Game machine

Abstract

To increase amusement of a game utilizing a distribution member.SOLUTION: A distribution member 55 has a rotary base 56 capable of turning continuously with a rotating shaft J1 extending in a horizontal direction of a game machine 10 as a center, and multiple receiving sections 56T projecting in a radial direction from an outer peripheral surface of the rotary base 56 receive game balls that flow down and are rotated. For each section 56K that is formed between the reception sections 56T and can receive game balls one by one, an end in one side of left and right directions is blocked by a regulation section 57 and the other side is open. The regulation section 57 blocks one of inlets to first and second branches 53L, 53R that are bifurcated in a lower portion of the distribution member 55, such that game balls are distributed to the first branch 53L or the second branch 53R. The distribution member 55 can be rotated continuously in one direction and distribution of game balls can be performed continuously, thus increasing amusement of a game.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to gaming machines. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A conventional gaming machine is known in which a distributing member that swings left and right distributes game balls flowing down alternately to the left and right. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-055867 A (paragraphs

[0041] ,

[0042] , Figure 2) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for an improved entertainment value of the game using a distribution member compared to the conventional gaming machines described above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure made to solve the above problems is a gaming machine equipped with a distribution member that distributes game balls to routes that are advantageous or disadvantageous to the player, the distribution member being supported on a shaft so as to be continuously rotatable in one direction, and being arranged at multiple locations in the direction of rotation, the gaming machine being equipped with a receiving section that receives game balls flowing down and rotates the distribution member, and a regulating section that is arranged at the end in the axial direction and regulates the movement of game balls toward that end. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The gaming machine according to the present disclosure has an unprecedented configuration in which a distribution member is axially supported so as to be continuously rotatable in one direction, and receiving portions for receiving game balls flowing down are arranged at multiple locations in the rotation direction. Here, for example, conventional distribution members that swing left and right to distribute game balls alternately left and right distribute one game ball each time the rotation direction of the distribution member is changed, and unless the rotation direction of the distribution member is changed, the distribution of game balls cannot be continued. In contrast, the distribution member according to the present disclosure allows the distribution of game balls to be continued while the distribution member is continuously rotated in one direction, thereby improving the entertainment value of the game. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an enlarged front view of the right-side flow area. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an enlarged front view of the left side flow area. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sorting device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional perspective view of the sorting device in a first state, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the sorting device in a second state. [Figure 7] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the distributing member, and FIG. 7B is a side view of the distributing member. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an enlarged front view of the downstream flow area. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the display decorative frame. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the lower frame. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the duct section. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the left frame. [Figure 13] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of the sorting device as seen from the front, and FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the sorting device as seen from the rear. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the sorting device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [First embodiment] A gaming machine 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 14. The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is a pachinko gaming machine, and as shown in Figure 1, the front surface is covered by a front frame 10Z, and a playing area R1 of a playing board 11 shown in Figure 2 can be seen through a glass window 10W of the front frame 10Z. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the side of the gaming machine 10 closer to the player will be referred to as the "front side," and the opposite side will be referred to as the "rear side," and the "right" and "left" when viewing the gaming machine 10 from the front will simply be referred to as the "right side" and "left side."

[0009] As shown in Figure 2, the upper and left sides of the game area R1 are surrounded by a guide rail 12. The guide rail 12 forms a ball guide path 12R on the left side of the game board 11, and its upper end forms an entrance 12K. When a player operates the launch handle 18 (see Figure 1), a game ball launched from a launch device (not shown) passes through the ball guide path 12R and enters the game area R1 through the entrance 12K. The portion of the guide rail 12 located above the entrance 12K forms an arc-shaped guide section 12E that can guide the game ball that has entered the game area R1 from the entrance 12K diagonally upward to the right.

[0010] A display window 11H penetrating the gaming board 11 is formed in the center of the gaming area R1, and a display screen 13G of the display device 13 can be seen through the display window 11H. Various effects related to the game are displayed on the display screen 13G. A decorative display frame 14 is attached to the opening edge of the display window 11H from the front side of the gaming board 11 to prevent gaming balls from entering the display window 11H. The decorative display frame 14 divides the gaming area R1 into a left-side flow-down area R2 on the left side of the display window 11H, a right-side flow-down area R3 on the right side, and a downward flow-down area R4 below the display window 11H.

[0011] The right portion of the upper end surface of the display-decorative frame 14 is a right connecting guide wall 14A that extends in an arc shape along the arc-shaped guide portion 12E of the guide rail 12, and an upper connecting flow path 15 through which game balls can pass one by one is formed between this right connecting guide wall 14A and the arc-shaped guide portion 12E. The game balls that pass through the upper connecting flow path 15 flow down the right flow-down area R3.

[0012] Additionally, a flow-down guide wall 14B is provided on the left side of the upper end surface of the display-decorative frame 14. This wall 14B can receive and guide to the left any gaming balls that are guided by the arc-shaped guide portion 12E of the guide rail 12 but do not reach the upper connecting flow path 15. The flow-down guide wall 14B is bent in a crank shape from the left end of the right connecting guide wall 14A and slopes downward to the left. The flow-down guide wall 14B also includes a vertical wall 14D extending vertically at a position opposite the entrance 12K. The area between the straight portion extending right from the upper end of the vertical wall 14D and an imaginary extension of the right connecting guide wall 14A is the ball introduction area R5. The ball introduction area R5 is a so-called "ball introduction" area. When a player launches a gaming ball aimed at the ball introduction area R5, the gaming ball is received by the flow-down guide wall 14B, making it easier for the ball to enter the left-side flow-down area R2. If the player shoots the gaming ball with a weaker shooting intensity than that aimed at the ball introduction area R5, the gaming ball will be more likely to enter the left-side flow-down area R2 directly from the entrance 12K, and if the player shoots the gaming ball with a stronger shooting intensity than that aimed at the ball introduction area R5, the gaming ball will be more likely to pass along the arc-shaped guide portion 12E, pass through the upper connecting flow path 15, and enter the right-side flow-down area R3. In other words, the player can freely select between a so-called "left hit," in which the shooting intensity is adjusted so that the gaming ball flows down the left-side flow-down area R2, and a so-called "right hit," in which the shooting intensity is adjusted so that the gaming ball flows down the right-side flow-down area R3.

[0013] A game ball shot into the game area R1 enters one of the multiple winning holes or multiple outlets 16 provided in the game area R1, is taken in at the rear of the game board 11, and is then collected in a collection duct (not shown) below the game board 11. These multiple winning holes or multiple outlets 16 are arranged and structured as follows.

[0014] In the lower flow-down area R4, a first start winning hole 20 is provided below the center position of the lower side of the display decorative frame 14. The first start winning hole 20 is configured to allow a game ball hit from the left to enter.

[0015] The first starting winning hole 20 is formed inside a winning projection 30 that protrudes from the front of the game board 11. The winning projection 30 has a trapezoidal shape with a lower side shorter than an upper side when viewed from the front. The upper side is wide enough for two to four game balls, and has a pocket structure with an upper opening 30K at the center of the width of the upper surface, which can receive one game ball at a time. The upper surface is provided with a pair of rolling walls 31A, 31B that slope downward toward the upper opening 30K. These walls receive game balls that have flowed down above the winning projection 30 and guide them to the upper opening 30K (see FIG. 8). Of the pair of rolling walls 31A, 31B, the upper surface of the rolling wall 31B located on the right side of the upper opening 30K is positioned lower than the upper surface of the rolling wall 31A located on the left side. Although not shown, the upper surface of the rolling wall 31B is offset rearward and slopes downward rearward.

[0016] In the lower flow-down area R4, an outlet 16 is provided at the lowest end of the game area R1, directly below the winning projection 30. In addition, on the left side of the winning projection 30, a plurality of normal winning holes 17 and a plurality of outlets 16 are arranged side by side along the guide rail 12.

[0017] Of these multiple normal winning holes 17 and multiple outlets 16, the outlet 16 located at the lowest end of the game area R1 opens to the front of the game board 11, and the others have protrusions that protrude from the front of the game board 11 to form a pocket structure, and open upward or to the side with a width equivalent to that of one game ball. Also, although not shown, multiple obstacle nails are dispersed above these multiple pocket-structured normal winning holes 17 and outlets 16.

[0018] As shown in Figure 3, in the right-side flow-down area R3, from top to bottom, there are arranged a first large prize opening 36, a start gate 35, a second start prize opening 21, and a second large prize opening 37. All of these ball openings arranged in the right-side flow-down area R3 are configured to allow game balls hit to the right to enter. A detailed explanation will be given below.

[0019] The right-side flow-down area R3 is provided with a common passage 22 through which all gaming balls that have passed through the upper communication passage 15 can pass one by one, and a first special prize opening 36 is provided below the exit of the common passage 22. The first special prize opening 36 opens upward over a range of two to four gaming balls and is normally blocked by a movable door 36T. The movable door 36T is configured to slide between a protruding position protruding from the front of the gaming board 11 and a retracted position retracted from the front. When the movable door 36T is positioned in the retracted position, the first special prize opening 36 is opened, allowing gaming balls to enter the first special prize opening 36. When the movable door 36T is positioned in the protruding position, the first special prize opening 36 is blocked, making it difficult for gaming balls to enter the first special prize opening 36. At this time, the upper surface of the movable door 36T tilts downward to the left, causing the gaming balls to roll from right to left. The game balls that roll on the upper surface of the movable door 36T flow down the first flow passage 23 that guides the game balls to the starting gate 35. The first flow passage 23 extends downward, then bends to the right and then bends further downward, with the starting gate 35 located approximately directly below its exit.

[0020] Further, below the exit of the first flow-down passage 23, a deviation passage 24A and a left-side guide path 24B are provided to the right and left of the starting gate 35. The deviation passage 24A has an entrance at the upper right of the starting gate 35, extends downward to the right, and then bends downward, with an outlet 16 at its lower end that opens to the front of the game board 11. The left-side guide path 24B is located to the left of the starting gate 35, and causes game balls to flow further downward without passing through the starting gate 35. Note that a plurality of obstacle nails (not shown) are arranged at the lower end of the first flow-down passage 23 so that the flow direction of game balls is changed randomly.

[0021] The start gate 35 has a gate-shaped structure that allows the gaming ball to pass through, and when the gaming ball passes through, a determination is made as to whether the normal symbol is correct (hereinafter referred to as "normal symbol determination"). When the normal symbol determination is made, the normal symbol is displayed variably on a normal symbol determination display unit (not shown), and after a predetermined time has passed, it is displayed as a stationary symbol. The result of the normal symbol determination is then displayed based on the stationary normal symbol.

[0022] If the gaming ball passes through the start gate 35 while the normal symbol is changing, information about the normal symbol judgment resulting from that passage (specifically, the display of the normal symbol judgment result and the resulting symbol change) is reserved up to a preset maximum number of reserved items. Then, when the normal symbol change currently in progress is completed, one reserved item is consumed, and the reserved normal symbol change and the judgment result are displayed. The maximum number of reserved items for information about normal symbol judgment (hereinafter referred to as "normal symbol reserve") is, for example, four. Note that if there are multiple normal symbol reserves, the normal symbol reserves are consumed in the order in which they occurred.

[0023] A movable rolling path 25 is located directly below the start gate 35. The movable rolling path 25 is movable forward and backward relative to the front of the game board 11, and is configured to slide between a forward position where it advances from the front of the game board 11 and a backward position where it retreats from the front. The upper surface of the movable rolling path 25 slopes downward to the right, and when the movable rolling path 25 is located in the forward position, it catches a game ball that has passed through the start gate 35 or a part of a game ball that has entered the left guide path 24B, causing the game ball to roll from left to right. On the right side of the movable rolling path 25, a second start winning hole 21 opens facing leftward, and a game ball caught in the movable rolling path 25 enters the second start winning hole 21. The movable rolling path 25 is located in the forward position when the aforementioned normal game play determination is a hit.

[0024] On the other hand, when the movable rolling path 25 is positioned in the retracted position, the gaming ball falls downward. The gaming ball that falls in front of the movable rolling path 25 flows down the second flow-down path 26 that guides the gaming ball toward the second large prize opening 37. Note that a plurality of obstacle nails (not shown) are arranged at the bottom end of the second flow-down path 26 so that the flow-down direction of the gaming ball is changed randomly.

[0025] The second large prize opening 37, like the first large prize opening 36, opens upward over a range of two to four game balls and can be opened and closed by a movable door 37T. When the movable door 37T is positioned in the retracted position, the second large prize opening 37 is opened, allowing game balls to enter. However, when the movable door 37T is positioned in the extended position, the second large prize opening 37 is closed, making it difficult for game balls to enter. At this time, the upper surface of the movable door 37T is tilted downward and left, causing the game balls to roll from right to left. Note that multiple obstacle nails (not shown) are arranged at the destination of the game balls that roll down the upper surface of the movable door 37T, so that the direction in which the game balls flow is randomly changed.

[0026] In addition, at the lower end of the right-side flow-down area R3, there are provided a plurality of normal winning openings 17 and a plurality of outlets 16 into which game balls that have flowed down the right-side flow-down area R3 and have not entered the first large winning opening 36, the second starting winning opening 21, and the second large winning opening 37 can enter. These normal winning openings 17 and outlets 16 have protrusions that protrude from the front surface of the game board 11, forming a pocket structure, and open upward or to the side with a width equivalent to that of one game ball.

[0027] When a game ball flowing down the game area R1 enters one of the above-mentioned winning holes, a prize ball corresponding to that winning hole is awarded. Below, balls entering the first and second starting winning holes 20, 21 and the first and second major winning holes 36, 37 will be described in detail.

[0028] When a game ball enters the first or second starting winning slot 20, 21, a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls, and a determination is made as to whether or not a special symbol has been drawn (hereinafter referred to as "special symbol determination"). The result of the special symbol determination is displayed on the display screen 13G. Hereinafter, when distinguishing between the special symbol determination based on the first starting winning slot 20 and the special symbol determination based on the second starting winning slot 21, they will be referred to as the first special symbol determination and the second special symbol determination.

[0029] The result of the special symbol determination on the display screen 13G is displayed in the following determination notification performance. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the display screen 13G normally displays three special symbols 13A to 13C, left, center, and right, stopped side by side. Each special symbol is made up of a plurality of types, each representing the numbers "0" to "9," for example, and a predetermined type is stopped and displayed for each special symbol. When the special symbol determination is made, the three special symbols 13A to 13C are scrolled (variably displayed) up and down, and after a predetermined time has passed, they are stopped and displayed in the order of, for example, left, right, and center. Then, the result of the special symbol determination is displayed based on the combination of the stopped special symbols.

[0030] When the display screen 13G indicates that the special symbol determination result is a jackpot, the game state changes to a jackpot game state, and the jackpot game is executed. For example, either the first or second jackpot entry port 36, 37 is opened, allowing game balls to enter. When a game ball enters the first or second jackpot entry port 36, 37, a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls. Here, the operation from when the first or second jackpot entry port 36, 37 is opened to when it is closed is referred to as a "round." One jackpot game continues until a predetermined number of rounds have been executed. One round ends when either the first or second jackpot entry port 36, 37 is opened for a predetermined maximum time or when a predetermined maximum number of game balls enter the first or second jackpot entry port 36, 37.

[0031] Here, if a game ball enters the first or second start winning slot 20, 21 during the special symbol variation or jackpot play, information regarding the special symbol determination resulting from that ball entry (specifically, the display of the special symbol determination result and the resulting symbol variation) is reserved up to a preset maximum number of reserved items. Then, when the ongoing symbol variation or jackpot play ends, one reserved item is consumed, and the reserved symbol variation and result display are performed. Here, if the reserved information regarding the first special symbol determination and the reserved information regarding the second special symbol determination are appropriately distinguished as the first special symbol reserve and the second special symbol reserve, a maximum number of reserved items is set for each of the first special symbol reserve and the second special symbol reserve. For example, four first special symbol reserves and four second special symbol reserves can be generated. The number of first special symbol reserves and the number of second special symbol reserves can be recognized by the player, for example, by being displayed on the reserve display section 13H of the display screen 13G.

[0032] That is, to hit the jackpot, the player hits the ball with the aim of landing it in the first or second starting winning slot 20, 21. As mentioned above, the first starting winning slot 20 accepts balls hit from the left, and the second starting winning slot 21 accepts balls hit from the right. The second starting winning slot 21 is normally closed. To open the second starting winning slot 21, the ball must pass through the starting gate 35 and be determined to be a hit. If a hit is determined, the movable rolling path 25 is positioned in the forward position for a predetermined period of time, allowing the ball to enter the second starting winning slot 21. However, under normal circumstances, even if the normal winning is determined to be a hit, the period during which the movable rolling path 25 is positioned in the forward position is extremely short, making it extremely difficult for the ball to enter the second starting winning slot 21. In contrast, when the "time-saving state" described below is entered, the period during which the movable rolling path 25 is in the forward position becomes longer than in the normal state, making it easier for the ball to enter the second starting winning hole 21.

[0033] In addition, jackpots include both time-saving jackpots and non-time-saving jackpots. When a time-saving jackpot occurs, the game state after the jackpot game is executed becomes a time-saving state instead of a normal state, the fluctuation period of the normal map determination becomes shorter, and the period during which the movable rolling path 25 is in the forward position becomes longer. This increases the frequency of normal map determination hits and makes it easier for the ball to enter the second start winning hole 21. In this time-saving state, the frequency of the ball entering the second start winning hole 21 when hit from the right is higher than the frequency of the ball entering the first start winning hole 20 when hit from the left.

[0034] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, in the normal state, it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball from the left to make the game ball flow down into the left flow-down area R2, aim at the first start winning hole 20, and receive the first special symbol judgment. On the other hand, in the time-saving state, it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball from the right to make the game ball flow down into the right flow-down area R3, aim at the second start winning hole 21, and receive the second special symbol judgment.

[0035] Here, the probability of a jackpot based on the special symbol determination, including whether or not a time-saving feature is included, can be changed at will by the staff of the gaming parlor, etc. Specifically, a plurality of "setting values" that set the jackpot probabilities for the first and second special symbol determinations are stored in a main control board (not shown), and the staff, etc., can set one of the plurality of "setting values" as the current setting value by operating a setting operation unit (not shown) located on the back of the gaming board 11, for example, to change the jackpot probability based on the special symbol determination.

[0036] Next, the left side flow-down region R2 will be described. As shown in Fig. 4, the left side flow-down region R2 in this embodiment is divided into a left side subdivided region S1 and a right side subdivided region S2. As a result, a game ball that is hit left-handed and enters the left side flow-down region R2 will either pass through the left side subdivided region S1 or the right side subdivided region S2.

[0037] Specifically, in the left-side flow-down area R2, a branch wall 44 is provided that protrudes from the front of the game board 11 and extends along the guide rail 12, and this branch wall 44 divides the left-side subdivided area S1 from the right-side subdivided area S2. The entrances to the left-side subdivided area S1 and the right-side subdivided area S2 are located directly below the entrance 12K. In addition, a resin protrusion 41 is located above and to the right of the branch wall 44.

[0038] The resin protrusion 41 protrudes from the front surface of the game board 11 and is disposed opposite the vertical wall 14D of the flow-down guide wall 14B with a width sufficient for one game ball to pass through, dividing the path of game balls entering the left-side flow-down region R2 into left and right sides of the resin protrusion 41. The resin protrusion 41 is disposed in a position where the upper part of its right-facing surface 41M will collide with game balls flowing down the flow-down guide wall 14B, so that a game ball struck into the ball introduction region R5 flows down along the flow-down guide wall 14B, collides with the resin protrusion 41, and is guided to the right side of the resin protrusion 41, making it easier for the ball to enter the right-side subdivided region S2. In other words, by aiming at the ball introduction region R5 with a left-handed shot, the game ball can be made to enter the right-side subdivided region S2 with a high probability.

[0039] In the left-side subdivided area S1, a first passage 42 having a width allowing gaming balls to pass through one at a time extends vertically along the ball guide path 12R. A gaming ball that enters the left-side subdivided area S1 and flows down the first passage 42 to the bottom end enters one of the above-mentioned multiple normal winning openings 17 or multiple outlet openings 16 in the lower flow-down area R4. Although not shown, the first passage 42 has a flow path that meanders in the front-to-back direction in part just before entering the lower flow-down area R4, so that the flow speed of the gaming balls is reduced.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 4, a second passage 43 is provided above the right-side subdivided area S2, through which all of the gaming balls that enter the right-side subdivided area S2 can pass one by one, and three sorting devices 50 are arranged in a vertical row at the exit of the second passage 43 along the side edge of the display window 11H. These three sorting devices 50 form a "sorting unit group." Hereinafter, when distinguishing between these three sorting devices 50, they will be referred to as, from top to bottom, a first sorting device 50A, a second sorting device 50B, and a third sorting device 50C.

[0041] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the sorting device 50 has a case 91 that defines its exterior, and at the top of the case 91 is provided a receiving port 51 large enough to allow game balls to pass through one at a time. Inside the sorting device 50, as shown in Figure 5, there is provided an introduction path 52 extending downward from the receiving port 51, and first and second branch paths 53L, 53R that branch off from the introduction path 52. The first and second branch paths 53L, 53R are large enough to allow game balls to pass through one at a time, and are formed side by side. Of the first and second branch paths 53L, 53R, the left one is the first branch path 53L, and the right one is the second branch path 53R. Here, in the first and second sorting devices 50A, 50B, a first guide path 54L that merges with the first passage 42 of the left-side subdivision area S1 is connected to the outlet of the first branch path 53L, and a second guide path 54R that connects to the receiving port 51 of the sorting device 50 located below is connected to the outlet of the second branch path 53R. The outlets of the first and second branch paths 53L, 53R of the third sorting device 50C will be described later. In this embodiment, since the three sorting devices 50 are lined up vertically in a row, the receiving ports 51, first branch paths 53L, and second branch paths 53R of the three sorting devices 50 are also lined up vertically in a row.

[0042] A sorting member 55 is provided at a branching portion of the sorting device 50 from the introduction path 52 to the pair of branch paths 53L, 53R. The sorting member 55 changes between a first state (the state shown in FIG. 6A) in which the sorting member 55 guides game balls that have flowed down the introduction path 52 to the first branch path 53L and restricts them from entering the second branch path 53R, and a second state (the state shown in FIG. 6B) in which the sorting member 55 guides game balls that have flowed down the introduction path 52 to the second branch path 53R and restricts them from entering the first branch path 53L. In this embodiment, the sorting member 55 is placed in either the first state or the second state, i.e., the sorting ratio at which game balls are sorted to the first branch path 53L or the second branch path 53R, is configured to differ between the first and second sorting devices 50A, 50B and the third sorting device 50C.

[0043] In detail, as shown in FIG. 7A, the distributing member 55 includes a rotating base 56 that can continuously rotate around a rotation axis J1 of a shaft portion 56J extending in the left-right direction of the gaming machine 10. The rotating base 56 is cylindrical in shape with an irregular cross section and has a plurality of receiving portions 56T that protrude radially from the outer circumferential surface, and the receiving portions 56T receive and rotate game balls that have fallen down the introduction passage 52. In other words, the distributing member 55 rotates due to the weight of the game balls. The distributing device 50 is provided with a stopper 90 (see FIG. 14). The stopper 90 includes a base portion 90A extending in an arc shape, and a protrusion 90B that protrudes toward the distributing member 55 at the lower end thereof, and the upper end thereof is journaled. The stopper 90 is biased toward the distributing member 55 by the coil 90C, and the protrusion 90B comes into contact with the tip of the receiving portion 56T of the distributing member 55, thereby positioning the distributing member 55 in either the first state or the second state described above. When the receiving portion 56T receives a game ball, the distributing member 55 rotates against the elastic force of the coil 90C, and the next receiving portion 56T comes into contact with the protrusion 90B of the stopper 90, thereby positioning the distributing member 55 again.

[0044] The multiple receiving portions 56T are arranged at equal intervals around the circumferential direction of the rotating base 56, thereby forming multiple compartments 56K on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating base 56, each capable of receiving one game ball between the receiving portions 56T. As shown in FIG. 7B , the inner surface of each compartment 56K is arc-shaped, warped relative to the rotation axis J1. Game balls that have fallen down the introduction path 52 are guided by this arc-shaped inner surface and received in the compartment 56K. The weight of the game balls placed in the compartment 56K is then received by the receiving portions 56T, causing the sorting member 55 to rotate forward by one compartment. In this embodiment, for example, four compartments 56K are formed in the sorting member 55 of the first and second sorting devices 50A and 50B, and for example, six compartments 56K are formed in the sorting member 55 of the third sorting device 50C.

[0045] 7A, the sorting member 55 is provided with a plurality of restricting portions 57 that protrude radially from the axial end, and each compartment 56K has one end on either the left or right side blocked by the restricting portion 57 and the other end open. When the restricting portion 57 blocks the entrance to the second branch path 53R or the first branch path 53L, the sorting member 55 enters the first state or the second state described above, and the game balls received in the compartment 56K move to the side opposite the restricting portion 57 and enter the first branch path 53L or the second branch path 53R.

[0046] In this embodiment, the sorting members 55 of the first and second sorting devices 50A and 50B have four compartments 56K, one of which has a right end blocked by a restrictor 57, and the remaining three compartments 56K have left ends blocked by a restrictor 57. That is, the sorting members 55 of the first and second sorting devices 50A and 50B repeatedly sort game balls falling down the introduction path 52 by sorting one game ball to the first branch path 53L in the first state, and then sorting three game balls consecutively to the second branch path 53R three times in the second state. On the other hand, the sorting member 55 of the third sorting device 50C has six compartments 56K, five of which have right ends blocked by a restrictor 57, and the remaining compartment 56K has left end blocked by a restrictor 57. That is, the sorting member 55 of the third sorting device 50C repeats the sorting operation of sorting game balls falling down the introduction path 52 by sorting five consecutive game balls to the first branch path 53L in the first state five times in a row, and then changing to the second state to sort one game ball to the branch path 53R. In this way, each sorting member 55 regularly sorts game balls that have entered the right-side subdivided area S2 into the first branch path 53L and the second branch path 53R.

[0047] The restricting portion 57 has a bank portion 58 connecting adjacent receiving portions 56T, and a restricting piece 59 protruding from the outer edge of the bank portion 58 and extending to the circumferential center portion. The upper surface of the bank portion 58 protrudes in a mountain-like shape, with an inclined surface 58A on the front side in the rotational direction being slightly recessed, and an inclined surface 58B on the rear side in the rotational direction being slightly bulged (see FIG. 7B). The restricting piece 59 also has an inclined surface 59A on the inner surface on the front side in the rotational direction that gradually inclines in a direction that widens the compartment 56K as it approaches the receiving portion 56T (see FIG. 7A).

[0048] Next, the passages connected to the exits of the first and second branch passages 53L and 53R of the third sorting device 50C will be described. First, the exit of the second branch passage 53R of the third sorting device 50C is connected to the third guide passage 60 that extends toward the lower left edge of the display window 11H, as shown in Figure 8, and the third guide passage 60 is connected to a special passage 61 that guides game balls toward the first start winning hole 20.

[0049] The special passage 61 is formed in the lower edge of the display decorative frame 14. In detail, as shown in Figures 2 and 9, the display decorative frame 14 is composed of an upper frame 14E extending along the upper edge of the display window 11H, a left frame 14F extending along the left side of the display window 11H, and a lower frame 14G extending along the lower edge of the display window 11H, and the special passage 61 is formed inside a duct portion 70 integrally formed with the lower frame 14G. The duct portion 70 extends from the lower end of the left frame 14F to the lower right along the lower edge of the display window 11H, and takes in gaming balls that have flowed down the third guide path 60, guides them to the center in the left-right direction of the lower frame 14G, and discharges them in front of the gaming board 11. As shown in FIG. 10 , the duct section 70 has a front duct wall 70A and a rear duct wall 70B attached to the front duct wall 70A from the rear. The portion of the front duct wall 70A that protrudes laterally beyond the rear duct wall 70B is overlapped and fixed to the front surface of the game board 11. The special passage 61 is formed between the rear surface of the front duct wall 70A and the front surface of the rear duct wall 70B in the shape of a gutter through which game balls can pass one by one (see FIG. 11 ). As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 , a first introduction section 71 having a pocket structure that protrudes from the front surface and opens toward the upper left is provided at the upper left end of the front duct wall 70A. The first introduction section 71 is connected to the outlet of the third guide path 60 and takes in game balls that have flowed down the third guide path 60 and guides them to the special passage 61. In addition to the first introduction section 71, the special passage 61 is provided with a second introduction section 75, which has a pocket structure that protrudes from the front surface and opens toward the left side, on the front surface of the front duct wall 70A below the first introduction section 71. The second introduction section 75 will be described later.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 11 , a bulging portion 73 that bulges forward is formed in the center of the front duct wall 70A in the left-right direction. A plurality of ribs 74 are arranged in a staggered pattern on the opposing surfaces of the front duct wall 70A and the rear duct wall 70B in the portion corresponding to the bulging portion 73, causing a portion of the special passage 61 to meander back and forth and reducing the speed at which game balls flow down. The bulging portion 73 causes a portion of the special passage 61 to be positioned forward of the game board 11. Although not shown, a gap is formed between the upper walls of the front duct wall 70A and the rear duct wall 70B in the portion corresponding to the bulging portion 73, allowing a tool to be inserted from above to clear any ball jams that may occur during the meandering motion.

[0051] Near the right end of the front duct wall 70A, there is provided a gutter-shaped discharge section 72 that protrudes from the front surface, extends vertically, and opens downward. The discharge section 72 bends gaming balls that have rolled to the right along the special passage 61 forward and discharges them downward. As shown in FIG. 8, the lower end of the discharge section 72 is located approximately one to two gaming balls away from a position directly above the upper opening 30K of the winning projection 30 (the opening leading to the first starting winning hole 20). Two pairs of obstacle nails 80A are also located between the front duct wall 70A and the winning projection 30, on the extensions of both side walls of the winning projection 30. These obstacle nails 80A reduce the possibility that gaming balls discharged from the discharge section 72 will fall to the side instead of heading toward the upper surface of the winning projection 30.

[0052] In addition, a pair of drop openings 72D are formed on both the left and right side walls of the release section 72. The pair of drop openings 72D are large enough to allow one gaming ball to pass through, and some of the gaming balls that reach the release section 72 can drop out of the pair of drop openings 72D before reaching the lower end of the release section 72. In this embodiment, even if a gaming ball drops out of the pair of drop openings 72D, it is likely to be bounced off the obstacle nails 80A and guided to the front of the winning projection 30, and most of the gaming balls that pass through the special passage 61 enter the top opening 30K of the winning projection 30. Note that in this embodiment, even if a gaming ball drops out of the pair of drop openings 72D, it is likely to enter the top opening 30K of the winning projection 30; however, a configuration may be adopted in which it is difficult or impossible for a gaming ball to enter the top opening 30K of the winning projection 30 if it drops out of the pair of drop openings 72D. The game balls that have fallen out of the pair of drop-out openings 72D and have not entered the upper opening 30K of the winning projection 30 continue to flow down the game area R1 and then head towards the outlet 16 located directly below the winning projection 30.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 8, the exit of the first branch path 53L of the third sorting device 50C is connected to a fourth guide path 62 that guides game balls downward into the third guide path 60. The fourth guide path 62 allows the game balls discharged from the first branch path 53L to flow downward behind the front of the game board 11, then turn rightward, and discharges them below the third guide path 60 to the front of the game board 11, although this is not shown. A plurality of obstacle nails 80B are arranged below the fourth guide path 62, and these obstacle nails 80B form a special passage guide nail path 81 that slopes downward and to the right from the exit of the fourth guide path 62. The special passage guide nail path 81 is provided with a falling section 82 where the obstacle nails 80B are spaced apart by a distance equal to the width of one game ball. As a result, a gaming ball flowing down the fourth guide path 62 is guided to the lower right through the special path guide nail path 81, or falls straight down through the falling section 82. A gaming ball falling from the falling section 82 enters one of the plurality of normal winning holes 17 or the plurality of outlets 16 in the lower flow-down area R4. The upper end of the special path guide nail path 81 is located above the outlet 42U at the lower end of the first path 42 in the left-side subdivided area S1, so that a gaming ball that has passed through the first path 42 does not enter the special path guide nail path 81.

[0054] The special passage guide nail path 81 is connected to the special passage 61. Specifically, to the right of the upper and lower obstacle nails 80B at the right end of the special passage guide nail path 81, the second introduction section 75 of the duct section 70 described above opens facing leftward. This second introduction section 75 takes in game balls guided to the lower right by the special passage guide nail path 81 and makes them merge with the special passage 61. As a result, game balls sorted to the first branch path 53L by the first or second sorting device 50A, 50B cannot enter the special passage 61, while some of the game balls sorted to the first branch path 53L by the third sorting device 50C can enter the special passage 61.

[0055] With the above configuration, of the gaming balls that enter the right-side subdivided area S2 of the left-side flow-down area R2, those that are sorted to the second branch path 53R by all of the first to third sorting devices 50A-50C are guided to the special path 61. Since the three sorting devices 50 are arranged side by side along the side edge of the display window 11H, some of the gaming balls can appear to flow down along the side edge of the display window. Furthermore, some of the gaming balls are sorted to the second branch path 53R by all of the three sorting devices 50, and then flow down without leaving the side edge of the display window 11H, and are sorted to the right, guided to the special path 61 that extends along the lower edge of the display window 11H, and head toward the first starting winning hole 20 below the display window 11H. Therefore, the flow of the gaming balls from the left of the display window 11H toward the first starting winning hole 20 can appear natural. Moreover, a special passage 61 is provided to guide the game balls sorted to the right by the lowest sorting member 55 to the first start winning hole 20, thereby increasing the player's expectation that the game balls sorted to the right by the sorting member 55 may enter the first start winning hole 20.

[0056] In this embodiment, as described above, the distribution rate of the first and second sorting devices 50A, 50B to the second branch path 53R is 3 / 4, and the distribution rate of the third sorting device 50C to the second branch path 53R is 1 / 6. Therefore, the probability that the gaming balls are guided to the special path 61 by the distribution of the first to third sorting devices 50A to 50C is 3 / 32. Furthermore, since some of the gaming balls distributed to the first branch path 53L by the third sorting device 50C can also enter the special path 61, the probability that the gaming balls that enter the right-side subdivided area S2 are guided to the special path 61 is 3 / 32 or more. Then, most of the gaming balls that enter the special path 61 enter the first start winning hole 20.

[0057] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when a left-handed shot is made in a normal state, if the gaming ball continues to enter the right-side subdivided area S2 aiming at the ball introduction area R5, at least one of the 10 to 11 balls can be made to enter the first start winning hole 20 and receive the first special symbol judgment. In other words, every time 9 to 10 gaming balls are shot into the right-side subdivided area S2, the next gaming ball shot into the right-side subdivided area S2 will enter the first start winning hole 20 with a high probability.

[0058] In addition, in this embodiment, when game balls are continuously fired so as to enter the right-side subdivided area S2, the interval between firing game balls and the pattern change time for the first special pattern determination are determined so that the number of reserved balls for the first special pattern determination is kept at 3 to 4, except when some variable effects occur, making it less likely that the display screen 13G will stop and making it less likely that an overflow will occur in which balls enter the first start winning port 20 when there are already four reserved balls.

[0059] In this embodiment, most of the game balls that enter the special passage 61 are configured to enter the first start winning port 20, but the probability of game balls that enter the special passage 61 entering the first start winning port 20 can be reduced by adjusting the width of the winning projection 30, the size and arrangement of the pair of drop-out ports 72D, and the arrangement of the obstacle nails 80A above the winning projection 30 (it is preferable that 80% or more of the balls enter the first start winning port 20), or a configuration in which 100% of the balls enter the first start winning port 20 can be adopted.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 2, the left-side flow-down area R2 is formed on the left side of the display-decorative frame 14. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the left-side flow-down area R2 is formed on the front surface of the mounting base 77, which is integrally formed with the left frame 14F of the display-decorative frame 14. Specifically, an opening (not shown) that is continuous with the display window 11H is formed through the gaming board 11, and the mounting base 77 covers this opening from the front side, and the front surface of the mounting base 77 is assembled so that it forms the front surface of the gaming board 11. The mounting base 77 has a base main body 77V and multiple side walls 77W that protrude from the front surface of the base main body 77V and divide the left-side flow-down area R2. These side walls 77W form the branch wall 44, the first passage 42, the second passage 43, the first guide path 54L, the second guide path 54R, the third guide path 60, the fourth guide path 62, and the like in the left-side flow-down area R2. The side wall 77W extending along the right edge of the base body 77V forms part of the display decorative frame 14, and the side wall 77W extending along the left edge of the base body 77V forms part of the ball guide path 12R. A resin protrusion 41 is also provided on the front surface of the base body 77V.

[0061] Three openings 77H are formed in a vertical row along the right edge of the base body 77V. These openings 77H are identical in shape and have a bell shape that gradually widens from the top. A sorting device 50 is attached to each of these openings 77H.

[0062] Here, the sorting device 50 is configured such that the sorting members 55, stoppers 90, etc. are housed in a case 91 shown in FIG. 13. The cases 91 of the first to third sorting devices 50 are all identical in shape. The case 91 is box-shaped and made of a transparent or translucent material, and as shown in FIG. 14, has a front wall member 91A that opens to the rear and a rear wall member 91B that opens to the front. A shaft receiving portion 91J that receives the shafts 56J protruding from both the left and right ends of the rotating base 56 of the sorting member 55 is formed on the rear end surface of the front wall member 91A. The lower surface of the front wall member 91A is open, and is divided into a pair of openings 92A by a partition wall 92 that is disposed below the center of the lower edge of the front wall member 91A and protrudes rearward. The aforementioned receiving port 51, introduction path 52, first and second branch paths 53L, 53R, etc. are formed between the inside of the front wall member 91A and the front end surface of the rear wall member 91B.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 13A, the front wall member 91A has a bell-shaped outer shape that is substantially the same as the opening 77H of the base main body 77V. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 14, the rear wall member 91B has a structure in which a flange portion 93 partially protrudes laterally from the front end surface, and when the front wall member 91A is assembled to the rear wall member 91B, the flange portion 93 of the rear wall member 91B protrudes outward from the side walls of the front wall member 91A (see Fig. 13B). In addition, a pair of mounting protrusions 94 having through holes 94A protrude laterally from the left and right side walls of the rear wall member 91B.

[0064] When the sorting device 50 is assembled to the base main body 77V, with the sorting members 55 and the stoppers 90 housed inside the case 91, the front wall member 91A to which the rear wall member 91B is assembled is inserted into the opening 77H from the rear side of the base main body 77V, and the front surface of the flange portion 93 of the rear wall member 91B is abutted against the rear surface of the base main body 77V. Then, the sorting device 50 is fixed to the base main body 77V by threading a screw through the through hole 94A of the mounting protrusion 94 and into a mounting recess (not shown) provided on the rear surface of the base main body 77V.

[0065] Next, the effects of the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described. As described above, in the gaming machine 10, left-handed shots are performed in the normal state. Some of the gaming balls that enter the right-side subdivided area S2 in the left-side flow-down area R2 enter the special passage 61, and most of the gaming balls that enter the special passage 61 enter the first start winning hole 20.

[0066] In this embodiment, three sorting devices 50 are arranged vertically in the right-side subdivided area S2, and these sorting devices 50 guide game balls to the special passage 61 at a predetermined rate. Specifically, every time 9 to 10 game balls are shot into the right-side subdivided area S2, the next game ball shot into the right-side subdivided area S2 is guided to the special passage 61 and has a high probability of entering the first start winning hole 20. This makes the player feel that the game ball will enter the first start winning hole 20 with a higher probability than in a gaming machine in which balls entering the first start winning hole occur randomly, and prevents the player from giving up play because the game ball does not enter the first start winning hole for a long time. Furthermore, since the win / loss determination is performed when the game ball enters the first start winning hole 20, the win / loss determination is performed at regular intervals, which reduces the possibility of the player becoming bored if a long period of time passes without a win / loss determination being performed.

[0067] Furthermore, most of the game balls sorted to the second branch path 53R by the third sorting device 50C, which is the lowest of the three sorting devices 50, enter the first start winning hole 20, so that a strong sense of elation can be felt when the game balls are sorted to the second branch path 53R by the third sorting device 50C. In other words, it is possible to improve the player's sense of elation regarding the sorting by the sorting device 50.

[0068] Furthermore, only the game balls sorted to the second branch path 53R by the first sorting device 50A enter the second sorting device 50B, and only the game balls sorted to the second branch path 53R by the second sorting device 50B enter the third sorting device 50C (that is, the first sorting device 50A and the second sorting device 50B are also capable of causing the game balls sorted to the second branch path 53R to enter the first start winning hole 20), so the sorting by the first and second sorting devices 50A and 50B can also be interesting, and it becomes possible to increase the player's sense of excitement each time a ball is sorted to the second branch path 53R. Also, because the sorting device 50 allows game balls to pass one by one, the sorting of the game balls can be confirmed one by one, making it easier to follow the movement of the game balls with your eyes. In addition, in this embodiment, the distribution rates to the second branch path 53R are 3 / 4, 3 / 4, and 1 / 6, and the system is configured so that many game balls reach the third distribution device 50C, thereby increasing the player's sense of anticipation.

[0069] Furthermore, because some of the gaming balls sorted to the first branch path 53L (left side) by the third sorting device 50C can also enter the special passage 61, they may enter the first start winning hole 20, giving the player a sense of elation that a gaming ball sorted to a losing route has returned. If the probability of this return is low, the rate at which balls enter the first start winning hole 20 will be stable, making it easier to set the payout rate and the like when developing a gaming machine. Also, if the player ends the game at the timing when a ball enters the first start winning hole 20, for example, the gaming balls that do not enter the start winning hole will not be wasted, which gives the player a sense of gain.

[0070] Furthermore, by applying a configuration in which a hit / miss determination is made at regular intervals to a gaming machine such as the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, in which the probability of a jackpot can be selected from multiple "setting values," it becomes easier to predict the payout rate for each "setting value."

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a gaming ball is shot aiming at ball introduction area R5, the gaming ball is configured to enter the right-side subdivided area S2, but if the shooting strength is weaker than that, some gaming balls will enter the left-side subdivided area S1 adjacent to the right-side subdivided area S2. In other words, if the area into which the gaming ball is shot shifts from ball introduction area R5 along the way, the gaming ball will pass through the left-side subdivided area S1, which is adjacent to the right-side subdivided area S2 where the sorting device 50 is located, making it easier for a player who is paying attention to the sorting device 50 to notice that the area into which the gaming ball is shot has shifted.

[0072] Furthermore, in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, three sorting devices 50 are arranged vertically, and the game balls are sorted by these sorting devices 50 in order. This makes the route of the game balls toward the first start winning hole 20 more complex than when there is only one sorting device 50, thereby improving the excitement of the flow of the game balls. In other words, the receiving openings 51 of the three sorting devices 50 and the ball entry sections that receive the game balls discharged from the discharge openings of the second branch paths 53R are also arranged vertically, so the movement of the game balls around the receiving openings 51 and the ball entry sections is more complex, improving the excitement of the game. Furthermore, most of the game balls sorted to the second branch path 53R by the lowest third sorting device 50C and entering the ball entry section opposite that discharge opening enter the first start winning hole 20, which creates a sense of anticipation for the sorting by the lowest third sorting device 50C. Furthermore, the multiple sorting devices 50 are arranged in an orderly manner, giving the sorting unit group a neat appearance.

[0073] The distributing member 55 of this embodiment has an unconventional configuration in which it is axially supported for continuous rotation in one direction and has receiving portions 56T arranged at multiple locations in the rotation direction to receive game balls flowing down. For example, a conventional distributing member that swings left and right to distribute game balls alternately left and right distributes one game ball each time the direction of rotation of the distributing member is changed. Unless the direction of rotation of the distributing member is changed, the distribution of game balls cannot be continued. In contrast, this embodiment allows the distributing member 55 to continuously rotate in one direction and continuously distribute game balls, thereby improving the entertainment value of the game. Furthermore, the unconventional configuration in which the distributing member 55 rotates back and forth attracts the player's attention, and the game balls pass in front of it, making the flow of game balls appear natural.

[0074] Furthermore, in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, a pair of drop openings 72D opening to the left and right are formed just before the terminal exit (the lower end opening of the release section 72) of the special passage 61, making it possible to entertain the player by making them anxious as to whether the gaming ball passing through the special passage 61 will safely reach the terminal exit. Note that in this embodiment, gaming balls that have dropped out of the pair of drop openings 72D are also likely to enter the first start winning hole 20, but if a configuration is such that a gaming ball that has dropped out of the pair of drop openings 72D has difficulty or cannot enter the upper opening 30K of the winning projection 30, the sense of suspense can be made even more intense.

[0075] Furthermore, in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, three openings 77H are formed in the base body 77V of the mounting base portion 77 attached to the gaming board 11, and a first sorting device 50A with a sorting rate of 3 / 4 to the second branch path 53R, a second sorting device 50B with the same sorting rate of 3 / 4, and a third sorting device 50C with the same sorting rate of 1 / 6 are attached to the three openings 77H. Here, since the first to third sorting devices 50A to 50C have the same shape, it is possible to swap the positions of the first to third sorting devices 50A to 50C and attach them to the three openings 77H.

[0076] This allows for multiple different placements of the first to third distribution devices 50A-50C during machine development, making it easier to test multiple patterns. Furthermore, minor changes to existing machines can be made by, for example, installing a distribution device with a different distribution rate or installing a different device, such as a standard winning slot, in the opening 77H. This means that new machines can be developed using most of the existing machines, making machine development easier. In particular, installing a distribution device with a different distribution rate or changing its position can change the way game balls are distributed, which can alter the flow of game balls and the rate at which balls enter the starting winning slot, thereby changing the gameplay.

[0077] [Other embodiments] The sorting device 50 of the above embodiment is configured to have two outlets arranged side by side that sort the gaming balls into the first branch path 53L or the second branch path 53R, but may also be configured to have three outlets arranged side by side. In this case, for example, the sorting member 55 may be made longer in the axial direction, and a restriction portion 57 may be provided inside each compartment 56K to sort the gaming balls into three routes. With this configuration, the sorting member 55 sorts the gaming balls into three routes, making the flow of the gaming balls more complex and improving the entertainment value.

[0078] Furthermore, in a configuration in which the sorting device 50 has three outlets arranged side by side, if the gaming balls sorted to the central outlet are guided to the special passage 61, the outlets that are less likely to enter the first starting winning opening 20 are arranged on both sides of the outlet that is more likely to enter the first starting winning opening 20. As a result, the player focuses on the central outlet, making the remaining two outlets more visible. This makes it easier to visually determine which of the three outlets the gaming balls will be sorted to. Furthermore, if the first sorting device 50A and the second sorting device 50B have a route that guides the right outlet to the special passage 61, and the third sorting device 50C has a route that guides the middle outlet to the special passage 61, the player can be surprised. Furthermore, the first sorting device 50A and the second sorting device 50B may have two outlets, and the third sorting device 50C may have three outlets.

[0079] In the above embodiment, three sorting devices 50 are arranged vertically, but two sorting devices may be arranged vertically, or four or more sorting devices may be arranged vertically. By arranging four or more sorting devices, the movement of the game balls around the sorting devices 50 becomes more complex, and the game becomes more entertaining.

[0080] Furthermore, the multiple sorting devices 50 may be arranged horizontally or diagonally instead of vertically, or may be arranged separately.

[0081] Although the distributing member 55 in the above embodiment is configured to rotate forward, it may be configured to rotate backward.

[0082] Although the distributing member 55 in the above embodiment is configured to rotate by the weight of the gaming balls, the distributing member 55 may be configured to rotate by being driven by a drive source such as a motor or a solenoid. In this case, the distributing member 55 may be configured to be able to continue rotating even after the gaming balls have passed through, and to be able to stop at a random position.

[0083] In addition, in a configuration in which the distribution member 55 is driven by a drive source, the distribution member 55 may be continuously rotatable in both the forward and backward directions. In this case, the rotation axis J1 of the distribution member 55 may extend in the forward and backward direction to distribute the load to the left and right routes.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the sorting member 55 of the sorting device 50 is configured to rotate, but it may also be configured to slide. In this case, the sorting member 55 has, for example, a plate-shaped receiving portion inclined to one of the left and right sides, and the receiving portion is configured to be slidable between a protruding position where it protrudes from the front surface of the game board 11 and a retracted position where it is retracted from the front surface. When the receiving portion is positioned at the retracted position, a game ball that has entered the receiving opening 51 of the sorting device 50 falls in front of the receiving portion, and when the receiving portion is positioned at the protruding position, the game ball rolls on the upper surface of the receiving portion to one of the left and right sides and then falls, thereby being sorted into two routes.

[0085] In the above embodiment, three sorting devices 50 are arranged in the left-side flow area R2, and these sorting devices 50 sort game balls into routes that allow them to enter the first start winning hole 20, but the configuration may also be such that they sort into routes that allow them to enter other winning holes. For example, the configuration may be such that these sorting devices 50 are arranged in the right-side flow area R3, and they sort into routes that allow them to enter the second start winning hole 21, the first major winning hole 36, the second major winning hole 37, etc.

[0086] In the above embodiment, a portion of the game balls sorted to the first branch path 53L by the third sorting device 50C is configured to be able to enter the special path 61, but it may be configured to be unable to enter. With this configuration, the sorting by the third sorting device 50C determines whether the ball can enter the first start winning hole 20 or not, which makes the third sorting device 50C even more interesting.

[0087] In addition, the configuration may be such that some of the game balls sorted to the first branch path 53L by the first sorting device 50A or the second sorting device 50B are able to enter the special passage 61, or in all sorting devices 50A to 50C, some of the game balls sorted to the first branch path 53L are able to enter the special passage 61.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the drop opening 72D is formed in the release portion 72 that is disposed at the end of the special passage 61 and protrudes to the front of the game board 11, but the drop opening 72D may be formed in the bulge portion 73 that is disposed in the middle of the special passage 61 and protrudes to the front of the game board 11. In this case, the drop opening 72D is formed, for example, in the bottom wall of the bulge portion 73. Also, when the drop opening 72D is formed in the bulge portion 73, the multiple ribs 74 do not need to be provided. This configuration makes it easier for the player to recognize that game balls rolling on the special passage 61 have fallen, which can further sustain the player's interest and excitement in the game.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the drop opening 72D provided just before the terminal exit of the special passage 61 is opened on both left and right side walls of the release section 72 that guides the game balls that have rolled on the special passage 61 to the front side of the game board 11 and then discharges them downward, making it easier for the player to recognize that the game balls have fallen out, but it may also be configured to have a diving passage that guides the game balls that have rolled on the special passage 61 once to the rear side of the game board 11 and then back to the front side of the game board 11, and the diving passage may be connected to the drop opening 72D. In this case, it becomes difficult to recognize that the game balls have fallen out, making it less likely for the player to become discouraged.

[0090] In the above embodiment, two of the first to third sorting devices 50A to 50C have the same sorting ratio, but all of the sorting ratios may be the same, or all of the sorting ratios may be different.

[0091] In the above embodiment, only the distribution device 50 was interchangeable, but for example, the components that make up the winning slots (normal winning slot, starting winning slot, large winning slot) and the outlet 16 may also be provided with the same mounting structure, making their positions interchangeable.

[0092] <Additional Notes> The following describes the group of features extracted from the above embodiment, while indicating, as necessary, the effects, etc. Note that, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configurations in the above embodiment are indicated in parentheses as appropriate below, but these group of features are not limited to the specific configurations indicated in parentheses.

[0093] [First group of features] The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-6216 (paragraphs

[0112] to

[0113] and Figures 9 and 10, etc.) discloses a gaming machine equipped with a distribution unit that distributes gaming balls to multiple routes. Compared to the conventional gaming machines described above, there is a demand for improving the entertainment value of the flow of gaming balls, and the following features 1 to 6 can solve this problem.

[0094] [Feature 1] The game machine is provided with a group of distribution parts in which a plurality of distribution parts are arranged, each capable of distributing game balls to a plurality of routes and causing a game ball distributed to one route to enter a ball entry part.

[0095] According to the gaming machine of feature 1, the gaming balls are sequentially distributed by multiple distribution sections, so the route of the gaming balls heading towards the ball entry section becomes more complex, and the entertainment value of the flow of the gaming balls can be improved.

[0096] [Feature 2] A gaming machine according to Feature 1, in which a gaming ball allocated to one route by the lowest allocation unit in the group of allocation units always or with a high probability enters a special ball entry port that will grant a special benefit to the player when the gaming ball enters.

[0097] [Feature 3] A gaming machine according to feature 2, wherein a gaming ball allocated to one route by the lowest allocation unit in the group of allocation units has a probability of 80% or more entering the special ball entrance.

[0098] [Feature 4] A gaming machine according to feature 2, wherein a gaming ball sorted to one route by the lowest sorting unit in the group of sorting units always enters the special ball entrance.

[0099] According to the gaming machine of Feature 2, a strong sense of excitement can be felt when a gaming ball is sorted into one route by the lowest sorting unit, and it can also generate more interest in whether an upper sorting unit will sort the gaming ball into a route toward the lowest sorting unit. Furthermore, if there are three or more sorting units, it is possible to increase the player's sense of excitement each time a gaming ball is sorted into a route toward the lowest sorting unit. Note that, as in Feature 3, the probability that a gaming ball sorted into one route by the lowest sorting unit will land in the special ball entry port is preferably 80% or more, and as in Feature 4, a configuration in which a gaming ball sorted into one route by the lowest sorting unit always land in the special ball entry port can further increase the player's sense of excitement.

[0100] [Feature 5] 5. A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 4, wherein in the group of distribution sections, a plurality of the distribution sections are arranged vertically.

[0101] According to the gaming machine of feature 5, the multiple distribution sections are arranged in an orderly manner, and the appearance of the distribution section group can be made neat.

[0102] [Feature 6] A gaming machine described in any one of features 1 to 5, wherein the distribution section is a rotating distribution section that rotates around an axis extending in the left-right direction and regulates the flow direction of the gaming balls.

[0103] While conventional distribution units rotate left and right, the gaming machine of feature 6 has an unprecedented configuration in which the distribution unit (rotating distribution unit) rotates back and forth, which can attract the player's attention.

[0104] [Correspondence between components of the first feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, ball entry section: first start winning port 20, distribution section: distribution device 50, special ball entry port: first start winning port 20, rotating distribution section: distribution member 55

[0105] [Second group of features] This disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-147145 (paragraph

[0049] , FIGS. 3 and 4) discloses a gaming machine equipped with a distribution unit that distributes gaming balls to multiple routes. Compared to the conventional gaming machines described above, there is a need to improve the player's sense of excitement regarding distribution by the distribution unit, and the following features 1 to 6 can solve this problem.

[0106] [Feature 1] A special entrance where a player receives a special benefit when a game ball enters the entrance; A distribution unit that distributes game balls to a plurality of routes and allows game balls distributed to one route to enter the special ball entrance, A gaming machine in which the gaming balls allocated to the one route by the allocation unit always or with a high probability enter the special ball entrance.

[0107] [Feature 2] A gaming machine according to Feature 1, wherein the gaming balls allocated to the one route by the allocation unit have a probability of 80% or more entering the special ball entrance.

[0108] [Feature 3] A gaming machine according to Feature 1, wherein the gaming balls allocated to the one route by the allocation unit always enter the special ball entrance.

[0109] According to the gaming machine of Feature 1, a gaming ball allocated to one route by the allocation unit always or with a high probability lands in the special entry port, which can enhance the sense of elation felt when a gaming ball is allocated to one route by the allocation unit. In other words, it is possible to enhance the sense of elation felt by the player regarding the allocation by the allocation unit. Furthermore, as in Feature 2, the probability that a gaming ball allocated to one route by the allocation unit will land in the special entry port is preferably 80% or more, and as in Feature 3, a configuration in which a gaming ball allocated to one route by the allocation unit always lands in the special entry port can further enhance the sense of elation felt by the player.

[0110] [Feature 4] The special ball entrance is a starting point where a winning or losing decision is made based on the entry of a game ball, A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 3, wherein a gaming ball that is allocated by the allocation unit to a route different from the one route cannot enter the special ball entrance.

[0111] According to the gaming machine of feature 4, the allocation by the allocation section determines whether the ball can enter the starting hole or not, so it is possible to make the allocation section interesting.

[0112] [Feature 5] an upper distributing section on the distributing section, A gaming machine described in any one of features 1 to 4, in which only gaming balls sorted into one route by the upper sorting unit reach the sorting unit.

[0113] According to the gaming machine of Feature 5, only the game balls that have been sorted into one route by the upper sorting unit reach the sorting unit, and furthermore, the game balls are sorted by the sorting unit, which enhances the sense of accomplishment that comes from being sorted into one route by the sorting unit.

[0114] [Correspondence between components of the second feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, special ball entry port: first start winning port 20, distribution section: third distribution device 50C, one route: second branch path 53R, other route: first branch path 53L, upper distribution section: second distribution device 50B

[0115] [Third group of features] The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-055867 (paragraphs

[0041] ,

[0042] , and FIG. 2) discloses a device in which a distribution member that swings left and right alternately distributes game balls that flow down to the left and right. In the above-mentioned conventional gaming machine, there is a demand for improving the entertainment value of the game using the distribution member, and the following features 1 to 6 can solve this problem.

[0116] [Feature 1] A gaming machine equipped with a distribution member that distributes game balls to routes that are advantageous or disadvantageous to the player, the distribution member being supported on a shaft so as to be continuously rotatable in one direction, and being arranged at a plurality of locations in the direction of rotation, the gaming machine being equipped with a receiving section that receives game balls flowing down and rotates the distribution member, and a regulating section that is arranged at the end in the axial direction and regulates the movement of game balls toward that end.

[0117] According to Feature 1, the distributing member has an unprecedented configuration in which it is axially supported so as to be continuously rotatable in one direction, and receiving portions for receiving game balls flowing down are arranged at multiple locations in the rotation direction. Here, for example, a conventional distributing member that swings left and right to distribute game balls alternately left and right distributes one game ball each time the rotation direction of the distributing member is changed, and it is not possible to continuously distribute game balls unless the rotation direction of the distributing member is changed. In contrast, the distributing member of the present disclosure makes it possible to continuously distribute game balls while continuously rotating the distributing member in one direction, thereby improving the entertainment value of the game.

[0118] [Feature 2] A gaming machine as described in Feature 1, comprising a display window that opens into the inside of the gaming area, and a starting hole that is located below the display window and through which a winning or losing determination is made when a gaming ball enters, and the distribution member distributes gaming balls flowing down the left side of the display window and directs gaming balls distributed to the right toward the starting hole.

[0119] [Feature 3] A gaming machine according to Feature 2, wherein a guide passage that guides the gaming balls sorted to the right by the sorting member toward the starting hole extends along the lower edge of the display window.

[0120] According to Feature 2, the sorting member is disposed to the left of the display window, and game balls that flow down the left side of the display window and are sorted to the right by the sorting member are configured to head toward the starting hole below the display window, so the way game balls flow down from the left side of the display window toward the starting hole can be made to look natural. Moreover, as in Feature 3, by providing a guide passage that guides game balls sorted to the right by the sorting member to the starting hole, when game balls are sorted to the right by the sorting member, the player's anticipation that they may land in the starting hole can be heightened.

[0121] [Feature 4] A gaming machine according to Feature 3, wherein the guide channel has a drop-out opening at a midpoint that allows game balls to drop out of the guide channel.

[0122] [Feature 5] A gaming machine as described in Feature 4, wherein at least a portion of the guide flow path is a front passage arranged forward of the front surface of the gaming board, and a drop opening is provided in the front passage to allow gaming balls to fall downward.

[0123] According to Feature 4, when the game ball is sorted to the right by the sorting member, the player feels a sense of anticipation that the ball may land in the starting hole, and a sense of tension that the ball may fall out of the guide channel, which makes it possible to maintain interest and excitement in the game. Also, as in Feature 5, by providing the drop-out hole in the front passage, it is possible to make it easier for the player to recognize, which makes it possible to further maintain interest and excitement in the game.

[0124] [Feature 6] A gaming machine according to any one of Features 1 to 5, wherein the distribution member rotates arbitrarily when the receiving portion receives a gaming ball and stops at a random position.

[0125] As in Feature 6, the distributing member may be configured to rotate arbitrarily when the receiving portion receives a gaming ball and stop at a random position.

[0126] [Correspondence between components of the third feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, display window: display window 11H, start opening: first start winning opening 20, distribution member: distribution member 55, receiving portion: receiving portion 56T, regulating portion: regulating portion 57, guide flow path: special passage 61, front side passage: discharge portion 72, drop opening: drop opening 72D, game area: game area R1

[0127] [Fourth group of characteristics] The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-018552 (paragraph

[0025] , etc.) discloses a gaming machine in which a player is given a bonus when a gaming ball enters a special entrance. There is a demand for gaming machines that can provide unprecedented gaming experiences in the above-mentioned conventional gaming machines. The following features 1 to 6 can solve this problem.

[0128] [Feature 1] A gaming machine in which a player is given a privilege when a gaming ball enters a special entrance port, the gaming machine is provided with a single-ball passage through which gaming balls pass one by one, and a gaming ball that has passed through the single-ball passage to a terminal exit always or with a high probability enters the special entrance port, and a drop-out port is provided in the single-ball passage just before the terminal exit, allowing gaming balls to drop out of the single-ball passage.

[0129] [Feature 2] The gaming machine according to Feature 1, wherein the drop-out openings are provided symmetrically in pairs on both the left and right sides of the one-ball passage in front of the terminal exit.

[0130] [Feature 3] A gaming machine according to feature 1 or 2, in which a gaming ball that has passed through the one-ball passage to the terminal exit has a probability of entering the special ball entrance of 80% or more.

[0131] [Feature 4] A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 3, wherein a gaming ball that has passed through the one-ball passage to the terminal exit always enters the special ball entrance.

[0132] [Feature 5] A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 4, wherein the gaming ball that enters the drop-out port flows further down the gaming area and then heads toward the outlet port.

[0133] [Feature 6] A gaming machine according to any one of features 1 to 5, which is provided with a diving passage that guides a gaming ball that has entered the drop-out opening so that at least a portion of the gaming ball is positioned behind the front of the gaming board, and then guides the gaming ball back to the front of the gaming board.

[0134] According to Feature 1, a single-ball passageway is provided through which game balls pass one by one and, once they have reached the terminal exit, enter the special ball entrance with certainty or with a high probability. The single-ball passageway is provided with a drop-out port just before the terminal exit through which game balls are dropped, providing a novel configuration that makes it possible to provide a game never before seen. This allows players to enjoy the suspense of wondering whether the game balls passing through the single-ball passageway will safely reach the terminal exit. Here, game balls that have passed through the single-ball passageway to the terminal exit may be configured to enter the special ball entrance with a probability of 80% or more, as in Feature 3, or may be configured to always enter the special ball entrance, as in Feature 4.

[0135] The drop openings may be provided symmetrically in pairs on both the left and right sides just before the terminal exit, as in Feature 2. A gaming ball that enters a drop opening may further flow down the playing area before heading toward the outlet, as in Feature 5. Also, as in Feature 6, some of the gaming ball may pass through a diving flow path connected to the drop opening, be positioned behind the front face of the gaming board, and then be guided back to the front face of the gaming board. In this case, it becomes difficult to notice that a gaming ball has fallen out, which makes it less likely for the player to become discouraged.

[0136] [Correspondence between components of the fourth feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, gaming board: gaming board 11, out port: out port 16, special ball entry port: first start entry port 20, 1 ball passage: special passage 61, drop-out port: drop-out port 72D, gaming area: gaming area R1

[0137] [5th ​​feature group] The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-147145 (paragraph

[0049] , FIGS. 3 and 4) discloses a gaming machine equipped with a distribution unit that distributes gaming balls to multiple routes. Compared to the conventional gaming machines described above, there is a demand for improving the player's sense of excitement regarding distribution by the distribution unit, and the following features 1 to 4 can solve this problem.

[0138] [Feature 1] A gaming machine in which a player is given a bonus when a gaming ball enters a special entrance in a gaming area, A distribution unit is provided that discharges the entered game balls from one of a plurality of discharge ports, The gaming machine is such that a gaming ball discharged from a special outlet included in the plurality of outlets always or with a high probability enters the special ball entrance.

[0139] According to the gaming machine of Feature 1, a gaming ball allocated to one route by the allocation unit always or with a high probability enters the special ball entrance, so it is possible to enhance the sense of elation felt by the player when the gaming ball is allocated to one route by the allocation unit. In other words, it is possible to enhance the sense of elation felt by the player regarding the allocation by the allocation unit.

[0140] [Feature 2] Feature 1: The gaming machine according to feature 1, wherein the distribution unit allows the gaming balls to pass through one by one.

[0141] According to the gaming machine of Feature 2, the distribution of the gaming balls can be confirmed one by one, making it easier to follow the movement of the gaming balls with your eyes.

[0142] [Feature 3] A gaming machine according to feature 1 or 2, wherein the distribution section has three of the discharge outlets arranged side by side.

[0143] According to the gaming machine of feature 3, the distribution unit distributes the gaming balls to three routes, which makes the flow of the gaming balls more complex and improves the gameplay.

[0144] [Feature 4] A gaming machine according to feature 3, in which the gaming balls distributed by the distribution unit to the central outlet always or with a high probability enter the special ball entrance.

[0145] According to the gaming machine of Feature 4, the outlets that are difficult for balls to enter the special entrance are located on both sides of the outlet that makes it easy for balls to enter the special entrance, and since the player focuses on the central outlet, the remaining two outlets are also easily visible. This makes it easier to see which of the three outlets the gaming ball will be allocated to.

[0146] [Correspondence between components of the fifth feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, special ball entry port: first start winning port 20, discharge port: first and second branch paths 53L, 53R, sorting unit: sorting device 50, special discharge port: second branch path 53R

[0147] [Sixth feature group] The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-6216 (paragraphs

[0112] to

[0113] and Figures 9 and 10, etc.) discloses a gaming machine equipped with a ball entry section into which a gaming ball can enter. Compared to the conventional gaming machines described above, there is a demand for improving the entertainment value of the gaming ball's movement, and the following features 1 to 7 can solve this problem.

[0148] [Feature 1] A gaming machine with three or more ball entry sections arranged vertically.

[0149] [Feature 2] The gaming machine described in Feature 1 has four of the ball entry sections arranged vertically.

[0150] According to the gaming machine of Feature 1, since three or more ball entry areas are arranged vertically, the movement of the game ball around these ball entry areas becomes complex, and the game becomes more entertaining. The number of ball entry areas may be four, as in Feature 2.

[0151] [Feature 3] A gaming machine according to feature 1 or 2, which is provided with a distribution section below one of the front ball entry sections that determines whether or not a gaming ball is to be entered into the next lower ball entry section.

[0152] [Feature 4] The gaming machine described in Feature 3 is provided with a rotating distribution unit as the distribution unit, which rotates to distribute gaming balls to multiple routes and directs gaming balls distributed to one route toward the ball entry unit.

[0153] [Feature 5] A gaming machine according to Feature 4, wherein the rotational distribution unit rotates around an axis extending in the left-right direction.

[0154] According to the gaming machine of Feature 3, the sorting unit sorts whether or not the gaming ball will enter the ball entry section, so it is possible to draw attention to the movement of the sorting unit. The sorting unit may be configured to slide, or may be configured to rotate as in Feature 4. In the case of a rotating configuration, if the sorting unit is configured to rotate around an axis extending in the left-right direction as in Feature 5, the rotating sorting unit will rotate in the front-to-back direction, and the gaming ball will pass in front of it, so the way the gaming ball flows down can be seen as natural.

[0155] [Feature 6] A gaming machine according to feature 4 or 5, in which a gaming ball that is distributed by the rotating distribution unit and enters the ball entry section always or with a high probability enters a special ball entry port that will grant a special benefit to the player when the gaming ball enters.

[0156] [Feature 7] A gaming machine according to feature 6, wherein a gaming ball that is sorted by the rotating sorting unit and enters the ball entry section has a probability of entering the special ball entry port of 80% or more.

[0157] According to the gaming machine of Feature 6, gaming balls sorted by the rotating sorting unit and entering the entry section always or with a high probability enter the special entry port, so that the sorting by the rotating sorting unit can create a sense of anticipation. In particular, if the gaming balls sorted by the rotating sorting unit and entering the entry section are configured to enter the special entry port with a probability of 80% or more, as in Feature 7, the sense of anticipation can be further increased.

[0158] [Correspondence between the components of the sixth feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, ball entry section: receiving port 51, distribution section: second distribution device 50B, distribution member 55, rotating distribution section: distribution member 55, special ball entry port: first starting winning port 20

[0159] [7th feature group] This disclosure relates to gaming machines, and for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-6216 (paragraphs

[0023] to

[0025] , FIG. 1) discloses a gaming machine in which a player is given a bonus when a gaming ball enters a special entrance. For the conventional gaming machines described above, there is a need to prevent players from giving up playing because the gaming ball is difficult to enter the special entrance, and the following features 1 to 6 can solve this problem.

[0160] [Feature 1] A gaming machine in which a player is given a bonus when a gaming ball enters a special entrance in a gaming area, This game machine is such that every time a certain number of game balls are shot into a specific area of ​​the game region, the next game ball shot into the specific area always or with a high probability enters the special ball entrance.

[0161] According to the gaming machine of feature 1, when a certain number of gaming balls are shot into a specific area of ​​the gaming area, the next gaming ball shot into the specific area will always or with a high probability enter the special entrance, so the player can feel that there is a higher certainty that the gaming ball will enter the special entrance than with gaming machines in which the entry of gaming balls into the special entrance occurs randomly, and the player can be prevented from giving up playing because the gaming balls are having difficulty entering the special entrance.

[0162] [Feature 2] A gaming machine according to Feature 1, in which the predetermined number of gaming balls shot into the specific area will not necessarily or with a high probability enter the special ball entrance.

[0163] According to the gaming machine of Feature 2, one gaming ball enters every (a certain number of balls + 1), resulting in a stable ball entry rate. This makes it easier to set the payout rate and other factors when developing the gaming machine. Also, if the player ends the game when a ball enters a special entry slot, for example, they will not have to waste gaming balls that do not enter the special entry slot, which gives the player a sense of value.

[0164] [Feature 3] The gaming machine according to feature 1 or 2, wherein the privilege is the right to have the game result judged.

[0165] According to the gaming machine of feature 3, the right to have the winning or losing judgment is generated at regular intervals, so it is less likely that the player will become bored if a long period of time goes by without a winning or losing judgment being made.

[0166] [Feature 4] A gaming machine as described in Feature 3, which is provided with a setting operation unit that is arranged at a position other than the front of the gaming machine and that is used to change the probability of winning in the win / loss judgment.

[0167] In a gaming machine that allows the probability of winning to be changed, such as the gaming machine with Feature 4, if a configuration is applied in which the right to receive a win / loss judgment is generated at regular intervals, it becomes easier to predict the payout rate for each setting of the win probability.

[0168] [Feature 5] A gaming machine as described in feature 4, which is equipped with a judgment notification unit that notifies the result of the win / loss judgment using a pattern.

[0169] In the gaming machine of feature 5, the result of the win / loss judgment is announced by a symbol in the judgment notification section.

[0170] [Feature 6] The game area includes: A first route that guides the game ball so that it always or with a high probability enters the special ball entrance; A second route that guides the game ball so that it always or with a high probability misses the special ball entrance; A distribution device that ensures that game balls shot into the specific area enter the area and distributes the game balls to either the first route or the second route is provided. A gaming machine described in any one of features 1 to 5, wherein the distribution device continuously distributes a certain number of gaming balls to the second route and then distributes the next gaming ball to the first route.

[0171] The gaming machine of Feature 6 is configured such that, by using a distribution device to continuously distribute a certain number of gaming balls to the second route and then distribute the next gaming ball to the first route, each time a certain number of gaming balls are shot, the next gaming ball shot into the specific area will always or with a high probability enter the special ball entrance.

[0172] [Feature 7] A gaming machine as described in Feature 6, which is provided with an intermediate entrance through which the gaming ball enters from the second route to an intermediate position on the first route.

[0173] According to the gaming machine of feature 1, even a gaming ball that is sorted to the second route by the sorting device may enter the special ball entrance, giving the player a sense of exhilaration.

[0174] [Feature 8] The game area includes: A gaming machine according to feature 6 or 7, which is provided next to the distribution device and has an adjacent route through which gaming balls shot into areas other than the specific area flow down.

[0175] In the gaming machine of Feature 8, if the area into which the game ball is shot deviates from the specific area during the game, the game ball will take an adjacent route next to the distribution device, making it easier for a player who is paying attention to the distribution device to notice that the area into which the game ball is shot has deviated from the specific area.

[0176] [Feature 9] A gaming machine as described in Feature 1, in which, each time a certain number of gaming balls are shot into a specific area of ​​the gaming area, the next gaming ball shot into the specific area will enter the special ball entrance with a probability of 80% or more.

[0177] Each time a certain number of game balls are shot into a specific area of ​​the game area, the probability that the next game ball shot into the specific area will enter the special ball entrance is preferably 80% or more, as in Feature 9, and even more preferably 95% or more.

[0178] [Correspondence between the components of the seventh feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, special ball entry port: first start entry port 20, specific area: ball introduction area R5, right-side subdivided area S2, judgment notification unit: display screen 13G, first route: second branch path 53R, second route: first branch path 53L, sorting device: sorting device 50, midway entrance: second introduction section 75, adjacent route: left-side subdivided area S1

[0179] [8th feature group] The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-147145 (FIG. 2, etc.) discloses a gaming machine in which multiple types of accessories are attached. There is a demand for easier model development for the above-mentioned conventional gaming machines, and the following features 1 to 3 can solve this problem.

[0180] [Feature 1] A gaming machine in which a plurality of types of accessories are attached to a plurality of accessory attachment parts provided on a gaming board, The gaming machine is configured so that any one of the plurality of types of accessory devices can be exchanged with another and attached to the accessory attachment part.

[0181] According to the gaming machine of Feature 1, when developing a model, it is possible to change the arrangement of the devices in multiple patterns and test them out, making development easier than creating a game board for all multiple patterns. Also, it is possible to make minor changes to an existing model by changing the type of devices attached to the multiple device attachment parts or by changing the location of the devices. In other words, it is possible to develop a new model using most of the existing model, making model development easier.

[0182] [Feature 2] The multiple types of accessories include multiple types of distribution accessories that receive game balls flowing down the front of the game board and distribute and discharge them to multiple outlets at a predetermined distribution rate, A gaming machine as described in Feature 1, in which the allocation rate differs depending on the type of allocation device.

[0183] According to the gaming machine of feature 2, it is possible to change the way the gaming balls are distributed.

[0184] [Feature 3] A gaming machine according to feature 2, wherein the plurality of device mounting sections are provided so that the plurality of types of distribution devices are arranged vertically.

[0185] According to the gaming machine of Feature 3, multiple types of distribution devices are arranged vertically, and the game balls are distributed in order. This makes the paths of the game balls more complex, and improves the entertainment value of the flow of the game balls.

[0186] [Correspondence between components of the eighth feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, accessory attachment portion: opening 77H, accessory: distribution device 50, distribution accessory: distribution device 50

[0187] [9th feature group] The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, and for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-147145 (paragraph

[0049] , FIGS. 3 and 4) discloses a gaming machine equipped with a distribution unit that distributes gaming balls to multiple routes. Compared to the conventional gaming machines described above, there is a demand for improving the entertainment value of the flow of gaming balls, and the following features 1 to 4 can solve this problem.

[0188] [Feature 1] A display window is opened inside the game area, and game balls can be shot into the left and right sides of the display window. The game board is provided with a plurality of distribution devices that receive game balls flowing down the front surface of the game board and distribute and discharge the game balls to a plurality of outlets at a predetermined distribution rate, In the gaming machine, the plurality of distribution accessories are arranged in a vertical row along the side edge of the display window.

[0189] According to the gaming machine of Feature 1, the game balls are sorted in order by the multiple sorting devices lined up in a vertical row, which makes the flow of the game balls more complex and enhances the entertainment value. In addition, since the multiple sorting devices are lined up along the side edges of the display window, it is possible to make some of the game balls appear to flow down along the side edges of the display window.

[0190] [Feature 2] The gaming machine according to Feature 1, wherein the plurality of distribution devices are three or more, and the ball entrances for the three or more distribution devices are arranged in a vertical row.

[0191] According to the gaming machine of feature 2, since three or more distribution devices are provided, the flow of the gaming balls becomes more complex, and the entertainment value is improved.

[0192] [Feature 3] The plurality of outlets of each of the sorting accessories are arranged side by side, A gaming machine according to feature 1 or 2, in which the distribution rate is set so that game balls passing through the discharge outlets on the display window side of all of the multiple distribution devices occur with a predetermined probability.

[0193] According to the gaming machine of feature 3, some of the gaming balls flow down without leaving the side edge of the display window.

[0194] [Feature 4] A special passage extending along the lower edge of the display window and allowing the game ball to roll is provided, A gaming machine according to Feature 3, wherein all gaming balls passing through the discharge outlets on the display window side of all of the plurality of distribution devices are guided to the special passage.

[0195] According to the gaming machine of Feature 4, all game balls that pass through the discharge outlets on the display window side of all of the multiple distribution devices, that is, game balls that flow down without leaving the side edge of the display window, are guided to a special passage that extends along the lower edge of the display window.

[0196] [Correspondence between components of the ninth feature group and each part in the embodiment] Gaming machine: gaming machine 10, display window: display window 11H, sorting device: sorting device 50, discharge outlet: first branch path 53L, second branch path 53R, special passage: special passage 61

[0197] Although the present specification and drawings disclose specific examples of the technology included in the claims, the technology described in the claims is not limited to these specific examples, and includes various modifications and alterations of the specific examples, as well as parts extracted independently from the specific examples. Substitutions and combinations are possible as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0198] 10 Gaming machines 11 Game Board 11H display window 14 Display decorative frame 20 First starting prize slot 50 sorting device 50A First sorting device 50B 2nd sorting device 50C 3rd sorting device 51 Inlet 53L First Fork 53R 2nd Fork 55 Sorting parts 56K partition 56T receiving part 57 Regulatory Department 61 Special passage 71 First introduction 72 Emission part 72D Dropout 73 Bulge 75 Second introduction 77H opening 91 cases R1 Gaming Area R2 Left downstream area R5 sphere introduction area S2 Right subdivision area

Claims

1. In a gaming machine equipped with a distribution member that distributes game balls to a route advantageous or disadvantageous to a player, The distributing member is It is supported so that it can rotate continuously in one direction. Receiving portions are arranged at a plurality of positions in the rotation direction, and receive the game balls flowing down to rotate the distribution member; A gaming machine having a regulating section disposed at an end in the axial direction and regulating the movement of gaming balls toward that end.

2. A display window that opens into the gaming area; A starting hole is provided below the display window, and when a game ball enters the starting hole, a winning or losing determination is made.

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the sorting member sorts game balls flowing down to the left of the display window and directs game balls sorted to the right toward the starting hole.

3. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein a guide passage for guiding the gaming balls sorted to the right by the sorting member toward the starting hole extends along a lower edge of the display window.

4. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the guide channel is provided with a drop-out opening at a midpoint thereof for allowing the gaming balls to drop out of the guide channel.

5. At least a part of the guide channel is a front channel disposed forward of the front surface of the game board, 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the front passage is provided with a drop opening for dropping gaming balls downward.

6. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the distributing member rotates arbitrarily and stops at a random position when the receiving portion receives a gaming ball.

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