Game machine

Abstract

To make it difficult to perform improper nail adjustments.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a game area where game balls flow down, a game board on which multiple nails, including a predetermined nail arranged at a predetermined position, are attached, and a resin member arranged near the predetermined nail. The predetermined nail is arranged in a right game area provided to the right of the center of the game board in a front view as the game area, and the resin member is formed with a hole portion so as to surround the side of the head of the predetermined nail. The hole portion has a first edge portion and a second edge portion, and the distance between the predetermined nail and the second edge portion is longer than the distance between the predetermined nail and the first edge portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In a gaming machine, when a nail arranged on the game board is bent due to a collision of a game ball or the like, or when the nail is adjusted for business reasons at a hall. In the adjustment of the nail, for example, the head of the nail is beaten with a jig such as a hammer to be bent in a predetermined direction (Patent Document 1 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, depending on the hall, when adjusting the nails, there may be a case where the nail adjustment is extremely disadvantageous to the player, resulting in a decrease in the player's gaming motivation.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it difficult to perform inappropriate nail adjustment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The gaming machine according to the present invention includes a gaming area where game balls flow down, a game board to which a plurality of pins including a predetermined pin arranged at a predetermined position are attached, and a resin member arranged in the vicinity of the predetermined pin. In the gaming machine, the predetermined pin is arranged in a right gaming area provided on the right side of the center of the game board in a front view as the gaming area, and the resin member has a hole formed so as to surround the side of the head of the predetermined pin. The hole has a first edge and a second edge, and is configured such that the distance between the predetermined pin and the second edge is longer than the distance between the predetermined pin and the first edge.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to make it difficult to perform inappropriate pin adjustment.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the embodiments according to the present invention will be described in the following order. <1. Structure of the gaming machine> <2. Control configuration of the gaming machine> [2.1 Main control board] [2.2 Frame control board] [2.3 Power supply board] [2.4 Effect control board, etc.] <3. Outline description of the operation> [3.1 Gaming state] [3.2 Special symbol variable display game] [3.3 Big win game] [3.4 Normal symbol variable display game] [3.5 An example of the effect] <4. Processing of the main control board> [4.1 Main control side main processing] [4.2 Main control side timer interrupt processing] <5. Processing of the frame control board> [5.1 Frame control side main processing] [5.2 Frame control side timer interrupt processing] <6. Effects control board processing> [6.1 Effects control side main processing] [6.2 Effects control side timer interrupt processing] <7. Structure of the protective cover> <8. Modification examples of the protective cover and nails> [8.1 First modification example] [8.2 Second modification example] [8.3 Third modification example] [8.4 Fourth modification example] <9. Contact mode between the nail and the adjustment suppression part> <10. Others> <11. Arrangement of the rotating member> <12. Summary>

[0010] <1. Structure of the gaming machine> Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the overall structure of the gaming machine 1 as an embodiment according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view when the front frame 7 of the gaming machine 1 in the embodiment is opened. Hereinafter, the right direction as viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 1 is defined as the right direction of the gaming machine 1, and the left direction as viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 1 is defined as the left direction of the gaming machine 1. Also, the vertically upward direction is defined as the upward direction of the gaming machine 1, and the vertically downward direction is defined as the downward direction of the gaming machine 1. Further, the direction from the gaming machine 1 toward the player facing it is defined as the front direction of the gaming machine 1, and the direction from the player facing it toward the gaming machine 1 is defined as the rear direction of the gaming machine 1. And the left and right directions of the gaming machine 1 mean the same as the width direction of the gaming machine 1.

[0011] The gaming machine 1 is a so-called smart pachinko machine that circulates game balls enclosed inside for use in games.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine 1 includes a wooden outer frame 3, an inner frame 5 attached to the outer frame 3 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge mechanism 4, and a front frame 7 attached to the inner frame 5 so as to be openable and closable by the hinge mechanism 4. The hinge mechanism 4 is provided at the upper left end and the lower left end of the gaming machine 1. The inner frame 5 is formed in a frame shape and holds a game board 9 inside.

[0013] The front frame 7 has a transparent glass 11 held at the center, and a side unit 13 is provided so as to surround all or part of the periphery of the transparent glass 11. The side unit 13 has a decorative shape according to the theme of the gaming machine 1, and may be provided with effect means such as LEDs and movable object devices inside, and exhibits an effect of conveying the atmosphere of the game to the player. The side unit 13 is detachably attached to the front frame 7.

[0014] A key cylinder 15 for unlocking the door is provided at the right end of the front frame 7. Inserting a key into this key cylinder 15 and operating it on one side releases the locked state of the front frame 7 with respect to the inner frame 5 and allows the front frame 7 to be opened forward. Operating it on the other side releases the locked state of the inner frame 5 with respect to the outer frame 3 and allows the inner frame 5 to be opened forward.

[0015] An operation panel 17 is arranged below the front frame 7. A handle device 19 for firing a game ball from a firing device 31 is provided on the right side of the operation panel 17. A support table 20 for placing the player's wrist is provided below the handle device 19.

[0016] A game ball number display 21 and a counting switch 23 are provided on the left side of the operation panel 17. The game ball number display 21 is composed of six-digit 7-segment LEDs and displays the number of game balls managed by the gaming machine 1 (the number of game balls held by the player: hereinafter referred to as the managed game ball number). The counting switch 23 receives an operation input from the player to transfer the managed game ball number to a game value medium (card) of a game ball lending device or the like.

[0017] In addition, the operation panel 17 is provided with operation buttons 25 that are configured to be operable by the player. The operation buttons 25 include an effect button 25a, direction keys 25b, a brightness change button 25c, and a volume change button 25d. The effect button 25a can be operated (input can be received) during a predetermined input reception period, and by performing a predetermined operation (such as pressing, continuous pressing, long pressing, etc.), it is possible to bring about a change in the effect. Also, the effect button 25a is an operator for instructing the determination of the item selected by the direction keys 25b. The direction keys 25b are operators for users such as players and hall staff to select various items and give direction instructions. The brightness change button 25c is an operator for adjusting the brightness of the effect LEDs 27 that are controlled to various lighting modes and emission colors. It includes a plus button for increasing the brightness of the effect LEDs 27 and a minus button for decreasing the brightness of the effect LEDs 27. The volume change button 25d is an operator for adjusting the volume of the sound output from the speaker 29. It includes a plus button for increasing the volume and a minus button for decreasing the volume.

[0018] Below the operation panel 17, an effect panel 26 is provided. Inside the effect panel 26, a plurality of effect LEDs 27 are provided. By controlling the lighting of these effect LEDs 27, the effect panel 26 lights up and displays in various lighting modes and emission colors as a whole.

[0019] The effect LEDs 27 are controlled to light up by the effect control board 120 and are provided in various locations other than inside the effect panel 26. For example, the effect LEDs 27 are provided around the gaming machine 1, such as at the periphery of the front frame 7, inside the side unit 13, inside the game board 9, etc.

[0020] Also, around the gaming machine 1, for example, at the periphery of the front frame 7, a plurality of speakers 29 that output sound are provided. A plurality of speakers 29 are configured to perform so-called stereo sound reproduction or multi-channel sound reproduction for sounds related to effects and the like.

[0021] In the inner frame 5, a circulation mechanism 30 including a launching device 31 and a lifting device 33 is provided below the game board 9. The circulation mechanism 30 circulates game balls within the gaming machine 1. The launching device 31 launches a game ball toward the game area 37 with an intensity corresponding to the operation amount (rotation angle) of the handle 19a of the handle device 19 by the player. The lifting device 33 conveys the game balls discharged from the game area 37 to the launching device 31. Note that the lifting device 33 incorporates a polishing device that polishes the game balls while lifting them.

[0022] Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the configuration of the game board 9 will be described. FIG. 3 is a front view of the game board 9. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the A-A cross-section in FIG. 3.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the game board 9 is provided with an outer rail 35 and an inner rail 36 for guiding the launched game balls. The outer rail 35 extends in an arc shape from slightly below the left end in the left-right direction, passes through the upper center in the left-right direction, and extends to the upper right portion. And a substantially circular region surrounded by the outer rail 35 is the game area 37, and the outside of the substantially circular region is formed as a non-game area. The game area 37 is a space formed between the game board 9 and the transparent glass 11, and is an area where game balls can flow down.

[0024] The inner rail 36 extends in an arc shape from slightly below the left end in the left-right direction along the outer rail 35 to the upper left portion. The region sandwiched between the outer rail 35 and the inner rail 36 is formed as a game ball guide path 35a. The game ball guide path 35a is a path through which the game balls launched from the launching device 31 pass, and guides the game balls launched from the launching device 31 to the game area 37.

[0025] The gaming area 37 is divided into a left gaming area 37a and a right gaming area 37b on the left and right respectively by a center decoration 39 provided in the center. The center decoration 39 has a center apex 39a that protrudes upward most to divide the left gaming area 37a and the right gaming area 37b. Note that the center apex 39a may be formed at a position shifted to the right or left from the center, rather than at the center in the left-right direction. A game ball launched by the launching device 31 with a launch intensity less than a predetermined launch intensity that does not exceed the center apex 39a flows down the left gaming area 37a, and a game ball launched with a launch intensity equal to or greater than the predetermined launch intensity that exceeds the center apex 39a flows down the right gaming area 37b.

[0026] In the gaming area 37, a shock stop portion 38 is provided so as to be continuous with the upper right end of the outer rail 35. By being arranged at a position along the outer rail 35, the shock stop portion 38 collides with a game ball launched by the launching device 31 with a launch intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined launch intensity and guides it to the right gaming area 37b.

[0027] Also, a backflow prevention member 40 is provided at the upper left end of the inner rail 36. The backflow prevention member 40 is biased counterclockwise by a spring (not shown) so as to block the game ball guide path 35a, and is rotatable clockwise about the upper left end of the inner rail 36 by a game ball entering the gaming area 37 from the game ball guide path 35a. Thereby, the backflow prevention member 40 prevents a game ball that has once entered the gaming area 37 from flowing back into the game ball guide path 35a.

[0028] Below the center of the game board 9, a special symbol 1 start port 41 is provided. The special symbol 1 start port 41 is a winning port related to the start condition of the variation display operation of the first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as special symbol 1, and may also be abbreviated as special figure 1) on the main display 63, and is configured as a fixed start port.

[0029] On the right side of the game board 9, a special symbol 2 start port 43 is provided. The special symbol 2 start port 43 is a winning port related to the start condition of the variable display operation of the second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as the special symbol 2, and may also be abbreviated as the special figure 2) on the main display 63, and is configured as a variable start port whose opening and closing control is performed by the normal electric accessory 45.

[0030] The normal electric accessory 45 can be switched between an open state that enables the entry of game balls into the special symbol 2 start port 43 by operating the movable piece 45a, and a closed state that makes it difficult or impossible for game balls to enter the special symbol 2 start port 43.

[0031] At approximately the center in the vertical direction in the right game area 37b and on the upstream side of the special symbol 2 start port 43, a normal symbol start port 47 through which game balls can pass is provided. This normal symbol start port 47 is a gate related to the variable display operation of the normal symbol on the main display 63.

[0032] Below the normal symbol start port 47 in the right game area 37b, a large winning port 49 is provided. The large winning port 49 is controlled to open and close by the special electric accessory 51. Note that the large winning port 49 may be provided above the special symbol 2 start port 43. The special electric accessory 51 can be switched between an open state that enables the entry of game balls into the large winning port 49 by operating the movable piece 51a, and a closed state that makes it difficult or impossible for game balls to enter the large winning port 49.

[0033] In addition, two large winning ports 49 are provided in the gaming machine 1 in this embodiment. And two special electric accessories 51 provided corresponding to the large winning ports 49 are also provided.

[0034] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, two large winning openings 49 are provided at a vertically spaced position below the normal symbol start opening 47. In the following description, among the two large winning openings 49, the lower large winning opening 49 is defined as the first large winning opening 49A, and the large winning opening 49 provided between the normal symbol start opening 47 and the first large winning opening 49A in the vertical direction is defined as the second large winning opening 49B.

[0035] Among the special electric accessory devices 51, the special electric accessory device 51 provided corresponding to the first large winning opening 49A is defined as the first special electric accessory device 51A. The first special electric accessory device 51A can be switched between an open state that enables a game ball to enter the first large winning opening 49A by operating the movable piece 51Aa and a closed state that makes it difficult or impossible for a game ball to enter the first large winning opening 49A.

[0036] Among the special electric accessory devices 51, the special electric accessory device 51 provided corresponding to the second large winning opening 49B is defined as the second special electric accessory device 51B. The second special electric accessory device 51B can be switched between an open state that enables a game ball to enter the second large winning opening 49B by operating the movable piece 51Ba and a closed state that makes it difficult or impossible for a game ball to enter the second large winning opening 49B.

[0037] In addition, a plurality of winning openings 53 are provided on the lower left and right sides of the game area 37. An out opening 55 is provided on the lower center side of the game area 37, and game balls that have not entered any of the winning openings are discharged from the game area 37 through the out opening 55. Note that a plurality of out openings 55 may be provided. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, an out opening 55 is also provided below the special symbol 2 start opening 43.

[0038] Nails 52 are arranged at various positions in the game area 37. The arrangement of the nails 52 is arranged along the flow path or along the path of the game ball so as to affect the ease of winning at various winning openings and start openings.

[0039] A part of the nails 52 may be arranged at a predetermined position as a nail group 54 composed of a plurality of nails 52 (see FIG. 4 for example).

[0040] At least a part of the right game area 37b has a protective cover 300 attached, for example, from the front side. The protective cover 300 is formed, for example, of a resin member at least part of which is transparent, and the flow path of the game balls is configured to be visible through the transparent part.

[0041] A part of the protective cover 300 is formed as a nail protection part 302 that protects the nail 52.

[0042] A hole part 304 in which a part of the nail 52 is located is formed in the nail protection part 302. The specific configuration of the protective cover 300 will be described later again. Note that the parts shown by broken lines in FIG. 3 other than the movable member accessory 61 are parts visible to the player through the transparent protective cover 300.

[0043] Note that only the game balls flowing down from the left game area 37a can enter the special symbol 1 start port 41, but the game balls flowing down from the right game area 37b may also be able to enter. Also, only the game balls flowing down from the right game area 37b can enter or pass through the special symbol 2 start port 43, the normal symbol start port 47, and the big winning port 49, but the game balls flowing down from the left game area 37a may also be able to enter or pass through.

[0044] In the gaming machine 1, when game balls enter various winning ports provided in the game area 37, the number of prize balls set for the winning port into which the game balls have entered (for example, the special symbol 1 start port 41 is 3, the special symbol 2 start port 43 is 1, the big winning port 49 is 15, and the winning port 53 is 5) is paid out.

[0045] Also, in the area surrounded by the center decoration 39 at the center of the game board 9, an LCD unit (liquid crystal display device) 57 and an illumination panel 59 are provided. The LCD unit 57 variably displays and stops displaying, for example, three decoration symbols 201a to 201c (see FIG. 8), or displays various images for effects (still images and moving images) according to the control of an effect control board 120 described later. A plurality of types of decoration symbols 201 including different numbers and symbols are provided, and the combination of the three decoration symbols 201a to 201c that stop displaying notifies the player of the result of a jackpot lottery described later.

[0046] The illumination panel 59 is made of a plate-shaped transparent synthetic resin material and is disposed opposite to the LCD unit 57 on the player side (front side) of the LCD unit 57. On the front or rear surface of the illumination panel 59, a predetermined pattern such as characters, figures, symbols, and symbols is formed by embossing. When light is not incident from the side, the pattern of the illumination panel 59 is invisible or difficult to visually recognize, and when light is incident from the side, the pattern portion diffuses and emits light, making the pattern visible to the player.

[0047] A space is formed between the LCD unit 57 and the illumination panel 59, and one or a plurality of movable object devices 61 are disposed in this space. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate one of the plurality of movable object devices 61. The movable object device 61 is disposed in front of the LCD unit 57 and is retracted to a position where the player cannot normally visually recognize it, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 3. Then, as shown by a solid line in FIG. 3, the movable object device 61 is driven by a movable object motor 61a (see FIG. 7) during the variable display of the decoration symbol 201 (during the variable display of the special symbols 1 and 2), etc., and moves to the front of the LCD unit 57 to give the player a sense of expectation of a jackpot.

[0048] In the non-game area at the lower left of the game board 9, a main display 63 composed of a dot display is provided. Also, in the non-game area at the lower right of the game board 9, a fourth symbol display 65 composed of a dot display is provided.

[0049] Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining the main display 63 and the fourth symbol display 65. The main display 63 is controlled by the main control board 100 and displays (notifies) information regarding the progress of the game by lighting, blinking, and extinguishing of LEDs. Hereinafter, lighting, blinking, and extinguishing of the LEDs are collectively referred to as lighting display. As shown in Figure 5(a), the main display 63 is provided with a special symbol 1 display 63a for performing a variable display operation (lighting display) of the special symbol 1, a special symbol 2 display 63b for performing a variable display operation of the special symbol 2, and a normal symbol display 63c for performing a variable display operation of the normal symbol. Also, the main display 63 is provided with a special symbol 1 hold number display 63d for displaying the hold number of the special symbol 1, a special symbol 2 hold number display 63e for displaying the hold number of the special symbol 2, a normal symbol hold number display 63f for displaying the hold number of the normal symbol, a round display 63g for displaying the specified number of rounds (maximum number of rounds) related to a big win, a game state display 63h for displaying the game state (time shortening state, high probability state), and a right shot display 63i for prompting the player to perform a right shot. Note that the right shot means that the player operates the handle 19a in a game operation so as to launch a game ball toward the right game area 37b. The right shot display 63i is a display for notifying that it is more advantageous for the player to launch a game ball toward the right game area 37b than to launch a game ball toward the left game area 37a.

[0050] The fourth symbol display 65 is controlled by the effect control board 120 and notifies information regarding the progress of the game by lighting display of an LED. As shown in FIG. 5(b), the fourth symbol display 65 is provided with a special symbol 1 display 65a for performing a variable display operation of the special symbol 1 and a special symbol 2 display 65b for performing a variable display operation of the special symbol 2. Further, the fourth symbol display 65 is provided with a special symbol 1 hold number display 65c for displaying the hold number of the special symbol 1, a special symbol 2 hold number display 65d for displaying the hold number of the special symbol 2, and a right hit display 65e for prompting the player to hit right.

[0051] <2. Control Configuration of Pachinko Machine> FIGS. 6 and 7 are block diagrams showing the control configuration of the pachinko machine 1. With reference to the block diagrams of FIGS. 6 and 7, the control configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. The pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment mainly includes a main control board 100 that comprehensively controls the control related to the progress of the game (game operation control), a frame control board 110 that comprehensively controls the control related to the management of the number of pachinko balls (bonus balls) and the control related to the management of pachinko balls (launching, circulation), an effect control board 120 that comprehensively controls the execution control of the effect by the effect means in response to the effect control command received from the main control board 100, a power supply board 130 that generates and supplies the necessary power supply voltage to the pachinko machine 1 from an external power source, a pachinko ball lending device connection terminal board 140 connected to a pachinko ball lending device or the like, a decorative relay board 150 where components related to the effect means are provided or connected, a front frame relay board 160, an upper decorative board 170, and a decorative board 180.

[0052] [2.1 Main Control Board] The main control board 100 includes a main control unit 101 and a system reset circuit 103. The main control unit 101 is a microprocessor including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an RWM (Read / Write Memory). The ROM stores various data necessary for game operation control in addition to the control program for performing game operation control. The RWM functions as a work area and a buffer memory. The CPU performs game operation control by executing the control program stored in the ROM.

[0053] The system reset circuit 103 detects power-on, power-off, power abnormalities, etc., and outputs a system reset signal to reset the main control unit 101. Although not shown in the figure, the main control unit 101 also includes a CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) for realizing periodic interrupts, a pulse output generation function (bit rate generator) with a fixed period, and a time measurement function, an interrupt controller circuit that exhibits an interrupt enable / disable function such as a timer interrupt for adding an interrupt signal, a watchdog timer (WDT) circuit for monitoring the operation abnormality of the control program, a designated area outside running prohibition (IAT) circuit for monitoring whether the program is correctly executed within a preset address range, and a counter circuit (random number generation circuit) for generating a hardware-generated random number within a certain range (hardware random number value), etc.

[0054] The above counter circuit is composed of a random number generation circuit that generates random numbers and a sampling circuit that samples random number values from the random number generation circuit at a predetermined timing, and operates as a 16-bit counter as a whole. The main control unit 101 sends an instruction to the sampling circuit according to the processing state, thereby obtaining the value indicated by the random number generation circuit as a random number for jackpot determination (0 to 65535), and using the random number for jackpot determination in the jackpot lottery. Note that the random number for jackpot determination is obtained by adding a software random number value generated by appropriate software processing to prevent acts such as aiming directly at a win, and a hardware random number value.

[0055] On the main control board 100, there are a special symbol 1 start port switch 41a for detecting the entry of a game ball into the special symbol 1 start port 41, a special symbol 2 start port switch 43a for detecting the entry of a game ball into the special symbol 2 start port 43, a normal symbol start port switch 47a for detecting the passage of a game ball through the normal symbol start port 47, a winning port switch 53a for detecting the entry of a game ball into the winning port 53, and a big winning port switch 49a for detecting the entry of a game ball into the big winning port 49. The detection signals output from these are input to the main control unit 101. Therefore, the main control unit 101 can grasp which winning port the game ball has entered (passed through) based on the detection signals from each switch. In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, big winning port switches 49a corresponding to the first big winning port 49A and the second big winning port 49B are provided respectively.

[0056] Also, on the main control board 100, there are a big winning port solenoid 51b for operating a special electric accessory 51 (movable piece 51a) that opens and closes the big winning port 49, and a normal electric accessory solenoid 45b for operating a normal electric accessory 45 (movable piece 45a) that opens and closes the special symbol 2 start port 43. The main control unit 101 outputs control signals for controlling these solenoids. In addition, in the main control board 100 of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, big winning port solenoids 51b corresponding to the first big winning port 49A and the second big winning port 49B are connected respectively.

[0057] Also, on the game board 9, there are a magnetic sensor 67 for detecting magnetism, a radio wave sensor 69 for detecting radio waves, and a vibration sensor 71 for detecting vibration. These sensors are connected to the main control board 100. The signals from these sensors are input to the main control unit 101.

[0058] Also, a main display 63 is connected to the main control board 100. The main control unit 101 outputs a control signal for lighting and displaying the main display 63.

[0059] The main control board 100 is connected to the frame control board 110 so as to enable mutual communication. The main control board 100 (main control unit 101) mainly transmits a control command including information related to prize balls and a firing control signal indicating the availability of firing a game ball to the frame control board 110. Further, the main control board 100 receives a door open signal indicating the opening of the front frame 7, an RWM clear signal for clearing the RWM, a power supply abnormality signal indicating an abnormality in the power supply, and a frame communication confirmation signal for confirming communication from the frame control board 110. Furthermore, the main control board 100 receives a driving power supply (DC35VA, DC12VA, DC5VA, backup power supply) from the frame control board 110.

[0060] The main control board 100 transmits various effect control commands including information related to the special symbol variation display game and information related to errors to the effect control board 120. However, in order to prevent fraud such as cheating behavior, the main control board 100 is configured for one-way communication in which it only transmits a signal to the effect control board 120 and cannot receive a signal from the effect control board 120.

[0061] [2.2 Frame Control Board] The frame control board 110 includes a frame control unit 111, an RWM clear switch 112a, a game ball count clear switch 112b, a ball extraction switch 112c, an error release switch 112d, a performance display 113, a system reset circuit 114, a power supply abnormality signal generation circuit 115, a firing control circuit 116, and a backup power supply generation circuit 117.

[0062] The frame control unit 111 is a microprocessor including a CPU, a ROM, and an RWM. The ROM stores a control program for managing the number of game balls, controlling the firing device 31 and the lifting device 33, and various data necessary for these controls. The RWM functions as a work area and a buffer memory. The CPU controls the number of game balls, controls the firing device 31 and the lifting device 33, etc. by executing the control program stored in the ROM.

[0063] The RWM clear switch 112a, the game ball count clear switch 112b, the ball discharge switch 112c, and the error reset switch 112d are push-button switches. When the RWM clear switch 112a is pressed at power-on, the frame control unit 111 clears the RWM and transmits an RWM clear signal to the main control board 100. The main control unit 101 that has received the RWM clear signal clears a predetermined area of the RWM.

[0064] When the game ball count clear switch 112b is pressed at power-on, the frame control unit 111 clears the number of game balls it manages. When the number of game balls is cleared, 0 will be displayed on the game ball count display 21.

[0065] When the ball discharge switch 112c is pressed at power-on, the frame control unit 111 performs a ball discharge process for discharging the game balls enclosed in the gaming machine 1 to the outside. Specifically, the frame control unit 111 drives the lifting motor 33a on the condition that a game ball is detected by the lifting inlet switch 33f described later.

[0066] When the error reset switch 112d is pressed when a specific error occurs, the frame control unit 111 resets the specific error that has occurred.

[0067] When the ball discharge switch 112c is pressed at power-on, the frame control unit 111 performs a process for discharging the game balls enclosed in the gaming machine 1 to the outside. Specifically, the frame control unit 111 drives the lifting motor 33a on the condition that a game ball is detected by the lifting inlet switch 33f described later.

[0068] When the error reset switch 112d is pressed when a specific error occurs, the frame control unit 111 resets the specific error that has occurred.

[0069] The performance indicator 113 is composed of, for example, a six-digit 8-segment (7 segments + 1 dot) indicator. The performance indicator 113 is controlled by the frame control unit 111 and displays game achievement information calculated based on game results over a predetermined period (for example, every 6000 games). The game achievement information includes the consecutive accessory ratio, the accessory ratio, the base, etc. The consecutive accessory ratio is the ratio of the number of bonus balls due to winning in the big winning opening 49 out of the total number of bonus balls. The accessory ratio is the ratio of the number of bonus balls due to winning in the special symbol 2 start opening 43 and the number of bonus balls due to winning in the big winning opening 49 out of the total number of bonus balls. The base is the ratio of the total number of bonus balls to the number of game balls launched. Note that the performance indicator 113 can switch and display game achievement information for each predetermined period (each interval).

[0070] The system reset circuit 114 detects power-on, power-off, power abnormalities, etc., outputs a system reset signal, and resets the frame control unit 111.

[0071] The power abnormality signal generation circuit 115 monitors the voltage drop of the drive power supply (5V DC voltage (DC5VA), 12V DC voltage (DC12VA)) supplied from the power supply board 130, and outputs a power abnormality signal to the main control unit 101 when the voltage drops below a predetermined threshold value. Also, the power abnormality signal generation circuit 115 may monitor the voltage drop of the 24V AC voltage (AC24V).

[0072] The launch control circuit 116 controls the launch of game balls from the launch device 31 by driving and controlling the launch device 31 (the ball feed solenoid 31a, the launch solenoid 31b).

[0073] The backup power generation circuit 117 generates a backup power supply (VBB) supplied to the RWMs of the main control unit 101 and the frame control unit 111 during power-off. The RWMs of the main control unit 101 and the frame control unit 111 receiving the supply of the backup power supply (VBB) can hold (backup) the data stored over a certain period even when a power-off occurs.

[0074] A door opening sensor 73 provided on the inner frame 5 is connected to the frame control board 110. When the door opening sensor 73 detects at least one of the front frame 7 being opened with respect to the inner frame 5 and the inner frame 5 being opened with respect to the outer frame 3, it outputs a door opening signal to the main control board 100 via the frame control board 110.

[0075] The circulation mechanism 30 provided on the inner frame 5 is provided with a hoisting motor 33a, an out ball switch 33b, a foul ball switch 33c, an excessive position detection switch 33d, a shortage position detection switch 33e, a hoisting inlet switch 33f, a hoisting outlet switch 33g, and a hoisting position detection switch 33h, and these are connected to the frame control board 110.

[0076] The circulation mechanism 30 is formed with a pre-hoisting path through which the game balls discharged from the game area 37 are guided, a hoisting path through which the game balls passing through the pre-hoisting path are hoisted, and a post-hoisting path through which the game balls hoisted in the hoisting path are guided to the launching device 31. In the circulation mechanism 30, the game balls discharged from the game area 37 are guided to the lowermost end of the hoisting path through the pre-hoisting path. The game balls guided to the lowermost end of the hoisting path are hoisted upward in the hoisting path by the hoisting device 33. Then, the game balls that have reached the uppermost end of the hoisting path are sent to the post-hoisting path and then guided to the launching device 31 through the post-hoisting path.

[0077] The hoisting motor 33a is controlled by the frame control unit 111 and rotates a hoisting part, for example, a spiral member, disposed in the hoisting path. The rotated hoisting part guides the game balls that have reached the downstream end of the pre-hoisting path into the hoisting path and hoists the game balls staying in the hoisting path upward. Also, it sends the game balls from the uppermost end of the hoisting path to the post-hoisting path.

[0078] The out ball switch 33b, the foul ball switch 33c, the excessive position detection switch 33d, the shortage position detection switch 33e, the hoisting inlet switch 33f, and the hoisting outlet switch 33g are switches for detecting game balls, and when they detect game balls, they output detection signals to the frame control board 110 (frame control unit 111).

[0079] The out ball switch 33b is arranged on the upstream side of the pre-lift path and detects a game ball (out ball) discharged from the game area 37 and guided to the pre-lift path. The foul ball switch 33c is arranged on a foul ball confluence path connected between the positions where the out ball switch 33b and the excessive position detection switch 33d are respectively arranged on the pre-lift path, and among the game balls launched from the launcher 31, it detects a game ball that does not reach the game area 37 and is returned to the pre-lift path through the foul ball confluence path.

[0080] The excessive position detection switch 33d and the insufficient position detection switch 33e are arranged at a predetermined distance apart on the downstream side of the out ball switch 33b on the pre-lift path, and detect game balls staying on the pre-lift path. The excessive position detection switch 33d is provided on the upstream side of the pre-lift path from the insufficient position detection switch 33e. And when the excessive position detection switch 33d does not detect a game ball and the insufficient position detection switch 33e detects a game ball at the time of power-on, that is, when there is a game ball at the position where the insufficient position detection switch 33e is provided and there is no game ball at the position where the excessive position detection switch 33d is provided, it is determined by the frame control unit 111 that the game machine 1 is enclosed with a normal number of game balls. On the other hand, when the under-detection position switch 33e does not detect a game ball at the time of power-on, the frame control unit 111 determines that there are few game balls enclosed in the gaming machine 1. When the over-detection position switch 33d detects a game ball at the time of power-on, the frame control unit 111 determines that there are many game balls enclosed in the gaming machine 1. That is, in these cases, the frame control unit 111 determines that the number of game balls enclosed in the gaming machine 1 is not normal. In this case, the frame control unit 111 transmits a signal indicating that the number of game balls is not normal to the main control unit 101, and the main control unit 101 transmits an effect control command indicating that the number of game balls is not normal to the effect control unit 121. Then, the effect control unit 121 notifies the hall staff or the like by displaying on the LCD unit 57 or the like that the number of game balls is not normal.

[0081] The lifting-inlet switch 33f is arranged near the downstream end of the path before lifting, and detects a game ball staying near the downstream end of the path before lifting. The lifting-outlet switch 33g is arranged in the middle of the path after lifting, and detects a game ball staying at that position. When a game ball is detected by the lifting-inlet switch 33f (there are game balls accumulated in the path before the game), and no game ball is detected by the lifting-outlet switch 33g (when there is no predetermined number of game balls staying in the path after lifting), the frame control unit 111 rotates the lifting motor 33a.

[0082] When a game ball is detected by the lifting-outlet switch 33g, that is, when a predetermined number of game balls are staying in the path after lifting, the frame control unit 111 stops the lifting motor 33a.

[0083] The lifting-position detection switch 33h detects the rotation angle of the lifting motor 33a. The frame control unit 111 rotates the lifting motor 33a based on the rotation angle detected by the lifting-position detection switch 33h.

[0084] The launching device 31 is provided with a ball-feeding solenoid 31a, a launching solenoid 31b, and a subtraction outlet switch 31c. The ball feed solenoid 31a sends the game balls located at the downstream end of the upward path to the firing position in the firing device 31 based on the control by the frame control unit 111. The firing solenoid 31b fires the game balls sent to the firing position by the ball feed solenoid 31a toward the game area 37 based on the control by the frame control unit 111. The subtraction exit switch 31c is arranged at the downstream end of the upward path and detects the game balls sent to the firing position in the firing device 31 by the ball feed solenoid 31a. When the game balls are detected by the subtraction exit switch 31c, the frame control unit 111 subtracts 1 from the managed number of game balls. Also, when the game balls fired from the firing device 31 are detected by the foul ball switch 33c when they are guided to the pre-upward path through the foul ball confluence path without reaching the game area 37, the frame control unit 111 adds 1 to the managed number of game balls to return the subtracted value. In addition, when the frame control unit 111 receives a control command indicating the number of bonus balls from the main control board 100 (main control unit 101), it adds the number of bonus balls indicated in the command to the managed number of game balls.

[0085] Also, when the counting switch 23 provided on the front frame 7 is operated by the player, the frame control unit 111 transfers the managed number of game balls to the valuable media of the game ball lending device via the game ball lending device connection terminal board 140. Specifically, when the counting switch 23 is operated for a time shorter than a predetermined time, 1 is subtracted from the managed number of game balls, and a signal for adding 1 to the number of game balls recorded in the valuable media is output to the game ball lending device. As a result, in the game ball lending device, 1 is added to the number of game balls recorded in the valuable media. Also, when the counting switch 23 is operated for a time longer than a predetermined time, every certain time, 250 is subtracted from the managed number of game balls, and a signal for adding 250 to the number of game balls recorded in the valuable media is output to the game ball lending device at any time. As a result, in the game ball lending device, every time the signal is received, 250 is added to the number of game balls recorded in the valuable media. Furthermore, when the frame control unit 111 receives a lending notice for lending game balls from a game ball lending device or the like based on the number of game balls or money information stored in the valuable medium, the frame control unit 111 adds the number of game balls corresponding to the lending notice to the managed number of game balls. In this case, the number of game balls or money information recorded in the valuable medium is reduced by a value corresponding to the number of game balls according to the lending notice.

[0086] The handle device 19 provided on the front frame 7 is provided with a touch sensor 19b, a firing stop switch 19c, and a firing intensity VR 19d, and these sensors are connected to the frame control board 110. The frame control board 110 can receive detection signals from the touch sensor 19b, the firing stop switch 19c, and the firing intensity VR 19d.

[0087] The touch sensor 19b detects that the player is touching the handle 19a. The firing stop switch 19c is a push-button type switch. The firing intensity VR 19d detects the operation amount (rotation angle) of the handle 19a.

[0088] The firing control circuit 116 controls the energization of the ball feed solenoid 31a and the firing solenoid 31b based on the firing control signal and the like output from the main control unit 101 and the frame control unit 111, thereby firing a game ball from the firing device 31. Specifically, when a firing control signal permitting firing is output from the main control unit 101 and the frame control unit 111, the touch sensor 19b detects that the player is touching the handle 19a, and the firing stop switch 19c is not operated, the firing operation of the game ball by the firing device 31 is permitted. Then, the firing control circuit 116 controls the firing solenoid 31b so that the game ball is fired at a firing intensity corresponding to the operation amount detected by the firing intensity VR 19d.

[0089] In addition, a game ball number display 21 is connected to the frame control board 110. The frame control board 110 transmits a control signal for lighting and displaying the managed number of game balls to the game ball number display 21.

[0090] In addition, a radio wave sensor 75 for detecting radio waves is provided in the front frame 7 at a position facing the foul ball switch 33c, and the radio wave sensor 75 is connected to the frame control board 110. The radio wave sensor 75 is provided with a coil and detects radio waves based on the induced magnetic field applied to the coil. The radio wave sensor 75 mainly detects unauthorized radio waves for the foul ball switch 33c and outputs a detection signal to the frame control board 110.

[0091] [2.3 Power Supply Board] The power supply board 130 receives an AC input power supply (AC24V) from the outside and generates a DC voltage that serves as the drive power supply for each part based on the input AC input power supply (AC24V). The power supply board 130 generates a 35V DC voltage (DC35VA, DC35VB), a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA, DC12VB), and a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) from the AC input power supply.

[0092] The generated 35V DC voltage (DC35VA), 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), 5V DC voltage (DC5VA), and the AC input power supply (AC24V) input from the outside are supplied to the frame control board 110. In addition, the 35V DC voltage (DC35VA), 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), and 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) supplied to the frame control board 110 are also supplied to the main control board 100 together with the backup power supply generated by the frame control board 110. In addition, the generated 35V DC voltage (DC35VB) and 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) are supplied to the effect control board 120. Furthermore, the generated 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is also supplied to the front frame relay board 160.

[0093] [2.4 Effect Control Board, etc.] The effect control board 120 is connected to the decoration relay board 150, the front frame relay board 160, and the LCD unit 57, and the upper decoration board 170 is connected via the front frame relay board 160. The decoration relay board 150 is connected to a movable object motor 61a that drives the movable object device 61, a movable object position detection switch 61b that detects the position of the movable object device 61, a fourth symbol display 65, and a decoration board 180. Also, the decoration relay board 150 is provided with a motor driver 61c that drives the movable object motor 61a and an LED driver 27a that controls the lighting display of the effect LED 27.

[0094] The front frame relay board 160 is provided below the hinge mechanism 4 side in the front frame 7 and is arranged so that a connector is exposed on the rear side (game board 9 side) (see Fig. 2). The front frame relay board 160 is connected to a speaker 29, an operation button 25, a vibration device 77 that gives vibration to the player, and a decoration board 180. Also, the front frame relay board 160 is provided with a power generation circuit 151 that generates a 5V DC voltage (DC5VB) from a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB). The 5V DC voltage (DC5VB) generated by the power generation circuit 151 is supplied to the upper decoration board 170 together with the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB).

[0095] The upper decoration board 170 is provided at the upper center in the front frame 7 and is arranged so that a connector is exposed on the rear side (game board 9 side) (see Fig. 2). The upper decoration board 170 is connected to a movable object motor 61a, a movable object position detection switch 61b, a wind device 79, and a decoration board 180. The wind device 79 is driven under the control of the effect control unit 121 and blows wind to the player.

[0096] There are decoration boards 180 on which mainly the effect LEDs 27 are arranged and those on which the effect LEDs 27 and the LED driver 27a are arranged, and different decoration boards 180 may be continuously connected to each other. Note that the number and connection relationship of the decoration boards 180 are only examples, and other configurations may also be possible.

[0097] The performance control board 120 includes a performance control unit 121, a sound ROM 123, a voice IC 125, a VDP circuit 127, and a power generation circuit 129.

[0098] The performance control unit 121 is a microprocessor including a CPU, a ROM, and an RWM. The ROM stores a control program for performance means and various data necessary for performance operation control. The RWM functions as a work area and a buffer memory. The CPU controls the performance means by expanding and executing the control program stored in the ROM in the RWM.

[0099] Based on the performance control program and the performance control commands received from the main control board 100, the performance control unit 121 performs arithmetic processing for various performance operations and controls each performance means. The performance means is a device that performs a performance to notify or suggest whether a favorable state occurs for the player during the progress of the game or the like, and includes a performance LED 27, a speaker 29, an LCD unit 57, an illumination panel 59, a movable accessory 61, a vibration device 77, and a wind device 79.

[0100] The performance control unit 121 receives a performance control command from the main control board 100 and determines a performance scenario based on the performance control command. Then, the performance control unit 121 controls the performance means to execute the performance based on the determined performance scenario.

[0101] For example, the performance control unit 121 issues an instruction to the motor driver 61c to move the movable accessory 61 based on the performance scenario, or issues an instruction to the LED driver 27a to turn on and display the performance LED 27 based on the performance scenario. Note that the LED driver 27a provided on the decoration relay board 150 issues an instruction to turn on and display the fourth symbol display 65 in addition to the performance LED 27. Also, the performance control unit 121 drives the vibration device 77 to generate vibration based on the performance scenario, or drives the wind device 79 to blow wind based on the performance scenario.

[0102] The sound ROM 123 stores sound data such as BGM and sound effects. The voice IC 125 reads out the sound data corresponding to the determined production scenario from the sound ROM 123 and outputs it to the speaker 29. As a result, BGM and sound effects corresponding to the determined production scenario are emitted from the speaker 29.

[0103] The VDP circuit 127 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor), an image ROM, and a VRAM (Video RAM). The VDP performs overall control of video output processing such as image expansion processing and image drawing. The image ROM stores the image data for which the VDP performs image expansion processing. The VRAM is an image memory area that temporarily stores the image data developed by the VDP. The VDP circuit 127 generates various types of image data based on the production scenario and outputs it to the LCD unit 57. As a result, various production images are displayed on the LCD unit 57.

[0104] The power generation circuit 129 generates a 5V DC voltage (DC5VB) from a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB).

[0105] <3. Outline description of the operation> Next, an outline of the gaming operation of the gaming machine 1 realized by the above control configuration (FIGS. 6 and 7) will be described.

[0106] [3.1 Gaming state] In the gaming machine 1, in addition to the special gaming state in which a big win game is played, a plurality of types of gaming states can be set. For the sake of easy understanding of this embodiment, first, various gaming states will be described.

[0107] The gaming machine 1 conducts a game in any of the gaming states where either a low-probability state or a high-probability state is combined with either a non-time-limit state or a time-limit state. Note that when the gaming machine 1 is of the one-kind two-kind mixed type, there are no low-probability state and high-probability state. That is, as the gaming state, either a non-time-limit state or a time-limit state is provided.

[0108] The low-probability state is a state where the winning probability of the big win lottery is relatively low, and the high-probability state is a state where the winning probability of the big win lottery is relatively high. The non-time-limit state is a state where it is relatively difficult for game balls to enter the special symbol 2 start port 43, and the time-limit state is a state where it is relatively easy for game balls to enter the special symbol 2 start port 43. For example, in the time-limit state, the opening time of the special symbol 2 start port 43 when winning the normal symbol win lottery is set longer than that in the non-time-limit state. However, if it is easier for game balls to enter the special symbol 2 start port 43 in the time-limit state than in the non-time-limit state, in the time-limit state, for example, the winning probability of the normal symbol win lottery may be increased or the variation time of the normal symbol may be shortened compared to the non-time-limit state. In the present embodiment, the "normal state" refers to the low-probability state and the non-time-limit state (the non-time-limit state in the one-kind two-kind mixed type gaming machine 1), which corresponds to the initial state.

[0109] [3.2 Special symbol variation display game] In the gaming machine 1, a special symbol 1 variation display game is executed based on a game ball entering (winning) the special symbol 1 start port 41. In the special symbol 1 variable display game, based on the entry of a game ball into the special symbol 1 start port 41, random numbers (jackpot determination random number, special symbol determination random number, variable pattern random number) used in the special symbol 1 variable display game are acquired, and based on the acquired random numbers, the main control unit 101 conducts a jackpot lottery, a symbol lottery, and a variable pattern lottery. In the jackpot lottery, either a jackpot or a loss is determined by lottery based on the jackpot determination random number. Also, in the symbol lottery, the stop symbol (jackpot symbol, loss symbol) that is finally stopped and displayed is determined by lottery based on the lottery result of the jackpot lottery and the special symbol determination random number. Further, in the variable pattern lottery, based on the lottery results of the jackpot lottery and the symbol lottery, and the variable pattern random number, a variable pattern that defines the variable time of the special symbol is determined by lottery. In the special symbol 1 variable display game, after starting the variable display of special symbol 1 on the special symbol 1 display 63a, after the elapse of the variable time based on the lottery result of the variable pattern lottery, the stop symbol determined in the symbol lottery is stopped and displayed on the special symbol 1 display 63a.

[0110] In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball passes through the special symbol 1 start port 41, that is, when a detection signal is input from the special symbol 1 start port switch 41a, the random numbers used in the special symbol 1 variable display game are acquired, and these random numbers are stored as reserved data in the special symbol 1 reserved memory area of the RWM up to the maximum reserved memory number (for example, a maximum of 4).

[0111] Also, in the gaming machine 1, based on the entry (winning) of a game ball into the special symbol 2 start port 43, a special symbol 2 variable display game is executed. The special symbol 2 variable display game, similar to the special symbol 1 variable display game, conducts a jackpot lottery, a symbol lottery, and a variable pattern lottery by the main control unit 101 based on the acquired random numbers. After starting the variable display of special symbol 2 on the special symbol 2 display 63b, after the elapse of the variable time based on the lottery result of the variable pattern lottery, the stop symbol determined in the symbol lottery is stopped and displayed on the special symbol 2 display 63b.

[0112] In addition, when the gaming machine 1 is a one - type - two - type mixed - type gaming machine 1, in the special symbol 2 variable display game, a jackpot lottery using a jackpot - determination random number and a minor - jackpot lottery for the minor - jackpot game are conducted. In the special symbol 2 variable display game, after the elapse of the variable time based on the lottery result of the variable - pattern lottery, the stop symbol determined by the symbol lottery is stopped and displayed on the special symbol 2 display 63b.

[0113] In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball passes through the special symbol 2 start port 43, that is, when a detection signal from the special symbol 2 start - port switch 43a is input, a random number related to the special symbol 2 variable display game is acquired, and this random number is stored as hold data up to the maximum hold - memory number (for example, a maximum of 4) in the special symbol 2 hold - memory area of the RWM.

[0114] When explaining without distinguishing between the special symbol 1 variable display game and the special symbol 2 variable display game, it is simply referred to as the special symbol variable display game.

[0115] [3.3 Jackpot Game] When winning the jackpot in the jackpot lottery and the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol 1 display 63a or the special symbol 2 display 63b, thereafter, a jackpot game more advantageous to the player than during the special symbol variable display game is conducted based on the jackpot symbol. The jackpot symbol is determined by a symbol lottery based on the special - symbol - determination random number, the gaming state, etc. when winning the jackpot in the jackpot lottery, and a specified number of rounds, etc. are associated with it.

[0116] The jackpot game is a "round game" where, after a predetermined pre - opening interval time (opening time) has elapsed, the large winning port 49 (for example, the second large winning port 49B) is opened, and then when a predetermined time (maximum opening time) has elapsed or the number of game balls entering the large winning port 49 reaches the maximum winning number, the large winning port 49 is closed. This "round game" is repeated for a predetermined specified number of rounds (the number of rounds based on the jackpot symbol). Then, after the end of the specified number of rounds, when a predetermined post - opening interval time (ending time) has elapsed, the jackpot game ends.

[0117] When a big win game is executed, after the end of the big win game, the game state, the number of times of high probability variation, and the number of times of time shortening (only the number of times of time shortening in the pachinko machine 1 of the one-type two-type mixed type) are determined according to the game state at the time of big win selection and the determined big win symbol. The number of times of high probability variation is the number of executions of the special symbol variation display game in which the high probability state can continue as the game state after the big win game. When the high probability state is set after the end of the big win game, when the special symbol variation display game of the number of times of high probability variation ends without winning the big win, the game state shifts to the low probability state. The number of times of time shortening is the number of executions of the special symbol variation display game in which the time shortening state can continue as the game state after the big win game. When the time shortening state is set after the end of the big win game, when the special symbol variation display game of the number of times of time shortening ends without winning the big win, the game state shifts to the non-time shortening state.

[0118] In addition, when the pachinko machine 1 is of the one-type two-type mixed type, in the special symbol 2 variation display game, not only the big win lottery but also the small win lottery of the small win game is carried out. When winning the small win lottery, a small win game is started in which the big winning opening 49 is opened until the number of game balls entering the big winning opening 49 reaches the maximum number of winnings. As the small win game, there are provided a falling small win game in which a state advantageous to the player (for example, the time shortening game state) ends, and a small win game with a big win in which a big win game is started after the small win game.

[0119] In the small win game with a big win, after a predetermined opening time has elapsed, for example, the first big winning opening 49A is intermittently opened, and the small win game ends when the total opening time reaches a predetermined time or the number of game balls entering the first big winning opening 49A reaches the maximum number of winnings. A specific area (so-called V area) is provided in the first big winning opening 49A. When a game ball passes through the specific area in the small win game with a big win, the big win game after the small win game is started. In the big win game after the small win game, a round game of a predetermined number of prescribed rounds is carried out. Each round of the game ends when the second largest winning opening 49B is opened for a predetermined period of time and the total opening time reaches the predetermined time, or when the number of game balls that have entered the second largest winning opening 49B reaches the maximum number of wins.

[0120] At this time, the small win game is notified to the player as the first round of the game for convenience, and the first round of the game in the subsequent big win game is notified to the player as the second round of the game. Then, when the predetermined number of specified rounds is completed and a predetermined post-opening interval time (ending time) elapses, the big win game following the small win game ends. In the following description, the term "big win" includes small wins with big wins unless otherwise specified.

[0121] In the above-described falling small win game, after the movable piece 51Ba of the second special electric accessory 51B is moved to the open state that allows game balls to enter the second largest winning opening 49B, the state advantageous to the player (for example, the time-saving game state) ends and shifts to the normal state. In the falling small win game, the number of game balls entering the second largest winning opening 49B and the predetermined number of specified rounds may be less than those in the small win game with big wins. That is, in the falling small win game, the number of game balls obtained by the player may be less than that in the small win game with big wins.

[0122] [3.4 Normal Symbol Variation Display Game] In the gaming machine 1, a normal symbol variation display game is executed based on the passage of a game ball through the normal symbol start opening 47. In the normal symbol variation display game, a normal symbol winning lottery is conducted by the main control unit 101 using a random number (random number for normal symbol winning determination) obtained based on the passage of a game ball through the normal symbol start opening 47. Based on the lottery result of the normal symbol winning lottery, after the normal symbol is variably displayed on the normal symbol display 63c, the lottery result is stopped and displayed after the elapse of a predetermined variation time. In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball passes through the normal symbol start port 47, that is, when a detection signal is input from the normal symbol gate detection sensor 26a, a random number (random number for normal symbol winning determination) related to the normal symbol variable display game is acquired, and this random number is stored as hold data in the normal symbol hold memory area of the RWM up to the maximum hold memory number (for example, a maximum of 4).

[0123] In the normal symbol winning lottery, when winning the normal symbol win and the normal symbol stops and is displayed in the "normal symbol win" mode on the normal symbol display 63c, then, a normal power release game is performed. In the normal power release game, the normal electric accessory solenoid 45b operates to open the normal electric accessory 45, and the special symbol 2 start port 43 is opened to facilitate the inflow of game balls. In the normal power release game, an operation such as the special symbol 2 start port 43 being opened is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 1 time) until a predetermined time (for example, 5.7 s) elapses or the number of game balls entering the special symbol 2 start port 43 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 6).

[0124] [3.5 Example of performance] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of variable performance. The performance control board 120 receives a performance control command from the main control board 100 and controls the execution of the performance by the performance means. For example, in the special symbol variable display game, based on the control of the performance control board 120, a variable performance is performed in synchronization with the special symbol variable display game.

[0125] In the variable performance, for example, three decorative symbols 201 (left decorative symbol 201a, middle decorative symbol 201b, right decorative symbol 201c) are scrolled and displayed in the center of the LCD unit 57, and a predetermined performance sound is output from the speaker 29.

[0126] Also, at the lower part of the LCD unit 57, a hold display area 205 for performing a hold display 203 (203a to 203d) according to the number of holds of the hold data stored for the currently executing special symbol variable display game and a display area 209 for displaying the hold display corresponding to the currently executing special symbol variable display game as the hold display 207 are provided.

[0127] For the hold display 203 and the said hold display 207, a plurality of display patterns are provided. When a game ball enters the special symbol 1 start port 41 or the special symbol 2 start port 43, based on the lottery results of the jackpot lottery, symbol lottery, and variation pattern lottery that are performed in advance by the main control unit 101, the display pattern when displayed on the hold display 203 and the said hold display 207 is determined by the effect control unit 121. On the hold display area 205 and the said display area 209, the hold display 203 and the said hold display 207 are displayed with the display pattern determined by the effect control unit 121. As the display patterns, for example, patterns with different display colors such as default (white), blue, green, red, gold, etc. are provided. Note that the plurality of display patterns may differ not only in display color but also in shape. Also, the display pattern may change from when it is first displayed on the hold display area 205 until it becomes non-displayed on the said display area 209. The degree of expectation of a jackpot is indicated by the display pattern of the said hold display 207 finally displayed on the said display area 209.

[0128] As shown in Fig. 8(a), assume that the previous special symbol variation display game has ended, and the "1" symbol is stopped and displayed as the left decorative symbol 201a, the "2" symbol is stopped and displayed as the middle decorative symbol 201b, and the "3" symbol is stopped and displayed as the right decorative symbol 201c. Also assume that four hold displays 203a to 203d are displayed in the hold display area 205.

[0129] After that, for the next special symbol variation display game, the effect scenario and the decorative symbol 201 to be finally stopped are determined by the effect control unit 121. When the special symbol variation display game is started, as shown in Fig. 8(b), the variation display of the decorative symbols 201a to 201c is started (in the figure, the decorative symbol 201 during variation display is indicated by a white arrow), and the hold display 203 is shifted and displayed in the hold display area 205. The hold display 203a that was displayed on the leftmost side in the hold display area 205 is displayed as the said hold display 207 in the said display area 209.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 8(c), after the left and right decorative symbols 201a and 201c temporarily stop, for example, with the same "7" symbol (after reaching the so-called reach state), when a predetermined development image (shown as "BATTLE" in the figure) is displayed on the LCD unit 57 as shown in FIG. 8(d), the hold display 203 and the hold display 207 disappear, and the decorative symbols 201a to 201c are displayed small, for example, in the upper right.

[0131] Then, as shown in FIG. 8(e), finally, for example, when the decorative symbols 201a to 201c stop and are displayed with the same "7" symbol, the player is notified that they have won the big prize. If the player has not won the big prize, the decorative symbols 201a to 201c do not stop and are displayed together, and the player is notified that they have lost.

[0132] After the decorative symbols 201a to 201c stop and are displayed with the same symbol, when the big prize game starts, a big prize effect is executed. As shown in FIG. 8(f), an image related to the big prize game (shown as "big prize" in the figure) is displayed on the LCD unit 57, and a right strike image 210 prompting a right strike is displayed in the upper right right strike display area 211 of the LCD unit 57. As a result, the player will perform a right strike.

[0133] <4. Processing of the main control board> Next, the processing performed by the main control unit 101 of the present embodiment will be described. The processing executed by the main control unit 101 is mainly a main process (main control side main process: FIG. 9) and a timer interrupt process (main control side timer interrupt process: FIG. 10) started by a periodic interrupt.

[0134] [4.1 Main control side main process] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the main control side main process. When power is supplied from the power supply board 130 and the main control side main process starts, in step S101, the main control unit 101 sets the internal registers of the CPU.

[0135] In step S102, the main control unit 101 determines whether the power supply abnormality signal indicating a power supply abnormality is ON (abnormal). If the power supply abnormality signal is ON (Yes in step S102), the process returns to step S102. If the power supply abnormality signal is not ON (normal) (No in step S102), in step S103, the main control unit 101 permits access to the RWM.

[0136] In step S104, the main control unit 101 determines whether the input signal (RWM clear signal) from the RWM clear switch 112a is ON. The input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a becomes ON when the RWM clear switch 112a is pressed and becomes OFF when the RWM clear switch 112a is not pressed. If the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a is not ON (No in step S104), in step S105, the main control unit 101 determines whether the backup flag is ON. The backup flag is a flag indicating whether backup processing has been performed in the power check - backup processing of step S201 described later, and is set to ON when the backup processing has been performed.

[0137] If the backup flag is ON (Yes in step S105), in step S106, the main control unit 101 performs backup restoration processing and transfers the process to step S108. The backup restoration processing is restoration processing for resuming the game after power - on based on the game information backed up in the RWM when the power supply was cut off. Also, in the backup restoration processing, an effect control command corresponding to the backup restoration is transmitted to the effect control board 120.

[0138] On the one hand, when the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a is ON (Yes in step S104), or when the backup flag is not ON (No in step S105), in step S107, the main control unit 101 executes the RWM clear return process and transfers the process to step S108. This RWM clear return process is a process of initializing values within a predetermined area (used area) including the work area in the RWM, and transmitting an effect control command indicating that the RWM clear has returned to the effect control board 120.

[0139] In step S108, the main control unit 101 executes startup initialization processing necessary for starting a game operation, such as initializing the values of the registers of each part including the main control unit 101. The startup initialization processing includes a process of transmitting an effect control command for instructing the start of the game to the effect control board 120, a process of transmitting a command indicating the hold counts of special symbol 1 and special symbol 2, a process of turning on the firing control signal to the frame control board 110, and the like.

[0140] In step S109, the main control unit 101 sets the interrupt prohibition state, and in the subsequent step S110, executes a random number update process. In this random number update process, various random numbers used in the special symbol variable display game and the normal symbol variable display game are updated. After setting the interrupt permission state in step S111, it returns to step S109.

[0141] In this way, the processes of steps S109 to S111 are repeatedly executed in an infinite loop. The main control unit 101 repeatedly executes the processes of these steps S109 to S111 except during the execution of the timer interrupt process that is intermittently executed.

[0142] [4.2 Main control side timer interrupt process] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the main control side timer interrupt process. The main control side timer interrupt process is activated by an interrupt every fixed time (4 ms) from the CTC and is executed by interrupting during the execution of the main control side main process.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 10, when a timer interrupt occurs, the main control unit 101 executes the power check and backup process of step S201. In this power check and backup process, mainly, the power level supplied from the power supply board 130 is monitored, and when an abnormality such as a power failure occurs, backup processing such as storing predetermined game information at the time of power failure in the RWM is performed so that the game can resume smoothly when the power is restored. When the main control unit 101 performs the backup process, it turns on the backup flag.

[0144] In step S202, the main control unit 101 executes a timer management process for managing the timers used for game operation control. Here, updates (subtraction processing) are performed on the values of various timers used for game operation control of the gaming machine 1.

[0145] In step S203, the main control unit 101 executes an input management process. In the input management process, input data is created based on input information (ON / OFF signals and rising states (ON edges, OFF edges)) output from various sensors and switches, and based on the created input data, the value of the winning counter is updated. The input information here is, for example, ON / OFF information (winning detection information) of detection signals output from detection switches such as the special symbol 1 start port switch 41a, the special symbol 2 start port switch 43a, the normal symbol start port switch 47a, the big winning port switch 49a, and the winning port switch 53a, ON / OFF information of detection signals output from the magnetic sensor 67, the radio wave sensor 69, and the vibration sensor 71, and status signals from the frame control board 110 (ON / OFF information of the door open sensor 73, the radio wave sensor 75, etc.). Thereby, it is monitored every interrupt whether a game ball is detected at each winning port. The "winning counter" is a counter provided corresponding to each winning port and counts the number of game balls that have won (the number of winning balls).

[0146] In step S204, the main control unit 101 executes a timer interrupt internal random number management process for periodically updating the random numbers related to each variable display game. Here, in order to make the count value of the random number counter random, for the special symbol determination random number, the general symbol hit determination random number, etc., a process of updating the random number (adding +1 for each interrupt) and changing the start value of the random number counter every time the random number counter makes a full circle is performed. Note that since the big hit determination random number is generated by the random number generation circuit, it is not updated here.

[0147] In step S205, the main control unit 101 executes an error management process. In the error management process, based on the input data related to various sensors and the status signal from the frame control board 110, the presence or absence of an error occurrence is monitored. When an error occurs, as error processing, the main control unit 101 transmits an error command corresponding to the type of the occurred error to the effect control board 120 as an effect control command. When the effect control board 120 receives this error command, it executes an error notification according to the error type. Also, when the error in progress is resolved, the main control unit 101 transmits an error release command to the effect control board 120. When the effect control board 120 receives this error release command, it terminates the error notification in progress.

[0148] In step S206, the main control unit 101 executes a general symbol management process. In the general symbol management process, processes necessary for executing the general symbol variable display game are performed, such as acquisition and storage of the hold data of the general symbol, general symbol lottery in the general symbol variable display game, and determination of the variable time for variably displaying the general symbol on the general symbol display 63c based on the lottery result.

[0149] In step S207, the main control unit 101 executes a general electric accessory management process. In the general electric accessory management process, processes necessary for executing the general electric accessory release game, such as opening and closing control of the general electric accessory solenoid 45b, are performed.

[0150] In step S208, the main control unit 101 executes special symbol management processing. In the special symbol management processing, mainly, acquisition and storage of hold data of special symbol 1 and special symbol 2, big win lottery, small win lottery, and symbol lottery in the special symbol variable display game, variable pattern lottery of special symbols based on the lottery results, etc., and processing necessary to execute the special symbol variable display game is performed. Then, the main control unit 101 transmits, as an effect control command, a variable pattern designation command including the results of big win lottery and small win lottery, the current game state, and the variable pattern to the effect control board 120. Also, the main control unit 101 transmits, as an effect control command, a decorative symbol designation command including the symbol type (whether it is special symbol 1 or 2) and the stop symbol (lottery result of the symbol) to the effect control board 120.

[0151] In step S209, the main control unit 101 executes special electric accessory management processing. In the special electric accessory management processing, processing necessary to execute the big win game is performed. Also, when the gaming machine 1 is of the one - type two - type mixed type, processing necessary to execute not only the big win game but also the small win game in the special electric accessory management processing is performed.

[0152] In step S210, the main control unit 101 performs right - hitting notification information management processing. In the right - hitting notification information management processing, processing for performing right - hitting notification in a situation where right - hitting is advantageous, such as when the special symbol 2 start port 43 or the big winning port 49 is opened, is performed.

[0153] In step S211, the main control unit 101 executes LED management processing. In the LED management processing, output control of a control signal to the main display 63 is performed. The control signal is generated based on decisions in the normal symbol management processing (step S206), the special symbol management processing (step S208), the right - hitting notification information management processing (step S210), etc., and is output to the main display 63 in this LED management processing. Thereby, a series of variable display operations (variable display and stop display) of special symbols and normal symbols, display of the number of holds, etc. on the main display 63 are realized.

[0154] In step S212, the main control unit 101 performs solenoid management processing. In the solenoid management processing, it checks the signal related to the control of the normal electric accessory solenoid 45b generated in the normal electric accessory management processing (step S207), and also checks the signal related to the control of the big winning opening solenoid 51b generated in the special electric accessory management processing (step S209). Then, based on these signals, the operation / stop of the normal electric accessory solenoid 45b and the big winning opening solenoid 51b is controlled, and the special symbol 2 start port switch 43a is opened or closed, or the big winning opening 49 is opened or closed.

[0155] In step S213, the main control unit 101 determines whether the communication cycle with the frame control board 110 (for example, at intervals of 108 ms) has been reached. If the communication cycle with the frame control board 110 has not been reached (No in step S213), the main control unit 101 ends the main control side timer interrupt processing. If the communication cycle with the frame control board 110 has been reached (Yes in step S213), in step S214, the main control unit 101 performs reception data acquisition processing to receive the signal (door opening signal, power supply abnormality signal, etc.) transmitted from the frame control board 110.

[0156] In step S215, the main control unit 101 outputs a control command corresponding to the game machine information ((hall control / cheating monitoring information) of the game machine 1 to the frame control board 110 and ends the main control side timer interrupt processing. The game machine information includes, for example, jackpot game occurrence information, symbol variation display game execution start information, information on the number of winnings and the number of prize balls, error information, and the like.

[0157] When the above timer interrupt processing ends, the main control unit 101 repeats the above steps S109 to S111 until the next timer interrupt occurs.

[0158] <5. Processing of the Frame Control Board> Next, the processing performed by the frame control unit 111 of the present embodiment will be described. The processing of the frame control unit 111 mainly includes a main process (frame control side main process: FIG. 11) and a timer interrupt process (frame control side timer interrupt process: FIG. 12) that is started by a periodic interrupt.

[0159] [5.1 Frame Control Side Main Process] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the frame control side main process. When power is supplied from the power supply board 130 and the frame control side main process is started, in step S301, the frame control unit 111 sets the internal registers of the CPU.

[0160] In step S302, the frame control unit 111 determines whether a power failure signal indicating a power failure is ON. If the power failure signal is ON (Yes in step S302), the process returns to step S302. If the power failure signal is not ON (OFF) (No in step S302), in step S303, the frame control unit 111 permits access to the RWM.

[0161] In step S304, the frame control unit 111 determines whether an input signal from the game ball number clear switch 112b is ON (the state where the game ball number clear switch 112b is pressed). If the input signal from the game ball number clear switch 112b is not ON (No in step S304), in step S305, the frame control unit 111 calculates a checksum for the area related to the game ball number in the RWM and determines whether the checksum is normal.

[0162] If the input signal from the game ball number clear switch 112b is ON (Yes in step S304), or if the checksum is not normal (No in step S305), in step S306, the frame control unit 111 executes a game ball number clear process to initialize the value of the area related to the game ball number in the RWM. On the other hand, when the input signal from the game ball count clear switch 112b is not ON (No in step S304) and the checksum is normal (Yes in step S305), the frame control unit 111 moves the process to step S307 without executing the game ball count clear process.

[0163] In step S307, the frame control unit 111 determines whether the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a is ON (the state where the RWM clear switch 112a is pressed). When the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a is not ON (No in step S307), in step S308, the frame control unit 111 calculates the checksum for the area related to the gaming machine information in the RWM and determines whether the checksum is normal.

[0164] When the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a is ON (Yes in step S307) and when the checksum is not normal (No in step S308), in step S309, the frame control unit 111 executes the RWM clear process to initialize the values of the area related to the gaming machine information in the RWM. On the other hand, when the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a is not ON (No in step S307) and the checksum is normal (Yes in step S308), the frame control unit 111 moves the process to step S310 without executing the RWM clear process.

[0165] In step S310, the frame control unit 111 executes startup initialization processes such as initializing the work area that does not require backup, setting the WDT and timer interrupts, and the ball extraction process when the ball extraction switch 112c is pressed.

[0166] The frame control unit 111 sets the interrupt disable state in step S311 and performs a power failure abnormality check in step S312.

[0167] In step S313, frame control unit 111 switches the launch control signal ON / OFF based on a predetermined condition, and performs launch stop control processing to output the launch control signal to launch control circuit 116.

[0168] In step S314, the frame control unit 111 performs main control board communication processing to receive a control command sent from the main control board 100 if there is one, and to transmit a signal to the main control board 100 if there is a signal to transmit.

[0169] In step S315, the frame control unit 111 performs a gaming machine information management process for managing gaming machine information based on the control command transmitted from the main control board 100. In the gaming machine information management process, the frame control unit 111 updates, for example, the number of managed gaming balls. Here, the frame control unit 111 adds the number of gaming balls in response to a control command related to the number of winning balls transmitted from the main control board 100, subtracts the number of gaming balls in response to detection of a gaming ball by the subtraction calculation port switch 31c, and adds the number of gaming balls in response to detection of a gaming ball by the foul ball switch 33c.

[0170] In step S316, the frame control unit 111 performs an SC board communication process to communicate with the SC board of the game ball lending device. In the SC board communication process, the frame control unit 111 updates, for example, the number of managed game balls. Here, the frame control unit 111 adds the number of game balls in response to a lending notification from the game ball lending device, and subtracts the number of game balls in response to the operation of the counting switch 23.

[0171] In step S317, the frame control unit 111 performs a game ball number display control process for generating a control signal for causing the game ball number display 21 to light up and display the managed game ball number updated in steps S315 and S316.

[0172] The frame control unit 111 executes an in-area error removal process in step S318, executes a game ball circulation management process to appropriately control the lifting device 33 in step S319, executes an out-of-area error removal process in step S320, and executes a fraud detection process in step S321.

[0173] In step S322, the frame control unit 111 calculates values for calculating the game result information displayed on the performance display 113 (the number of game balls launched, the total number of prize balls, the number of prize balls due to winning in the big winning opening 49, the total of the number of prize balls due to winning in the special symbol 2 start opening 43 and the number of prize balls due to winning in the big winning opening 49, etc.), and performs performance information management processing for calculating the game result information based on the calculated values.

[0174] In step S323, the frame control unit 111 performs performance display control processing for generating a control signal for causing the performance display 113 to turn on and display the game result information calculated in step S322. In step S324, the frame control unit 111 enables interrupts and returns the process to step S311.

[0175] Therefore, the frame control unit 111 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S311 to S324.

[0176] [5.2 Frame Control Side Timer Interrupt Processing] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the frame control side timer interrupt processing. The frame control side timer interrupt processing is activated by an interrupt every fixed time (1 ms) from the CTC, and is executed by interrupting during the execution of the frame control side main processing.

[0177] As shown in FIG. 12, when a timer interrupt occurs, the frame control unit 111 saves the registers in step S401. In step S402, the frame control unit 111 performs counter management processing for adding 1 to the values of the counters that count the first cycle (2 ms) and the second cycle (4 ms) respectively, and subtracting the 1 ms timer.

[0178] In step S403, the frame control unit 111 performs hoist motor management processing for controlling the drive of the hoist motor 33a.

[0179] In step S404, the frame control unit 111 determines whether it is the first cycle (2 ms) based on the value of the counter that counts the first cycle. If it is not the first cycle (2 ms) (No in step S404), the frame control unit 111 skips steps S405 to S411 and transfers the process to step S412. If it is the first cycle (Yes in step S404), in step S405, the frame control unit 111 sets the control signals (game ball number display segment data, game ball number display common data) generated in step S317 in the SPI communication buffer, and performs a game ball number display LED control process for updating the common counter.

[0180] In step S406, the frame control unit 111 performs a 1-byte timer subtraction process for subtracting a timer composed of 1 byte.

[0181] In step S407, the frame control unit 111 performs a switch detection process for detecting the states of the switches connected to the frame control unit 111. In step S408, the frame control unit 111 monitors the ball feed solenoid 31a and the foul ball switch 33c and performs a subtraction mechanism control process for updating the counter related to the managed game ball number.

[0182] In step S409, the frame control unit 111 sets the control signals (performance display segment data, performance display common data) generated in step S323 in the SPI communication buffer, and performs a performance display LED control process for updating the common counter.

[0183] In step S410, the frame control unit 111 detects the states of the switches provided in the lifting device 33 and performs a game ball circulation switch detection process for updating various timers related to the circulation of the game balls.

[0184] In step S411, the frame control unit 111 executes an out-of-range error monitoring management process for monitoring out-of-range errors.

[0185] The processes of steps S405 to S411 up to here are executed in the first cycle (every 2 ms).

[0186] In step S412, the frame control unit 111 determines whether it is the second period (4 ms) based on the value of the counter that counts the second period. If it is not the second period (No in step S412), the frame control unit 111 skips steps S413 to S415 and transfers the process to step S416. If it is the second period (Yes in step S412), in step S413, the frame control unit 111 performs a test signal output process for outputting a test signal.

[0187] In step S414, the frame control unit 111 performs a 2-byte timer subtraction process for subtracting a timer composed of 2 bytes.

[0188] In step S415, the frame control unit 111 performs a performance display unit display setting process for switching the section displayed on the performance display unit 113.

[0189] The processes of steps S412 to S415 up to here are executed every second period (every 4 ms).

[0190] In step S416, the frame control unit 111 outputs the data of the output port. In step S417, the frame control unit 111 performs SPI communication. In the SPI communication, for example, the control signals (game ball number display segment data and game ball number display common data described later) set in step S405 are serially output to the game ball number display 21. Also, the frame control unit 111 serially outputs the control signals (performance display segment data and performance display common data described later) set in step S409 to the performance display unit 113. As a result, the game ball number display 21 and the performance display unit 113 will light up and display the game ball number and game result information based on the transmitted control signals.

[0191] In step S418, the frame control unit 111 restores the register and ends the frame control side timer interrupt process.

[0192] When the above timer interrupt process ends, the frame control unit 111 repeats the above steps S311 to S324 (see FIG. 11) until the next timer interrupt occurs.

[0193] <6. Processing of the production control board> Next, the processing performed by the production control board 120 of the present embodiment will be described. The processing of the production control board 120 mainly includes a main process (production control side main process: FIG. 13) and a timer interrupt process (production control side timer interrupt process: FIG. 14) that is started by a periodic interrupt.

[0194] [6.1 Production control side main process] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the production control side main process. First, in step S501, the production control unit 121 performs necessary initial setting processes before the start of the game operation. Here, as the initial setting processes, for example, command reception interrupt setting, origin return process of the movable accessory 61, initial setting of the CTC, permission of timer interrupt, initial setting of register values inside the CPU including each part of the microcomputer, and the like are performed.

[0195] After finishing the above initial setting processes, the main loop processes of steps S504 to S511 are performed every predetermined time (16 ms), and otherwise, the production software random number update process of step S503 is repeatedly performed.

[0196] In step S502, the effect control unit 121 refers to the main loop update counter to determine whether the main loop update period (counter value > 15), which is the trigger for executing the main loop process, has arrived. The main loop update counter is a counter that is incremented during the following-described effect control side timer interrupt process that is executed every 1 ms. In this embodiment, the main loop process is performed every 16 ms. In the determination process of step S502, the main loop update counter value is determined. If the value is greater than "15" (Yes in step S502), it is considered that the execution timing of the main loop process has arrived, and the processes of steps S504 to S511 are executed. Otherwise, until the main loop update period arrives (No in step S502), in step S503, various effect lottery random numbers used for lottery to determine the effect scenario are updated.

[0197] When the main loop update period arrives (Yes in step S502), in step S504, the effect control unit 121 clears the main loop update counter, and in step S505, the demo power saving mode process is executed. In the demo power saving mode process, the in-demo effect (customer waiting effect) and the setting process required for the power saving mode are executed.

[0198] In step S506, the effect control unit 121 executes the effect switch input process. In the effect switch input process, the operation state of the operation button 25 is monitored, and when an operation is detected, the effect control process corresponding to the operation is executed.

[0199] In step S507, the effect control unit 121 performs the command analysis process. In the command analysis process, it is monitored whether an effect control command is stored in the command reception buffer. If an effect control command is stored, this command is read out, and the effect process corresponding to the read effect control command is executed. Note that when an effect control command is transmitted from the main control board 100, it is stored in the command reception buffer of the RWM.

[0200] For example, when a variation pattern specification command and a decorative design specification command are received and stored in the reception buffer, the effect control unit 121 determines an effect scenario based on the information included in the commands in the command analysis process, and stores the data of the effect scenario (effect scenario data) in the scenario setting area of the RWM. Note that the effect scenario defines a time schedule for one or more types of effects in terms of when and for what duration they appear.

[0201] In step S508, the effect control unit 121 executes a scenario update process. In this scenario update process, the content of the timer necessary for executing the effect scenario is updated, and a process of advancing the effect scenario based on the timer value is executed. A typical example of the timer is an effect scenario timer that manages the time schedule regarding the occurrence timing of effects. For example, within substantially the same period as the variation period during which a special symbol is variably displayed, within the variation period during which the decorative design 201 is variably displayed, on the time axis, the timer manages the temporal schedule regarding what effects are to appear, for what time width, and by what effect means. Note that the effect scenario timer is also used in the LED drive data update process (step S510) and the movable object accessory operation update process (not shown) described later.

[0202] In step S509, the effect control unit 121 performs sound output processing. In the sound output processing, based on the effect scenario data and the effect scenario timer, data such as phrases and volume are output to the voice IC 125, and a sound effect is produced from the speaker 29 through the voice IC 125. Thereby, a sound effect along with the effect scenario is realized.

[0203] In step S510, the effect control unit 121 executes an LED drive data update process. In the LED drive data update process, based on the effect scenario data and the effect scenario timer, a control signal (LED data) for lighting the effect-use LED 27 is created. Further, the effect control unit 121 creates a control signal (LED data) for lighting the fourth symbol display 65 based on an effect control command (commands such as the number of holds of special symbols and normal symbols, right hit notification, etc.) transmitted from the main control board 100 and an effect scenario timer.

[0204] In step S511, the effect control unit 121 executes LED output processing. In this LED output processing, the control signal (LED data) created in the LED drive data update processing is output to the LED driver 27a, and the fourth symbol display 65 and the effect LEDs 27 are lit through the LED driver 27a.

[0205] [6.2 Effect Control Side Timer Interrupt Processing] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the effect control side timer interrupt processing. The effect control side timer interrupt processing is activated by an interrupt every fixed time (1 ms) from the CTC and is executed by interrupting during the execution of the effect control side main processing.

[0206] In step S601, the effect control unit 121 saves the contents of the register in the stack area, and then in step S602, executes button input state update processing. In this button input state update processing, the input state of the operation detection signal from the operation button 25 is monitored, and when it is confirmed that the operation detection signal has been received, the detection information is stored in a predetermined area of the RWM.

[0207] In step S603, the effect control unit 121 executes movable object accessory operation update processing. In this movable object accessory operation update processing, based on the effect scenario data and the effect scenario timer, a process of creating motor control data for operating the movable object motor 61a of the movable object accessory 61 is performed.

[0208] In step S604, the effect control unit 121 performs SOL·MOT output processing. In this SOL·MOT output processing, the motor control data of the movable object motor 61a created by the movable object prop movement update processing is output to the motor driver 61c. The motor driver 61c outputs a control signal based on the motor control data to the movable object motor 61a of the movable object prop 61 to be operated, and controls its operation. Thereby, the movable object effect by the movable object prop 61 along the effect scenario is realized.

[0209] In step S605, the effect control unit 121 performs LCD command transmission processing. In this LCD command transmission processing, when there is an LCD command created by the scenario update processing (step S508), the LCD command is transmitted to the VDP circuit 127 to execute image display control for the LCD unit 57. Thereby, an image along the effect scenario is displayed.

[0210] In step S606, the effect control unit 121 executes RTC information acquisition processing. In this RTC information acquisition processing, date and time information (RTC information) measured by the RTC is acquired. This RTC information is used when presenting an effect based on the RTC information.

[0211] In step S607, the effect control unit 121 increments the main loop update counter. This main loop update counter is reset in step S504 during the above-mentioned main processing on the effect control side, and is incremented here.

[0212] In step S608, the effect control unit 121 restores the content of the saved register, ends the timer interrupt processing, and executes the main processing on the effect control side until the next timer interrupt occurs.

[0213] <7. Configuration of the protection cover> A configuration example of the protection cover 300 will be described with reference to the attached drawings. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the relationship between the nail protection part 302 (the part indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 15) which is part of the protective cover 300 and the nail 52. In FIG. 15, the parts indicated by the broken lines are the parts that can be visually recognized by the player through the transparent protective cover 300.

[0214] The nail protection part 302 of the protective cover 300 is provided, for example, to prevent excessive deformation (bending) of the nail 52 due to a load. The nail protection part 302 shown in FIG. 15 protects a plurality of nails 52 that determine whether the game ball flowing down flows to the special symbol 2 start port 43 side or the out port 55 side.

[0215] As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of nails 52 that determine whether the game ball flowing down flows to the special symbol 2 start port 43 side or the out port 55 side are, for example, downstream of the first large winning port 49A and the first special electric accessory 51A, and upstream of the special symbol 2 start port 43 and the normal electric accessory 45. These plurality of nails 52 are arranged to distribute whether the game ball flowing down through the closed first special electric accessory 51A is led to the normal electric accessory 45 or the out port 55. The game ball that has rolled on the movable piece 51Aa of the first special electric accessory 51A through the closed first special electric accessory 51A, that is, contacts some of the plurality of nails 52 (specifically, the four nails 52 shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, etc.) located to the left of the first large winning port 49A and to the right of the special symbol 2 start port 43, or without contacting, is led to either the normal electric accessory 45 or the out port 55.

[0216] The protection of the nail 52 and the nail group 54 by the nail protection part 302 is achieved when a part of the nail 52 contacts the edge of the hole part 304 when the nail 52 is deformed at least in a predetermined direction, and further deformation is prevented (see FIG. 16).

[0217] The four nails 52 illustrated in FIG. 15 are composed of a first nail 52A, a second nail 52B, a third nail 52C, and a fourth nail 52D.

[0218] The first pin 52A is the pin 52 located in the upper right among the four pins 52. The second pin 52B is the pin 52 located diagonally below and to the left of the first pin 52A, and the third pin 52C is the pin 52 located further diagonally below and to the left of the second pin 52B.

[0219] Also, the fourth pin 52D is the pin 52 located on the left side of the first pin 52A.

[0220] The game ball that has rolled on the movable piece 51Aa of the first special electric device 51A in the closed state passes from above to below between the first pin 52A and the fourth pin 52D, and then is distributed to the downward flow path on the right side and the downward flow path on the left side of the second pin 52B.

[0221] The downward flow path on the right side of the second pin 52B is the path through which the game ball mainly flows down to the out port 55 and is regarded as the disadvantageous path R1. Also, the downward flow path on the left side of the second pin 52B is a relatively advantageous path through which the game ball can enter the special symbol 2 start port 43 or the winning port 53 located below it, and is regarded as the advantageous path R2.

[0222] Specifically, the advantageous path R2 branches into an advantageous path R2a through which the game ball is guided to the special symbol 2 start port 43 when the normal electric device 45 is in the open state and an advantageous path R2b through which the game ball is guided to the winning port 53 when the normal electric device 45 is in the closed state at a further downstream position.

[0223] As shown in FIG. 15, the hole portions 304 provided in the pin protection portion 302 of the protection cover 300 are provided separately with the relatively advantageous downward flow path in between. Specifically, the first hole portion 304A provided for the first pin 52A, the second pin 52B, and the third pin 52C located diagonally below and to the right of the advantageous path R2 continuing from the upper right to the lower left at the position of the pin protection portion 302, and the second hole portion 304B provided for the fourth pin 52D located diagonally above and to the left of the advantageous path R2 are different hole portions 304.

[0224] In the example shown in FIG. 15, one first hole 304A is provided for the first nail 52A, the second nail 52B, and the third nail 52C, and one second hole 304B is provided for the fourth nail 52D.

[0225] Also, an example of the relationship between each nail 52 and the hole 304 is shown in FIG. 16.

[0226] As shown in the drawing, the nail 52 is arranged so as to interfere with the edge 304a of the hole 304 when bent in a predetermined direction. Specifically, when the surface 300a on the front side and the back surface 300b on the back side in the protective cover 300 are defined, at least a part of the head 52a of the nail 52 is positioned between the surface 300a and the back surface 300b in the front-rear direction, and the entire head 52a is positioned deeper than the surface 300a.

[0227] Since at least a part of the head 52a of the nail 52 is positioned between the surface 300a and the back surface 300b, when the nail 52 is bent in a predetermined direction, the head 52a interferes with the edge 304a (inner peripheral surface) of the hole 304, and further bending in the predetermined direction is suppressed.

[0228] And, by configuring the entire head 52a of the nail 52, that is, the entire nail 52 not to protrude from the surface 300a to the front side, it becomes difficult to bring a jig or the like into contact with the head 52a in a state where the front frame 7 is open, so it becomes difficult for the player to perform extreme nail adjustment that is disadvantageous.

[0229] The predetermined direction in which the head 52a of the nail 52 interferes with the edge 304a of the hole 304 will be described with reference to FIG. 17.

[0230] The second nail 52B is a nail provided adjacent to both the disadvantageous path R1 and the advantageous path R2.

[0231] By bending the second nail 52B in the direction Dr1 approaching the first nail 52A located on the opposite side across the disadvantageous path R1, the disadvantageous path R1 can be narrowed and the game ball can be easily branched toward the advantageous path R2. Further, the second pin 52B is bent in the direction Dr2 approaching the fourth pin 52D located on the opposite side across the advantageous path R2, so that the advantageous path R2 can be narrowed and the game ball can be easily branched toward the disadvantageous path R1.

[0232] That is, when the second pin 52B is bent in the direction Dr1, it becomes a pin adjustment advantageous to the player, and when it is bent in the direction Dr2, it becomes a pin adjustment disadvantageous to the player.

[0233] Here, based on the relationship between the second pin 52B and the first hole 304A, there are provided a direction in which the second pin 52B can be easily adjusted and a direction in which it is difficult to adjust. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the edge 304a of the first hole 304A is located in the direction Dr2 of the second pin 52B, and the adjustment amount of the second pin 52B is limited. On the other hand, in the direction Dr1 of the second pin 52B, the edge 304a is not located between the second pin 52B and the first pin 52A, and the adjustment amount can be increased.

[0234] That is, the second pin 52B, which is the pin 52 adjacent to both the disadvantageous path R1 and the advantageous path R2 and is located at the branch point of both the downstream paths, is made easy for the player to adjust the pin in the advantageous direction and difficult for the player to adjust the pin in the disadvantageous direction.

[0235] Also, the distance between the second pin 52B and the edge 304a in the direction Dr1 is made longer than the distance between the second pin 52B and the edge 304a in the direction Dr2. By forming the first hole 304A of the pin protection part 302 so as to satisfy such conditions, it is possible to make it easier for the player to make a pin adjustment advantageous rather than a pin adjustment disadvantageous.

[0236] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 18, when the reverse direction of the direction Dr2, which is the direction of narrowing the advantageous path R2, is defined as the direction Dr3, the adjustment of the second pin 52B in the direction Dr2 is a pin adjustment disadvantageous to the player, and the adjustment in the direction Dr3 is a pin adjustment advantageous to the player.

[0237] And in the gaming machine 1, the second pin 52B is made to have a longer distance from the edge 304a in the direction Dr3 than the distance from the edge 304a in the direction Dr2. By forming the first hole portion 304A of the pin protection portion 302 so as to satisfy such conditions, it is possible to make it easier to perform a pin adjustment that is more advantageous than a pin adjustment disadvantageous to the player.

[0238] Also, as shown in FIG. 19, when the direction opposite to the direction Dr1, which is the direction of narrowing the disadvantageous path R1, is defined as the direction Dr4, the adjustment of the second pin 52B in the direction Dr4 is a pin adjustment disadvantageous to the player, and the adjustment in the direction Dr1 is a pin adjustment advantageous to the player.

[0239] And in the gaming machine 1, the second pin 52B is made to have a longer distance from the edge 304a in the direction Dr1 than the distance from the edge 304a in the direction Dr4. By forming the first hole portion 304A of the pin protection portion 302 so as to satisfy such conditions, it is possible to make it easier to perform a pin adjustment that is more advantageous than a pin adjustment disadvantageous to the player.

[0240] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 20, when the central direction of the game ball with respect to the second pin 52B at the moment of collision of the game ball with the second pin 52B is defined as the direction Dr5, and the direction opposite to the direction Dr5 is defined as the direction Dr6, the adjustment of the second pin 52B in the direction Dr5 is a pin adjustment disadvantageous to the player, and the adjustment in the direction Dr6 is a pin adjustment advantageous to the player.

[0241] And in the gaming machine 1, the second pin 52B is made to have a longer distance from the edge 304a in the direction Dr6 than the distance from the edge 304a in the direction Dr5. In other words, among the edge portions 304a of the hole portion 304A shown in FIG. 20, when the portion located in the direction Dr5 with respect to the second pin 52B is defined as the first edge portion 304a1 and the portion located in the direction Dr6 is defined as the second edge portion 304a2, the distance between the second pin 52B and the second edge portion 304a2 is made longer than the distance between the second pin 52B and the first edge portion 304a1. By forming the first hole 304A of the nail protection part 302 so as to satisfy such conditions, it is possible to facilitate a nail adjustment that is more advantageous for the player than a nail adjustment that is disadvantageous.

[0242] Also, it is assumed that the second nail 52B gradually bends in the direction Dr6 as many game balls continue to collide with the second nail 52B. However, by making the distance from the edge 304a longer in the direction Dr6 than in the direction Dr5, it is possible to prevent damage to the edge 304a of the hole 304 of the protective cover 300 due to the bending of the second nail 52B.

[0243] Note that the protective cover 300 or the nail protection part 302 can be paraphrased as a nail adjustment suppression member that suppresses adjustment of the nail 52 in a specific direction (a direction disadvantageous to the player). Such a nail adjustment suppression member does not directly affect the flow path of the game ball itself, but indirectly affects it by adjusting the adjustment amount of the nail 52.

[0244] Also, the nail adjustment suppression member does not change the above-described base (ball output performance) in the gaming machine 1 even if its position is adjusted, and is clearly different from resin parts such as a windmill provided near the nail 52.

[0245] Furthermore, when the big winning opening 49, which is a winning opening that accounts for a large number of prize balls paid out from the gaming machine 1, is arranged in the right gaming area 37b, it is desirable that the nail adjustment suppression member be provided for the nail 52 arranged in the right gaming area 37b. Thereby, it is possible to effectively suppress inappropriate nail adjustment that significantly reduces the number of prize balls obtained even though a big win has been won.

[0246] Note that when a winning opening that accounts for a large number of prize balls paid out from the gaming machine 1 is provided in the left gaming area 37a, it is preferable to provide the nail adjustment suppression member in the left gaming area 37a.

[0247] In the example shown in FIG. 17 and the like, it is possible to perform advantageous and disadvantageous nail adjustments for the player even for the first nail 52A and the fourth nail 52D. For example, in the case of the first nail 52A, as shown in FIG. 21, when the direction of widening the disadvantageous path R1 is defined as direction Dr7 and the opposite direction is defined as direction Dr8, the adjustment of the first nail 52A in the direction of Dr7 is a disadvantageous nail adjustment for the player, and the adjustment in the direction of Dr8 is an advantageous nail adjustment for the player.

[0248] And in the gaming machine 1, the distance between the first nail 52A and the edge 304a in the direction of Dr8 is longer than the distance between the first nail 52A and the edge 304a in the direction of Dr7. By forming the first hole 304A of the nail protection part 302 so as to satisfy such conditions, it is possible to make it easier to perform an advantageous nail adjustment rather than a disadvantageous nail adjustment for the player.

[0249] Also, for example, in the case of the fourth nail 52D, as shown in FIG. 22, when the direction of narrowing the advantageous path R2 is defined as direction Dr9 and the opposite direction is defined as direction Dr10, the adjustment of the fourth nail 52D in the direction of Dr9 is a disadvantageous nail adjustment for the player, and the adjustment in the direction of Dr10 is an advantageous nail adjustment for the player.

[0250] And in the gaming machine 1, the distance between the fourth nail 52D and the edge 304a in the direction of Dr10 is longer than the distance between the fourth nail 52D and the edge 304a of the second hole 304B in the direction of Dr9. By forming the second hole 304B of the nail protection part 302 so as to satisfy such conditions, it is possible to make it easier to perform an advantageous nail adjustment rather than a disadvantageous nail adjustment for the player.

[0251] As shown in each of FIGS. 17 to 22, one hole 304 may be provided for one nail 52, or one hole 304 may be provided for a nail group 54 composed of a plurality of nails 52. For example, the first hole 304A is a hole 304 provided for the nail group 54, and the second hole 304B is a hole 304 provided for one nail 52.

[0252] And the center of the second hole 304B provided for one nail 52 is offset from the center of the corresponding fourth nail 52D. That is, the second hole 304B allows the adjustment amount for the fourth nail 52D to be variable in each direction.

[0253] <8. Modification Examples of the Protection Cover and the Nails> A modification example of the relationship between the protection cover 300 and the nails 52 will be described. [8.1 First Modification Example] The first modification example is an example of the nails 52 provided directly above various winning holes and the protection cover 300 that protects them.

[0254] The protection cover 300 shown in FIG. 23 is arranged to cover at least the peripheries of six nails 52E, 52F, 52G, 52H, 52J, 52K, and the head 52a of each nail 52 is surrounded by the edge 304a of the hole 304.

[0255] Each nail 52 is a nail 52 that can affect the flow path of the game balls flowing down toward the special symbol 2 start hole 43, the normal symbol start hole 47, the big winning hole 49, or the winning hole 53. In this modification example, the nail 52 provided for the winning hole 53 will be described as a representative. In FIG. 23, the winning hole 53 is visible through the transparent protection cover 300 and is shown by a dashed line.

[0256] Four nails 52E, 52F, 52G, 52H are provided above the winning hole 53. Also, the nails 52E, 52F are arranged on the left side of the flow path leading to the winning hole 53. One hole 304C is provided for the nails 52E and 52F.

[0257] And the nails 52G, 52H are arranged on the right side of the flow path. One hole 304D is provided for the nails 52G and 52H.

[0258] A pin 52J is arranged between the pin 52F and the winning port 53. Also, a pin 52K is arranged between the pin 52H and the winning port 53. One hole 304E is provided for the pin 52J. Also, one hole 304F is provided for the pin 52K.

[0259] The pins 52J and 52K are symmetrically arranged separately left and right directly above the winning port 53, and it is possible for a game ball to enter the winning port 53 by passing between the pin 52J and the pin 52K. That is, the flow-down path between the pin 52J and the pin 52K is the advantageous path R2.

[0260] The distance between the pin 52H and the pin 52K is made larger than the diameter of the game ball, and it is possible for a game ball that has deviated from the advantageous path R2 to flow downward to the right. The game ball that has passed between the pins 52H and 52K is guided to an out port 55 (not shown) below. That is, the flow-down path between the pin 52H and the pin 52K is the disadvantageous path R1.

[0261] In this modification, a pin 52K is provided as the pin 52 adjacent to both the disadvantageous path R1 and the advantageous path R2, and it is possible to change the base (performance of ball output) by adjusting the pin 52K.

[0262] In the pin 52K, the distance between the edge 304a of the hole 304F in the direction Dr12, which is the direction of narrowing the disadvantageous path R1, is longer than the distance between the edge 304a of the hole 304F in the direction Dr11, which is the direction of narrowing the advantageous path R2. By forming the hole 304F of the pin protection part 302 so as to satisfy such conditions, it is possible to make it easier for the player to make a pin adjustment that is more advantageous than a pin adjustment that is disadvantageous to the player.

[0263] Further, in the pin 52J, the distance between the edge 304a of the hole 304E in the direction Dr13 (the direction in which the advantageous path R2 is narrowed) is shorter than the distance between the edge 304a in the direction Dr14 (the direction in which the advantageous path R2 is widened). By forming the hole 304E of the pin protection part 302 so as to satisfy such conditions, it is possible to make it easier to perform a pin adjustment that is more advantageous than a pin adjustment disadvantageous to the player.

[0264] In addition, when a part of the edge 304a in the holes 304E and 304F is defined as the third edge 304a3 and the other part is defined as the fourth edge 304a4, the pin 52 is displaced from the center of the hole 304, so that at least one of the third edge 304a3 and the fourth edge 304a4 can be contacted in the pin adjustment. Specifically, when a part of the edge 304a of the hole 304E located in the direction Dr13 in FIG. 23 is defined as the third edge 304a3 and the part located in the direction Dr14 is defined as the fourth edge 304a4, at least the third edge 304a3 can be contacted by the pin 52 in the pin adjustment. Also, in the edge 304a of the hole 304F, a part located in the direction Dr11 in FIG. 23 can be defined as the third edge 304a3, and a part located in the direction Dr12 can be defined as the fourth edge 304a4. Thereby, it is possible to make it easier to perform a pin adjustment that is more advantageous than a pin adjustment disadvantageous to the player.

[0265] Further, for the pins 52F, 52J, and 52K, as shown in FIG. 24, the distance in the direction Dr16 is longer than the distance in the direction Dr15 from each edge 304a. Here, the direction Dr15 is the direction of the center of the game ball as seen from the pin 52 when the game ball collides with the pin 52, and the direction Dr16 is the opposite direction of the direction Dr15. In other words, when, among the edge portions 304a of the hole portion 304 shown in FIG. 24, the portion located in the direction Dr15 with respect to the nail 52 is defined as the first edge portion 304a1 and the portion located in the direction Dr16 is defined as the second edge portion 304a2, the distance between the nail 52 and the second edge portion 304a2 is longer than the distance between the nail 52 and the first edge portion 304a1. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the edge portion 304a of the hole portion 304 of the protective cover 300 from being damaged due to the bending of the nail 52 caused by the collision of the game ball against the nail 52.

[0266] In FIG. 24, since the nail 52 is arranged offset from the center of the hole portion 304, at least with respect to the first edge portion 304a1 where the distance to the nail 52 is short, it may be possible to contact the nail 52 during nail adjustment. And with respect to the second edge portion 304a2, it may be made impossible to contact the nail 52 during nail adjustment. Thereby, it is possible to obtain both the effect of making it difficult to perform nail adjustment that is disadvantageous to the player and the effect of preventing the edge portion 304a from being damaged due to the bending of the nail 52.

[0267] Although not shown in FIG. 24, the same applies to the nails 52E, 52G, and 52H.

[0268] It is desirable that two nails 52, which are symmetrically arranged with respect to the flow-down path immediately before the ball enters the winning opening 53 or the like, and the nails 52J and 52K in the example of FIG. 23, are each provided with a separate hole portion 304. Thereby, extreme nail adjustment that makes it extremely difficult for the ball to enter the winning opening 53 or the like cannot be performed because the head portion 52a of the nail 52 interferes with the edge portion 304a of the hole portion 304 provided corresponding thereto. According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress nail adjustment that impairs the playability of the gaming machine 1.

[0269] Further, when there is a flow-down path in the substantially vertical direction and a flow-down path in the substantially left-right direction branching therefrom, it is desirable that a portion where the hole portion 304 in the protective cover 300 is not provided is arranged at the branching portion.

[0270] In the example shown in FIG. 23, at the branch portion between the disadvantageous path R1 and the advantageous path R2, and in a predetermined section after the branch in the subsequent disadvantageous path R1 and advantageous path R2, portions where the hole 304 of the protective cover 300 is not provided are arranged (the region surrounded by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 23).

[0271] The branch portion of the flow-down path is a portion where the game ball that has collided with the nail 52 is diverted to any one of the flow-down paths by jumping in an irregular direction. Therefore, at the branch portion, it is also assumed that the game ball jumps toward the front side (the player side), and it is conceivable that the game ball collides with the transparent glass 11.

[0272] By arranging portions where the hole 304 of the protective cover 300 is not provided at the branch portion of the flow-down path and its surroundings as in this configuration, the portion where the hole 304 is not provided is positioned between the game board 9 and the transparent glass 11, and it is possible to avoid the collision of the game ball with the transparent glass 11, and it is possible to suppress damage and breakage of the transparent glass 11. In addition, by avoiding the collision between the game ball and the transparent glass 11, it is possible to suppress noise.

[0273] Note that one hole 304 is provided for the nail 52J and the nail 52K with respect to the nail 52. And the nails 52J and 52K are arranged shifted with respect to the center of each hole 304. That is, the nails 52J and 52K make the adjustment amount of the nail 52 variable for each direction.

[0274] Also, one hole 304 is provided for the nails 52E and 52F. And the nails 52E and 52F are arranged shifted in the short direction with respect to the center line (shown by the long dashed-dotted line in FIG. 24) parallel to the longitudinal direction of the hole 304. Thereby, the nails 52E and 52F can make the adjustment amount of the nail 52 variable for each direction.

[0275] In FIGS. 23 and 24, an example is shown in which the nails 52 are symmetrically arranged one by one with respect to the flow-down path immediately before the ball enters the winning opening 53 or the like. However, the nail group 54 may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the flow-down path. Even when the nail group 54 is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the flow-down path immediately before the winning opening 53 or the like, it is desirable that one hole 304 is arranged for the nail group 54 provided on one side of the flow-down path, and another hole 304 is arranged for the nail group 54 provided on the other side.

[0276] As a result, extreme nail adjustment that makes it extremely difficult for the ball to enter the winning opening 53 or the like cannot be done because the head 52a of the nail 52 interferes with the edge 304a of the hole 304 provided correspondingly.

[0277] [8.2 Second Modification Example] The second modification example is an example in which the nails 52 and the holes 304 of the protective cover 300 correspond one by one. The arrangement of the nails 52 is the same as that shown in FIG. 17 or the like.

[0278] In the nail protection part 302 of the protective cover 300, as shown in FIG. 25, a hole 304G provided so as to surround the first nail 52A, a hole 304H provided so as to surround the second nail 52B, a hole 304J provided so as to surround the third nail 52C, and a hole 304K provided so as to surround the fourth nail 52D are provided.

[0279] By providing the nails 52 and the holes 304 one by one in this way, the room for adjustment with respect to the nails 52 can be reduced.

[0280] Also, as shown in FIG. 25, in the second nail 52B, the distance between the edge 304a of the hole 304H in the direction Dr17, which is the direction of narrowing the disadvantageous path R1, is longer than the distance between the edge 304a of the hole 304H in the direction Dr18, which is the direction of narrowing the advantageous path R2. By forming the hole 304H of the nail protection part 302 so as to satisfy such conditions, it is possible to make it easier to make a nail adjustment that is more advantageous than a nail adjustment that is disadvantageous to the player.

[0281] Furthermore, in the first pin 52A, the distance between the edge 304a of the hole 304G in the direction Dr20 (which is the direction of widening the adverse path R1) is shorter than the distance between the edge 304a in the direction Dr19 (which is the direction of narrowing the adverse path R1). By forming the hole 304G of the pin protection part 302 so as to satisfy such conditions, it is possible to make it easier to perform a pin adjustment that is more advantageous than a pin adjustment that is disadvantageous to the player.

[0282] And in the fourth pin 52D, the distance between the edge 304a in the direction Dr22 (which is the direction of widening the advantageous path R2) is longer than the distance between the edge 304a in the direction Dr21 (which is the direction of narrowing the advantageous path R2). By forming the hole 304K of the pin protection part 302 so as to satisfy such conditions, it is possible to make it easier to perform a pin adjustment that is more advantageous than a pin adjustment that is disadvantageous to the player.

[0283] Furthermore, in the gaming machine 1 in this modified example, in each of the first pin 52A, the second pin 52B, and the fourth pin 52D, as shown in FIG. 26, the distance between each edge 304a in the direction Dr24 (the direction in which the pin 52 bends due to the collision of the game ball) is longer than the distance in the opposite direction Dr23. In other words, when a portion of the edge 304a of the hole 304G (304H, 304K) shown in FIG. 26 that is located in the direction Dr23 with respect to the pin 52 is defined as the first edge 304a1 and the portion located in the direction Dr24 is defined as the second edge 304a2, the distance between the pin 52 and the second edge 304a2 is longer than the distance between the pin 52 and the first edge 304a1. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the edge 304a of the hole 304 of the protection cover 300 from being damaged due to the deformation of the pin 52 caused by the collision of the game ball.

[0284] [8.3 Third Modified Example] The third modified example is an example in which one hole 304 is provided for each pin group 54 formed by adjacent pins 52 without straddling the flow-down path.

[0285] As shown in FIG. 27, the game ball flows down between the pins 52 arranged vertically on the left side and the pins 52 arranged vertically on the right side. At this time, the game ball may deviate from the downward flow path that continues in the substantially vertical direction by changing its trajectory by colliding with any of the pins 52 and passing between the pins 52 arranged on the right side.

[0286] The game ball that has passed through between the pins 52 on the right side is guided to an out port 55 (not shown) below it. Therefore, the downward flow path passing through between the pins 52 on the right side is regarded as an adverse path R1. Note that, on the right side, two locations are provided where the game ball can pass through the pins 52 arranged vertically from left to right. The upper downward flow path is regarded as an adverse path R1a, and the lower downward flow path is regarded as an adverse path R1b.

[0287] And the path that flows down substantially straight without branching into the adverse path R1a or the adverse path R1b is regarded as a favorable path R2 that is relatively more favorable than the adverse path R1.

[0288] The pins 52 that are the protection targets of the pin protection portion 302 in this modification are provided without straddling the downward flow path. Specifically, a series of pins 52 arranged vertically on the left side of the favorable path R2 are a pin group 54B provided without straddling the downward flow path, and one hole portion 304L is provided for the pin group 54B.

[0289] On the other hand, a series of pins 52 arranged vertically on the right side of the favorable path R2 have an adverse path R1 provided between the pins 52. Therefore, a pin group 54C composed of two pins 52 provided above the adverse path R1a, a pin group 54D composed of two pins 52 provided between the adverse path R1a and the adverse path R1b, and a pin group 54E composed of three pins 52 provided below the adverse path R1b are respectively provided with corresponding different hole portions 304.

[0290] Specifically, a hole 304M is provided corresponding to the nail group 54C, a hole 304N is provided corresponding to the nail group 54D, and a hole 304P is provided corresponding to the nail group 54E.

[0291] In this way, by not providing the hole 304 that crosses the flow-down path and providing the hole 304 for each nail group 54 divided by the flow-down path, it is possible to suppress inappropriate nail adjustment that significantly narrows the flow-down path.

[0292] Also, as shown in FIG. 27, by providing one hole 304 so as to surround the nail group 54 divided by the flow-down path, the man-hour related to the formation of the hole 304 can be minimized.

[0293] Among the two nails 52 arranged above among the two nails 52 belonging to the nail group 54D, or the nail 52 arranged most above among the three nails 52 belonging to the nail group 54E, the adjustment margin in the direction of narrowing the disadvantageous path R1 and the adjustment margin in the direction of narrowing the advantageous path R2 are different.

[0294] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27, the distance of the corresponding nail 52 from the edge 304a of the hole 304 is made longer in the direction Dr25 of narrowing the disadvantageous path R1 than in the direction Dr26 of narrowing the advantageous path R2. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier to perform nail adjustment that is more advantageous than nail adjustment that is disadvantageous to the player.

[0295] Also, when each nail 52 belonging to the nail group 54B is adjusted in the direction of approaching the advantageous path R2, the game ball is likely to collide, and the game ball is likely to jump to the right. The game ball that has jumped to the right is likely to move to the disadvantageous path R1a or the disadvantageous path R1b. That is, each nail 52 belonging to the nail group 54B may be adjusted in the direction Dr27 of approaching the advantageous path R2, which may be an adjustment disadvantageous to the player.

[0296] In the modification example shown in FIG. 27, for each nail 52 belonging to the nail group 54B, the distance from the edge 304a of the hole 304L is increased in the direction Dr28 that widens the advantageous path R2 rather than in the direction Dr27 that narrows the advantageous path R2. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier to perform nail adjustment that is more advantageous than nail adjustment that is disadvantageous to the player.

[0297] Note that a winning port 53 or the like may be provided below the advantageous path R2 in FIG. 27 and slightly below the nail groups 54B and 54E. In this case, the nail groups 54B and 54E are arranged separately on the left and right directly above the winning port 53 as the nail group 54 that determines the winning or non-winning of the winning port 53.

[0298] Corresponding to such nail groups 54B and 54E, that is, for the nail groups 54B and 54E arranged separately on the left and right of the winning path to the winning port 53, by providing different hole portions 304L and 304P respectively, it is possible to make it difficult to perform extreme adjustments that significantly make it difficult to win the winning port 53.

[0299] [8.4 Fourth Modification Example] The fourth modification example is an example in which a structure arranged around the nail 52 is used as an alternative part of the protective cover 300. An example is shown in FIG. 28.

[0300] In this modification example, a structure 306 as a resin member is arranged around the nail 52 that is the object to be suppressed for adjustment. The structure 306 is different from the protective cover 300 in the other examples described above. The above-mentioned protective cover 300 is arranged in front of each member arranged in the game area 37 in order to protect each part including a decorative member arranged for various purposes with respect to the game area 37 and a partition member provided for partitioning the game area 37 and other areas.

[0301] On the other hand, the structure 306 in this modification example is a decorative member arranged in the game area 37 or the member itself for partitioning the game area 37.

[0302] That is, in this modified example, a part of the structure 306 is used to limit the adjustment range of the pin 52.

[0303] Specifically, the front surface portion 306a of the structure 306 extends in a predetermined direction to form the restricting portion 308. The restricting portion 308 is provided such that a space allowing the game ball to enter is formed between it and the game board 9. That is, the game ball can flow down between the restricting portion 308 and the game board 9.

[0304] The restricting portion 308 is arranged so as to surround a part around a predetermined pin 52. In the example shown in FIG. 28, it is arranged so as to surround the lower part and the left and right directions of two pins 52 arranged directly above the normal symbol starting port 47. Here, the pin 52 arranged at the upper left of the normal symbol starting port 47 is referred to as the pin 52L, and the pin 52 arranged at the upper right is referred to as the pin 52M.

[0305] When the game ball flows down between the pins 52L and 52M, it can win the normal symbol starting port 47, and this path is defined as the advantageous path R2.

[0306] Also, the flow-down path on the left side of the pin 52L is defined as the disadvantageous path R1c that flows downwards without winning the normal symbol starting port 47. Similarly, the flow-down path on the right side of the pin 52M is also defined as the disadvantageous path R1d that flows downwards without winning the normal symbol starting port 47.

[0307] The pins 52L and 52M are farther from the edge portion 308a of the restricting portion 308 in the structure 306 in the direction Dr30 that widens the advantageous path R2 and narrows the disadvantageous path R1 than in the direction Dr29 that narrows the advantageous path R2. Therefore, the positional relationship between the pins 52L and 52M and the structure 306 makes it easier for the player to make an advantageous pin adjustment that widens the advantageous path R2 rather than a disadvantageous pin adjustment that narrows the advantageous path R2.

[0308] In the following description, the hole portion 304 of the protective cover 300 and the restricting portion 308 of the structure 306 are collectively referred to as the "adjustment restraining portion 310".

[0309] <9. Contact mode between the nail and the adjustment restraining part> Several patterns of the contact mode between the nail 52 and the adjustment restraining part 310 are conceivable.

[0310] The first contact pattern is a mode in which the side surface of the head part 52a contacts the edge part of the adjustment restraining part 310 as shown in FIG. 29. This contact mode is referred to as "head side surface contact mode Pt1".

[0311] The second contact pattern is a mode in which the vicinity of the tip of the head part 52a and the edge part of the adjustment restraining part 310 are in contact as shown in FIG. 30. This contact mode is referred to as "head top contact mode Pt2".

[0312] The third contact pattern is a mode in which no part of the nail 52 contacts the adjustment restraining part 310 as shown in FIG. 31. This mode is referred to as "non-contact mode Pt3".

[0313] The head side surface contact mode Pt1 has the positional relationship between the nail 52 and the adjustment restraining part 310 with the least adjustment margin. For example, it is suitable as a contact pattern when adjusting in the direction of narrowing the favorable path R2 or widening the unfavorable path R1.

[0314] The non-contact mode Pt3 has the positional relationship between the nail 52 and the adjustment restraining part 310 with the most adjustment margin. For example, it is suitable as a contact pattern when adjusting in the direction of widening the favorable path R2 or narrowing the unfavorable path R1.

[0315] Also, in the head side surface contact mode Pt1, since the side surface part of the head part 52a contacts the edge part of the adjustment restraining part 310, the contact area of the head part 52a with respect to the edge part of the adjustment restraining part 310 becomes larger than that in the head top contact mode Pt2 and the non-contact mode Pt3. Furthermore, since the adjustment restraining part 310 is a resin member while the nail 52 is a metal member, when the edge part of the adjustment restraining part 310 and the head part 52a are in contact, the edge part side of the adjustment restraining part 310 is damaged, and traces indicating the contact are likely to remain. Therefore, in the head side contact mode Pt1, compared with the top head contact mode Pt2 and the non-contact mode Pt3, traces indicating that the side portion of the head 52a has contacted the edge of the adjustment suppression unit 310 are likely to remain. That is, even if the nail 52 is readjusted to a position where the side portion of the head 52a does not contact the edge of the adjustment suppression unit 310, traces indicating that the side portion of the head 52a has contacted the edge of the adjustment suppression unit 310 remain, so it can be determined that the nail adjustment has been performed.

[0316] The top head contact mode Pt2 has a positional relationship between the nail 52 with a medium degree of adjustment margin and the adjustment suppression unit 310. For example, when the nail 52 bends due to the collision of the game ball, it is suitable as a contact pattern for suppressing excessive bending of the nail 52.

[0317] Also, when it is desired to leave a certain degree of adjustment margin for the nail 52, but if excessive adjustment causes the game ball to be unable to pass through a single flow path, the contact pattern of the top head contact mode Pt2 may be adopted.

[0318] <10. Others> In the above-described protective cover 300, a seal member 312 may be attached so as to close the hole portion 304 (see FIG. 32). The seal member 312 is attached around the hole portion 304 so as to close the hole portion 304, for example, by attaching glue except for the hole portion 304. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 33, glue is attached to the hatched portion of the seal member 312.

[0319] And by not attaching glue to the portion of the seal member 312 corresponding to the hole portion 304, it is possible to prevent the seal member 312 from being adhered to the nail 52. Also, in the hole portion 304, it is assumed that the game ball collides with the nail 52 and jumps forward (toward the player side). By not attaching glue to the portion of the seal member 312 corresponding to the hole portion 304, it is also possible to prevent the seal member 312 from being adhered to the game ball.

[0320] In the gaming machine 1, by peeling off the seal member 312 from the protective cover 300, the adjustment of the nail 52 becomes possible. Therefore, when the seal member 312 is peeled off from the protective cover 300, it may be configured such that the trace of peeling off the seal member 312 remains on the protective cover 300, on the seal member 312, or both. For example, by making a part of the seal member 312 remain on the protective cover 300 when the seal member 312 is peeled off, it is possible to generate a deterrent force against the act of peeling off the seal member 312.

[0321] The seal member 312 is preferably attached so as to close the hole 304 provided for the nail 52 disposed near the specific winning opening when a winning opening that accounts for a large number of prize balls paid out from the gaming machine 1 is defined as a specific winning opening (for example, the big winning opening 49). Thereby, it is possible to make it difficult to perform inappropriate nail adjustment that significantly changes the base (ball output performance).

[0322] In addition, when suppressing the adjustment of the nail 52 provided corresponding to the hole 304 by the seal member 312, it is not necessary to adjust the position of the nail 52 and the position of the hole 304 so that the nail 52 interferes with the edge 304a of the hole 304 in a bent state. That is, the nail 52 only needs to be provided so that the head 52a does not protrude forward from the surface 300a of the protective cover 300.

[0323] In addition, in the gaming machine 1 in which the time limit number of times can be set to a predetermined number of times or more (for example, 100 times or more), or in the gaming machine 1 in which the high-probability normal pattern lottery can be continuously performed for a predetermined number of times or more, it may be considered not to attach the seal member 312. For example, in the manufacturing process of the gaming machine 1, the nail 52 may be bent, or the nail 52 may be bent during the transportation of the gaming machine 1. If the adjustment of the nail 52 is made difficult by attaching the seal member 312 in such a case, since the influence on the base (ball output performance) in the gaming machine 1 is great, the gaming machine 1 cannot be used.

[0324] Therefore, in the specific gaming machine 1 described above, even if a configuration (protective cover 300) is adopted to reduce the room for nail adjustment for the nail 52 near the specific prize ball opening, it is preferable not to perform the attachment of the seal member 312 until then.

[0325] In the game area 37 of the gaming machine 1, the game balls may become jammed. In the protective cover 300 of the gaming machine 1, a relief hole 314 for eliminating jams of game balls and the like is formed. When the seal member 312 is attached to the protective cover 300, it is desirable to provide a corresponding hole 316 at a position corresponding to the relief hole 314 in the seal member 312.

[0326] The relief hole 314 may be provided, for example, near a movable part that affects the flow path of the game balls. In the example shown in FIG. 34, a plurality of relief holes 314 are provided near the movable piece 51Aa of the first special electric accessory 51A.

[0327] The relief hole 314 shown in FIG. 34 is provided to eliminate jams of the game balls sandwiched between the movable piece 51Aa and the protective cover 300 due to the movement of the movable piece 51Aa.

[0328] When a jam of game balls occurs in the gaming machine 1, the hall staff exposes the protective cover 300 by opening the front frame 7 forward, and inserts a slender rod-shaped instrument or the like into the relief hole 314 formed in the protective cover 300 to directly move the game balls and eliminate jams and the like.

[0329] In addition, since the corresponding hole 316 is provided at a position corresponding to the relief hole 314 also in the seal member 312 attached to the protective cover 300, it is possible to eliminate jams of game balls and the like without peeling off the seal member 312. Further, by providing the corresponding hole 316 in the seal member 312, the air generated between the seal member 312 and the protective cover 300 when attaching the seal member 312 to the protective cover 300 can be discharged from the corresponding hole 316, and the seal member 312 can be attached neatly.

[0330] The relief hole 314 of the protective cover 300 and the corresponding hole 316 of the seal member 312 are preferably provided near the movable member disposed on the game area 37. Thereby, when the game ball is pinched between the members due to the movement of the movable member, the clogging can be suitably eliminated.

[0331] Note that the relief hole 314 of the protective cover 300 and the corresponding hole 316 of the seal member 312 are holes having a diameter larger than that of the head 52a of the nail 52. Thereby, the nail 52 detached from the game board 9 or the nail 52 broken by the collision of the game ball can be discharged outside the game area 37 through the relief hole 314 and the corresponding hole 316.

[0332] The game board 9 may be formed with screw holes 318 for attaching the game board 9 and screw holes 318 for attaching components to the game board 9 (see FIG. 35). A screw 320 is attached to the screw hole 318.

[0333] The protective cover 300 is formed with a work hole 322 so that the screw 320 can be attached to the screw hole 318 even when the protective cover 300 is attached to the game board 9. Specifically, the operator inserts the screw 320 and a jig such as a driver into the work hole 322 formed in the protective cover 300 with the front frame 7 open, and inserts the screw 320 into the screw hole 318.

[0334] Here, it is desirable that the diameter of the work hole 322 formed in the protective cover 300 is smaller than the diameter of the game ball. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the game ball from entering the work hole 322 and making it impossible to insert the screw 320 and a jig such as a driver into the work hole 322 formed in the protective cover 300 with the front frame 7 open.

[0335] <11. Arrangement of Rotating Member> As described above, the movable piece 51Ba of the second special electric accessory 51B is opened and closed in the falling small win game among the small win games. Here, the position of the movable piece 51Ba in the closed state is defined as the "closed position Pc", and the position of the movable piece 51Ba in the open state is defined as the "open position Po".

[0336] If the player realizes the movement of the movable piece 51Ba of the second special electric accessory 51B from the closed position Pc to the open position Po at a predetermined timing, it will be found that the advantageous state for the player ends before the lottery result is explicitly presented to the player. This will lead to a decrease in the gaming performance of the gaming machine 1 and a decrease in the player's gaming motivation.

[0337] In this gaming machine 1, the shape and arrangement of the movable piece 51Ba of the second special electric accessory 51B in the closed state are designed to blend in with the design of the surrounding structures, printed matter, decorative objects, etc., making it difficult for the player's line of sight to be directed towards the movable piece 51Ba of the second special electric accessory 51B.

[0338] An example of the aspect of the movable piece 51Ba of the second special electric accessory 51B is shown in FIG. 36. The movable piece 51Ba of the second special electric accessory 51B is attached to the game board 9 from the front.

[0339] On the part of the game board 9 where the movable piece 51Ba of the second special electric accessory 51B is attached, a design 324 is formed along the outer shape of the movable piece 51Ba in the state of being located at the closed position Pc. This design 324 is, for example, in line with the theme of the gaming machine 1, and it is made difficult for the player's line of sight to be directed towards the movable piece 51Ba arranged so as to blend in with the design 324 without a sense of incongruity.

[0340] More specifically, the movable piece 51Ba arranged on the front side of the design 324 is formed, for example, in colorless and transparent. Also, the design 324 is colored, unlike the movable piece 51Ba, so that the player can visually recognize the design 324 behind through the colorless and transparent movable piece 51Ba. Therefore, even if the player's line of sight is directed towards the movable piece 51Ba, it is easier for the player's line of sight to be directed towards the colored design 324 located behind the colorless and transparent movable piece 51Ba, making it difficult to recognize the movable piece 51Ba.

[0341] In addition, when the movable piece 51Ba moves from the closed position Pc to the open position Po, the outer shape of the movable piece 51Ba and the outer shape of the design 324 are made to deviate from each other, thereby preventing the player from being unable to recognize the movable piece 51Ba located at the open position Po at all. That is, when the player's line of sight is directed towards the movable piece 51Ba, it is possible to recognize the movement of the movable piece 51Ba from the closed position Pc to the open position Po.

[0342] In summary, when the movable piece 51Ba is located at the closed position Pc, it is difficult for the player's line of sight to be directed towards the movable piece 51Ba, and it is possible to prevent the lottery result from being known before the explicit presentation of the lottery result. When the movable piece 51Ba is located at the open position Po, by making it easy for the player to recognize the movable piece 51Ba, when the player's line of sight is directed towards it, the player can recognize the movement of the movable piece 51Ba, and it is possible to prevent an adverse effect from occurring by noticing the timing of obtaining a winning ball.

[0343] That is, by providing the movable piece 51Ba and the design 324 on the gaming machine 1 as described above, it is possible to achieve both the first effect of preventing the lottery result from being recognized before the explicit presentation of the lottery result to the player and the second effect of suppressing the occurrence of an adverse effect, which is an effect contrary to the first effect, due to the player being unable to recognize the movement state of the movable piece 51Ba at all.

[0344] Note that the design 324 may be formed as a colorless and transparent one having unevenness. In that case, for example, a solenoid mechanism or a link mechanism for moving the movable piece 51Ba may be arranged as a colored part on the back side of the game board 9 on which the colorless and transparent design 324 is formed. This makes it possible to attract the player's attention to the colored solenoid mechanism and link mechanism.

[0345] In the example of FIG. 36, an example is shown in which a design 324 that matches the outer shape of the movable piece 51Ba located in the closed state is applied to the game board 9. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a design 324 that matches the outer shape of the movable piece 51Ba located in the open state may be applied to the game board 9. Further, both the design 324 that matches the outer shape of the movable piece 51Ba located in the closed state and the design 324 that matches the outer shape of the movable piece 51Ba located in the open state may be applied to the game board 9.

[0346] For example, a star-shaped design 324 having five convex portions as shown in FIG. 37 is provided on the game board 9 of the gaming machine 1. The movable piece 51Ba formed in colorless and transparent is arranged so as to overlap one convex portion of the star-shaped design 324 at the closed position Pc. And the movable piece 51Ba (dashed-dotted line in the figure) at the open position Po is arranged so as to overlap another convex portion in the design 324.

[0347] At this time, by changing the color of each convex portion in the star-shaped design 324, it may be possible to distinguish the movable piece 51Ba at the closed position Pc from the movable piece 51Ba at the open position Po.

[0348] This makes it easier to focus on the design 324 than on the movable piece 51Ba, and the first effect described above can be obtained. Also, by changing the color of the background design 324 according to the position of the movable piece 51Ba, it is possible to obtain the second effect described above that the player can grasp the position of the movable piece 51Ba.

[0349] In the case where the star-shaped design 324 is provided on the game board 9 and the movable piece 51Ba is arranged so as to overlap different convex portions of the star, when the movable piece 51Ba moves from the closed position Pc to the open position Po, it will pass through the portion between the convex portions of the star.

[0350] By moving the movable piece 51Ba between the portion (convex portion) where the design is provided and the portion where it is not provided (the portion between the convex portions), the player can recognize the movement of the movable piece 51Ba (the second effect described above).

[0351] Therefore, in this case, the colors of the convex portion corresponding to the closed position Pc and the convex portion corresponding to the open position Po in the star-shaped design 324 may be formed of the same color.

[0352] Another example of the design 324 is shown in FIG. 38. The design 324 shown in FIG. 38 is provided in the same manner for all of the movable piece 51Ba located at the closed position Pc, the movable piece 51Ba located at the open position Po (the one-dot chain line in the figure), and the movable piece 51Ba located therebetween. In the example of FIG. 38, a design 324 imitating an hourglass is provided on the game board 9. Note that the portion indicated by the broken line in FIG. 38 shows the portion that can be visually recognized by the player through the transparent movable piece 51Ba of the design 324.

[0353] And, for example, by forming the movable piece 51Ba to be colorless and transparent and forming the design 324 to be colored, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to recognize the movable piece 51Ba (the first effect).

[0354] Furthermore, the movable piece 51Ba is in a state where the left side is adjacent to (along) one side of the design 324 when located at the closed position Pc, and in a state where the right side is adjacent to (along) one side of the design 324 when located at the open position Po. Therefore, the player can recognize the movement of the movable piece 51Ba (the second effect).

[0355] Note that the movable piece 51Ba in each figure may be formed of a member having the same color as the design 324 instead of being formed to be colorless and transparent. Also, the movable piece 51Ba may have the same decoration (such as unevenness) as the design 324 formed thereon.

[0356] Furthermore, when the above-described protective cover 300 is disposed between the movable piece 51Ba and the transparent glass 11, a design 324 may be formed on the protective cover 300 instead of the game board 9. And in that case, the protective cover 300 is formed of a transparent member and has a design 324 formed by unevenness. For example, the movable piece 51Ba located at the closed position Pc may be visible through the design 324, and the movable piece 51Ba located at the open position Po may be visible without passing through the design 324.

[0357] Thereby, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to recognize the movable piece 51Ba located at the closed position Pc (first effect). And since the player can clearly recognize the movable piece 51Ba located at the open position Po, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of disadvantages due to the inability to recognize the movable state of the movable piece 51Ba at all (second effect).

[0358] <12. Summary> Hereinafter, a configuration example of the gaming machine 1 will be described. The gaming machine 1 can adopt the following (Configuration 1-1). (Configuration 1-1) The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment includes a game area 37 through which game balls flow down, a game board 9 to which a plurality of pins 52 including predetermined pins disposed at predetermined positions are attached, and a resin member (protective cover 300) disposed in the vicinity of the predetermined pins. And the predetermined pin in the gaming machine 1 is disposed in the right game area 37b provided on the right side of the center of the game board 9 in a front view as the game area 37. The resin member has a hole 304 formed so as to surround the side of the head 52a of the predetermined pin. The hole 304 has a first edge (first edge 304a1) and a second edge (second edge 304a2), and is configured such that the distance between the predetermined pin and the second edge (second edge 304a2) is longer than the distance between the predetermined pin and the first edge (first edge 304a1). Note that the predetermined pin includes not only the pin 52 but also a pin group 54. The resin member may be the adjustment suppression portion 310 described above. If the nail adjustment leaves too much room for adjustment, it will be possible to make adjustments that are extremely disadvantageous to the player. On the other hand, during the game of the gaming machine 1, game balls are intermittently launched into the game area 37, so that the game balls continuously collide with the nail 52. At this time, due to the collision of the game balls, the nail 52 is likely to bend in a predetermined direction. However, if the adjustment margin in that direction is too small, the bending due to the collision may not be allowed and the nail 52 may break. Thus, preventing inappropriate adjustment of the nail 52 and preventing the nail from breaking are conflicting requirements and are difficult to achieve. According to this configuration, a resin member (protective cover 300) is arranged around the predetermined nail. When the nail 52 is bent, the head 52a of the nail 52 interferes with the edge 304a of the resin member, making further nail adjustment impossible and making it difficult for the player to make extremely disadvantageous nail adjustments. And for the predetermined nail, by increasing the distance from the edge of the resin member in the direction (collision direction) in which the game ball is bent by the collision of the game ball, it is possible to prevent the nail from breaking due to the collision of the game ball. Thereby, it becomes possible to suitably realize the above-mentioned conflicting requirements in the gaming machine 1. As the game area 37, a left game area 37a located on the left side in the front view and a right game area 37b located on the right side are provided, and the predetermined nail (nail 52) is arranged in the right game area 37b. The nail 52 may be collided with game balls from various directions depending on its arrangement location, or may be mainly collided with from a specific direction. For example, in the right game area 37b, since the area where the game ball can flow down is narrow, the game ball is likely to flow down a predetermined flow path, and the collision direction of the game ball is also limited for each nail 52. By increasing the distance between the resin member (protective cover 300) and the edge 304a in the collision direction of the game ball with respect to such a nail 52, the above-mentioned effects can be suitably obtained. Further, the resin member (protective cover 300) is formed with a hole 304 so as to surround the side of the head 52a of the predetermined nail (nail 52), and the edge of the hole 304 is provided as the edge 304a. By providing the hole portion 304 so as to surround the predetermined nail, it is possible to make it difficult to perform inappropriate nail adjustment with respect to the predetermined nail regardless of the direction.

[0359] In addition to (Configuration 1-1), the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment may include the following (Configuration 1-2). (Configuration 1-2) One hole portion 304 is provided corresponding to one predetermined nail in the resin member (protective cover 300), and the hole portion 304 is arranged with a deviation in the center position from the predetermined nail. For example, when arranging so as to align the centers of the predetermined nail and the hole portion 304, the distance between the predetermined nail and the edge portion 304a is determined in the direction in which the predetermined nail is easily bent, and the diameter of the hole portion 304 is determined by applying the determined distance in all directions. On the other hand, by arranging the predetermined nail at a position deviated from the center of the hole portion 304 so that the distance from the edge portion 304a becomes relatively long in the direction in which the predetermined nail is easily bent, the diameter of the hole portion 304 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult to perform inappropriate nail adjustment with respect to the predetermined nail. Note that not only the predetermined nail and the hole portion 304 correspond one-to-one, but also a nail group 54 composed of a plurality of nails 52 and the hole portion 304 may correspond one-to-one. For example, each nail 52 belonging to the nail group 54 may be arranged at a position deviated from the center line of the hole portion 304. Thereby, the size of the hole portion 304 can be formed smaller. In this configuration, further, the predetermined nail and the hole portion 304 correspond one-to-one. Thereby, compared with the case where one hole portion 304 is provided for a plurality of nails 52, it is possible to reduce the diameter and size of the hole portion 304.

[0360] The gaming machine 1 may adopt the following (Configuration 2-1). (Configuration 2-1) The gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment includes a winning opening (special symbol start opening 43, normal symbol start opening 47, big winning opening 49, winning opening 53, etc.) where a predetermined number of prize balls can be obtained when a game ball enters, a pin 52 located on the downstream side in the winning path which is the flow-down path when the game ball enters the winning opening, and a specific resin member (protective cover 300) provided near the pin 52 and having a hole portion 304 corresponding to the pin 52. The pin 52 includes a first pin (for example, pin 52J in FIG. 23) provided on one side of the flow-down path and a second pin (for example, pin 52K in FIG. 23) provided on the other side of the flow-down path. The hole portion 304 includes a first hole portion (for example, hole portion 304E in FIG. 23) corresponding to the first pin and a second hole portion (for example, hole portion 304F in FIG. 23) corresponding to the second pin. The hole portion 304 (for example, hole portions 304E and 304F) has a first edge portion and a second edge portion, and at least one of the first edge portion and the second edge portion is configured such that the corresponding pin 52 bent in a predetermined direction can come into contact therewith. Here, the first edge portion refers to, for example, the third edge portion 304a3 shown in FIG. 23 and the first edge portion 304a1 shown in FIG. 24. Also, the second edge portion refers to, for example, the fourth edge portion 304a4 shown in FIG. 23 and the second edge portion 304a2 shown in FIG. 24. The pin 52 targeted in this configuration is a pin 52 provided immediately before the winning opening and is a pair of pins 52 or a pair of pin groups 54 that are divided and arranged on the left and right or up and down of the flow-down path. By arranging different hole portions 304 for such a pair of pins 52 or pin groups 54 respectively, it is possible to make it impossible to perform an adjustment that makes it extremely difficult to win at the winning opening, that is, an adjustment that extremely reduces the distance between the pair of pins 52. As a result, it is difficult to perform a pin adjustment that is extremely disadvantageous to the player. And it is possible to prevent the player's gaming motivation from decreasing. Note that pin groups 54 may be provided on one side and the other side of the winning path to a predetermined winning opening, and corresponding hole portions 304 may be provided for each of the pin groups 54.

[0361] The gaming machine 1 can adopt the following (Configuration 3-1). (Configuration 3-1) The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment includes a game board 9 to which a plurality of pins 52 are attached, and a transparent resin member provided with a space between the game board 9 as a game area 37 through which game balls can flow down. The plurality of pins 52 include a predetermined pin (pin 52) adjacent to both an advantageous flow path R2, which is a relatively advantageous flow path for the player among a plurality of flow paths through which the game balls flow down, and a disadvantageous flow path R1, which is a relatively disadvantageous flow path. The resin member includes a specific resin member (protective cover 300, structure 306) disposed in the vicinity of the predetermined pin. The specific resin member has an edge 304a (308a), and the distance between the predetermined pin and the edge 304a (308a) is made longer in the direction of narrowing the disadvantageous flow path R1 than in the direction of narrowing the advantageous flow path R2. If too much adjustment margin is left in the pin adjustment, adjustments that are extremely disadvantageous to the player can be made. On the other hand, adjustments that are advantageous to the player are suitable for arousing the player's gaming desire and improving the operation of the gaming machine 1. According to this configuration, a specific resin member is provided around the predetermined pin, and excessive pin adjustment can be suppressed by the pin 52 interfering with the specific resin member during pin adjustment. Furthermore, regarding the adjustment direction during pin adjustment, by leaving a large adjustment margin in the direction advantageous to the player and reducing the adjustment margin in the disadvantageous direction, inappropriate pin adjustments that impose excessive disadvantages on the player are made impossible. The pin 52 adjacent to both the advantageous flow path R2 and the disadvantageous flow path R1 may be defined, for example, as a pin 52 that a game ball flowing down the advantageous flow path R2 can contact and that a game ball flowing down the disadvantageous flow path R1 can also contact.

[0362] The gaming machine 1 can adopt the following (Configuration 4-1). (Configuration 4-1) The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment includes a game board 9 to which a plurality of pins 52 are attached, and a rotating member (movable piece 51Ba) having a shaft portion (shaft portion of the movable piece 51Ba), capable of rotating about the shaft portion as a rotation center, and arranged so as to be able to overlap with a design 324 provided corresponding to a predetermined position on the game board 9 in a front view. The rotating member takes a fused state in which it fuses with the design 324 and a non-fused state in which it does not fuse with the design 324 according to the rotation. The integrated state refers to the state of being arranged in a manner conforming to Design 324. For example, it is a state in which at least a part of the line forming the rotating member coincides with the line forming Design 324, and the rotating member is relatively inconspicuous. For example, it can be said that the state is such that one's eyes tend to be drawn more to Design 324 than to the rotating member. On the other hand, the non-integrated state refers to the state of being arranged in a manner that does not blend in with Design 324. For example, it is a state in which the line forming the rotating member does not coincide with the line forming Design 324, and the rotating member is recognizable separately from Design 324. For example, it can be said that the state is such that one's eyes tend to be drawn more to the rotating member than to Design 324. For example, when the rotating member is a member that rotates according to the lottery result, by providing an integrated state as the state of the rotating member, specifically, by making it in an integrated state when not movable, it is possible to make it difficult for the player's line of sight to reach the rotating member, and it is possible to prevent the result from being recognized before the explicit presentation of the lottery result (the first effect). Also, by providing a non-integrated state as the state of the rotating member, specifically, by making the rotating member in a non-integrated state when rotating, it becomes possible to make the rotating member conspicuous when it rotates, and when the player is looking at the rotating member, it becomes possible to recognize the rotation of the rotating member. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of disadvantages due to the inability to recognize the movable state of the rotating member at all (the second effect). That is, by providing both an integrated state and a non-integrated state for the rotating member, it becomes possible to suitably obtain both the contradictory first effect and second effect. And by making the line forming the rotating member and the line of Design 324 substantially coincide, it becomes easier to recognize the rotating member as a part of Design 324, and the situation where consciousness is directed to the rotating member is suppressed. Thereby, it becomes possible to make it difficult to notice the existence of the rotating member, and it is possible to suitably prevent the result from being recognized before the explicit presentation of the lottery result to the player. Note that the state where the line forming the rotating member and the line of Design 324 are substantially coincident may be not only the case where the two lines overlap in a front view, but also the case where they are arranged substantially parallel. And the state where the line forming the rotating member and the line forming Design 324 do not coincide may be the state where the two lines are non-parallel.

[0363] In addition to (Configuration 4-1), the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment may further include the following (Configuration 4-2). (Configuration 4-2) The rotating member (movable piece 51Ba) is movable between a first position (for example, a closed position Pc) and a second position (for example, an open position Po) by rotation, the state of being located at the first position is set as a harmonious state, and the state of being located at the second position is set as a non-harmonious state. Thereby, when the rotating member is located at the first position, it is possible to suppress the situation where consciousness is directed to the rotating member. And when it is located at the second position, it is possible to make the rotating member easy to recognize, and it is possible to suppress the disadvantage caused by the fact that the movable state of the rotating member is not known.

[0364] In addition to (Configuration 4-1) and (Configuration 4-2), the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment may further include the following (Configuration 4-3). (Configuration 4-3) The rotating member (movable piece 51Ba) is movable between a first position (for example, a closed position Pc) and a second position (for example, an open position Po) by rotation, the states of being located at the first position and the second position are both set as harmonious states, and the state of being located at an intermediate position between the first position and the second position is set as a non-harmonious state. When the rotating member is stopped at the first position or the second position, it is possible to suppress the situation where consciousness is directed to the rotating member. And during the movement from the first position to the second position, or during the movement from the second position to the first position, by providing a timing at which the rotating member can be clearly recognized, it becomes possible for the player to recognize that the rotating member has rotated, and the above-mentioned disadvantages can be suppressed.

[0365] The gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment may include the following (Configuration 4-4) in addition to (Configuration 4-1), (Configuration 4-2), and (Configuration 4-3). (Configuration 4-4) At least a part of the color of the portion other than the shaft portion of the rotating member (movable piece 51Ba) is a color different from the color of the shaft portion. As a result, in the fused state, it becomes difficult for the player to recognize the movable portion other than the shaft portion, and the above-described first effect can be obtained.

Explanation of Signs

[0366] 1 Gaming machine 9 Game board 11 Transparent glass 37 Gaming area 37a Left gaming area 37b Right gaming area 43 Special symbol 2 start port 47 Normal symbol start port 49 Big winning port 49A First big winning port 49B Second big winning port 52, 52E, 52F, 52G, 52H, 52J, 52K, 52L, 52M Nails 52A First nail 52B Second nail 52C Third nail 52D Fourth nail 52a Head 53 Winning port 54 Nail group 55 Out port 300 Protection cover 300a Front surface 300b Back surface 302 Nail protection part 304, 304C, 304D, 304E, 304F, 304G, 304H, 304J, 304K, 304L, 304M, 304N, 304P Hole parts 304A First hole part 304B Second hole part 304a Edge 304a1 First edge (first edge) 304a2 Second edge (second edge) 304a3 Third edge part (first edge part) 304a4 Fourth edge part (second edge part) 306 Structure 306a Front surface part 308 Regulation part 308a Edge 310 Adjustment suppression part 324 Design Pc Closed position Po Open position R1 Adverse path R2, R2a, R2b Favorable paths

Claims

Claim 1 a game area where game balls flow down, a game board to which a plurality of pins including a predetermined pin arranged at a predetermined position are attached, In a gaming machine comprising a resin member disposed in the vicinity of the predetermined pin, the predetermined pin is disposed in a right game area provided on the right side of the center of the game board in a front view as the game area, the resin member is formed with a hole so as to surround the side of the head of the predetermined pin, the hole has a first edge and a second edge, configured such that the distance between the predetermined pin and the second edge is longer than the distance between the predetermined pin and the first edge gaming machine. Claim 2 one hole is provided for the resin member corresponding to one of the predetermined pins, the hole is arranged with a deviation in the center position from the predetermined pin The gaming machine according to claim 1.

Images