook portions may be closest to the lower edge S1 even if it is not at the maximum rotational position. That is, if the position where the tip of any one of the finger hook portions is closest to the lower edge S1 is set as a predetermined rotational position, it is sufficient that all the finger hook portions do not protrude below the lower edge S1 at the predetermined rotational position.

[0049] Return to FIG. 7. Let the right edge of the door unit 300 (front frame 300) be the right edge T1. The right edge T1 constitutes the outermost shape on the right side of the front frame 300. If all or part of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 protrudes to the right side (rightward) of the right edge T1, it may come into contact with a box or the like when the front frame 300 is placed in a box or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) may be damaged.

[0050] (Initial position: right side) In this embodiment, in the initial position, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes to the right side (rightward) of the right edge T1 of the front frame 300. Therefore, even when the front frame 300 is placed in a box or the like, the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 do not come into contact with the box or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will not be damaged. Thus, the risk of component damage can be reduced.

[0051] (Maximum rotational position: right side) As shown in FIG. 8, at the maximum rotation position, the tip of the second finger hook portion 352 is closest to the right edge T1. In the present embodiment, even at the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes to the right of the right edge T1 of the front frame 300. Therefore, even when the front frame 300 is placed in a box or the like with the handle ring 342 in the maximum rotation position, the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 do not contact the box or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) is not damaged. Thus, the risk of component damage can be reduced.

[0052] In the present embodiment, regardless of the rotation position (any rotation position) of the handle ring 342, the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 do not protrude to the right of the right edge T1 of the front frame 300. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that at the maximum rotation position, the tip of the second finger hook portion 352 is closest to the right edge T1. However, the maximum rotation position may not be the position where the tip of any one of the finger hook portions is closest to the right edge T1. That is, if the position where the tip of any one of the finger hook portions is closest to the right edge T1 is defined as a predetermined rotation position, it is sufficient that at the predetermined rotation position, all the finger hook portions do not protrude to the right of the right edge T1.

[0053] FIG. 9 is a view of the lower right portion of the front frame 300 as seen from the front side in the direction of the rotation axis of the handle 340. (1) The length (distance) (dimension) D1 from the center P of the handle 340 to the tip of the first finger hook portion 351 is 53.4 mm. (2) The length D2 from the center P of the handle 340 to the tip of the second finger hook portion 352 is 45.6 mm. (3) The length D3 from the center P of the handle 340 to the tip of the third finger hook portion 353 is 39.3 mm. (4) The length E from the center P of the handle 340 to the outer peripheral surface of the handle ring 342 is 34.6 mm. That is, the radius E of the portion where the finger hook portion of the handle ring 342 is not provided is 34.6 mm. (5) The length F from the center P of the handle 340 to the lower edge S1 of the door unit 300 is 40.0 mm. (6) The length G from the center P of the handle 340 to the right edge T1 of the door unit 300 is 49.1 mm.

[0054] In this embodiment, the handle unit 330 is shown as being provided at the lower right portion of the front frame 300, but the handle unit 330 may be provided at the lower right portion of the inner frame 104. FIG. 15 is a right side view showing a state in which the handle unit 330 is attached to the lower right portion of the inner frame 104. Further, FIG. 16 is a view of the lower right portion of the state as seen from the front side in the direction of the rotation axis of the handle 340. It can also be said that FIGS. 15 and 16 show a state in which the front frame 300 and the inner frame 104 are integrated. Here, the lower edge of the front frame 300 and the inner frame 104 (that is, the main body frame) is defined as the lower edge S2. The lower edge S2 constitutes the outermost shape on the lower side of the main body frame. Also, the right edge of this pair of frames is defined as the right edge S2. The right edge S2 constitutes the outermost shape on the right side of the main body frame.

[0055] In the initial position, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes below the lower edge S2 of the main body frame. Also, in the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes below the lower edge S2 of the main body frame. Further, regardless of the rotation position of the handle ring 342, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes below the lower edge S2 of the main body frame. Therefore, even when the main body frame is placed on the floor or the like, the finger hook portion does not contact the floor or the like, and the handle is not damaged. Thus, the risk of component damage can be reduced. Note that when referring to the lower edge (bottom edge) of the main body frame, if the lower edge (bottom surface) of the tray unit 320 (tray) is located below the lower edge of the front frame 300 or the lower edge of the inner frame 104, the lower edge (bottom surface) of the tray unit 320 may be regarded as the lower edge of the main body frame.

[0056] In the initial position, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes to the right of the right edge T2 of the main body frame. Also, in the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes to the right of the right edge T2 of the main body frame. Further, regardless of the rotation position of the handle ring 342, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes to the right of the right edge T2 of the main body frame. Therefore, even when the main body frame is placed in a box or the like, the finger hook portion does not contact the box or the like, and the handle is not damaged. Thus, the risk of component damage can be reduced.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 16, D1, D2, D3, and E are the same as in FIG. 9, but the length F from the center P of the handle 340 to the lower edge S2 of the main body frame is 45.0 mm. Also, the length G from the center P of the handle 340 to the right edge T2 of the main body frame is 51.1 mm.

[0058] In the above description, the position of the lower edge of the inner frame 104 is positioned (protrudes) below the position of the lower edge of the front frame 300. However, the position of the lower edge of the front frame 300 and the position of the lower edge of the inner frame 104 may be substantially the same. Further, the position of the lower edge of the front frame 300 may be positioned below the position of the lower edge of the inner frame 104.

[0059] In both the state shown in FIG. 9 and the state shown in FIG. 16, the length D3 is smaller than the length F. Therefore, even when rotated to the maximum rotation position (the state shown in FIG. 8), the third finger hook portion 353 does not protrude below the lower edges S1, S2.

[0060] The length D2 is smaller than the length G. Therefore, even when rotated to the maximum rotation position (the state shown in FIG. 8), the second finger hook portion 352 does not protrude to the right of the right edges T1, T2.

[0061] On the other hand, the length D1 is larger than the length F. Therefore, if the handle ring 342 is rotated to a position where the first finger hook portion 351 is downward (a position where the tip of the first finger hook portion 351 faces downward), the first finger hook portion 351 will protrude below the lower edges S1, S2. However, in this embodiment, the handle ring 342 is not rotated to a position where the first finger hook portion 351 is downward. Therefore, the first finger hook portion 351 does not protrude below the lower edges S1, S2.

[0062] Also, the length D1 is larger than the length G. Therefore, if the handle ring 342 is rotated to a position where the first finger hook portion 351 is on the right side (a position where the tip of the first finger hook portion 351 faces the right side), the first finger hook portion 351 will protrude to the right of the right edges T1, T2. However, in this embodiment, the handle ring 342 is not rotated to a position where the first finger hook portion 351 is on the right side. Therefore, the first finger hook portion 351 does not protrude to the right of the right edges T1, T2.

[0063] Thus, the first finger hook portion 351 is configured not to rotate to a position where its tip faces downward (lower side) or to a position where its tip faces rightward. Therefore, the length D1 can be made larger than the lengths D2 and D3. By increasing the length D1, an effect that it becomes easier to hook a finger is obtained. In the present embodiment, the length D1 is larger than the length D2, and the length D2 is larger than the length D3.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the number of finger hook portions provided on the handle ring 342 is three, but the number of finger hook portions is not limited to this, and at least one or more may be provided. Further, the finger hook portion with the largest protrusion amount (maximum finger hook portion) is not limited to the first finger hook portion 351, and may be another finger hook portion. The protrusion amount is the protrusion amount outward in the radial direction, for example, the protrusion amount of the finger hook portion from a portion (ring portion 350a) where the finger hook portion is not provided on the handle ring 342.

[0065] As described above, the finger hook portion does not protrude below the lower edge S2 of the main body frame and does not protrude to the right of the right edge T2 of the main body frame at the initial position and the maximum rotation position. Also, at the initial position and the maximum rotation position, the finger hook portion does not protrude below the lower edge S2 of the main body frame, and at the maximum rotation position, the finger hook portion with the largest protrusion amount (the maximum finger hook portion) may not be at a position where the tip faces downward (directly downward) (the position where the tip is closest to the lower edge S2 of the main body frame). In other words, when the handle ring 342 rotates from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, the tip of the maximum finger hook portion moves along a circular rotation trajectory, but at the maximum rotation position, the tip of the maximum finger hook portion is not at the lowest point on the rotation trajectory of the tip. In that case, the maximum finger hook portion may rotate to a position closest to the lower edge S2 of the main body frame and further rotate beyond that position to a position away from the lower edge S2 of the main body frame. Also, at the initial position and the maximum rotation position, the finger hook portion does not protrude to the right of the right edge T2 of the main body frame, and at the maximum rotation position, the finger hook portion with the largest protrusion amount (the maximum finger hook portion) may not be at a position where the tip faces to the right (directly to the right) (the position where the tip is closest to the right edge T2 of the main body frame). In other words, when the handle ring 342 rotates from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, the tip of the maximum finger hook portion moves along a circular rotation trajectory, but at the maximum rotation position, the tip of the maximum finger hook portion is not at the rightmost point on the rotation trajectory of the tip. In that case, the maximum finger hook portion may rotate to a position closest to the right edge T2 of the main body frame and further rotate beyond that position to a position away from the right edge T2 of the main body frame.

[0066] On the bottom surface (lower surface) of the tray unit 320 and the bottom surface (lower surface) of the handle unit 330 shown in FIG. 4, a tapered surface (draft gradient) is provided that gently slopes upward from the rear side toward the front side (near side). This is referred to as the "inclined surface at the lower part of the front frame". When the inclined surface at the lower part of the front frame is provided, when the front frame 300 is placed on a surface such as the floor, the inclined surface at the lower part of the front frame may contact the surface such as the floor. That is, when the front frame 300 is placed on the floor, for example, the inclined surface at the lower part of the front frame may contact the floor, and the front frame 300 may be in a slightly forward-inclined posture (forward-tilted posture) with respect to the direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane. In this posture, the handle ring 342 (handle 340) is closer to the floor.

[0067] When the handle ring 342 is in the initial position, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 may protrude below the inclined surface at the lower part of the front frame. In this case, even if the front frame 300 is placed on the floor or the like and the inclined surface at the lower part of the front frame happens to contact the floor or the like, the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 do not contact the floor or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will not be damaged. Therefore, the risk of component damage can be reduced.

[0068] When the handle ring 342 is in the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 may protrude below the inclined surface at the lower part of the front frame. In this case, even when the front frame 300 is placed on the floor or the like with the handle ring 342 in the maximum rotation position and the inclined surface at the lower part of the front frame happens to contact the floor or the like, the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 do not contact the floor or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will not be damaged. Therefore, the risk of component damage can be reduced.

[0069] Also, regardless of the rotation position (any rotation position) of the handle ring 342, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 may protrude below the inclined surface at the lower part of the front frame.

[0070] In addition, at a predetermined rotational position including the initial position and the maximum rotational position, at least a part of the first to third finger hooks 351 to 353 may protrude below the inclined surface of the lower part of the front frame. Even in this case, none of the first to third finger hooks 351 to 353 protrude below the lower edge S2 of the main body frame. By configuring in this way, the risk of component damage can be reduced.

[0071] Next, the operating torque and operating angle of the handle 340 will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, inside the handle 340, a spring as an elastic member Z is arranged. The handle ring 342 can be operated (rotated) in the clockwise direction against the biasing force of the spring. Further, when the operation is released with the handle ring 342 rotated by a predetermined amount (angle), the handle ring 342 automatically returns to the initial position by the biasing force (reaction force) of the spring.

[0072] (Initial movement) Here, the operating torque required for the start (initial movement) (starting) (rotation from the initial position) of the rotation of the handle ring 342 is defined as the first operating torque (initial movement torque). (Left hitting) When hitting left, the target position for landing the game ball that has passed through the firing port 117 (see FIG. 2) in the game area 116 is defined as the left hitting target position (target area). The left hitting target area is an area called so-called "bukkomi" (a specific target area). The target area is an ideal area where, during the normal game state, when a player aims at that area and hits the game ball, the ball entry rate into various winning devices (winning ports) is said to be the highest. Also, the position (rotational position) of the handle ring 342 at which the game ball can be landed at the left hitting target position is defined as the left hitting reference position. Further, the operating torque required for the rotation of the handle ring 342 from the initial position to the left hitting reference position is defined as the second operating torque. Also, the operating angle (operating angle) of the handle ring 342 from the initial position to the left hitting reference position is defined as the first operating angle.

[0073] (Right hitting) When turning right, the position (rotational position) of the handle ring 342 is set as the right-turn reference position (maximum rotational position). Also, the operating torque required for the rotation of the handle ring 342 from the initial position to the maximum rotational position is defined as the third operating torque. Further, the operating angle (operating angle) of the handle ring 342 from the initial position to the maximum rotational position is defined as the second operating angle. The second operating angle is a full stroke.

[0074] (Embodiment 1) As shown in FIG. 11, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, the first operating torque is 6.8 [N·mm]. Also, the second operating torque is 13.6 [N·mm]. Further, the third operating torque is 23.8 [N·mm]. In the present embodiment, the second operating torque is larger than the first operating torque, and the third operating torque is larger than the second operating torque. Note that, for the handle shown as a comparative example, the first operating torque is 31 [N·mm], the second operating torque is 69 [N·mm], and the third operating torque is 152 [N·mm]. FIG. 12 graphically shows those relationships.

[0075] The first operating torque, the second operating torque, and the third operating torque are all relatively small values. For this reason, the player can rotate the handle ring 342 with less force. That is, the player can feel that the operation of the handle ring 342 is light. As a result, the player is less likely to get tired, and the burden on the player can be reduced. Also, when the handle ring 342 automatically returns, it comes into contact with a stopper (not shown) and the rotation stops. However, since the first operating torque to the third operating torque are all small values, the impact applied to the stopper when automatically returning is reduced. For this reason, the wear of the stopper can be suppressed, and the risk of failure of the handle 340, which is a frequently operated part, can be reduced. That is, the durability of the handle 340 can be improved.

[0076] In addition, since all of the first operating torque to the third operating torque have small values, the frictional force acting between the handle ring 342 and the main body 341 (see FIG. 5) can be reduced. Therefore, wear caused by the large frictional force can be suppressed, and the durability of the components can be improved.

[0077] Particularly in this embodiment, the first operating torque is 6.8 [N·mm], which is less than 10 [N·mm]. Since the first operating torque is small in this way, the force required for the initial movement of the handle ring 342 is small, and the rotation of the handle ring 342 can be started with less force. If the biasing force (reaction force) of the spring is made smaller and the first operating torque is less than 6.8 [N·mm], there is a possibility that the handle ring 342 may not return to the initial position due to the frictional force acting between the handle ring 342 and the main body 341 or the like. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first operating torque is set to the minimum torque that can automatically return to the initial position. Therefore, in order to make the initial movement light and enable automatic return, it is preferable that the first operating torque be 6.8 [N·m] or more.

[0078] Also, in this embodiment, the third operating torque is larger than the second operating torque, but the value of the third operating torque (23.8 [N·mm]) is equal to or less than twice the value of the second operating torque (27.2 [N·mm]). When the value of the third operating torque (152 [N·mm]) is larger than twice the value of the second operating torque (138 [N·mm]) as in the comparative example, the operating torque rapidly increases between the left turn reference position and the maximum rotation position (right turn reference position). In that case, a larger force is required to rotate from the left turn reference position to the maximum rotation position. In this embodiment, the value of the third operating torque is equal to or less than twice the value of the second operating torque, and the difference between the second operating torque and the third operating torque is small. Therefore, the operating torque does not rapidly increase between the left turn reference position and the maximum rotation position, and the player feels that the difference between the second operating torque and the third operating torque is small. For this reason, the player is less likely to get tired, and the burden on the player can be reduced.

[0079] Also, in this embodiment, the second operating torque is greater than the first operating torque, but the value of the second operating torque (13.6 [N·mm]) is equal to or less than twice the value of the first operating torque (13.6 [N·mm]). When the value of the second operating torque (69 [N·mm]) is greater than twice the value of the first operating torque (62 [N·mm]) as in the comparative example, the operating torque rapidly increases between the initial position and the left turn reference position. In that case, a greater force is required to rotate from the initial position to the left turn reference position. In this embodiment, the value of the second operating torque is equal to or less than twice the value of the first operating torque, and the difference between the first operating torque and the second operating torque is small. Therefore, the operating torque does not rapidly increase between the initial position and the left turn reference position, and the player feels that the difference between the first operating torque and the second operating torque is small. For this reason, the player is less likely to get tired, and the burden on the player can be reduced.

[0080] Also, as shown in FIG. 11, let the difference (displacement amount) between the first operating torque and the second operating torque be the increase amount A. In this embodiment, the increase amount A is 6.8 [N·mm]. Also, let the difference (displacement amount) between the second operating torque and the third operating torque be the increase amount B. In this embodiment, the increase amount B is 10.2 [N·mm]. In this embodiment, the value obtained by doubling the increase amount A (13.6) is greater than the increase amount B (10.2) (2A > B). In other words, the increase amount B is equal to or less than twice the increase amount A. Therefore, even when comparing the increase amount of the operating torque between the initial position and the left turn reference position with the increase amount of the operating torque between the left turn reference position and the maximum rotation position, the latter increase amount is not extremely larger than the former increase amount. Therefore, the difference between the increase amount A and the increase amount B is small, and the player does not feel that the right turn is extremely heavy compared to the left turn. Thus, the player is less likely to get tired, and the burden on the player can be reduced. Also, the player does not feel a sense of discomfort due to a large difference in the operating torque between the left turn and the right turn. As a result, the player can play the game comfortably.

[0081] On the other hand, in the comparative example, the increase amount A is 38 [N·mm], and the increase amount B is 83 [N·mm]. The increase amount B is larger than twice the value of the increase amount A. Therefore, when comparing the increase amount of the operating torque from the initial position to the left strike reference position with the increase amount of the operating torque from the left strike reference position to the maximum rotation position, the latter increase amount is extremely larger than the former increase amount. Thus, the difference between the increase amount A and the increase amount B is large, and the right strike feels extremely heavy compared to the left strike. For this reason, the player gets tired easily and the burden on the player is large. Also, the player may feel a sense of discomfort due to the large difference in the operating torque between the left strike and the right strike.

[0082] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the starting torque is made small, and the torque curve of the operating torque is set as a reclined torque curve. Since the starting torque is small and the displacement amount (increase amount) of the torque is small, the player is less likely to get tired. On the other hand, in the comparative example, the starting torque is large, and the torque curve of the operating torque is quadratic. Since the starting torque is large and the displacement amount (increase amount) of the torque is also large, the player is likely to get tired.

[0083] Returning to FIG. 11. In the present embodiment, the first operation angle is 49°, and the second operation angle is 100°. The left strike and the right strike are separated at an operation angle approximately half of the full stroke (second operation angle). For this reason, it is easy for the player to intuitively recognize the boundary between the left strike and the right strike. Also, the second operation angle is 100°, which is a smaller angle compared to, for example, the case where the second operation angle is 120°. For this reason, when performing the right strike, the amount of hand rotation can be made smaller. For this reason, the player is less likely to get tired and the burden on the player can be reduced.

[0084] Also, the first operating angle is equal to or less than half of the second operating angle (full stroke). Therefore, left-handed operation can be performed at an operating angle equal to or less than half of the full stroke. Also, at an operating angle equal to or less than half of the full stroke, right-handed operation is prevented. As a result, the player can clearly distinguish between left-handed and right-handed operations.

[0085] (Example 2) As shown in FIG. 13, the first operating torque is 27.2 [N·mm]. Also, the second operating torque is 54.4 [N·mm]. Also, the third operating torque is 95.2 [N·mm]. The second operating torque is greater than the first operating torque, and the third operating torque is greater than the second operating torque. Note that for the handle shown as a comparative example, the first operating torque is 31 [N·mm], the second operating torque is 69 [N·mm], and the third operating torque is 152 [N·mm]. FIG. 14 graphically shows these relationships.

[0086] The first operating torque, the second operating torque, and the third operating torque are smaller than those of the comparative example. Therefore, the player can rotate the handle grip 342 with less force. That is, the player can feel that the operation of the handle grip 342 is light. As a result, the player is less likely to get tired, and the burden on the player can be reduced. Also, when the handle grip 342 automatically returns, it comes into contact with a stopper (not shown) and rotation stops. However, since the first to third operating torques are all small values, the impact applied to the stopper when automatically returning is reduced. Therefore, wear of the stopper can be suppressed, and the risk of failure of the handle 340, which is a frequently operated part, can be reduced. That is, the durability of the handle 340 can be improved.

[0087] In addition, since the first operating torque to the third operating torque are smaller than those in the comparative example, the frictional force acting between the handle grip 342 and the main body 341 (see FIG. 5) can be reduced. Therefore, wear caused by the large frictional force can be suppressed, and the durability of the components can be improved.

[0088] In addition, since the first operating torque is 27.2 [N·mm] and is 6.8 [N·mm] or more, the handle grip 342 can automatically return while making the initial movement easy.

[0089] In addition, although the third operating torque is larger than the second operating torque, the value of the third operating torque (95.2 [N·mm]) is equal to or less than twice the value of the second operating torque (108.8 [N·mm]). When the value of the third operating torque (152 [N·mm]) is larger than twice the value of the second operating torque (138 [N·mm]) as in the comparative example, the operating torque rapidly increases between the left turn reference position and the maximum rotation position (right turn reference position). In that case, a larger force is required to rotate from the left turn reference position to the maximum rotation position. In this example, the value of the third operating torque is equal to or less than twice the value of the second operating torque, and the difference between the second operating torque and the third operating torque is small. Therefore, the operating torque does not rapidly increase between the left turn reference position and the maximum rotation position, and the player feels that the difference between the second operating torque and the third operating torque is small. For this reason, the player is less likely to get tired, and the burden on the player can be reduced.

[0090] Also, although the second operating torque is greater than the first operating torque, the value of the second operating torque (54.4 [N·mm]) is equal to or less than twice the value of the first operating torque (54.4 [N·mm]). When the value of the second operating torque (69 [N·mm]) is greater than twice the value of the first operating torque (62 [N·mm]) as in the comparative example, the operating torque rapidly increases between the initial position and the left turn reference position. In that case, a greater force is required to rotate from the initial position to the left turn reference position. In this example, since the value of the second operating torque is equal to or less than twice the value of the first operating torque and the difference between the first operating torque and the second operating torque is small, the operating torque does not rapidly increase between the initial position and the left turn reference position, and the player feels that the difference between the first operating torque and the second operating torque is small. Therefore, the player is less likely to get tired, and the burden on the player can be reduced.

[0091] Also, as shown in FIG. 13, let the difference (displacement amount) between the first operating torque and the second operating torque be the increase amount A. The increase amount A is 27.2 [N·mm]. Also, let the difference (displacement amount) between the second operating torque and the third operating torque be the increase amount B. The increase amount B is 40.8 [N·mm]. In the present embodiment, the value obtained by doubling the increase amount A (54.4) is greater than the increase amount B (40.8) (2A > B). In other words, the increase amount B is equal to or less than twice the increase amount A. Therefore, even when comparing the increase amount of the operating torque between the initial position and the left turn reference position with the increase amount of the operating torque between the left turn reference position and the maximum rotation position, the latter increase amount is not extremely larger than the former increase amount. Therefore, the difference between the increase amount A and the increase amount B is small, and since the player does not feel that the right turn is extremely heavy compared to the left turn, the player is less likely to get tired, and the burden on the player can be reduced. Also, the player does not feel a sense of discomfort due to a large difference in the operating torque between the left turn and the right turn. As a result, the player can play the game comfortably.

[0092] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the torque curve is set to be a torque curve with the operation torque's torque curve laid flat. Since the displacement amount (increase amount) of the torque is small, it is less tiring for the player. On the other hand, in the comparative example, the torque curve of the operation torque is quadratic. Since the displacement amount (increase amount) of the torque is also large, it is easy for the player to get tired.

[0093] The first operation torque may also be within the range of 6.8 [N·mm] shown in Example 1 to 27. 2 [N·mm] shown in Example 2. Also, the second operation torque may be within the range of 13.6 [N·mm] shown in Example 1 to 54.4 [N·mm] shown in Example 2. Also, the third operation torque may be within the range of 23.8 [N·mm] shown in Example 1 to 95.2 [N·mm] shown in Example 2. Also, the third operation torque (right turn reference position) is preferably 100 [N·mm] or less.

[0094] (Second Embodiment) As a gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine equipped with a game board, a launching device, etc. is known. In a pachinko gaming machine, a game ball (game medium) is launched into a game area provided on the front surface of the game board, and when the game ball enters a winning hole provided in the game area, a gaming profit is given to the player. A predetermined gaming machine typified by such a gaming machine includes a tray for storing game balls, and it is possible to discharge game balls from the tray based on a button operation. In conventional gaming machines, there has been a problem that the operability is poor for some operations. In this embodiment, a gaming machine that can be operated comfortably is provided.

[0095] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine, which is one type of gaming machine, will be described, but other gaming machines (for example, slot machines, medal-less gaming machines, etc.) may also be applicable. In the following description, basically, "front and rear" means that when a player is on the front side of the pachinko gaming machine, the player side is "front" and the pachinko gaming machine side is "rear", "up and down" means that the upper surface side of the pachinko gaming machine is "up" and the lower surface side is "down", and "left and right" means that the left hand side of the player is "left" and the right hand side is "right". Note that within the scope of the present invention, free combinations of each component, any deformation of each component, or omission of each component are possible.

[0096] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment uses game balls (game media) lent out from a game parlor to play games. It includes an outer frame 2 that forms the outer surface of the gaming machine, a game board 6 provided inside the gaming machine and forming a game area 4 where the game balls move, a glass unit 8 that enables the player to visually recognize the game board 6 but not touch it, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached. Note that the diameter of the game balls used in the gaming machine of this embodiment is approximately 11 mm. The "dish unit 320, dish" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily deformed, etc., into the "dish unit 100, dish 16" in the second embodiment. Also, the "handle unit 330" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily deformed, etc., into the "grip unit 20" in the second embodiment. Although not shown in FIG. 17, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an inner frame and has a main body frame having a front frame 10 and the inner frame. The outer frame 2 is capable of attaching the main body frame. The main body frame has a grip unit 20 (handle) and a dish unit 100 (dish 16).

[0097] Among the front frames 10, the portion surrounding the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light. Inside the portion made of the translucent material, a plurality of front frame lamps (lighting devices) 12 that output effect lights for enlivening the game are provided.

[0098] In addition, on the upper part of the front frame 10, a long design member (lighting device) 13 in the left - right direction is provided. Further, the design member 13 is arranged to protrude forward so that its front surface is located in front of the game area 4 and the glass unit 8. A logo representing the model name etc. is attached to the design member 13, and the logo lights up by an LED board provided inside.

[0099] Also, a plurality of speakers 14 that output effect sounds for enlivening the game are provided on the front frame 10.

[0100] At the lower center of the front frame 10, a tray 16 for storing game balls is provided. On the left part of the inner side surface (rear surface 16e) of the tray 16, a payout port 18 for paying out game balls from the gaming machine to the player is provided. Also, on the right part of the inner side surface (rear surface 16e) of the tray 16, a supply port 22 (see FIGS. 22 and 23) for supplying game balls from the tray 16 to the launching device is provided.

[0101] On the lower right side of the front frame 10, a grip unit 20 is provided. When the player rotates the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, a launching device (not shown) provided inside the gaming machine operates, and game balls are launched into the game area 4. The launching device of this embodiment can launch 99 game balls per minute (1.65 balls per second).

[0102] In front of the edge of the tray 16, an effect operation device 26 is provided. When the player operates the effect operation device 26, the effects performed on the gaming machine change.

[0103] FIG. 18 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board 6 shown in FIG. 17. As shown in FIG. 18, an outer rail 28 is provided in a circular shape on the game board 6, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 28 is a game area 4 where the game balls move. Further, an inner rail 30 is provided in an arc shape along the outer rail 28 at the left end of the game area 4, and the outer rail 28 and the inner rail 30 guide the game balls launched from a launching device (not shown) provided below the game board 6 into the game area 4.

[0104] In the central part of the game board 6, there is provided an effect unit 36 including a liquid crystal display 32 for displaying effect images and the like for enlivening the game, and a display frame 34 formed so as to surround the liquid crystal display 32. A design member 38 is provided on this display frame 34. In the present embodiment, the case where the design member 38 is provided above the liquid crystal display 32 is shown, but the position of the design member 38 is not limited to this.

[0105] In the present embodiment, the front side of the liquid crystal display 32 is made inaccessible to the game balls, and the game balls launched from the launching device fall into the game area 4 on the left side or the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. A number of game nails (not shown) are driven into the game area 4 so as to intersect the surface of the game board 6, and the moving direction of the game balls moving in the game area 4 changes randomly.

[0106] An opening 40 through which the game balls falling into the game area 4 on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32 can pass is formed in the left part of the display frame 34. The game balls passing through this opening 40 pass through a passage 42 provided in the display frame 34 and fall onto a stage 44 provided below the liquid crystal display 32. The upper surface of this stage 44 is a smooth curved surface, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8 so that the game balls can fall downward from the stage 44. The game balls falling onto the stage 44 from the passage 42 move back and forth left and right on the stage 44 and then fall downward from the vicinity of the central part of the stage 44.

[0107] Below the center of the stage 44, a first start winning opening 46 is provided. In addition, a passing gate 48 is provided in the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. Below the passing gate 48, a second start winning opening 50 is provided. This second start winning opening 50 is provided with a normal accessory 52 having an auxiliary member that can operate between a reduced state (a state that does not assist entry, a non-assisting state) in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second start winning opening 50 and an enlarged state (a state that assists entry, an assisting state) in which it is easy for a game ball to enter.

[0108] In the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32, below the second start winning opening 50, a big winning opening 54 is provided. This big winning opening 54 is provided with a special accessory 56 having a movable member that closes the big winning opening 54. The special accessory 56 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter the big winning opening 54 and an open state in which a game ball can enter the big winning opening 54 (FIG. 18 shows the closed state). The special accessory 56 is controlled to be in the open state under predetermined conditions in a special game state that starts when a big win is won.

[0109] Below the big winning opening 54, a big winning passage 58 is provided downward. At the lower end of the big winning passage 58, a normal entry port 62 is provided. Below the big winning passage 58, a specific passage 65 is provided so as to branch downward from the middle of the big winning passage 58. This specific passage 65 is provided with a specific accessory 66 having a movable member that closes the specific passage 65. The specific accessory 66 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter the specific passage 65 and an open state in which a game ball can enter the specific passage 65 (FIG. 18 shows the closed state). The specific accessory 66 is controlled to be in the open state under predetermined conditions in the special game state. At the lower end of the specific passage 65, a specific entry port 68 is provided. At the lowermost part of the game area 4, an out port 69 is provided for collecting game balls that have fallen into the game machine without entering any of the winning openings.

[0110] The game ball launching device is configured such that the shooting power of the game ball changes by adjusting the amount of rotation of the grip unit (operation handle) 20 shown in FIG. 17. When the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is small, the game ball is launched so that the game ball falls into the game area 4 on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32. When the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game ball is launched so that the game ball falls into the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32.

[0111] The player adjusts the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 according to the game situation, and launches the game ball so that the game ball falls into the game area 4 on the left side, or passes through the opening 40, the passage 42, and the stage 44 and enters the first start winning opening 46 (left hitting), or the game ball falls into the game area 4 on the right side, the game ball passes through the passing gate 48, or the game ball enters the second start winning opening 50, or the game ball enters the big winning opening 54 (right hitting).

[0112] At the lower right part of the game board 6 and outside the game area 4, a state display unit 70 for indicating various states of the gaming machine by lighting and extinguishing a lamp or the like is provided. The gaming machine of the present embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main board and a sub-board. The functions of each board such as the main board and the sub-board 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 software composed of a given program stored in advance in the ROM.

[0113] The main board receives input signals from input means (first start winning opening sensor, passing gate sensor, second start winning opening sensor, big winning opening sensor, normal entrance sensor, specific passage sensor, payout sensor, etc.), performs various calculations for executing the game, and based on the calculation results, controls the operations of output means (state display driving device, normal accessory driving device, special accessory driving device, specific accessory driving device, payout device, etc.).

[0114] The sub-board receives commands sent from the main board and input signals from an effect operation sensor that detects operations on the effect operation device 26, performs various calculations for executing effects according to the progress of the game, and based on the calculation results, controls the operations of effect devices (effect display devices, audio devices, effect object drive devices, etc.).

[0115] A tray unit 100 is provided at the lower part of the front frame 10. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the tray unit 100 includes a tray member 110 that constitutes the front surface 16a, lower surface 16b, and left and right side surfaces 16c, 16d of the tray 16, a base member (plate-like member) 111 that constitutes the rear surface 16e of the tray 16, a downstream ball discharging unit (first ball discharging unit) 112 and an upstream ball discharging unit (second ball discharging unit) 113 for discharging the game balls stored in the tray 16, a first passage 114 and a second passage 115 through which the game balls discharged from the tray 16 pass, and a button arrangement portion 116 that constitutes the right side portion of the upper surface of the tray unit 100 and where various buttons are arranged. Note that the button arrangement portion 116 is provided with a ball lending button (not shown), a return button 91, direction keys 92, a volume adjustment button 93, a light amount adjustment button 94, etc. (see FIG. 17). Here, the ball lending button is a button operated when receiving a loan of game balls. The return button 91 is a button operated when the player discharges the game balls held by the player into the tray 16. The direction keys 92 are buttons operated when making selections related to effects. The volume adjustment button 93 and the light amount adjustment button 94 are buttons operated when adjusting the volume or light amount, respectively.

[0116] In the receiving tray 16, game balls lent to the player (lent balls) and game balls acquired by winning (prize balls) are stored. That is, the game balls discharged from the payout opening 18 are stored in the receiving tray 16. As shown in FIG. 20, the lower surface 16b of the receiving tray 16 is an inclined surface that slopes downward from left to right. Further, the receiving tray 16 becomes narrower in the front-rear direction from left to right (from top to bottom). And the game balls discharged onto the receiving tray 16 are arranged in a line and head toward the lower right part of the receiving tray 16. In other words, an alignment passage 103 for aligning the game balls in a line is formed in the lower right part of the receiving tray 16. Further, at the right lower end of the alignment passage 103 (receiving tray 16), a downstream ball discharge hole 118 (first hole) is formed as a hole (ball discharge hole) through which the game balls can be discharged from the receiving tray 16.

[0117] Further, an upstream ball discharge hole 119 (second hole) is formed as a hole (ball discharge hole) through which the game balls can be discharged from the receiving tray 16 in the left side portion of the lower surface 16b of the receiving tray 16. Further, the upstream ball discharge hole 119 is provided in front of the payout opening 18 and at least partially overlaps the payout opening 18 in the front-rear direction.

[0118] The downstream ball discharge hole 118 and the upstream ball discharge hole 119 each have an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the ball discharge holes 118, 119 are in an open state, and the game balls can fall through the ball discharge holes 118, 119. Further, in the closed state, the ball discharge holes 118, 119 are in a state of being blocked by the downstream ball discharge unit 112 or the upstream ball discharge unit 113, and the game balls cannot fall through the ball discharge holes 118, 119. Here, the term "blocked" does not only indicate a state in which the ball discharge holes 118, 119 are closed without gaps, but means a state in which they are closed to such an extent that the game balls cannot pass through.

[0119] The downstream ball removal unit 112 is provided corresponding to the downstream ball removal hole 118. By operating the downstream ball removal unit 112, it is possible to switch between the open state and the closed state of the downstream ball removal hole 118. Further, the upstream ball removal unit 113 is provided corresponding to the upstream ball removal hole 119. By operating the upstream ball removal unit 113, it is possible to switch between the open state and the closed state of the upstream ball removal hole 119.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 21, the downstream ball removal unit 112 includes a downstream ball removal button 120 (first button: first operating means), a link member 122, a slide member 124, a downstream lid 125 (first lid: first opening / closing means), a pin 126, and a spring 128. Also, portions (such as the protruding portions 200, 202, 202 and the base member side hooks 204 described later) on the base member 111, etc., to which these downstream ball removal button 120, link member 122, slide member 124 and spring 128, etc. are attached can also be said to constitute a part of the downstream ball removal unit 112.

[0121] The downstream ball removal button 120 can be pressed by a player or the like. The downstream ball removal button 120 includes a pressing portion 130 that can be touched by a player or the like, a protruding portion 132 that protrudes downward (back side) of the pressing portion 130, and locking portions 134, 134. Also, the pressing portion 130, the protruding portion 132, and the locking portions 134 are integrally formed of a resin material.

[0122] The pressing portion 130 has a substantially square box shape. Also, the protruding portion 132 has a prismatic shape and protrudes below the lower surface of the pressing portion 130. Also, the locking portions 134 are provided at lower positions on the left and right side surfaces of the pressing portion 130 and have claws that protrude outward in the left - right direction.

[0123] The downstream ball removal button 120 is provided in the button arrangement portion 116. Specifically, the downstream ball removal button 120 is arranged in the button arrangement portion 116 such that the pressing portion 130 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the button arrangement portion 116 when not in operation (see FIGS. 17 and 20). Further, when not in operation, the claw of the locking portion 134 is locked to the lower surface of the button arrangement portion 116, thereby restricting the upward movement of the pressing portion 130. When the position of the downstream ball removal button 120 (pressing portion 130) at this time of non-operation is defined as the initial position (first initial position), the downstream ball removal button 120 (pressing portion 130) can be pushed downward from the initial position.

[0124] The link member 122 includes a substantially cylindrical cylindrical portion 140, a first arm 142, a second arm 144, and a reinforcing plate 146. Further, the cylindrical portion 140, the first arm 142, the second arm 144, and the reinforcing plate 146 are integrally formed of a resin material.

[0125] The cylindrical portion 140 is in a state where the axis is oriented in the front-rear direction. Further, the first arm 142 and the second arm 144 are formed to extend radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 140. Also, the first arm 142 and the second arm 144 are formed at positions separated from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 140. Specifically, the base end portion of the first arm 142 is connected to the left side portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 140. And from this base end portion, the tip end portion of the first arm 142 extends radially outward of the cylindrical portion 140. Further, the base end portion of the second arm 144 is connected to the lower side portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 140. And from this base end portion, the tip end portion of the second arm 144 extends radially outward of the cylindrical portion 140. That is, the base end portion of the first arm 142 and the base end portion of the second arm 144 are connected to the cylindrical portion 140 at positions separated by a predetermined angle (for example, about 90 degrees) in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 140. Also, the tip end portion of the first arm 142 and the tip end portion of the second arm 144 are arranged at positions separated by a predetermined angle (for example, about 90 degrees) in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 140.

[0126] At the tip of the first arm 142, a contact surface 150 is formed against which the protruding portion 132 of the downstream ball removal button 120 abuts. Specifically, the tip of the first arm 142 is cylindrical, and the upper portion of the outer peripheral surface (outer curved surface) of this tip is the contact surface 150 against which the protruding portion 132 abuts. Also, at the tip of the second arm 144, a pin insertion hole 152 into which the pin 126 is inserted is formed. The pin 126 is in the shape of a round bar and is provided so as to protrude rearward from the tip of the second arm 144.

[0127] Also, between the first arm 142 and the second arm 144, a plate-shaped reinforcing plate 146 that connects the first arm 142 and the second arm 144 is provided. And this reinforcing plate 146 reinforces the first arm 142 and the second arm 144.

[0128] A cylindrical protruding portion 200 that protrudes rearward from the back surface of the base member 111 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 140 (see FIGS. 22(a) and 23(a)). And the link member 122 is rotatable in the circumferential direction about the cylindrical portion 140 (with the protruding portion 200 as the axis). In other words, the first arm 142 and the second arm 144 are configured to rotate about the central axis of the cylindrical portion 140 as the center of rotation.

[0129] The slide member 124 has a slide member body 160 in the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. Also, at the right end of the slide member body 160, a rectangular pin insertion hole 161 into which the pin 126 is inserted is formed. The width of this pin insertion hole 161 in the left-right direction is substantially equal to the diameter of the pin 126, and the width in the up-down direction is longer than the diameter of the pin 126. And the pin 126 is made to be hardly movable in the left-right direction with respect to the pin insertion hole 161 and is made to be movable in the up-down direction.

[0130] On the slide member main body 160, two holes 162, 162 are formed side by side in the left - right direction. Cylindrical protrusions 202, 202 protruding rearward from the back surface of the base member 111 are inserted into each of these two holes 162, 162 (see FIGS. 22(a) and 23(a)). The holes 162, 162 are square - shaped. Also, the vertical width of the holes 162, 162 is substantially equal to the diameter of the protrusions 202, 202, and the horizontal width of the holes 162, 162 is longer than the diameter of the protrusions 202, 202 (for example, 11 mm or more longer than the diameter). And the holes 162, 162 (slide member 124) are made to be hardly movable in the vertical direction with respect to the protrusions 202, 202 (base member 111), and are made to be movable in the horizontal direction. That is, the holes 162, 162 and the protrusions 202, 202 form an operation direction restricting portion that restricts the moving direction of the slide member 124 to the horizontal direction.

[0131] Also, on the upper part of the slide member main body 160, a slide - member - side hook 164 on which a spring 128 is hooked is provided. The spring 128 is a tension spring and is stretchable and contractible in the left - right direction. Also, the spring 128 has circular hooks 128a, 128b at both the left and right ends. And the hook 128b at the right end of the spring 128 is hooked on the slide - member - side hook 164. Also, on the back surface of the base member 111, a base - member - side hook 204 on which the hook 128a at the left end of the spring 128 is hooked is provided (see FIGS. 22(a) and 23(a)). And the hook 128a at the left end of the spring 128 is hooked on the base - member - side hook 204.

[0132] A downstream - side lid 125 is provided at the left end of the slide member 124 (slide member main body 160). Also, the downstream - side lid 125 is provided so as to protrude leftward from the slide member 124. Also, the downstream - side lid 125 is substantially square - plate - shaped. Also, the downstream - side lid 125 and the slide member 124 are integrally formed of a resin material.

[0133] The downstream lid 125 is a lid that opens and closes the downstream ball removal hole 118. The downstream lid 125 is adapted to move left and right in conjunction with the left and right movement of the slide member 124. When the downstream lid 125 is positioned on the left side, it closes the downstream ball removal hole 118, and when it is positioned on the right side, it opens the downstream ball removal hole 118. In other words, the downstream lid 125 is movable between a closed position in which it closes the downstream ball removal hole 118, and an open position in which it opens the downstream ball removal hole 118.

[0134] The downstream ball removal unit 112 is configured so that the downstream lid 125 moves left and right in accordance with the up and down movement of the downstream ball removal button 120. In other words, based on the operation of the downstream ball removal button 120 by a player or the like, the downstream lid 125 can be moved to open and close the downstream ball removal hole 118.

[0135] The operation of the downstream ball removal unit 112 will be described with reference to Figs. 22 and 23. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing the state in which the downstream ball removal button 120 is in the initial position when not operated, and the downstream lid 125 is in the closed position. Fig. 22(a) is a diagram showing the state including the base member 111, and Fig. 22(b) is a diagram showing the state without the base member 111. Fig. 23 is a diagram showing the state in which the downstream ball removal button 120 is in the position pressed down to the maximum (maximum depression position), and the downstream lid 125 is in the open position. Fig. 23(a) is a diagram showing the state including the base member 111, and Fig. 23(b) is a diagram showing the state without the base member 111.

[0136] First, when the downstream ball removal button 120 is in its initial position during non-operation, the downstream lid 125 is in the closed position. That is, at this time, the downstream ball removal hole 118 is in a closed state. When the downstream ball removal button 120 is moved downward from the initial position (pressed by the player), the tip of the first arm 142 of the link member 122 is pushed downward from above by the protruding portion 132 of the downstream ball removal button 120. Then, the first arm 142 rotates downward (counterclockwise) about the cylindrical portion 140. At the same time, the second arm 144 rotates rightward (counterclockwise) about the cylindrical portion 140. When the second arm 144 rotates rightward, the pin 126 pulls the slide member 124 rightward while moving up and down inside the pin insertion hole 161 of the slide member 124. Then, the slide member 124 moves rightward against the elastic force of the spring 128. Along with this, the downstream lid 125 moves rightward. Then, the downstream lid 125 reaches the open position, and the downstream ball removal hole 118 is opened. Note that when the downstream ball removal button 120 is pressed down to the maximum, the holes 162, 162 of the slide member 124 come into contact with the protruding portions 202, 202 of the base member 111, restricting further downward movement of the downstream ball removal button 120 and rightward movement of the slide member 124.

[0137] Also, when the player releases their hand from the downstream ball removal button 120, the elastic force of the spring 128 pulls the slide member body 160 leftward. Along with this, the downstream lid 125 moves leftward. The movement of the slide member body 160 is transmitted to the downstream ball removal button 120 via the pin 126 and the link member 122, and the downstream ball removal button 120 returns to its initial position. That is, the downstream ball removal button 120 is arranged in its initial position by the elastic force of the spring 128 during non-operation. In other words, the downstream ball removal button 120 is biased upward.

[0138] In this way, a link mechanism is formed by the link member 122, the slide member 124, and the pin 126 to change the vertical movement of the downstream ball removal button 120 into the horizontal movement of the downstream lid 125 and change the horizontal movement of the downstream lid 125 into the vertical movement of the downstream ball removal button 120.

[0139] Here, the distance L2 from the center of rotation of the link member 122 (the central axis of the cylindrical portion 140) to the pin 126 (the tip of the second arm 144) is at least twice the distance L1 from the center of rotation of the link member 122 to the portion where the downstream ball removal button 120 and the first arm 142 are in contact (the tip of the first arm 142: the contact surface 150). Therefore, the second arm 144 moves to the right by more than twice the amount by which the first arm 142 moves downward. That is, the downstream lid 125 moves to the right by more than twice the amount of depression of the downstream ball removal button 120. That is, the link mechanism is configured to increase the operation amount of the downstream ball removal button 120 and transmit it to the downstream lid 125.

[0140] In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the operation amount for the downstream ball removal button 120 required to open the downstream ball removal hole 118 so that at least one gaming ball can pass through is set to be less than the diameter of the gaming ball. Specifically, when the downstream ball removal button 120 is depressed by about 4 mm from the initial position, the downstream lid 125 moves about 11 mm to the right. In other words, when the downstream ball removal button 120 is depressed by a predetermined amount (about 4 mm) less than the diameter of the gaming ball from the initial position, the opening width W1 of the downstream ball removal hole 118 (the distance from the tip of the downstream lid 125 to the edge of the downstream ball removal hole 118 facing the tip) becomes 11 mm or more. More specifically, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the operation amount for the downstream ball removal button 120 required to open the downstream ball removal hole 118 so that at least one gaming ball can pass through is set to be less than the radius of the gaming ball.

[0141] Also, when the downstream ball extraction button 120 is pressed down to the maximum, the opening width W1 of the downstream ball extraction hole 118 is set to be approximately 14 mm. That is, when the downstream ball extraction button 120 is pressed down to the maximum, the downstream ball extraction hole 118 opens by about the diameter of the game ball + 3 mm, and the opening degree is less than twice the diameter of the game ball. In other words, the downstream ball extraction hole 118 is made such that even when the downstream ball extraction button 120 is pressed down to the maximum, it is impossible for two game balls to pass through simultaneously.

[0142] Also, the maximum amount (maximum operation amount) that the downstream ball extraction button 120 can be pressed down is set to be less than or equal to the diameter of the game ball (less than the diameter (about 6 mm)). In other words, when the downstream ball extraction button 120 is pressed in by a predetermined amount less than or equal to the diameter of the game ball (less than the diameter), it cannot be pressed in any further. Specifically, the maximum operation amount of the downstream ball extraction button 120 is set to be greater than or equal to the radius of the game ball and less than or equal to the diameter. It can also be said that it is set to be approximately half of the diameter of the downstream ball extraction button 120. Here, the so-called approximately half of the diameter means a range within approximately ±1.5 mm (about 4 mm to 7 mm) from half of the diameter.

[0143] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23(b), even when the downstream ball extraction button 120 is in the initial position when not operated, a gap with a predetermined width W2 less than the diameter of the game ball is formed between the tip of the downstream lid 125 and the edge of the downstream ball extraction hole 118 in the operating direction (left - right direction) of the downstream lid 125. Thereby, it is possible to drop the game ball from the downstream ball extraction hole 118 with a smaller operation amount.

[0144] Note that when the downstream lid 125 closes the downstream ball extraction hole 118, the game ball is guided from the lower right end of the tray 16 through the supply port 22 to the launching device.

[0145] Next, the upstream ball extraction unit 113 will be described.

[0146] As shown in FIG. 24, the upstream ball removal unit 113 includes an upstream lid 300 (second lid: second opening / closing means), a torsion spring 302, a cover member 304, an upstream ball removal button 306 (second button: second operating means), a slide member 308, a latch 310, and a ball removal base 312 (base member).

[0147] The upstream lid 300 includes a lid portion 320 that closes the upstream ball removal hole 119 and a support portion 322 that supports the lid portion 320 (rotation of the lid portion 320). The lid portion 320 is formed in a substantially circular plate shape. Also, the lid portion 320 has a size that can cover the upstream ball removal hole 119 from below. Further, the support portion 322 is formed to project forward from the front edge of the lid portion 320. Also, the lid portion 320 and the support portion 322 are integrally formed of a resin material.

[0148] The support portion 322 is formed with an insertion hole 324 into which a protruding portion 332 of the cover member 304 described later is inserted. Also, the support portion 322 is provided with a cylindrical guide protrusion 326 that projects downward.

[0149] The cover member 304 has a substantially square plate shape. Also, a game ball passage hole 330 through which game balls pass is formed in the right rear portion of the cover member 304. Also, a cylindrical protruding portion 332 is provided at a position in front of the game ball passage hole 330 on the upper surface of the cover member 304.

[0150] Also, three arc-shaped rails 334 are formed on the upper surface of the cover member 304. The three rails 334 are arc-shaped ridges, and the center of the arc is the protruding portion 332 (central axis of the protruding portion 332).

[0151] Further, the cover member 304 is provided with a guide hole 336 through which the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream-side lid 300 is inserted. The guide hole 336 is an arcuate hole, and the center of the arc is the protrusion 332 (the central axis of the protrusion 332). The guide hole 336 is provided in front of the game ball passage hole 330 and to the right of the protrusion 332. Also, the width (the length in the radial direction of the arc) of the guide hole 336 substantially coincides with the outer diameter of the guide protrusion 326, and the length (the length in the circumferential direction of the arc) thereof is longer than the outer diameter of the guide protrusion 326.

[0152] Further, on the upper surface of the cover member 304, a wall portion 338 for receiving one of the arms of the torsion spring 302 is provided. The wall portion 338 is formed to extend in the left-right direction. Also, the wall portion 338 is provided on the front left side of the protrusion 332.

[0153] The upstream-side lid 300 is disposed on the cover member 304 with the protrusion 332 of the cover member 304 inserted into the insertion hole 324 of the upstream-side lid 300. Also, the upstream-side lid 300 is in a rotatable state about the protrusion 332 (the central axis of the protrusion 332) of the cover member 304. Here, the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream-side lid 300 is inserted into the guide hole 336 of the cover member 304. Therefore, the guide protrusion 326 can move within the range in the length direction of the guide hole 336. That is, the guide protrusion 326 and the guide hole 336 form a movement range limiting portion that limits the movement range (the movable range) of the upstream-side lid 300.

[0154] Further, the torsion spring 302 is disposed between the cover member 304 and the upstream side lid 300 with the protruding portion 332 of the cover member 304 passed through the inside thereof. Note that a cylindrical protruding portion (not shown) that has a hole communicating with the insertion hole 324 and protrudes downward is provided on the lower surface of the cover member 304. Then, the protruding portion 332 of the cover member 304 is inserted inside the protruding portion, and the torsion spring 302 is disposed so as to surround the protruding portion. Further, a fixing portion (not shown) for fixing one of the arms of the torsion spring 302 is provided on the lower surface of the cover member 304. Then, one of the arms of the torsion spring 302 is fixed to the fixing portion, and the other arm is pressed against the wall portion 338 of the cover member 304. Thereby, a force in the direction of closing the upstream side ball removal hole 119 is applied from the torsion spring 302 to the upstream side lid 300. Note that a screw hole is provided in the protruding portion 332 of the cover member 304. Then, the upstream side lid 300 is attached to the cover member 304 by screwing a screw 333 (see FIGS. 25 and 26) inserted through the insertion hole 324 of the upstream side lid 300 into the screw hole.

[0155] Further, when the upstream side lid 300 rotates, it rotates so as to slide on the rail 334 of the cover member 304. Therefore, the friction generated between the upstream side lid 300 and the cover member 304 can be reduced, and the upstream side lid 300 can be rotated with a small force.

[0156] Further, a protruding strip portion 340 extending in the front-rear direction is provided on the lower surface of the cover member 304.

[0157] Further, screw insertion holes 342 through which screws 345 (see FIGS. 25 and 26) are inserted are formed at three corner portions (the right front, right rear, and left rear corner portions) of the cover member 304, respectively.

[0158] The slide member 308 is disposed between the ball-removing base 312 and the cover member 304 in a state where it is movable in the front-rear direction. The slide member 308 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape. Further, at the left front portion of the slide member 308, a button fixing portion 350 to which the upstream ball-removing button 306 is fixed is formed. And the upstream ball-removing button 306 is fixed to this button fixing portion 350 by screwing.

[0159] Further, at the left rear portion of the slide member 308, a lock projection 352 protruding rearward is formed. The lock projection 352 has a support portion extending in a rod shape rearward and a tip portion spreading in the left-right direction at the tip of the support portion.

[0160] Also, the right side portion of the slide member 308 is a substantially square frame-shaped portion 353 having a short width in the front-rear direction. Further, in the frame-shaped portion 353, a guide insertion hole 354 into which the guide projection 326 of the upstream lid 300 is inserted is formed. The guide insertion hole 354 has a length in the front-rear direction that substantially coincides with the outer diameter of the guide projection 326, and a length in the left-right direction that is longer than the outer diameter of the guide projection 326. That is, the guide projection 326 is made to be hardly movable in the front-rear direction with respect to the guide insertion hole 354 and is made to be movable in the left-right direction. Also, the front surface of the frame-shaped portion 353 is a contact surface 355 that contacts the front wall 372 of the ball-removing base 312 described later.

[0161] Further, on the lower surface of the slide member 308, a protrusion (not shown) into which one end of the cylindrical spring 360 is inserted and a wall portion (not shown) against which one end of the spring 360 is pressed are provided (see the protrusion 382 and the wall portion 380 of the ball-removing base 312 described later).

[0162] Also, on the upper surface of the slide member 308, a groove 356 extending in the front-rear direction is formed. The groove 356 has a shape along the ridge portion 340 of the cover member 304. Further, on the lower surface of the slide member 308, a convex portion 358 extending in the front-rear direction is provided.

[0163] The ball-removing base 312 is disposed at the lowermost part of the upstream ball-removing unit 113 and constitutes the bottom of the upstream ball-removing unit 113. The ball-removing base 312 has a substantially square plate shape. Also, the left front portion of the ball-removing base 312 has a shape that is cut out rearward, and a cutout portion 370 is formed. And when the upstream ball-removing button 306 is pushed in, it is pushed into the inside of the cutout portion 370.

[0164] Also, on the right side portion (the portion excluding the cutout portion 370) of the front edge of the ball-removing base 312, a wall portion (front wall 372) that protrudes upward is formed.

[0165] Also, a game ball passage hole 374 through which game balls pass is formed in the right rear portion of the ball-removing base 312. The game ball passage hole 374 is provided below the game ball passage hole 330 of the cover member 304, and the inner diameter (the shape of the hole) substantially coincides with the game ball passage hole 330. Note that the inner diameters of the game ball passage holes 330 and 374 are smaller than the outer diameter of the lid portion 320 of the upstream lid 300. And in a state where the upstream lid 300 is closed, the game ball passage holes 330 and 374 are completely covered from above (see Fig. 25(b)).

[0166] Also, a latch fixing portion 376 to which a latch 310 is fixed is provided at the left rear portion of the upper surface of the ball-removing base 312. Also, the latch 310 fixed to the latch fixing portion 376 is positioned behind the lock protrusion 352 of the slide member 308.

[0167] In the central portion in the left - right direction on the upper surface of the ball - extraction base 312 (between the game ball passage hole 374 and the latch fixing portion 376), a groove 378 for guiding the slide member 308 is provided. This groove 378 is formed to extend in the front - rear direction and has a shape along the convex portion 358 of the slide member 308. Further, at the rear portion of the groove 378, a wall portion 380 protruding upward from the upper surface of the ball - extraction base 312 is provided. Also, on the front surface of the wall portion 380, a protrusion 382 protruding forward is provided. This protrusion 382 is adapted to be inserted into one end portion of the cylindrical spring 360. Also, one end of the spring 360 is pressed against the wall portion 380. And the spring 360 is arranged in a state where it can expand and contract in the front - rear direction between the wall portion 380 and the wall portion provided on the lower surface of the slide member 308.

[0168] Further, at three corner portions (right - front, right - rear, and left - rear corner portions) of the ball - extraction base 312, screw holes 384 for screwing in screws 345 are respectively formed.

[0169] The ball - extraction base 312 and the cover member 304 are fixed to each other by screwing a screw 345 inserted through the screw insertion hole 342 of the cover member 304 into the screw hole 384 of the ball - extraction base 312. Here, the slide member 308 is in a state of being sandwiched between the ball - extraction base 312 and the cover member 304. Also, the convex portion 358 of the slide member 308 is inserted into the groove 378 of the ball - extraction base 312, and the protrusion 340 of the cover member 304 is inserted into the groove 356 of the slide member 308. And the slide member 308 is guided by the groove 378 of the ball - extraction base 312 and the protrusion 340 of the cover member 304 to move in the front - rear direction. Also, the frame - shaped portion 353 of the slide member 308 is arranged between the front wall 372 of the ball - extraction base 312 and the game ball passage hole 374 and is adapted to move back and forth between them.

[0170] Further, the upstream-side lid 300 is configured to rotate in the left-right direction in conjunction with the movement of the slide member 308 in the front-rear direction. The upstream-side lid 300 closes the upstream-side ball removal hole 119 when it is located on the right side, and opens the upstream-side ball removal hole 119 when it is located on the left side. In other words, the upstream-side lid 300 is movable between a closed position where it closes the upstream-side ball removal hole 119 and an open position where it opens the upstream-side ball removal hole 119. That is, the upstream-side lid 300 serves as a lid for opening and closing the upstream-side ball removal hole 119. In other words, the upstream-side ball removal unit 113 is configured such that the upstream-side lid 300 moves in the left-right direction as the upstream-side ball removal button 306 moves in the front-rear direction. That is, based on an operation on the upstream-side ball removal button 306 by a player or the like, the upstream-side lid 300 can be moved to open and close the upstream-side ball removal hole 119.

[0171] The operation of the upstream-side ball removal unit 113 will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26. FIG. 25 is a view showing a state in which the upstream-side ball removal button 306 is in the initial position when not operated and the upstream-side lid 300 is in the closed position. FIG. 25(a) is a view showing the dish member 110 and the cover member 304 included, and FIG. 25(b) is a view showing the dish member 110 and the cover member 304 omitted. FIG. 26 is a view showing a state in which the upstream-side ball removal button 306 is pushed in and the slide member 308 is held by the latch 310, and the upstream-side lid 300 is in the open position. FIG. 26(a) is a view showing the dish member 110 and the cover member 304 included, and FIG. 26(b) is a view showing the dish member 110 and the cover member 304 omitted.

[0172] Hereinafter, the state of the upstream-side ball removal button 306 when the upstream-side ball removal button 306 is not operated and the slide member 308 is not held by the latch 310 is defined as the initial state of the upstream-side ball removal button 306. In other words, the state where the upstream-side ball removal button 306 protrudes forward (most) is defined as the initial state. Also, the position of the upstream-side ball removal button 306 in the initial state is defined as the initial position (second initial position).

[0173] First, when the upstream ball removal button 306 is in its initial position during non-operation, the upstream lid 300 is located at the closed position. In this state, the upstream ball removal hole 119 is blocked by the upstream lid 300, and it is impossible to let the game balls fall from the upstream ball removal hole 119. In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a flange portion 390 is formed at the outer edge portion of the lid portion 320 of the upstream lid 300. The flange portion 390 is provided to protrude radially outward of the lid portion 320 below the central portion of the lid portion 320. Further, the flange portion 390 is provided at the front portion (right side portion) in the moving direction when the upstream lid 300 closes. Also, the flange portion 390 is in a state of entering below the tray 16 when the upstream lid 300 closes the upstream ball removal hole 119 (protruding outside the edge of the upstream ball removal hole 119). And when the upstream ball removal button 306 is in the initial position, in a plan view (when viewed from above), the upstream ball removal hole 119 is in a state of being completely blocked without a gap by the upstream lid 300. In other words, the upstream ball removal hole 119 is completely blocked by the upstream lid 300, and it is impossible to visually recognize the member below the upstream ball removal hole 119. On the other hand, as described above, when the downstream ball removal button 120 is in the initial position, a gap is formed between the downstream lid 125 and the downstream ball removal hole 118. However, above the downstream ball removal hole 118, a covering member 392 that covers the downstream ball removal hole 118 is arranged (see FIG. 20). Therefore, due to this covering member 392, in a plan view, it is impossible to visually recognize the member below the downstream ball removal hole 118. Note that this covering member 392 has a function of aligning the game balls guided to the right lower end portion of the tray 16 in a line in the vertical direction.

[0174] When the upstream ball extraction button 306 is moved backward from the initial position (when pressed by the player), the slide member 308 integrated with the upstream ball extraction button 306 is moved backward. Then, the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300 inserted inside the guide insertion hole 354 of the slide member 308 is pushed backward. Then, the upstream lid 300 rotates counterclockwise (in the counterclockwise direction in plan view) about the protrusion 332 (central axis of the protrusion 332) of the cover member 304. In other words, the upstream lid 300 moves toward the left. Then, the upstream lid 300 reaches the open position, and the upstream ball extraction hole 119 is opened.

[0175] Further, when the upstream ball extraction button 306 is moved backward from the initial position by a predetermined amount or more, the lock protrusion 352 of the slide member 308 is pushed into the latch 310. Then, the latch 310 closes and grips the tip of the lock protrusion 352. As a result, the slide member 308 is held (latched) by the latch 310, and the upstream ball extraction button 306 is fixed in the pushed-in state.

[0176] In the state where the slide member 308 is held by the latch 310, as shown in FIG. 26, the upstream ball extraction hole 119 is in a completely open state. That is, in this state, the upstream ball extraction hole 119 and the upstream lid 300 do not overlap at all in the vertical direction, and the upstream lid 300 cannot be visually recognized from the upstream ball extraction hole 119 in plan view. Also, below the upstream ball extraction hole 119, the game ball passage holes 330 of the cover member 304 and the game ball passage holes 374 of the ball extraction base 312 are arranged, but the inner diameters of the game ball passage holes 330 and 374 are larger than the inner diameter of the upstream ball extraction hole 119, and the edges of the game ball passage holes 330 and 374 cannot be visually recognized from the upstream ball extraction hole 110 in plan view. In other words, in this state, the game balls that fall straight down (vertically) in the vertical direction from the upstream ball extraction hole 119 do not hit the edges of the upstream lid 300 or the game ball passage holes 330 and 374. In addition, in a state where the slide member 308 is held by the latch 310, a part of the upstream lid 300 may protrude radially inward of the upstream ball removal hole 119. Further, the part of the upstream lid 300 may have an inclined surface or the like that slopes downward as it goes radially inward of the upstream ball removal hole 119 (in the open state), and may serve to assist the fall of the game balls from the upstream ball removal hole 119.

[0177] Also, when the slide member 308 is pushed in again in a state where the latch 310 is closed (a state where the locking projection 352 is gripped), the latch 310 releases the locking projection 352 and allows the slide member 308 to move forward. Here, in a state where the slide member 308 is pushed in (a state where the latch 310 grips the locking projection 352 or a state at the moment when the latch 310 releases the locking projection 352), the spring 360 is in a compressed state between the wall portion provided on the lower surface of the slide member 308 and the wall portion 380 provided on the upper surface of the ball removal base 312. Therefore, the elastic force of the spring 360 acts to push the slide member 308 back forward. At this time, if the latch 310 is in a state of gripping the locking projection 352, the forward movement of the slide member 308 is restricted, and the slide member 308 and the upstream ball removal button 306 are fixed in the pushed-in state. On the other hand, when the latch 310 releases the locking projection 352, the slide member 308 and the upstream ball removal button 306 are pushed back forward by the elastic force of the spring 360.

[0178] When the slide member 308 is pushed back forward by the elastic force of the spring 360, the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300 inserted inside the guide insertion hole 354 of the slide member is pulled back forward. Then, the upstream lid 300 rotates clockwise (clockwise in plan view) about the protrusion 332 of the cover member 304 (the central axis of the protrusion 332). In other words, the upstream lid 300 moves toward the right. Then, the upstream lid 300 reaches the closed position, and the upstream ball removal hole 119 is closed.

[0179] Also, as described above, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, a force in the direction of closing the upstream ball discharge hole 119 is applied from the torsion spring 302 to the upstream lid 300. That is, in a state where the upstream lid 300 is open, the elastic force of the torsion spring acts to return the upstream lid 300 to the closed position. Further, this force is transmitted to the slide member 308 via the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300. That is, the elastic force of the torsion spring 302 acts in a direction to return the slide member 308 and the upstream ball discharge button 306 forward.

[0180] Therefore, when not in operation and the slide member 308 is not held by the latch 310, the upstream lid 300 is returned to the closed position and the upstream ball discharge button 306 is returned to the initial position by the elastic force of the spring 360 and the elastic force of the torsion spring 302. That is, the upstream ball discharge button 306 is arranged at the initial position when not in operation and the slide member 308 is not held by the latch 310. In other words, the upstream ball discharge button 306 is biased forward.

[0181] Further, the distance L4 from the center of rotation of the upstream lid 300 (the central axis of the protrusion 332 of the cover member 304) to the center of the lid portion 320 is at least twice the distance L3 from the center of rotation of the upstream lid 300 to the guide protrusion 326 (the contact portion of the guide protrusion 326 and the guide insertion hole 354: the portion where the upstream lid 300 is pushed by the slide member 308). Therefore, when the slide member 308 moves backward, the lid portion 320 rotates and moves by a length that is at least twice the length by which the guide protrusion 326 rotates.

[0182] In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the amount of operation on the upstream ball extraction button 306, which is necessary to open the upstream ball extraction hole 119 so that at least one gaming ball can pass through, is set to be less than the diameter of the gaming ball. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27, when the upstream ball extraction button 306 is pressed about 4 mm from the initial position, the upstream ball extraction hole 119 is opened so that at least one gaming ball B can pass through. That is, when the upstream ball extraction button 306 is pressed by a predetermined amount (about 4 mm) less than the diameter of the gaming ball from the initial position, the opening width W3 of the upstream ball extraction hole 119 (the distance from the tip of the upstream lid 300 to the edge of the upstream ball extraction hole 119 facing the tip) becomes 11 mm or more. Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the amount of operation on the upstream ball extraction button 306, which is necessary to open the upstream ball extraction hole 119 so that at least one gaming ball can pass through, is set to be less than the radius of the gaming ball.

[0183] Also, when the upstream ball extraction button 306 is pressed down to the maximum, the opening width W3 of the upstream ball extraction hole 119 is set to be larger than twice the diameter of the game ball (22 mm). In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the upstream ball extraction button 306 is pressed down to the maximum, the slide member 308 is held by the latch 310. However, when the hand is released from the upstream ball extraction button 306 in this state, the upstream ball extraction button 306 (slide member 308) will return slightly (for example, about 3 mm) to the front side. However, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the upstream ball extraction hole 119 is completely opened in both the state where the upstream ball extraction button 306 is pressed down to the maximum and the state where the slide member 308 holds the latch 310. And at this time, the upstream ball extraction hole 119 is in a state where at least two game balls can pass through simultaneously. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the upstream ball extraction hole 119 is in a state where three or more, more specifically four or more game balls can pass through simultaneously. Also, at this time, the upstream ball extraction hole 119 is such that three game balls arranged in a straight line cannot pass through simultaneously. In other words, in any part of the upstream ball extraction hole 119, the straight-line distance (span: diameter) from edge to edge is less than three times the diameter of the game ball. Further in other words, in the two directions where the upstream ball extraction hole 119 intersects (orthogonally) with each other, the straight-line distance (span: diameter) from edge to edge is less than three times the diameter of the game ball. Also, the upstream ball extraction hole 119 has a straight-line distance (span: diameter) from edge to edge in the two directions where it intersects (orthogonally) with each other that is larger than twice the diameter of the game ball. In this way, since the span is larger than twice the diameter of the game ball, when two game balls try to pass through the upstream ball extraction hole 119 simultaneously, it is possible to prevent them from getting stuck and clogging the upstream ball extraction hole 119. Also, since the span is less than three times the diameter of the game ball, such clogging of the game balls can be more reliably prevented.

[0184] In addition, the maximum amount (maximum operation amount) that the upstream ball extraction button 306 can be depressed is set to be equal to or greater than (a length exceeding) the diameter of the game ball. In other words, the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball extraction button 306 is set to be larger than the maximum operation amount of the downstream ball extraction button 120. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball extraction button 306 is set to approximately 14.5 mm. That is, the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball extraction button 306 is set to be equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball and less than twice the diameter (less than 1.5 times).

[0185] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the downstream ball extraction button 120 (first button: first operation means) makes the downstream ball extraction hole 118 (first hole) passable by the game ball with an operation amount less than the diameter of the game ball, and the upstream ball extraction button 306 (second button: second operation means) makes the upstream ball extraction hole 119 (second hole) passable by the game ball with an operation amount less than the diameter of the game ball. Therefore, the operation amount for the downstream ball extraction button 120 or the upstream ball extraction button 306 required to discharge the game ball from the downstream ball extraction hole 118 or the upstream ball extraction hole 119 can be reduced. Accordingly, it is possible to extract the balls from the tray 16 with a small operation amount, and the operation burden can be reduced.

[0186] Also, according to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the maximum value of the operation amount for the downstream ball extraction button 120 is less than or equal to (less than) the diameter of the game ball, and the maximum value of the operation amount for the upstream ball extraction button 306 is greater than or equal to (a length exceeding) the diameter of the game ball. When the upstream ball extraction button 306 is operated up to the position where the operation amount for the upstream ball extraction button 306 reaches the maximum value, the upstream ball extraction hole 119 becomes a state where at least two game balls can pass through simultaneously. Therefore, since the downstream ball extraction button 120 reaches the maximum operation amount with a small operation amount, the operation burden can be reduced. Further, for the upstream ball extraction button 306, by setting the maximum operation amount to be greater than or equal to the diameter of the game ball, the discharge capacity of the upstream ball extraction hole 119 when operated up to the maximum operation amount can be improved. Also, since the maximum operation amounts of the downstream ball extraction button 120 and the upstream ball extraction button 306 are different (by associating the operation amount and the discharge capacity of the hole), it becomes easier to distinguish between the downstream ball extraction button 120 and the upstream ball extraction button 306, and the operation feeling for both operation means with common functions becomes easier to grasp. Therefore, it is possible to prevent misoperations such as discharging game balls from unintended locations or discharging an unintended number of game balls. Also, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, since the downstream ball extraction button 120 returns to the initial position when the player releases their hand, in order to continue ball extraction from the downstream ball extraction hole 118, the downstream ball extraction button 120 must be continuously pressed. However, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, since the downstream ball extraction button 120 reaches the maximum operation amount with a small operation amount, it is possible to continuously press the downstream ball extraction button 120 with a small burden. On the other hand, since the upstream ball extraction button 306 is held by the latch 310, it is possible to continue ball extraction from the upstream ball extraction hole 119 without continuously pressing the upstream ball extraction button 306. And for such an upstream ball extraction button 306, by setting the maximum operation amount to be greater than or equal to the diameter of the game ball, it has become possible to discharge a large amount of game balls from the tray 16 in a short time.

[0187] Also, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the downstream ball discharge hole 118 has a smaller hole size itself than the upstream ball discharge hole 119. That is, the downstream ball discharge hole 118 has a shorter hole diameter (span) (the longest straight-line distance from edge to edge) than the upstream ball discharge hole 119. In other words, the downstream ball discharge hole 118 has a smaller hole area than the upstream ball discharge hole 119.

[0188] Note that the operation amount (operation amount for one ball) required to open the ball discharge hole (downstream ball discharge hole 118 or upstream ball discharge hole 119) so that at least one gaming ball can pass through may be larger for the downstream ball discharge button 120 than for the upstream ball discharge button 306. Specifically, for example, when the downstream ball discharge button 120 is moved about 4 mm from the initial position, the downstream ball discharge hole 118 becomes a state where the gaming ball can pass through, and when the upstream ball discharge button 306 is moved about 3 mm from the initial position, the upstream ball discharge hole 119 may be set to a state where the gaming ball can pass through. In other words, the operation amount for one ball may be different between the downstream ball discharge button 120 and the upstream ball discharge button 306, and it is sufficient that the difference in the operation amount for one ball between the two buttons is smaller than the difference in the maximum operation amounts. According to such a configuration, since the operation amount for one ball is different between the downstream ball discharge button 120 and the upstream ball discharge button 306 (by associating the operation amount with the discharge capacity of the hole), it becomes easier to distinguish between the downstream ball discharge button 120 and the upstream ball discharge button 306, and the operation feeling for both operation means having common functions becomes easier to grasp. Therefore, it is possible to prevent misoperations such as discharging the gaming ball from an unintended location or discharging an unintended number of gaming balls. Also, according to such a configuration, the operation amount for one ball of the downstream ball discharge button 120 is larger than the operation amount for one ball of the upstream ball discharge button 306, and the maximum operation amount of the downstream ball discharge button 120 is smaller than the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball discharge button 306.

[0189] Note that the operation amount for one ball of the upstream ball-removing button 306 is smaller than the operation amount for one ball of the downstream ball-removing button 120. For the operation amount for one ball of the upstream ball-removing button 306, the operation load required to move the upstream ball-removing button 306 may be smaller than the operation load required to move the downstream ball-removing button 120 for the operation amount for one ball of the downstream ball-removing button 120. Specifically, for example, when the upstream ball-removing button 306 is moved about 3 mm from the initial position, the game ball can pass through the upstream ball-removing hole 119. When the downstream ball-removing button 120 is moved about 4 mm from the initial position, the game ball can pass through the downstream ball-removing hole 118. If the operation load required to move the upstream ball-removing button 306 about 3 mm is, for example, 2 N, and the operation load required to move the downstream ball-removing button 120 about 4 mm is about 4 N, it is also acceptable. In other words, when the same magnitude of load is applied to the upstream ball-removing button 306 and the downstream ball-removing button 120 (within the range where the operation amount for each does not reach the maximum operation amount), the upstream ball-removing hole 119 may open wider than the downstream ball-removing hole 118. With such a configuration, the upstream ball-removing button 306 can remove balls with a smaller operation amount and a smaller operation load than the downstream ball-removing button 120. Therefore, when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the tray 16 and the tray 16 is in a full state (when a full error occurs), etc., when rapid ball removal is desired, a tactile motivation can be given to prompt the operation of the upstream ball-removing button 306 capable of efficiently removing balls. Note that regardless of the magnitude relationship of the operation amount for one ball between the downstream ball-removing button 120 and the upstream ball-removing button 306, for the operation amount for one ball of the upstream ball-removing button 306, the operation load required to move the upstream ball-removing button 306 may be made smaller than the operation load required to move the downstream ball-removing button 120 for the operation amount for one ball of the downstream ball-removing button 120.

[0190] Also, according to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the ratio of the operation amount for one ball (about 3 mm or about 4 mm) to the maximum operation amount (about 14.5 mm) of the upstream ball extraction button 306 is smaller than the ratio of the operation amount for one ball (about 4 mm) to the maximum operation amount (about 6 mm) of the downstream ball extraction button 120. Therefore, operating the upstream ball extraction button 306 can give a feeling that the game balls can be discharged more quickly. Thus, when a large amount of game balls are stored in the tray 16 and the tray 16 is in a full state (when a full error occurs), etc., when quick ball extraction is desired, a physical motivation can be given to prompt the operation of the upstream ball extraction button 306 that enables efficient ball extraction.

[0191] Also, according to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the operation on the downstream ball extraction button 120 is at the maximum operation amount, it is impossible for two or more game balls to pass through the downstream ball extraction hole 118 simultaneously. When the operation on the upstream ball extraction button 306 is at the maximum operation amount, it is possible for two or more game balls to pass through the upstream ball extraction hole 119 simultaneously, and the maximum operation amount for the upstream ball extraction button 306 is larger than the maximum operation amount for the downstream ball extraction button 120. Therefore, the relationship between the maximum operation amount of the downstream ball extraction button 120 and the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball extraction button 306 is linked to the discharge efficiency of the game balls. Thus, operating the upstream ball extraction button 306 can give a feeling that the game balls can be discharged more quickly. Therefore, when a large amount of game balls are stored in the tray 16 and the tray 16 is in a full state (when a full error occurs), etc., when quick ball extraction is desired, a physical motivation can be given to prompt the operation of the upstream ball extraction button 306 that enables efficient ball extraction.

[0192] In addition, as a mechanism for increasing the amount of movement of the lid (downstream lid 125 or upstream lid 300) with respect to the operation amount of the button (downstream ball removal button 120 or upstream ball removal button 360) in the downstream ball removal unit 112 or the upstream ball removal unit 113, the mechanism is not limited to the above-described mechanism, and various well-known transmission mechanisms can be adopted. Further, the downstream ball removal button 120 (first operation means) or the upstream ball removal button 360 (second operation means) is not limited to the push button as described above, and may be a slide-type operation means (for example, a lever that slides in the left-right direction) or the like.

[0193] Also, as shown in FIG. 19, the upstream ball removal unit 113 is fixed to the lower side of the left part of the dish member 110 by screwing. And the upstream ball removal button 306 is disposed below the saucer 16. Further, as shown in FIG. 28, the upstream ball removal button 306 is provided so as to protrude forward from an opening provided in the exterior component of the front frame 10.

[0194] The upstream ball removal button 306 and the portion surrounding the upstream ball removal button 306 are of different colors. That is, the peripheral member (exterior component) forming the opening for exposing the upstream ball removal button 306 is of a different color from the upstream ball removal button 306. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, while the upstream ball removal button 306 is red, the peripheral member is white.

[0195] Also, as described above, the downstream ball removal button 120 is provided in the button arrangement portion 116, but the downstream ball removal button 120 and the button arrangement portion 116 are of different colors. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, while the downstream ball removal button 120 is red, the button arrangement portion 116 is black.

[0196] Thus, by making the colors of the upstream ball removal button 306 and the downstream ball removal button 120 different from the colors of the peripheral members surrounding the buttons, respectively, the visibility of the buttons can be improved. Therefore, the player can easily find the buttons.

[0197] In addition, the upstream ball-removing button 306 and the downstream ball-removing button 120 are formed of a resin material of the same color (similar color). Also, the upstream ball-removing button 306 and the downstream ball-removing button 120 are formed in one color throughout. Further, all the other buttons (the ball-lending button, the return button 91, the direction keys 92, the volume adjustment button 93, the light quantity adjustment button 94, etc.) arranged in the button arrangement portion 116 are formed of a resin material of a color different from that of the upstream ball-removing button 306 and the downstream ball-removing button 120. Therefore, it is easy to tell which button is for ball removal, and the player can more easily discover the button. In addition to the upstream ball-removing button 306 and the downstream ball-removing button 120, there may be no buttons molded of a resin material of the same color as these buttons. That is, the said color may be used as a dedicated color for the buttons for discharging the game balls from the tray 16. Also, the buttons other than the upstream ball-removing button 306 and the downstream ball-removing button 120 (other buttons) may include the dedicated color, but in that case, it is preferable that the other buttons also include colors other than the dedicated color.

[0198] In addition, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the pressing surface (the surface that a player or the like touches when pressing the button: the upper surface) (operation surface) of the downstream ball extraction button 120 (the first button: the first operation means) is formed (substantially) flat. On the other hand, the pressing surface (the surface that a player or the like touches when pressing the button: the front surface) (operation surface) of the upstream ball extraction button 306 (the second button: the second operation means) is formed with irregularities. In other words, the pressing surface of the upstream ball extraction button 306 has a shape with more irregularities than the pressing surface of the downstream ball extraction button 120. Since the upstream ball extraction button 306 is surrounded by exterior parts and is provided to protrude forward below the tray 16, it is difficult to visually recognize. However, due to the relatively large number of irregularities provided, it is easy for the player to search for the button. Further, since the downstream ball extraction button 120 is provided in the button arrangement portion 116 that constitutes the upper surface of the tray unit 100, it is easy to visually recognize. However, due to the relatively small number of irregularities, it is easy to determine that it is a button.

[0199] In addition, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the operation surface of the downstream ball extraction button 120 (the first button: the first operation means) is smaller in area than the operation surface of the upstream ball extraction button 306 (the second button: the second operation means). Here, the operation surface refers to a surface where the range that can be touched by the player does not change and the range that can be visually recognized by the player does not change regardless of the position where the operation means is operated. In other words, a surface that is hidden by surrounding members due to the operation of the operation means is not included in the operation surface. According to such a configuration, since the size of the operation surface is associated with the operation amount of the operation means, it becomes easier to grasp the operation feeling for both operation means having common functions. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an incorrect operation such as discharging an unintended number of game balls.

[0200] Note that the game balls discharged from the downstream ball discharge hole 118 are guided downward through the first passage 114. Also, the game balls discharged from the upstream ball discharge hole 119 are guided downward through the second passage 115. Further, the first passage 114 merges with the second passage 115. Also, the second passage is connected to a hole 400 provided on the lower surface of the gaming machine (see FIG. 28). And the game balls discharged from the downstream ball discharge hole 118 or the upstream ball discharge hole 119 are discharged to the outside of the gaming machine through this hole 400.

[0201] In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the tray 16 is provided as one, but it may have a plurality of trays. For example, generally, a gaming machine having two trays, an upper tray (first tray) and a lower tray (second tray), is known. In this type of gaming machine, game balls lent to the player (loaned balls) and game balls obtained by winning (prize balls) are stored in the upper tray. The lower tray is provided at a position lower than the upper tray. For example, when the upper tray is full (a state where a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the upper tray), game balls further paid out, etc. are stored. Also, game balls can be discharged from the ball discharge hole provided in the upper tray toward the lower tray. The configuration of the gaming machine of the present embodiment may be applied to this type of gaming machine. Specifically, for example, a ball discharge hole similar to the downstream ball discharge hole 118 may be provided in the upper tray, and a downstream ball discharge unit 112 corresponding to the ball discharge hole may be provided. In other words, the downstream ball discharge hole 118 and the downstream ball discharge unit 112 in the present embodiment may be read as being provided for the upper tray. Also, for example, a ball discharge hole similar to the upstream ball discharge hole 119 may be provided in the lower tray, and an upstream ball discharge unit 113 corresponding to the ball discharge hole may be provided. In other words, the upstream ball discharge hole 119 and the upstream ball discharge unit 113 in the present embodiment may be read as being provided for the lower tray.

[0202] The gaming machine according to the present embodiment a first hole capable of discharging game balls from the tray, a second hole capable of discharging game balls from the tray, a first opening / closing means capable of opening and closing the first hole, a second opening / closing means capable of opening and closing the second hole; a first operation means for receiving an operation for moving the first opening / closing means; a second operation means for receiving an operation for moving the second opening / closing means, and the second hole is larger than the first hole, the first operation means makes the first hole in a state where a game ball can pass through with an operation amount less than the diameter of the game ball, the second operation means makes the second hole in a state where a game ball can pass through with an operation amount less than the diameter of the game ball, the operation amount less than the diameter for the second operation means is smaller than the operation amount less than the diameter for the first operation means, the operation load required to move the second operation means for the operation amount less than the diameter for the second operation means is smaller than the operation load required to move the first operation means for the operation amount less than the diameter for the first operation means.

[0203] In addition, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment has a first hole capable of discharging a game ball from a first tray, a second hole capable of discharging a game ball from a second tray, a first opening / closing means capable of opening and closing the first hole, a second opening / closing means capable of opening and closing the second hole, a first operation means for receiving an operation for moving the first opening / closing means, a second operation means for receiving an operation for moving the second opening / closing means, and the second hole is larger than the first hole, the first operation means makes the first hole in a state where a game ball can pass through with an operation amount less than the diameter of the game ball, the second operation means makes the second hole in a state where a game ball can pass through with an operation amount less than the diameter of the game ball, the operation amount less than the diameter for the second operation means is smaller than the operation amount less than the diameter for the first operation means, For the amount of operation less than the diameter for the second operation means, the operation load required to move the second operation means is smaller than the operation load required to move the first operation means for the amount of operation less than the diameter for the first operation means.

[0204] According to such a configuration, the amount of operation on the first operation means or the second operation means required to discharge the game ball from the first hole or the second hole can be reduced. Therefore, with a small amount of operation, it is possible to remove the balls from the tray, so the operation burden can be reduced. Further, according to such a configuration, the second operation means can remove the balls with a smaller amount of operation than the first operation means and can remove the balls with an operation load smaller than the first operation means. For this reason, when a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the tray and the tray is in a full state (when a full error occurs), etc., when rapid ball removal is desired, a tactile motivation can be given to prompt the operation of the second operation means capable of performing efficient ball removal. The gaming machine according to the present embodiment can be operated comfortably.

[0205] (Third Embodiment) As a gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine including a game board, a launching device, etc. is known. In a pachinko gaming machine, a game ball (gaming medium) is launched into a game area provided on the front surface of the game board, and a gaming profit is given to the player based on the game ball entering a winning hole provided in the game area. A predetermined gaming machine typified by such a gaming machine includes a rail for guiding the game ball. By the way, in gaming machines, there has been an increasing demand for increasing the size of the design part for decorating the gaming machine. However, with the increase in the size of the design part, there has been a problem that the visibility of the game ball in the game area, such as a game ball rolling along the rail, is impaired. The purpose of the present embodiment is to provide a gaming machine capable of ensuring the visibility of the game ball.

[0206] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko machine, which is one type of gaming machine, will be described, but other gaming machines (for example, slot machines, etc.) may also be applicable. In the following description, basically, "front and back" means that when the player is on the front side of the gaming machine, the player side is "front" and the gaming machine side is "back". "Up and down" means that the upper surface side of the gaming machine is "up" and the lower surface side is "down". "Left and right" means that the left hand side of the player playing the game is "left" and the right hand side is "right". Note that within the scope of the present invention, free combinations of each component, any modifications of each component, or any omissions of each component are possible.

[0207] FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the pachinko machine 1 according to this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment conducts a game using game balls (game media) lent out from the game hall. It includes an outer frame 2 forming the outer surface of the gaming machine, a game board 6 provided inside the gaming machine and forming a game area 4 through which the game balls move, a glass unit 8 that enables the player to visually recognize the game board 6 but prevents contact, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached. Although not shown in FIG. 29, the pachinko machine 1 includes an inner frame and a main body frame having the front frame 10 and the inner frame. The outer frame 2 is capable of attaching the main body frame. Also, the pachinko machine 1 includes a tray unit having trays (upper tray 16 and lower tray 24). The main body frame has a grip unit 20 (handle) and a tray unit. The "dish unit 320, dish" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily deformed, etc. into the "dish unit, dish" in the third embodiment. Also, the "handle unit 330" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily deformed, etc. into the "grip unit 20" in the third embodiment. Further, the "front frame 300, outer frame 102" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily deformed, etc. into the "front frame 10, outer frame 2" in the third embodiment. Also, the "inner frame 104, main body frame" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily deformed, etc. into the "inner frame, main body frame" in the third embodiment. Also, the "game board 108" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily deformed, etc. into the "game board 6" in the third embodiment. Also, although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, a design part (design member) 84 is provided at the upper part of the front frame 10. It is possible to add, etc., the design part 84 shown in the present embodiment to the "front frame 300, main body frame" shown in the first embodiment. Also, it is possible to add, etc., the game ball passage 80 shown in the present embodiment to the "game board 108" shown in the first embodiment.

[0208] The portion of the front frame 10 that surrounds the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the portion made of the translucent material, a plurality of front frame lamps 12 that output effect lights for enlivening the game are provided. Also, a plurality of speakers 14 that output effect sounds for enlivening the game are provided on the front frame 10.

[0209] An upper dish 16 for storing game balls is provided at the lower center of the front frame 10, and a payout port for paying out game balls from the gaming machine to the player is provided at the left part of the inner side surface of the upper dish 16. A grip unit 20 is provided at the lower right side of the front frame 10. When the player performs an operation of rotating the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, a firing device (not shown) provided inside the gaming machine operates, and game balls are fired into the game area 4. The firing device of the present embodiment can fire 99 game balls per minute (1.65 game balls per second).

[0210] On the right part of the inner side surface of the upper plate 16, a supply port for supplying game balls from the upper plate 16 to the launching device is provided. Further, below the upper plate 16, a lower plate 24 for storing surplus game balls when the upper plate 16 cannot store all the game balls is provided.

[0211] An effect operation device 26 is provided on the front side of the edge of the upper plate 16. When the player operates the effect operation device 26, the effects performed by the gaming machine change. Specifically, the effect operation device 26 incorporates a push button switch and a rotary switch (jog dial), and can detect an operation of pressing down the effect operation device 26 and an operation of rotating the effect operation device 26.

[0212] FIG. 30 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board 6 shown in FIG. 29. As shown in FIG. 30, an outer rail 28 is provided in a circular shape on the game board 6, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 28 is the game area 4 where the game balls move. Further, at the left end of the game area 4, an inner rail 30 is provided in an arc shape along the outer rail 28, and the outer rail 28 and the inner rail 30 guide the game balls launched from a launching device (not shown) provided below the game board 6 into the game area 4.

[0213] In the central part of the game board 6, an effect unit 36 including a liquid crystal display 32 for displaying effect images and the like for enlivening the game and a display frame 34 formed so as to surround the liquid crystal display 32 is provided.

[0214] In the present embodiment, the front side of the liquid crystal display 32 is made impassable for the game balls, and the game balls launched from the launching device fall into either the game area 4 on the left side or the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. A number of game nails (not shown) are driven into the game area 4 so as to intersect the surface of the game board 6, and the moving direction of the game balls moving in the game area 4 changes randomly.

[0215] On the left part of the display frame 34, an opening 40 through which a game ball falling in the game area 4 on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32 can pass is formed. The game ball passing through this opening 40 passes through a passage 42 provided in the display frame 34 and falls onto a stage 44 provided below the liquid crystal display 32. The upper surface of this stage 44 is a smooth curved surface, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8 through which the game ball can fall downward from the stage 44. The game ball falling onto the stage 44 from the passage 42 reciprocates left and right on the stage 44 and then falls downward from near the central part of the stage 44.

[0216] Below the central part of the stage 44, a first start winning opening 46 is provided. Also, in the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32, a passing gate 48 is provided. Also, below the passing gate 48, a second start winning opening 50 is provided. This second start winning opening 50 is provided with a normal accessory 52 having an auxiliary member that can operate between a reduced state (a state that does not assist entry, a non - assisting state) in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second start winning opening 50 and an enlarged state (a state that assists entry, an assisting state) in which it is easy for a game ball to enter.

[0217] In the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32, below the second start winning opening 50, a big winning opening 54 is provided. This big winning opening 54 is provided with a special accessory 56 having a movable member that closes the big winning opening 54. The special accessory 56 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter the big winning opening 54 and an open state in which a game ball can enter the big winning opening 54 (FIG. 30 shows the closed state). The special accessory 56 is controlled to be in the open state under predetermined conditions in a special game state that starts when a big win is won.

[0218] Below the large winning opening 54, a large winning passage 58 is provided extending downward. At the lower end of the large winning passage 58, a normal entrance 62 is provided. Also, below the large winning passage 58, a specific passage 65 is provided branching downward from the middle of the large winning passage 58. In this specific passage 65, a specific accessory 66 having a movable member that closes the specific passage 65 is provided. The specific accessory 66 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the specific passage 65 and an open state in which game balls can enter the specific passage 65 (FIG. 30 shows the closed state). The specific accessory 66 is controlled to be in the open state under predetermined conditions in a special game state. At the lower end of the specific passage 65, a specific entrance 68 is provided. Also, at the lowermost part of the game area 4, an out port 69 is provided for collecting game balls that have fallen through the game area 4 without entering any of the winning openings into the interior of the gaming machine.

[0219] The game ball launching device is configured such that the shooting force of the game ball changes by adjusting the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 shown in FIG. 29. When the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is small, the game ball is launched so as to fall into the game area 4 on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32. When the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game ball is launched so as to fall into the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32.

[0220] The player adjusts the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 according to the game situation and launches the game ball so that the game ball falls into the game area 4 on the left side or enters the first start winning opening 46 by passing through the opening 40, the passage 42, and the stage 44 (left hitting), or launches the game ball so that the game ball falls into the game area 4 on the right side and passes through the passing gate 48, or the game ball enters the second start winning opening 50, or the game ball enters the large winning opening 54 (right hitting).

[0221] At the lower right part of the game board 6 and outside the game area 4, a status display section 70 is provided to indicate various states of the gaming machine by lighting and extinguishing lamps or the like. The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main board and a sub-board. The functions of each board such as the main board and the sub-board 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 software consisting of a given program pre-stored in the ROM or the like.

[0222] The main board receives input signals from input means (such as the first start winning port sensor, passing gate sensor, second start winning port sensor, big winning port sensor, normal entrance sensor, specific passage sensor, payout sensor, etc.), performs various calculations for executing the game, and based on the calculation results, controls the operations of output means (such as the status display driving device, normal accessory driving device, special accessory driving device, specific accessory driving device, payout device, etc.).

[0223] The sub-board receives commands sent from the main board and input signals from an effect operation sensor that detects operations on the effect operation device 26, performs various calculations for executing an effect according to the progress of the game, and based on the calculation results, controls the operations of an effect device (such as an effect display device, an acoustic device, an effect object driving device, etc.).

[0224] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30, the game area 4 is divided into a left hitting area 4a located on the left side and a right hitting area 4b located on the right side, and the player can drop the game balls into different areas by changing the firing intensity of the game balls.

[0225] Also, at the upper end (upper part) of the game area 4, a game ball passage 80 connecting the left hitting area 4a and the right hitting area 4b is provided. The game balls fired from the firing device at a predetermined firing intensity or more pass through the game ball passage 80 and proceed to the right hitting area 4b, while the game balls fired from the firing device at less than the predetermined firing intensity do not pass through the game ball passage 80 and proceed to the left hitting area 4a.

[0226] The game ball passage 80 is formed by an outer rail 28 and a rail 81 provided along the outer rail 28 and below the outer rail 28. Further, the game ball passage 80 is formed including the upper end of the outer rail 28. Also, the width of the game ball passage 80 (the distance between the outer rail 28 and the rail 81) is longer than the diameter of one game ball and shorter than the diameter of two game balls at the narrowest part. Further, the part where the width of the game ball passage 80 is the narrowest is formed by the top of the game ball passage 80, in other words, the part formed by the upper end (top: apex) of the outer rail 28 and the part facing the upper end of the rail 81, and further in other words, the part located at the upper end of the game area 4.

[0227] Also, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 29 and 31, a design part (design member) 84 in the shape of a substantially rectangular box that is long in the left - right direction is provided above the front frame 10. Also, the length of the design part 84 in the left - right direction is half or more of the length of the front frame 10 in the left - right direction. Further, the front surface of the design part 84 protrudes forward so as to be located in front of the game area 4 and the glass unit 8. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the glass unit 8 has two transparent plates (glass plates) 8a and 8b arranged in the front - rear direction with their plate surfaces parallel.

[0228] The design part 84 includes an LED substrate for lighting (not shown) provided inside thereof and an exterior member 85 covering the same, and a space for housing the LED substrate is secured inside the exterior member 85. Also, a logo representing the model name etc. is attached to the part of the exterior member 85 that constitutes the front surface of the design part 84, and the logo is made to light by the LED substrate provided inside. Note that a speaker or the like may be provided inside the design part 84.

[0229] The lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 has its front portion positioned at the lowest point. Also, the front portion forms a plane 87 that is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane. Further, the rear side of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84, behind the rear end of the plane 87, is an inclined surface 88 that is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. And the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 has a shape such that the rear portion (the inclined surface 88 portion) slopes upward as it extends rearward. That is, the front portion of the design portion 84 protrudes downward more than the rear portion, forming a protruding portion 90. Also, the rear end of the lower surface 86 (the inclined surface 88) of the design portion 84 is in contact with or close to the glass unit 8. Note that the shape of the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 may be formed along the shape of the outer rail 28. That is, the rear end of the lower surface 86 may have a curved shape that is convex upward when viewed from the front. Also, accordingly, the shape of the lower surface 86 (the inclined surface 88) may be a mortar shape that is concave upward.

[0230] FIG. 31 is a schematic view of the main part in the cross section taken along the line A-A of FIG. 29, showing a cross section cut by a plane parallel to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction passing through the upper end (the top: the upper end of the outer rail 28) of the game area 4. The cross section shown in FIG. 31 also passes through the upper end (the top) of the rail 81 and the upper end (the top) of the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84.

[0231] The rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is located below the upper end of the game area 4 in a portion corresponding to the upper end of the game area 4 (the front portion of the upper end of the game area 4). In other words, the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is located below the upper end of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 (the guide surface 113 of the outer rail 28 described later). Also, the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is located above the upper end of the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80 (the surface where the game ball contacts the rail 81). Also, the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is located above the lower end of the game ball B in a state where the game ball B is located at the upper end of the game area 4 (the game ball in a state of contacting the upper end of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80: the game ball in a state of contacting the top of the outer rail 28 (the guide surface 113)). More specifically, it is located above the center of the game ball B in this state (illustrated by the dashed-dotted line C in FIG. 31).

[0232] Further, the protruding portion 90 protrudes downward from the center of the game ball B in a state where it is located at the upper end of the game area 4. In other words, the lower end of the protruding portion 90 is located below the center of the game ball B in such a state. More specifically, the lower end of the protruding portion 90 is located below the lower end of the game ball B in such a state. Further, the protruding portion 90 protrudes downward from the upper end of the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80.

[0233] As is apparent from the above, the design portion 84 overlaps with the game ball B in a state of being positioned at the upper end of the game area 4 in the front-rear direction (the direction perpendicular to the game board 6 and the glass unit 8), and is configured to cover the entire game ball B in such a state. Further, the portion of the lower surface 86 corresponding to the upper end of the game area 4 at the rear end (the front portion of the upper end of the game area 4) does not overlap with at least the lower half of the game ball B in a state of being positioned at the upper end of the game area 4 in the front-rear direction (the direction perpendicular to the game board 6 and the glass unit 8), and is configured not to cover at least the lower half of the game ball in such a state. Also, the rear side portion of the lower surface 86 is an inclined surface 88. For this reason, even when the game ball is positioned at the upper end of the game area 4, the player can easily visually recognize the game ball rolling on the game area 4. Here, from a predetermined position, specifically, the player's eye point, it is preferable that at least the lower half of the game ball in such a state can be seen without the player moving their face up, down, left, or right. The player's eye point means the position of the player's eyes when sitting on a chair and playing the game. Specifically, for example, when the distance in the front-rear direction between the player's eyes and the glass unit 8 is between 30 and 50 cm, and the distance (height) in the vertical direction between the player's eyes and the bottom surface of the gaming machine is between 40 and 60 cm, it is preferable that at least a part (lower half) of the game ball in such a state can be visually recognized. In other words, it is preferable that the design portion 84 does not extend along the straight line from a predetermined point where the distance from the glass unit 8 is between 30 and 50 cm and the height from the bottom surface of the gaming machine is between 40 and 60 cm to the game ball B (the portion below the center of the game ball B) positioned at the upper end of the game area 4. According to such a configuration, it is possible to ensure the visibility of the game medium moving in the game area while increasing the size of the design portion 84.

[0234] Next, regarding the various lengths of the design portion 84, the game ball passage 80, and the game ball B in a state of being positioned at the upper end of the game area 4 in the cross-section cut by a plane parallel to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction passing through the upper end (top: the upper end of the outer rail 28) of the game area 4, an explanation will be given with reference to FIG. 31.

[0235] As shown in FIG. 31, in this cross-section, the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 (the first reference line BL1 described later) is located above the rear end 91 of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84. Hereinafter, the rear end portion of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is also referred to as the first design portion 91. When the horizontal line passing through the upper end of the upper surface of the game ball passage 80 and extending in the lateral direction of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 is defined as the first reference line BL1, the first design portion 91 can be said to be the rearmost portion among the portions where the vertical line intersecting the first reference line BL1 on the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 can intersect. Further, when the horizontal line passing through the portion of the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80 that is directly below the upper end of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 and extending in the lateral direction of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 is defined as the second reference line BL2, the first design portion 91 can be said to be the rearmost portion among the portions where the vertical line intersecting the second reference line BL2 on the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 can intersect. Here, the portion of the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80 that is directly below the upper end of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 may be the upper end of the lower surface 80b or may not be the upper end of the lower surface 80b. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, in this cross-section, the vertical interval L1 between the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 and the first design portion 91 is approximately 4 mm. That is, the interval L1 is equal to or less than the diameter of the game ball (11 mm), and more specifically, less than the diameter. The interval L1 can also be said to be the distance from the first reference line BL1 to the first design portion 91 (the distance on the vertical line).

[0236] Also, in this cross-section, the upper surface 80a (the first reference line BL1) of the game ball passage 80 is located above the lower end 92 (the rear end of the plane 87) of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84. Hereinafter, the lower end portion (the rear end portion of the plane 87) of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is also referred to as the second design portion 92. The second design portion 92 can be said to be the lowermost portion among the portions where a vertical line intersecting the first reference line BL1 can intersect the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84. Also, the second design portion 92 can be said to be the lowermost portion among the portions where a vertical line intersecting the second reference line BL2 can intersect the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, in this cross-section, the vertical interval L2 between the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 and the second design portion 92 is about 40 mm. That is, the interval L2 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball, and more specifically, it is a length exceeding the diameter. Note that the interval L2 can also be said to be the distance (the distance on the vertical line) from the first reference line BL1 to the second design portion 92.

[0237] Also, in this cross-section, the lower surface 80b (the second reference line BL2) of the game ball passage 80 is located below the first design portion 91. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, in this cross-section, the vertical interval L3 between the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80 and the first design portion 91 is about 14 mm. That is, the interval L3 is equal to or greater than the radius of the game ball, more specifically, it is a length exceeding the radius, and even more specifically, it is equal to or greater than the diameter (a length exceeding the diameter). Note that the interval L3 can also be said to be the distance (the distance on the vertical line) from the second reference line BL2 to the first design portion 91.

[0238] Also, in this cross-section, the lower surface 80b (the second reference line BL2) of the game ball passage 80 is located above the second design portion 92. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, in this cross-section, the vertical interval L4 between the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80 and the second design portion 92 is about 22 mm. That is, the interval L4 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball, and more specifically, it is a length exceeding the diameter. Note that the interval L4 can also be said to be the distance (the distance on the vertical line) from the second reference line BL2 to the second design portion 92.

[0239] As described above, by positioning the second design portion 92 below the upper surface 80a (first reference line BL1) of the game ball passage 80, the design portion 84 can be enlarged, and by positioning it below the lower surface 80b (second reference line BL2) of the game ball passage 80, the design portion 84 can be further enlarged. Also, while enlarging the design portion 84 in this way, by setting the distance L1 between the upper surface 80a (first reference line BL1) of the game ball passage 80 and the first design portion 91 to be equal to or less than (less than) the diameter of the game ball, when the game ball is strongly launched (when the game ball rolls along the upper surface 80a), the visibility of the game ball can be ensured. Further, while enlarging the design portion 84 in this way, by setting the distance L3 between the lower surface 80b (second reference line BL2) of the game ball passage 80 and the first design portion 91 to be equal to or greater than (longer than) the radius of the game ball, when the game ball is weakly launched (when the game ball rolls along the lower surface 80b), the visibility of the game ball can be ensured.

[0240] Next, the configuration related to the outer rail 28 will be described with reference to FIGS. 32 to 37. The outer rail 28 is supported by a rail base 100 as a support member for supporting the outer rail 28. And, by fixing the rail base 100 to the game board 6, the outer rail 28 is attached to the game board 6. Note that the rail base 100 is fixed to the game board 6 by, for example, screwing. Also, the game board 6 is formed in a substantially square plate shape by a transparent resin.

[0241] The outer rail 28 is a thin plate-shaped long member. Hereinafter, regarding each length related to the outer rail 28, the length in the length direction (longitudinal direction) is referred to as "length", the length in the width direction (lateral direction) is referred to as "width", and the length in the thickness direction (plate thickness) is referred to as "thickness". In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 33, the length L of the outer rail 28 is 900 mm or more (at least 800 mm or more). Also, the width W of the outer rail 28 is about 15 mm. Also, the plate thickness T of the outer rail 28 is about 0.6 mm. Further, in the present embodiment, the outer rail 28 is formed of metal, specifically, stainless steel (for example, SUS430).

[0242] At one end (starting end) of the outer rail 28, a bent portion 110 bent in a substantially L shape is formed. Further, at the other end (ending end) of the outer rail 28, a U-shaped portion (bent portion) 112 bent in a substantially U shape is formed.

[0243] The bending radius R of the U-shaped portion 112 is about 6 mm. In other words, the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112 (the distance between the opposing surfaces in the U-shaped portion 112) is about 12 mm. Further, the U-shaped portion 112 has a height H of about 12 mm in the thickness direction of the outer rail 28. Note that the curvature of the U-shaped portion 112 is larger than the curvature of the curved surface 126 described later, and is also larger than the curvature of the guide surface 113 of the outer rail 28 in a state where it is attached to the rail base 100 (a state where it is assembled as a gaming machine).

[0244] A guide surface 113 is formed on the outer rail 28 between the bent portion 110 and the U-shaped portion 112. The guide surface 113 is the surface that the game ball launched from the launching device hits, and the game ball launched from the launching device rolls along the guide surface 113 and is guided to the game area 4.

[0245] Further, a substantially rectangular hole 114 is formed in the outer rail 28. The hole 114 is formed in the U-shaped portion 112 of the outer rail 28 (at a position corresponding to the U-shaped portion 112). Also, the length of the hole 114 is longer than the length of the U-shaped portion 112. In other words, the hole 114 is formed over the entire length direction (the direction along the U shape) of the U-shaped portion 112. Specifically, the hole 114 is formed up to the corner portion 115a formed between the U-shaped portion 112 and the guide surface 113. In other words, the hole 114 is formed up to at least one (preferably both) of the corner portions 115a, 115b formed at both side ends (the boundary between the U-shaped portion 112 and other portions) in the length direction of the U-shaped portion 112. Note that the hole 114 may be formed so as to cross at least one of the corner portions 115a and 115b. Note that the corner portions 115a and 115b have an R shape.

[0246] The width Wa of the hole 114 is preferably 1 / 2 or less of the width W of the outer rail 28 (U-shaped portion 112), and more preferably 1 / 3 or less. Also, the width Wa of the hole 114 is preferably 1 / 5 or more of the width W of the outer rail 28 (U-shaped portion 112), and more preferably 1 / 4 or more. By setting the width Wa of the hole 114 in this way, it is possible to increase the flexibility of the U-shaped portion 112 while maintaining a high strength of the U-shaped portion 112. In the present embodiment, the width Wa of the hole 114 is set to 4 mm.

[0247] Note that the hole 114 does not necessarily have to penetrate in the thickness direction of the outer rail 28. In other words, the hole 114 portion may be formed thinner than other portions. Further in other words, the hole 114 may be any kind of cutout portion. That is, in the outer rail 28, the portion where the hole 114 of the U-shaped portion 112 is formed may have a smaller cross-sectional area in a cross-section perpendicular to the plate surface than the portion where the guide surface 113 is formed.

[0248] Also, a plurality of positioning holes 118 (five in the present embodiment) are formed in the outer rail 28. Protrusions 128 described later are inserted into the respective holes 118. The holes 118 are oblong with a length that is twice or more the width. In the present embodiment, the holes 118 have a length La of 5.2 mm and a width Wb of 2 mm.

[0249] Further, the holes 118 are arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction. Also, the holes 118 are arranged offset from the center in the width direction (so as not to pass through the center). Specifically, in the width direction of the outer rail 28, the distance Wc from the center of the hole 118 to the end of the outer rail 28 is set to 2.7 mm. Further, the holes 118 are arranged at positions where the game balls rolling on the guide surface 113 do not hit. More specifically, all the holes 118 are arranged at positions where the game balls rolling on the guide surface 113 do not hit. Note that all the holes 118 are formed in the guide surface 113, and are not formed in the bent portion 110, the U-shaped portion 112, and the portion on the terminal side (extension portion 120) beyond the U-shaped portion 112. Also, two circular holes 119 are formed in the guide surface 113 of the outer rail 28 in a straight line with the plurality of holes 118. These two holes 119 are holes used during the processing of the outer rail 28, and the protruding portion 128 described later is not inserted into the holes 119.

[0250] Figs. 34 to 36 are views showing the attached state in which the outer rail 28 is attached to the rail base 100. As shown in Fig. 34, the rail base 100 is formed in a substantially L shape from a black resin material. Further, the rail base 100 has a curved surface 126 formed in an arc shape. The curved surface 126 is formed so as to extend from the lower left side of the game board 6 (game area 4), pass through the upper left side, and reach the upper right side, and is formed in a shape with the lower right side open.

[0251] A plurality (five in this embodiment) of protruding portions 128 are formed along the longitudinal direction on the curved surface 126 (see Fig. 32). The protruding portions 128 are arranged behind the center in the front-rear direction of the curved surface 126. Also, each protruding portion 128 is arranged at a position corresponding to each hole 118 of the outer rail 28.

[0252] Also, a wall portion 129 protruding toward the game area 4 side from the curved surface 126 is formed along the curved surface 126 at the front edge of the curved surface 126 (see Figs. 36 and 37).

[0253] At the lower left part (one end) of the rail base 100, as shown in FIGS. 34 and 36, a recess 130 having a substantially L-shaped cross section into which the bent portion 110 of the outer rail 28 is inserted is provided. Further, in the recess 130, a butting surface (contact surface) 131 against which one end surface (the end surface on the starting end side) of the outer rail 28 in the length direction abuts is formed. Note that the recess 130 is configured such that in the length direction of the outer rail 28, portions other than the one end surface of the outer rail 28 do not contact. Specifically, of the bent portion 110 of the outer rail 28, a relief portion 110a extending in a direction intersecting (substantially orthogonal) to the guide surface 113 does not contact the recess 130 (at least in the length direction of the outer rail 28).

[0254] Also, at the upper right part (the other end) of the rail base 100, as shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, a butting surface (contact surface) 135 against which the other end surface (the end surface on the terminal end side) of the outer rail 28 in the length direction abuts is formed. Further, at the upper right part of the rail base 100, a housing portion 137 for housing the U-shaped portion 112 is formed.

[0255] The housing portion 137 is provided adjacent to the upper right end of the curved surface 126. The housing portion 137 has a space 137b formed by a wall portion 137a having a substantially U-shaped cross section. Further, the space 137b is a space that extends toward the outside of the game area 4 from the curved surface 126. And the U-shaped portion 112 is housed in this space 137b. One end of the wall portion 137a is connected to the upper right end of the curved surface 126. Further, the other end 137c of the wall portion 137a is disposed on an imaginary extension line of the curved surface 126 (a predetermined position when the curved surface 126 is extended as it is according to its curvature). Also, at a position farther from the curved surface 126 than the other end 137c and on the side opposite to the plate thickness direction of the outer rail 28, a rib 139 is formed. And the extension portion 120 of the outer rail 28 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the other end 137c and the rib 139.

[0256] The outer rail 28 has its bent portion 110 inserted into the concave portion 130 of the rail base 100, and one end face abuts against the abutting face 131. Also, the other end face of the outer rail 28 abuts against the abutting face 135. And, in the mounted state where the outer rail 28 is attached to the rail base 100, it is in a state of being stretched between the abutting face 131 and the abutting face 135. That is, the length L of the outer rail 28 is set to be longer than the distance from the abutting face 131 to the abutting face 135 (the distance in the direction along the curved face 126). In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the length L of the outer rail 28 is set to be 3 mm longer than that distance. In other words, the outer rail 28 has an extra length of 3 mm with respect to the length of the portion where the outer rail 28 is installed (the distance from the abutting face 131 to the abutting face 135).

[0257] In the mounted state, the extra length of the outer rail 28 is absorbed by the U-shaped portion 112. That is, first, in the mounted state, the outer rail 28 is arranged along the curved face 126 of the rail base 100. At this time, substantially the entire surface on the side opposite to the guide surface 113 of the outer rail 28 (the back surface) is in contact with substantially the entire curved face 126. In other words, the guide surface 113 becomes a surface (substantially parallel surface) along the curved face 126. Also, the U-shaped portion 112 bends so that the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112 (the distance between the corner portions 115a and 115b) shrinks, and thereby the extra length of the outer rail 28 is absorbed. And, between the abutting face 131 and the abutting face 135, the outer rail 28 is in a stretched state. In addition, in FIGS. 34 and 35, the terminal 28a of the outer rail 28 is shown penetrating the abutting face 135, but actually, the terminal 28a abuts against the abutting face 135 and stops, and does not penetrate the abutting face 135. In other words, in FIGS. 34 and 35, the portion penetrating the abutting face 135 is the extra length portion of the outer rail 28, and the length of the penetrating portion is absorbed by the U-shaped portion 112. Note that the U-shaped portion 112 is configured not to hit the wall portion 137a of the accommodating portion 137 even in the mounted state (the state of bending to absorb the extra length).

[0258] In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the extra length of 3 mm of the outer rail 28 is set to be shorter than the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112 (the distance between the opposing surfaces in the U-shaped portion 112: approximately 12 mm). More specifically, the extra length is set to be equal to or less than the bending radius R (approximately 6 mm) of the U-shaped portion 112 (equal to or less than half of the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112). Therefore, the U-shaped portion 112 can effectively absorb the extra length. Note that the extra length of 3 mm as a reference value (design value) is set to be longer than the tolerance of the outer rail 28. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the tolerance of the length L of the outer rail 28 is set to ±0.8 mm. Therefore, even when the outer rail 28 is manufactured to be as short as possible (when the tolerance is at the lower limit of -0.8 mm), the reference value of the extra length is set so that an extra length of 0 mm or more (in this example, an extra length of 2.2 mm) is generated. That is, the length L of the outer rail 28 is set to a length that allows for an extra length even when including the tolerance. Also, even when the outer rail 28 is manufactured to be as long as possible (when the tolerance is at the upper limit of +0.8 mm), the reference value of the extra length is set so that the extra length is equal to or less than the bending radius R of the U-shaped portion 112 (equal to or less than half of the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112) (in this example, an extra length of 3.8 mm).

[0259] Also, in the mounted state, each of the plurality of protrusions 128 of the rail base 100 is inserted into each of the plurality of holes 118 of the outer rail 28. Here, the length La of the hole 118 is set to a length that does not contact the protrusion 128 in the mounted state. Also, the width Wb of the hole 118 is set to a length that can contact the protrusion 128 in the mounted state.

[0260] The protrusion 128 contacts the hole 118 in the width direction of the outer rail 28, thereby restricting the movement of the outer rail 28 in the width direction. That is, the protrusion 128 serves as a restricting portion (restricting means) for restricting the movement of the outer rail 28. And the protrusion 128 and the hole 118 function as a positioning portion (positioning means) for determining the position of the outer rail 28 in the width direction. Note that the restricting portion does not have to be in the form of the protruding portion 128, and for example, it may be a pin or the like. Specifically, for example, a split pin as the restricting portion is provided so as to penetrate the hole 118 (so that the legs of the split pin straddle the hole 118), and by fitting both legs of the split pin into the rail base 100 or the game board 6 or the like, the movement of the outer rail 28 may be restricted by the split pin.

[0261] On the other hand, in the attached state, the protruding portion 128 is made not to contact the hole 118 in the length direction of the outer rail 28, and the outer rail 28 is not restricted from moving in the length direction. In other words, the repulsive force of the outer rail 28 that is housed between the abutting surface 131 and the abutting surface 135 and whose length is reduced is applied to the abutting surface 131 and the abutting surface 135, and hardly applied to the protruding portion 128. Thereby, the positioning of the outer rail 28 in the length direction can be stably performed by the abutting surface 131 and the abutting surface 135. Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, since the escape portion 110a of the bent portion 110 of the outer rail 28 does not hit the concave portion 130 in the length direction of the outer rail 28, the positioning of the outer rail 28 in the length direction can be more stably performed by the abutting surface 131 and the abutting surface 135. Note that when an external force other than the repulsive force from the abutting surfaces 131 and 135 is forcibly applied (for example, by human power or the like) and the U-shaped portion 112 is forcibly contracted, the hole 118 and the escape portion 110a may come into contact with the rail base 100 in the length direction of the outer rail 28.

[0262] Further, the length (height) of the protruding portion 128 in the plate thickness direction of the outer rail 28 is set to be equal to or less than the plate thickness of the outer rail 28. That is, the protruding portion 128 does not protrude toward the game area 4 side more than the guide surface 113 of the outer rail 28.

[0263] Also, even when the outer rail 28 moves maximally forward (in the width direction of the outer rail 28) with respect to the rail base 100, the front end surface of the outer rail 28 is configured not to contact the wall portion 129 of the rail base 100. That is, the wall portion 129 does not have a function of restricting the movement of the outer rail 28. On the other hand, the wall portion 129 is set such that the length (height) in the plate thickness direction of the outer rail 28 is equal to or greater than the plate thickness of the outer rail 28, and has a function of preventing the end surface of the outer rail 28 from being visible to the player. However, the wall portion 129 may be configured to restrict the movement of the outer rail 28.

[0264] Here, the relationship between the game ball B rolling along the outer rail 28 and the hole 118 or the like will be described with reference to FIG. 37. FIG. 37 is a schematic view showing the main part of the outer rail 28 and the rail base 100, and shows a cross section cut by a plane perpendicular to the guide surface 113 and the curved surface 126.

[0265] As shown in FIG. 37, the hole 118 and the protrusion 128 are formed at positions where they do not hit the game ball B rolling along the outer rail 28. More specifically, the hole 118 is formed at a position where it does not hit the game ball B even when the outer rail 28 moves maximally in the width direction (for example, even when it moves maximally upward in FIG. 37). In other words, it can be said that the protrusion 128 restricts the movement of the outer rail 28 in the width direction so that the hole 118 does not hit the game ball B. In FIG. 37, the protrusion 128 protrudes toward the game area 4 side from the guide surface 113. However, even when the protrusion 128 is formed to protrude in this way, the protruding amount of the protrusion 128 is preferably set so that the protrusion 128 does not hit the game ball B.

[0266] As shown in FIG. 37, the guide surface 113 (curved surface 126) is an inclined surface that slopes toward the game area 4 side (radially inward of the outer rail 28) toward the front side in the width direction of the outer rail 28. In other words, the guide surface 113 is an inclined surface for making it difficult for the game ball to flow forward (and easy to flow along the rear side).

[0267] According to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the rail 28 includes a U-shaped portion 112 that is bent in a substantially U shape, and a hole 114 formed at a position corresponding to the U-shaped portion 112. The hole 114 has a length that extends over the entire U-shaped portion 112 in the direction along the U of the U-shaped portion 112. Therefore, the variation in the length of the rail 28 caused during manufacturing can be absorbed by the U-shaped portion 112, and the rail 28 can be stably and accurately attached. Further, by forming the hole 114 at a position corresponding to the U-shaped portion 112, the U-shaped portion 112 can be made softer than the guide surface 113 portion, and the U-shaped portion 112 can be made more easily deformable than the guide surface 113 portion. For this reason, when the rail 28 is attached to the rail base 100, while moderately stretching the guide surface 113, the extra force can be released to the U-shaped portion 112, and the rail 28 can be accurately attached. Therefore, the movement of the game ball rolling along the rail 28 can be stabilized, and a comfortable game can be provided.

[0268] Further, by making the length of the hole 114 equal to the length extending over the entire U-shaped portion 112, the distribution of force within the U-shaped portion 112 can be made uniform. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the deformation of the rail 28 from becoming uneven due to excessive force being applied to a part within the U-shaped portion 112, and the rail 28 can be attached more accurately. Also, it is possible to prevent the rail 28 from being damaged due to excessive force being applied to a part within the U-shaped portion 112. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the hole 114 is formed to extend at least to one of the corner portions 115a, 115b formed at both side ends in the length direction of the U-shaped portion 112, the flexibility of the corner portions 115a, 115b where the load tends to concentrate can be increased, and it is possible to prevent the corner portions 115a, 115b from breaking.

[0269] Further, since the hole 114 has a length (4 mm) that is 1 / 3 or less of the width W of the rail in the width direction of the rail 28, the rigidity of the U-shaped portion 112 can be set within an appropriate range. That is, the rigidity of the U-shaped portion 112 can be set to a height of a certain level or more, preventing the U-shaped portion 112 from absorbing too much force applied to the rail 28. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the tension of the guide surface 113 from becoming too weak, and the movement of the game ball can be made more stable.

[0270] Further, a plurality (five) of holes 118 enabling positioning are formed in the guide surface 113, and all of the holes 118 are formed at positions where the game ball rolling along the guide surface does not hit, so that it is possible to prevent the game ball from rolling and vibrating on the holes 118. Therefore, the movement of the game ball can be made more stable.

[0271] As shown in FIG. 35, an elastic member 150 formed of an elastic body (for example, rubber) is disposed at the end of the guide surface 113 on the U-shaped portion 112 side. In the vicinity of the U-shaped portion 112, the outer rail 28 is sandwiched between the elastic member 150 and the curved surface 126. The elastic member 150 has a collision surface 151 against which a game ball guided to the terminal side (right hitting area 4b) along the guide surface 113 collides. The elastic member 150 is adapted to mitigate the impact when the game ball collides with a member of the gaming machine.

[0272] Also, as shown in FIG. 38, all of the plurality of holes 118 (the plurality of protrusions 128) are provided on the left side (the side of the launching device) of the upper end (the upper apex) P1 of the game area 4 (the outer rail 28: the guide surface 113). Also, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) is larger on the lower side than on the upper side with the vertical center of the game area 4 (the outer rail 28: the guide surface 113) as the boundary. In other words, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) is larger on the lower side than on the upper side with the left end (the left apex) P2 of the game area 4 (the outer rail 28: the guide surface 113) as the boundary. Specifically, for example, one or two holes 118 (protrusions 128) are provided above the vertical center of the game area 4 (the outer rail 28: the guide surface 113), and three holes 118 (protrusions 128) are provided below the vertical center. Note that no holes 118 (protrusions 128) are provided at the upper end (the upper apex) P1 and the left end (the left apex) P2 of the game area 4 (the outer rail 28: the guide surface 113).

[0273] Of the plurality of holes 118 (plural protrusions 128), some may be provided on the right side of the upper end (upper vertex) P1 of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). In this case, it is preferable that the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) is larger on the left side than on the right side with respect to the center in the left-right direction of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). In other words, it is preferable that the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) is larger on the left side than on the right side with respect to the upper end (upper vertex) P1 of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). Specifically, for example, one hole 118 (protrusion 128) may be provided on the right side of the center in the left-right direction of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113), and three or four holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be provided on the left side of the center in the left-right direction. Further, for the plurality of holes 118 (protrusions 128) provided on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) arranged below the center in the up-down direction of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) may be larger than the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) arranged above. For example, when four holes 118 are provided on the left side, three may be arranged below and one may be arranged above. Further, for the plurality of holes 118 (protrusions 128) provided on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) arranged above the center in the up-down direction of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) may be larger than the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) arranged below. For example, when three holes 118 are provided on the left side, two may be arranged above and one may be arranged below. In addition, even when some of the holes 118 (protrusions 128) are provided on the right side of the upper end (upper vertex) of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) in this way, it is preferable that there are no holes 118 (protrusions 128) at the upper end (upper vertex) and the left end (left vertex) of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). By ensuring that there are no holes 118 (protrusions 128) at the upper end (upper vertex) or the left end (left vertex) of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113), the game ball can follow a stable trajectory.

[0274] Also, regarding the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113), when the range from the starting end (lower left end) to the left end (the portion located on the leftmost side: the position at 9 o'clock in the front view) P2 is defined as the first range H1, the range from the left end to the upper end (the portion located on the uppermost side: the position at 12 o'clock in the front view) P1 is defined as the second range H2, and the range from the upper end to the ending end (upper right end) is defined as the third range H3, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) in each range may have the following relationship. That is, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the second range H2 than in the third range H3, and greater in the first range H1 than in the second range H2. That is, it may be the case that the first range H1 > the second range H2 > the third range H3. Also, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the second range H2 than in the third range H3, and the first range H1 may be equal to or greater than the second range H2. That is, it may be the case that the first range H1 ≧ the second range H2 > the third range H3. Also, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the first range H1 than in the third range H3, and the second range H2 may be equal to or greater than the first range H1. That is, it may be the case that the second range H2 ≧ the first range H1 > the third range H3. Also, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the first range H1 than in the third range H3, and greater in the second range H2 than in the third range H3. That is, it may be the case that the first range H1 and the second range H2 > the third range H3. Also, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be such that the first range H1 is equal to or greater than the second range H2 and also equal to or greater than the third range H3. That is, it may be the case that the first range H1 ≧ the second range H2 and the third range H3. Note that the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) in the range with the fewest holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be 0. In the XY plane where a virtual straight line extending in the left - right direction passing through the left end of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) of the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113) is taken as the X - axis, and a virtual straight line extending in the up - down direction passing through the upper end of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) is taken as the Y - axis, the portion located in the third quadrant is called the first range, the portion located in the second quadrant is called the second range, and the portion located in the first quadrant can also be called the third range. Also, in the XY plane where a virtual straight line extending in the left - right direction passing through the center of the game area 4 of the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113) is taken as the X - axis, and a virtual straight line extending in the up - down direction passing through the center of the game area 4 of the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113) is taken as the Y - axis, the portion located in the third quadrant is called the first range, the portion located in the second quadrant is called the second range, and the portion located in the first quadrant can also be called the third range.

[0275] As described above, the number of holes 118 is preferably such that the side closer to the launching device has more holes than the side farther from the launching device. Specifically, it is preferably arranged as in each of the above - described arrangements. According to such a configuration, the impact received from the game ball is large, and the number of holes 118 on the side of the launching device (the first range H1 side) where particular accuracy is required for the arrangement of the outer rail 28 can be increased, and the deviation and vibration of the outer rail 28 on the launching device side can be reliably prevented. Also, according to such a configuration, the impact received from the game ball is small, and the number of holes 118 on the terminal side (the third range H3 side) that has little influence on the game can be decreased, making it easier to process the outer rail 28 and attach it to the rail base 100.

[0276] Note that the hole 118 does not have to be in the shape shown in the present embodiment, and for example, it may be a notch or the like. Also, even in the case of a notch, the arrangement of the notch may be the same as in the case of the above - mentioned hole 118. Specifically, for example, a plurality of notches may all be provided on the left side of the upper end (upper vertex) P1 of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). Also, in such a case, for example, when there are two notches, one notch may be provided above the vertical center of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113), and one notch may be provided below the vertical center. Even when several notches are provided in the outer rail 28 as described above, it is preferable that no notches exist at the upper end (upper vertex) P1 and the left end (left vertex) P2 of the game area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113).

[0277] The gaming machine according to the present embodiment is a design part that protrudes forward above the game area, and a game ball passage through which a game ball passing through the upper end of the game area is guided, and is a gaming machine comprising: With a horizontal line passing through the apex of the upper surface of the game ball passage and extending in the lateral direction of the upper surface of the game ball passage as a reference line, of the portions where a vertical line intersecting the reference line can intersect the lower surface of the design part, the rearmost portion is defined as the first design part, and of the portions where a vertical line intersecting the reference line can intersect the lower surface of the design part, the lowermost portion is defined as the second design part, then the first design part is located below the reference line and the distance from the reference line is equal to or less than the diameter of the game ball, and the second design part is located below the reference line and the distance from the reference line is equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball.

[0278] According to such a configuration, since the second design part is located below the reference line and the distance from the reference line is equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball, the design part can be enlarged. Further, while enlarging the design part in this way, since the distance between the reference line and the first design part is made equal to or less than the diameter of the game ball, when the game ball is strongly hit (when the game ball rolls along the upper surface of the game ball passage), the visibility of the game ball can be ensured. The gaming machine according to the present embodiment can ensure the visibility of the game ball.

[0279] The gaming machine according to the present embodiment is a design part that protrudes forward above the game area, and a game ball passage through which a game ball passing through the upper end of the game area is guided, and is a gaming machine comprising: Of the lower surface of the game ball passage, a portion located directly below the apex of the upper surface of the game ball passage is used as a reference line with a horizontal line extending in the lateral direction of the upper surface of the game ball passage. Of the portions on the lower surface of the design portion where a vertical line intersecting the reference line can intersect, the rearmost portion is defined as the first design portion. If the lowermost portion of the portions on the lower surface of the design portion where a vertical line intersecting the reference line can intersect is defined as the second design portion, the first design portion is located above the reference line and the distance from the reference line is equal to or greater than the radius of the game ball. The second design portion is characterized in that it is located below the reference line and the distance from the reference line is equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball.

[0280] According to such a configuration, since the second design portion is located below the reference line and the distance from the reference line is equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball, the design portion can be enlarged. Further, while enlarging the design portion in this way, the distance between the reference line and the first design portion is set to be equal to or greater than the radius of the game ball, so that when the game ball is weakly launched (when the game ball rolls along the lower surface of the game ball passage), the visibility of the game ball can be ensured. The gaming machine according to the present embodiment can ensure the visibility of the game ball.

[0281] (Fourth Embodiment) Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 39 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. The gaming machine according to the present embodiment is configured to play a game using game balls (game media) rented from a game parlor, and includes an outer frame 2 forming the outer surface of the gaming machine, a game board 6 provided inside the gaming machine and forming a game area 4 in which the game balls move, a glass unit 8 that allows the player to view the game board 6 but not touch it, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached.

[0282] Among the front frames 10, the portion surrounding the glass unit 8 is composed of a translucent material that transmits light. Inside the portion composed of the translucent material, a plurality of front frame lamps (lighting devices) 12 that output effect lights for livening up the game are provided.

[0283] In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment has a plurality of speakers (sound output means) 14. From the speakers 14, various effect sounds (music (BGM, preview sound, or effect sound, etc.), character dialogue sounds, etc.) for assisting the game or livening up the game are output.

[0284] At the lower center of the front frame 10, an upper tray 16 for storing game balls is provided. On the left part of the inner side surface of the upper tray 16, a payout port 18 for paying out game balls from the gaming machine to the player is provided. Also, on the lower right side of the front frame 10, a grip unit 20 is provided. When the player rotates the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, a firing device (not shown) provided inside the gaming machine operates, and game balls are fired into the game area 4. Note that the firing device of this embodiment can fire 99 game balls per minute (1.65 game balls per second).

[0285] On the right part of the inner side surface of the upper tray 16, a supply port 22 for supplying game balls from the upper tray 16 to the firing device is provided. Also, below the upper tray 16, a lower tray 24 for storing surplus game balls when the upper tray 16 cannot store all the game balls is provided.

[0286] Also, in front of the edge of the upper tray 16, an effect button (effect operation means) 26 is provided. When the player operates the effect button 26, the effects performed on the gaming machine change.

[0287] FIG. 40 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board 6 shown in FIG. 39. As shown in FIG. 40, an outer rail 28 is provided in a circular shape on the game board 6, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 28 is a game area 4 in which the game balls move. Further, an inner rail 30 is provided in an arc shape along the outer rail 28 at the left end of the game area 4, and the outer rail 28 and the inner rail 30 guide the game balls launched from a launching device (not shown) provided below the game board 6 into the game area 4.

[0288] In the central part of the game board 6, there is provided an effect unit 36 including a liquid crystal display 32 (effect display device) for displaying effect images and the like for enlivening the game, and a display frame 34 formed so as to surround the liquid crystal display 32. And a display frame lamp (lighting device) 38 for outputting effect light and the like for enlivening the game is provided above the center of the liquid crystal display 32 on the display frame 34.

[0289] In the present embodiment, the game balls cannot pass in front of the liquid crystal display 32, and the game balls launched from the launching device fall into the game area 4a on the left side or the game area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. Further, a large number of game nails (not shown) are driven into the game area 4 so as to intersect the surface of the game board 6, and the moving direction of the game balls moving in the game area 4 changes randomly.

[0290] An opening 40 through which the game balls falling into the game area 4a on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32 can pass is formed in the left part of the display frame 34. The game balls passing through this opening 40 pass through a passage 42 provided in the display frame 34 and fall onto a stage 44 provided below the liquid crystal display 32. The upper surface of this stage 44 is a smooth curved surface, and a gap through which the game balls can fall downward from the stage 44 is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8. The game balls falling onto the stage 44 from the passage 42 reciprocate left and right on the stage 44 and then fall downward from the vicinity of the central part of the stage 44.

[0291] Below the central part of the stage 44, a first starting port 46 is provided into which game balls that have fallen downward from the vicinity of the central part of the stage 44 can enter. Also, inside the first starting port 46, a first starting port switch 100 (see FIG. 41) for detecting game balls that have entered the first starting port 46 is disposed. When the first starting port switch 100 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the first starting port 46), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 70. Further, based on the input of the detection signal from the first starting port switch 100, the main control board 70 executes a first special symbol lottery as a special symbol lottery. Also, based on the input of the detection signal from the first starting port switch 100, the main control board 70 causes the payout device 64 to execute a payout of prize balls. Also, the game balls that have entered the first starting port 46 are collected inside the gaming machine.

[0292] To the left of the first starting port 46 in the game area 4, a plurality (three) of general winning ports 47 (upper left general winning port 47a, middle left general winning port 47b, and lower left general winning port 47c) are provided. Also, on the game board 6, a general winning port switch 101 (see FIG. 41) for detecting game balls that have entered the upper left general winning port 47a, the middle left general winning port 47b, or the lower left general winning port 47c is disposed. When the general winning port switch 101 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the upper left general winning port 47a, the middle left general winning port 47b, or the lower left general winning port 47c), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 70. Further, based on the input of the detection signal from the general winning port switch 101, the main control board 70 causes the payout device 64 to execute a payout operation of prize balls. Note that one general winning port switch 101 may be provided for each of the upper left general winning port 47a, the middle left general winning port 47b, and the lower left general winning port 47c, or only one general winning port switch 101 may be provided for a plurality (for example, three) of general winning ports 47. Also, in addition to the upper left general winning port 47a, the middle left general winning port 47b, and the lower left general winning port 47c, general winning ports 47 and general winning port switches corresponding to these general winning ports may be provided.

[0293] On the other hand, in the game area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32, a passing gate 48 through which the game balls pass without being collected inside the gaming machine is provided. Also, inside the passing gate 48, a gate switch 102 (see FIG. 41) for detecting that the game balls have passed through is disposed. When the gate switch 102 detects a game ball (the passing of the game ball through the passing gate 48), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 70. Also, based on the input of the detection signal from the gate switch 102, the main control board 70 executes a normal symbol lottery for determining the winning or losing of a normal hit.

[0294] In addition, below the passing gate 48 in the game area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32, a second starting port 49 is provided. Also, inside the second starting port 49, a second starting port switch 103 (see FIG. 41) for detecting the game balls that have entered the second starting port 49 is disposed. When the second starting port switch 103 detects a game ball (the entry of the game ball into the second starting port 49), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 70. Also, based on the input of the detection signal from the second starting port switch 103, the main control board 70 executes a second special symbol lottery as a special symbol lottery. Also, based on the input of the detection signal from the second starting port switch 103, the main control board 70 causes the payout device 64 to execute the payout of prize balls. Also, the game balls that have entered the second starting port 49 are collected inside the gaming machine.

[0295] The second starting port 49 is provided with a normal accessory 54 (assisting means) that can operate between a reduced state (a state that does not assist entry, a non - assisting state) in which it is difficult for the game balls to enter the second starting port 49 and an enlarged state (a state that assists entry, an assisting state) in which it is easy for the game balls to enter. The normal accessory 54 incorporates a driving device such as a solenoid and is controlled to enter the enlarged state under predetermined conditions when a normal hit is won in the normal symbol lottery.

[0296] In addition, a big winning opening 50 is provided in the game area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. Further, a count switch 104 (see FIG. 41) for detecting a game ball that has entered the big winning opening 50 is disposed within the big winning opening 50. When the count switch 104 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the big winning opening 50), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 70. Also, based on the input of the detection signal from the count switch 104, the main control board 70 causes the payout device 64 to execute a prize ball payout operation. Further, the main control board 70 counts the number of game balls that have entered the big winning opening 50 based on the input of the detection signal from the count switch 104. Moreover, the game balls that have entered the big winning opening 50 are collected inside the gaming machine.

[0297] A special accessory 56 that can operate between a closed state (second state, non-entry state) in which a game ball cannot enter the big winning opening 50 and an open state (first state, entry possible state) in which a game ball can enter is provided in the big winning opening 50. The special accessory 56 incorporates a drive device such as a solenoid and is controlled to be in the open state under predetermined conditions in a special game state that starts when a big win is achieved in a special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery or second special symbol lottery).

[0298] Also, at the bottom of the game area 4, there is an out port 58 for collecting the game balls that have fallen into the game machine without entering any of the winning ports 46, 47, 49, 50. Here, inside the game machine, there is a discharge path (not shown) through which the game balls collected (discharged) from the game area 4 pass. In this game machine, all the game balls launched into the game area 4 (all the game balls collected from the game area 4) are configured to pass through the discharge path. That is, the game balls launched into the game area 4 are collected from the game area 4 and flow into the discharge path by entering any of the winning ports 46, 47, 49, 50 or passing through the out port 58. Specifically, the game balls that have entered each winning port 46, 47, 49, 50 are detected by the switches 100, 101, 103, 104 disposed inside the winning port and then guided to the discharge path. Also, the game balls collected from the out port 58 are guided to the discharge path. Further, an out switch 106 (see FIG. 41) is disposed in the discharge path. When the out switch 106 detects a game ball passing through the discharge path (discharge of the game ball from the game area 4), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 70. Also, based on the input of the detection signal from the out switch 106, the main control board 70 counts the number of game balls discharged from the game area 4.

[0299] The game ball launching device is configured such that the shooting force of the game ball changes by adjusting the rotation amount of the grip unit 20 shown in FIG. 39. When the rotation amount of the grip unit 20 is small, the game ball is launched so that it falls into the game area 4a on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32. When the rotation amount of the grip unit 20 is large, the game ball is launched so that it falls into the game area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32.

[0300] Therefore, the player adjusts the rotation amount of the grip unit 20 according to the game situation, and launches the game ball so that the game ball falls into the left game area 4a, or passes through the opening 40, the passage 42, and the stage 44 and wins the first start port 46 (left shot), or the game ball falls into the right game area 4b, and the game ball passes through the passing gate 48, or the game ball wins the second start port 49, or the game ball wins the big winning port 50 (right shot).

[0301] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the game ball falls into the left game area 4a, the game ball does not pass through the passing gate 48, and the game ball does not enter (win) the second start port 49 and the big winning port 50. Further, when the game ball falls into the right game area 4b, the game ball does not win the first start port 46, the upper left general winning port 47a, the upper middle general winning port 47b, and the lower left general winning port 47c.

[0302] At the lower right part of the game board 6 and outside the game area 4, a state display unit 66 for indicating various states of the gaming machine by lighting and extinguishing a lamp or the like is provided.

[0303] FIG. 41 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 70 (main control means) and a sub-control board 72 (sub-control means). Further, the functions of each board such as the main control board 70 and the sub-control board 72 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 software composed of a given program stored in advance in the ROM or the like.

[0304] The main control board 70 and the sub-control board 72 are electrically connected, and various information (commands) such as information indicating the game state can be transmitted from the main control board 70 to the sub-control board 72, but information cannot be transmitted from the sub-control board 72 to the main control board 70.

[0305] The main control board 70 controls the progress of the game. The main control board 70 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, etc., performs various calculations for executing the game, and based on the calculation results, controls the operations of output means such as the status display unit 66, the normal accessory 54, the special accessory 56, or the payout device 64, etc.

[0306] The sub-control board 72 controls the execution of effects based on the information transmitted from the main control board 70. The sub-control board 72 receives input signals from information (commands) sent from the main control board 70 and from an effect button switch 108 that detects operations on the effect button 26, etc., performs various calculations for executing effects according to the progress of the game, and based on the calculation results, controls the operations of effect devices such as the liquid crystal display 32, the lighting devices 12, 38, or the speaker 14, etc.

[0307] The sub-control board 72 mainly controls each effect during the game, waiting, etc. The sub-control board 72 includes an effect control unit (effect control means) 74, a sound control unit (sound control means) 76, a storage unit (storage means) 78, and an amplifier group 112. In the present embodiment, the effect control unit 74 and the sound control unit 76 are configured by one circuit (for example, packaged into one or integrated into one chip), and are also configured as functional blocks of this circuit.

[0308] As shown in FIG. 39, the gaming machine of the present embodiment has two speakers (upper speakers 14a, 14b) provided at the upper part of the front frame 10. Also, a lower speaker 14c is provided on the lower outer side (so-called curtain plate part) of the front frame 10. Further, the lower speaker 14c serves as a woofer (sub-woofer). Also, the two upper speakers 14a, 14b are arranged spaced apart from each other left and right, and are arranged at substantially the same position (height) in the vertical direction. In this specification, substantially the same (substantially coincident) includes the case of being the same (coincident).

[0309] The two upper speakers 14a and 14b and the lower speaker 14c are speakers with different specifications (speakers with different model numbers). In other words, the upper speakers 14a and 14b and the lower speaker 14c have different reproducible frequency bands (reproduction frequency bands (rated frequency bands): frequency characteristics). Further in other words, the upper speakers 14a and 14b and the lower speaker 14c have different frequency characteristics of the output sound pressure level.

[0310] The reproduction frequency band of the upper speakers 14a and 14b is, for example, 200 Hz to 20 kHz. Also, the reproduction frequency band of the lower speaker 14c is, for example, 100 Hz to 4 kHz. Note that the reproduction frequency band of the lower speaker 14c may be, for example, 55 Hz to 1 kHz or the like. That is, the upper speakers 14a and 14b can output sounds in a wider sound range (wider reproduction frequency band) compared to the lower speaker 14c, and can be said to be full-range speakers or standard speakers. Also, it can be said that the upper speakers 14a and 14b can output sounds from the midrange to the high range, and the lower speaker 14c can output sounds in the low range. In other words, the upper speakers 14a and 14b can output sounds in a higher sound range (frequency) than the lower speaker 14c, and the lower speaker 14c can output sounds in a lower sound range (frequency) than the upper speakers 14a and 14b. Further in other words, the upper speakers 14a and 14b are superior in the reproduction ability of sounds in the midrange and high range (for example, sounds in a predetermined frequency band of 5 kHz or more) compared to the lower speaker 14c. Also, the lower speaker 14c is superior in the reproduction ability of sounds in the low range (for example, sounds in a predetermined frequency band of 200 Hz or less) compared to the upper speakers 14a and 14b. Note that being superior in reproduction ability means, for example, that the output sound pressure level in the target frequency band is high.

[0311] Also, the lower speaker 14c has a larger diaphragm area (diameter) than the upper speakers 14a and 14b. Therefore, the lower speaker 14c can also be said to be a large speaker. Also, the upper speakers 14a and 14b can be said to be small speakers.

[0312] As shown in FIG. 41, the sound control unit 76 can control the speakers 14a, 14b, and 14c via the amplifiers 113 and 114 that make up the amplifier group 112. Further, the amplifiers 113 and 114 can convert the signal output from the sound control unit 76 from a digital signal to an analog signal, and can amplify this analog signal to drive the speakers 14a, 14b, and 14c. In other words, the amplifiers 113 and 114 function as a DAC (digital - analog conversion unit) and also function as an amplifier (for example, a class - D amplifier). Also, each of the amplifiers 113 and 114 is composed of one circuit (for example, packaged into one package or integrated into one chip). For this reason, the plurality of amplifiers 113 and 114 and the sound control unit 76 are composed of different components (broadly, electronic components such as integrated circuits, narrowly, chip components). Specifically, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the effect control unit 74 and the sound control unit 76 are constituted by the main IC (effect control use IC) of the sub - control board 72, while the amplifiers 113 and 114 are each constituted by an amplifier IC separate from the effect control use IC, and the plurality of amplifiers 113 and 114 and the sound control unit 76 are different ICs from each other. Also, the amplifiers 113 and 114 are all ICs of the same specification (ICs with the same model number).

[0313] As shown in FIG. 42, the sound control unit 76 includes a decoder unit 150, a first volume control unit 151, a second volume control unit 153, an equalizer unit (frequency characteristic control unit) 155, a third volume control unit 157, and an audio output unit 159. Also, the sound control unit 76 has a plurality (for example, a total of 40 tracks from track 1 to track 40) of tracks and a plurality (for example, a total of 8 channels from channel CH1 to channel CH8 (CH7 and CH8 are not shown)) of channels. Here, a track is an execution unit for playing each effect sound (phrase data: sound data) stored in the effect sound storage unit (ROM) 160 of the storage unit 78, and a channel is an output unit for the effect sound data of the sound control unit 76. The sound control unit 76 synthesizes and outputs the effect sounds played in each track (output of each track) in each channel. Note that the production sound memory unit 160 stores production sounds such as, for example, a series of background music (BGM), preview sounds, sound effects, and character dialogue sounds.

[0314] Note that in the following, the set value of the volume is described as 256 levels from "0" to "255", where volume "0" is silent and volume "255" is the maximum volume, but the set values and the number of levels are not particularly limited.

[0315] The decoder unit 150 can perform decoding processing independently for each track. As a result, the sound control unit 76 can simultaneously reproduce up to 40 production sounds (production sounds read from the production sound memory unit 160). The production sounds of each track decoded by the decoder unit 150 are input to the first volume control unit 151.

[0316] The first volume control unit 151 can adjust the volume for each track. Also, the first volume control unit 151 can adjust the volume for each output destination channel for each track. That is, for example, when BGM is reproduced in track 1 and a character's dialogue sound is reproduced in track 2, the volume of the BGM reproduced in track 1 can be set to "100", and the volume of the character's dialogue sound reproduced in track 2 can be set to "150", etc., so that the volume settings can be made different for each track. Also, for example, the BGM reproduced in track 1 can be output at a volume of "100" for channel CH1 and at a volume of "50" for channel CH2, etc., so that the volume settings can be made different for each output destination channel.

[0317] The reproduced sound in each track is output to each channel at a volume according to the settings of the first volume control unit 151 and is synthesized (overlapped) in each channel. That is, in each channel, a production sound (synthesized production sound) obtained by synthesizing the production sounds of each track is handled. Then, the production sounds (synthesized production sounds) of each channel obtained by synthesizing the output of the first volume control unit 151 are input to the second volume control unit 153.

[0318] The second volume control unit 153 can adjust the volume for each channel. Then, the synthesized performance sound of each channel whose volume is adjusted by the second volume control unit 153 is input to the equalizer unit 155.

[0319] The equalizer unit 155 can realize a desired frequency characteristic for each channel. Specifically, the equalizer unit 155 can strengthen or weaken a predetermined frequency band of the synthesized performance sound according to the setting. In other words, the equalizer unit 155 can increase or decrease the volume (sound pressure level) for each frequency band of the synthesized performance sound. Further in other words, the equalizer unit 155 can set the gain of the input and output for each frequency band of the synthesized performance sound. Also, it can be said that the equalizer unit 155 functions as a filter circuit (digital filter). That is, the first volume control unit 151, the second volume control unit 153, and the third volume control unit 157 uniformly increase or decrease the volume (gain) of the performance sound of each track or each channel over the entire frequency band (at least the audible band or the entire reproduction frequency band of the corresponding speaker 14), while the equalizer unit 155 can increase or decrease the volume (gain) of a predetermined band included in the audible band (the reproduction frequency band of the speaker 14).

[0320] The synthesized performance sound of each channel that has passed through the equalizer unit 155 is input to the third volume control unit 157. The third volume control unit 157 can uniformly adjust the volume for all channels. That is, according to the setting of the third volume control unit 157, the volume of all channels is uniformly increased or decreased.

[0321] The audio output unit 159 is, for example, in accordance with the I2S (Inter-IC Sound) standard It is configured to be able to output a bit clock signal BCLK, a word clock signal LRCLK, and a serial data signal SDATA that comply with the standards. The audio output unit 159 outputs the synthesized performance sound of each channel output from the third volume control unit 157 in a manner compliant with the I2S standard. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is possible to output a plurality of serial data signals SDATA including a first serial data signal SDATA1 and a second serial data signal SDATA2. The first serial data signal SDATA1 includes the data of the synthesized performance sound of channels CH1 and CH2, and the second serial data signal SDATA2 includes the data of the synthesized performance sound of channels CH3 and CH4.

[0322] The bit clock signal BCLK, the word clock signal LRCLK, and the serial data signal SDATA output from the audio output unit 159 are input to the amplifier group 112 as shown in FIG. 41. Specifically, the bit clock signal BCLK, the word clock signal LRCLK, and the first serial data signal SDATA1 are input to the amplifier 113, and the bit clock signal BCLK, the word clock signal LRCLK, and the second serial data signal SDATA2 are input to the amplifier 114.

[0323] Based on the first serial data signal SDATA1 sent from the sound control unit 76, the amplifier 113 drives the speakers 14a and 14b to output sound. The word clock signal LRCLK is synchronized with the first serial data signal SDATA1. When the word clock signal LRCLK is at the Low level, the first serial data signal SDATA1 containing the data of the synthesized performance sound of channel CH1 is transmitted. When the word clock signal LRCLK is at the High level, the first serial data signal SDATA1 containing the data of the synthesized performance sound of channel CH2 is transmitted. The amplifier 113 outputs the performance sound to the speaker 14a based on the first serial data signal SDATA1 input when the word clock signal LRCLK is at the Low level. Also, the amplifier 113 outputs the performance sound to the speaker 14b based on the first serial data signal SDATA1 input when the word clock signal LRCLK is at the High level. Therefore, the synthesized performance sound of channel CH1 is output from the speaker 14a, and the synthesized performance sound of channel CH2 is output from the speaker 14b.

[0324] Based on the second serial data signal SDATA2 sent from the sound control unit 76, the amplifier 114 drives the lower speaker 14c to output sound. The word clock signal LRCLK is synchronized with the second serial data signal SDATA2. When the word clock signal LRCLK is at the Low level, the second serial data signal SDATA2 containing the data of the synthesized performance sound of channel CH3 is transmitted. When the word clock signal LRCLK is at the High level, the second serial data signal SDATA2 containing the data of the synthesized performance sound of channel CH4 is transmitted. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the same synthesized performance sound is generated for channel CH3 and channel CH4, and the second serial data signal SDATA2 contains the data of the same synthesized performance sound when the word clock signal LRCLK is at the Low level and when the word clock signal LRCLK is at the High level. Further, the amplifier 114 has an output terminal OUT1 capable of outputting the synthesized performance sound of channel CH3 and an output terminal OUT2 capable of outputting the synthesized performance sound of channel CH4. The output terminal OUT1 and the output terminal OUT2 are connected and connected to the lower speaker 14c. That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the lower speaker 14c is driven based on the second serial data signal SDATA2 sent when the word clock signal LRCLK is at the Low level and the second serial data signal SDATA2 sent when the word clock signal LRCLK is at the High level. In other words, the synthesized performance sound of channel CH3 and the synthesized performance sound of channel CH4 are output from the lower speaker 14c. Note that only one output terminal (for example, output terminal OUT1) of the amplifier 114 may be connected to the lower speaker 14c. That is, only one channel (for example, channel CH3) may be associated with the lower speaker 14c, and the synthesized performance sound of the said channel may be output.

[0325] Note that part or all of the sound control unit 76 may be provided in the amplifiers 113 and 114, or part or all of the amplifiers 113 and 114 may be provided in the sound control unit 76. In other words, part or all of the sound control unit 76 may be constituted by an amplifier IC, or part or all of the amplifiers 113 and 114 may be constituted by an effect control IC. For example, the amplifier IC may have a function of controlling the frequency characteristics of the effect sound (e.g., part or all of the equalizer unit 155), or may have a function of controlling the volume of the effect sound (part or all of the first volume control unit 151, the second volume control unit 153, the third volume control unit 157, etc.). In other words, the sound control unit 76 may be constituted by a plurality of ICs.

[0326] Note that the setting of the equalizer unit 155 (frequency response setting) and the settings of the first volume control unit 151, the second volume control unit 153, and the third volume control unit 157 (volume settings) can be changed by rewriting the settings of the registers (internal registers of the effect control IC (or amplifier IC)) that the sound control unit 76 has. Further, the sound control unit 76 determines the effect sound output from each speaker 14 according to the effect determined by the effect control unit 74 based on a command from the main control board 70, the setting of the equalizer unit 155 (frequency response setting), and the settings of the first volume control unit 151, the second volume control unit 153, and the third volume control unit 157, and controls the output of the effect sound. Note that the setting of the third volume control unit 157 may be determined according to the state of a volume change switch (not shown) provided on the sub-control board 72. Further, the settings of the first volume control unit 151, the second volume control unit 153, or the third volume control unit 157 may be made changeable based on an operation on the effect operation means.

[0327] Next, the effect sound output from each speaker will be described. In the present embodiment, the effect sound storage unit 160 stores, as sound data, first sound data (first waveform) and second sound data (second waveform).

[0328] The first sound data and the second sound data are sound data created from the same (common) sound material (specific sound material: original waveform). Here, in the present embodiment, the specific sound material is data of a predetermined piece of music (BGM, preview sound, or sound effect, etc.), but the sound material may be data that stores the sound used for the production (data related to a predetermined production sound).

[0329] The specific sound material is data including sounds in a frequency band reproducible by the upper speakers 14a and 14b and sounds in a frequency band reproducible by the lower speaker 14c. The first sound data is created by extracting sounds in a predetermined frequency band from the specific sound material using predetermined sound processing software. Also, the second sound data is created by extracting sounds in a frequency band different from that of the first sound data from the specific sound material using predetermined sound processing software. That is, the first sound data and the second sound data are created by an external device (for example, a personal computer, etc.) separate from the gaming machine outside the gaming machine. Note that the first sound data and the second sound data are created by extracting sounds in mutually different frequency bands from the specific sound material. Here, the "different frequency bands" means that the extracted frequency bands do not have to completely match, and they may partially overlap.

[0330] The first sound data is created by passing the specific sound material through a high-pass filter (low-cut filter) having the frequency characteristics shown in FIG. 43(a) and attenuating (cutting) components below a predetermined frequency. That is, the first sound data is created by performing a high-pass filter process on the specific sound material to cut the components on the low-frequency side and pass the components on the high-frequency side. In other words, it can be said that the first sound data is sound data obtained by extracting sounds in a predetermined frequency band from the specific sound material (predetermined piece of music). In the present embodiment, the first sound data is sound data obtained by extracting sounds in the mid-high frequency range from the specific sound material (predetermined piece of music) (attenuating (cutting) the sounds in the low frequency range).

[0331] In this embodiment, the high-pass filter used to create the first sound data is set to a predetermined frequency with a cut-off frequency of 200 Hz or less, such that at least the components of the specific sound material above 200 Hz remain. In other words, in the high-pass filter process for creating the first sound data, for components above 200 Hz, filtering is performed such that the attenuation amount is within -3 dB (including the case where no attenuation is performed (when the gain is 0 dB)). Further in other words, assuming that the sound pressure level (signal level) of the first sound data with respect to the specific sound material for sounds in the mid- and high-frequency range (for example, a predetermined frequency of 200 Hz or more (a predetermined frequency or more)) is 0 dB, the sound pressure level (signal level) of the first sound data with respect to the specific sound material for sounds in the low-frequency range (for example, a predetermined frequency less than 200 Hz (a predetermined frequency less than)) is less than 0 dB.

[0332] The second sound data is created by passing the specific sound material through a low-pass filter (high-cut filter) having the frequency characteristics shown in Fig. 43(b) and attenuating (cutting) the components above a predetermined frequency. That is, the second sound data is created by performing a low-pass filter process on the specific sound material to cut the components on the high-frequency side and pass the components on the low-frequency side. In other words, it can be said that the second sound data is sound data created by extracting the sound in a predetermined frequency band from the specific sound material (a predetermined piece of music). In this embodiment, the second sound data is sound data obtained by extracting the sound in the low-frequency range from the specific sound material (a predetermined piece of music) (attenuating (cutting) the sound in the mid- and high-frequency range).

[0333] In this embodiment, the low-pass filter used in the creation of the second sound data is set to a predetermined frequency with a cut-off frequency of 200 Hz or higher, and at least the components of the specific sound material below 200 Hz are left. In other words, in the low-pass filter processing in the creation of the second sound data, for the components below 200 Hz, filtering is performed so that the attenuation amount is within -3 dB (including the case where no attenuation is performed (when the gain is 0 dB)). Further in other words, assuming that the sound pressure level (signal level) of the second sound data with respect to the specific sound material for the sound in the low frequency range (for example, a predetermined frequency of 200 Hz or lower (a predetermined frequency or lower)) is 0 dB, then for the sound in the mid-high frequency range (for example, a predetermined frequency greater than 200 Hz (a predetermined frequency exceeding)), the sound pressure level (signal level) of the second sound data with respect to the specific sound material is less than 0 dB.

[0334] In this embodiment, the cut-off frequency of the high-pass filter (the first cut-off frequency) used to create the first sound data is set to be less than the cut-off frequency of the low-pass filter (the second cut-off frequency) used to create the second sound data. In other words, for both the first sound data and the second sound data, the frequency band between the first cut-off frequency and the second cut-off frequency is such that the components (sounds) of the specific sound material (a predetermined piece of music) remain. That is, the first sound data is data that stores the sound in the first frequency band and the sound in the third frequency band, and the second sound data is data that stores the sound in the second frequency band and the sound in the third frequency band. The first sound data does not store the sound in the second frequency band, and the second sound data does not store the sound in the first frequency band. The sound in the third frequency band of the first sound data is the same sound (melody) as the sound in the third frequency band of the second sound data (however, the sound pressure levels may be the same or different). In other words, the sound in the second frequency band of the first sound data is less than a predetermined sound pressure level (including the case of a sound pressure level that results in silence), and the sound in the first frequency band of the second sound data is less than a predetermined sound pressure level (including the case of a sound pressure level that results in silence). It can also be said that the sound in the third frequency band of the first sound data and the second sound data is equal to or greater than a predetermined sound pressure level and is the same sound (melody) as each other (however, the sound pressure levels may be the same or different). Note that the first cut-off frequency may be set to be greater than the second cut-off frequency, or may be the same as the second cut-off frequency.

[0335] When the sound control unit 76 outputs a predetermined effect sound from the speaker 14 to execute a predetermined effect, it executes control to output the sound of the first sound data from the upper speakers 14a and 14b and output the sound of the second sound data from the lower speaker 14c. Specifically, when the effect control unit 74 determines to execute a predetermined effect, the sound control unit 76 plays the first sound data and the second sound data on different tracks respectively. Also, the sound control unit 76 outputs the reproduced sound of the track (for example, track 1) on which the first sound data is being played to channel CH1 and channel CH2. Further, the sound control unit 76 outputs the reproduced sound of the track (for example, track 2) on which the second sound data is being played to channel CH3 and channel CH4. Then, the sound control unit 76 causes the sound of the first sound data being played on channel CH1 to be output from the upper speaker 14a, causes the sound of the first sound data being played on channel CH2 to be output from the upper speaker 14b, and causes the sound of the second sound data being played on channels CH3 and CH4 to be output from the lower speaker 14c. That is, in the present embodiment, by simultaneously outputting the effect sound from the upper speakers 14a and 14b based on the first sound data and the effect sound from the lower speaker 14c based on the second sound data, the waveforms of the first sound data and the second sound data that have been previously divided are reproduced in a composite manner and are recognized by the player as one effect sound (piece of music).

[0336] Also, the sound control unit 76 may execute control to output the sound of the first sound data from the upper speakers 14a and 14b while not outputting the sound of the second sound data from the lower speaker 14c. In other words, the sound control unit 76 may be capable of executing control that simultaneously outputs the effect sound from the upper speakers 14a and 14b based on the first sound data and control that does not simultaneously output the effect sound from the lower speaker 14c based on the second sound data. That is, for a plurality of sound data created from a specific sound material (a plurality of sound data for a predetermined piece of music (sound data obtained by extracting sounds in different frequency bands)), there may be cases where all of the sound data is output from one or more speakers 14 and cases where only the sound of some of the sound data is output from one or more speakers 14.

[0337] Also, the sound control unit 76 may execute control to output the sound of the first sound data and the sound of the second sound data simultaneously from one speaker 14.

[0338] The gaming machine of this embodiment A plurality of types of speakers (sound output means) 14 including upper speakers (first sound output means) 14a and 14b and lower speakers (second sound output means) 14c, An effect sound storage unit (storage means) 160 that stores in advance a plurality of types of sound data including first sound data and second sound data, A gaming machine including sound control means 76 for outputting sound from the speaker 14 based on the sound data stored in the effect sound storage unit 160, The first sound data and the second sound data are sound data based on a common sound material (specific sound material), The second sound data is sound data obtained by extracting sound in a specific frequency band from the specific sound material, The lower speaker 14c has superior sound reproduction ability in a predetermined frequency band compared to the upper speakers 14a and 14b, At least a part of the specific frequency band and the predetermined frequency band overlap, The sound control means 76 can output sound from the upper speakers 14a and 14b based on the first sound data and output sound from the lower speaker 14c based on the second sound data.

[0339] Also, the gaming machine of this embodiment A plurality of types of speakers (sound output means) 14 including upper speakers (first sound output means) 14a and 14b and lower speakers (second sound output means) 14c, An effect sound storage unit (storage means) 160 that stores in advance a plurality of types of sound data including first sound data and second sound data, A gaming machine including sound control means 76 for outputting sound from the speaker 14 based on the sound data stored in the effect sound storage unit 160, The first sound data and the second sound data are sound data for a predetermined piece of music, The second sound data is sound data obtained by extracting the sound in a specific frequency band of the music. The lower speaker 14c has superior sound reproduction ability in a predetermined frequency band compared to the upper speakers 14a and 14b. At least a part of the specific frequency band and the predetermined frequency band overlap. The sound control means 76 can output sound from the upper speakers 14a and 14b based on the first sound data, and can output sound from the lower speaker 14c based on the second sound data.

[0340] Note that there are descriptions of "the second sound data is sound data obtained by extracting the sound in a specific frequency band from a specific sound material" and "the lower speaker (second sound output means) 14c has superior sound reproduction ability in a predetermined frequency band compared to the upper speakers (first sound output means) 14a and 14b". Here, the specific frequency band and the predetermined frequency band may be such that one frequency band is wider than the other, or they may be the same. Also, one frequency band may include the entire other frequency band. That is, the present invention only needs to be such that at least a part of the frequency band extracted as the second sound data from the specific sound material (music) overlaps with the frequency band in which the lower speaker 14c has superior reproduction ability compared to the upper speakers 14a and 14b.

[0341] Also, although it is stated that "the second sound data is sound data obtained by extracting the sound in a specific frequency band from a specific sound material (music)", "extracting the sound in a specific frequency band" only requires that the second sound data is obtained by attenuating (cutting) the components of a predetermined frequency not included in the specific frequency band from the specific sound material (music), and it may be created including processes other than the process of extracting the sound in the specific frequency band.

[0342] Also, it is stated that "the first sound data and the second sound data are sound data based on a common sound material (specific sound material)", but the "based on" here simply includes storing the data of the sound material in the performance sound storage unit 160. That is, for example, the first sound data may include sounds of all frequencies included in the sound material. In other words, the sound of the second sound data may be the sound included in the first sound data.

[0343] According to this embodiment, by storing one sound material (piece of music) as sound data in the performance sound storage unit 160, it becomes possible to obtain acoustic effects that cannot be obtained or are difficult to obtain by simply playing the sound data through the speaker 14. That is, conventionally, the sound data of one sound material related to a predetermined piece of music (predetermined sound played during the game) is stored in the storage means, and the sound in a predetermined frequency band of the sound data is extracted using the equalizer function of the amplifier or the sound control unit 76 in the gaming machine and output from each speaker. However, with this method, the extracted frequency band depends on the equalizer settings. In contrast, in this embodiment, sound data (first sound data and second sound data) obtained by dividing the sound material (piece of music) into desired frequency bands regardless of the equalizer settings is prepared in advance and stored in the performance sound storage unit 160. Therefore, for example, during a predetermined period, only the mid- to high-frequency sounds included in the sound material (piece of music) are output, and during other periods, both the mid- to high-frequency sounds and the low-frequency sounds included in the sound material (piece of music) are output. For acoustic performances that change the output sound range over time, the volume balance for each sound range can be optimized for each sound material (piece of music), improving the acoustic effect. Also, it is possible to change the sound range over time without changing the equalizer settings for the sound related to a predetermined (one) piece of music output from the speaker 14. That is, for example, during a predetermined period, only the sound of the first sound data may be output from the upper speakers 14a and 14b, and during other periods, both the sound of the first sound data and the sound of the second sound data may be output from the upper speakers 14a and 14b. Also, when simultaneously outputting the sound related to a predetermined piece of music (e.g., BGM) and other sounds (e.g., sound effects) from the predetermined speaker 14, it is possible to vary the volume balance (e.g., volume balance on the frequency axis) between the sound related to the predetermined piece of music and the other sounds. Also, it becomes easier to balance the sound between multiple speakers 14 or to balance multiple sounds output from a predetermined speaker 14. Further, by making each sound data suitable for each speaker 14, it is possible to prevent damage to the speaker 14 caused by input of sounds with frequencies lower than the lowest resonance frequency of the speaker 14.However, each sound data may include sounds with frequencies outside the playback frequency band of the corresponding speaker 14. In this case, the equalizer unit 155 may cut off the sounds with frequencies outside the playback frequency band. Even if each sound data somewhat includes sounds with frequencies outside the playback frequency band, if at least a part of the components outside the playback frequency are attenuated from the original sound material, an effect of suppressing damage to the speaker 14 can be obtained. Also, for example, first sound data is prepared as sound data in which at least a part of the components outside the playback frequency band are attenuated in this way, and a high-pass filter having a cut-off frequency higher than the cut-off frequency of the high-pass filter used in creating the first sound data is set in the equalizer unit 155, and equalization may be performed on the first sound data. By doing so, damage to the speaker 14 caused by input of sounds with frequencies lower than the lowest resonance frequency can be prevented by the setting of the equalizer unit 155, and the first sound data can be kept as insurance for suppressing damage to the speaker 14 even when a problem or the like occurs in the setting of the equalizer unit 155.

[0344] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the gist thereof. Further, the present invention can be applied to a gaming machine, and the gaming machine includes a slot machine, a pachinko gaming machine, a medal-less gaming machine, and the like.

[0345] Note that within the scope of the invention, free combinations of the respective embodiments, or modifications of any constituent elements of the respective embodiments, or omission of any constituent elements in the respective embodiments are possible.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0346] 14a, 14b, 14c Speaker (sound output means) 76 Sound control unit (sound control means) 160 Performance sound storage unit (storage means)

Claims

[Claim 1] A design portion protruding forward above the play area; A handle formed to be rotatable, an operation torque required to rotate the handle from an initial position is defined as a first operation torque; The operation torque required to rotate the handle from the initial position to the left-hand hit reference position is defined as a second operation torque. If the operation torque required to rotate the handle from the initial position to the maximum rotation position is defined as a third operation torque, The second operating torque is greater than the first operating torque, The third operating torque is greater than the second operating torque, the third operating torque is equal to or greater than twice the first operating torque and equal to or less than twice the second operating torque, A rear end of a lower surface of the design portion in a cross section passing through an upper end of the play area and parallel to a vertical direction and a front-rear direction is defined as a first location; If the lower end of the design portion in the cross section is a second location, The first location is located below the upper end of the play area and above the lower end of the game ball in contact with the upper end of the play area, The second location is located below the upper end of the play area and below the lower end of the play ball in contact with the upper end of the play area. Amusement machine.

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