Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide gaming machines that can reduce the burden on users. [Solution] The game includes a game area through which game balls can flow, and a resin game ball receiving member positioned in the game area and having an inclined surface for allowing game balls to flow downstream. Below the downstream end of the inclined surface, there is a set of obstacle pins capable of distributing game balls in at least two directions, and a specific ball entry opening. When game balls are distributed in a specific direction by the obstacle pin set and flow down, it is easier for them to enter the specific ball entry opening than when they are distributed in a direction other than the specific direction. The rate at which game balls enter the specific ball entry opening can be adjusted by maintaining the obstacle pins of the obstacle pin set.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As a gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine equipped with a game board, a launching device, etc. is known. In some pachinko gaming machines, a game medium (game ball) is launched into a game area provided on the front surface of the game board, and a special game is started based on the game ball winning in a specific area.

[0003] In such a pachinko gaming machine, there is a device provided with a blade member at the central part of the game board, and when the blade member is open, a game ball can enter the area inside the device through a specific ball entry port (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in gaming machines, it is required to reduce the burden.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing the burden.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention a game area (game area 116) where game balls can flow down, and The system includes a resin game ball receiving member (game ball receiving member 300) positioned in the game area and having an inclined surface (inclined surface 311) for allowing game balls to flow downstream, Below the downstream end of the aforementioned inclined surface, an obstacle pin set (pin set 400) capable of distributing game balls in at least two directions and a specific ball entry opening (specific ball entry opening 182) are arranged. When the game balls are directed in a specific direction by the aforementioned obstacle nail set and flow down, it is easier for them to enter the specific ball entry opening than when they are directed in a direction other than the aforementioned specific direction. By maintaining the obstruction nails in the aforementioned obstruction nail set, it is possible to adjust the rate at which balls enter the specific ball entry point.

[0008] The aforementioned game ball receiving member is equipped with an inclined surface that allows the game balls to flow downstream. The player only needs to launch the game ball so that it lands on the inclined surface, making it relatively easy to aim. Therefore, it is possible to reduce player dissatisfaction (stress) (reduce the burden on the player). In addition, the rate at which balls enter the specific ball entry point can be adjusted by maintaining the obstacle nails of the obstacle nail set. This reduces the management burden on the worker. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the burden can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the door in an open state. [Figure 2] This is a view of the gaming machine from the front. [Figure 3] This is a view of the game board from the front. [Figure 4] This is a schematic perspective view of the game ball receiving member as seen from the front. [Figure 5] This is a magnified view of a portion of the game board. [Figure 6]This figure shows another example of the nail set configuration. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged view of a portion of the game board related to the modified version. [Figure 8] This is a magnified view of a portion of the game board related to the modified version. [Figure 9] This is a view of the game board of another gaming machine, seen from the front. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko game machine, which is one type of game machine, will be described, but other game machines may also be described. In the following description, "front and back" basically means that when the player is in front of the pachinko game machine, the player's side is "front" and the pachinko game machine side is "back", "up and down" means that the top surface of the pachinko game machine is "up" and the bottom surface is "down", and "left and right" means that the player's left hand side is "left" and the player's right hand side is "right".

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 100, showing the door in an open state. The gaming machine 100 (pachinko gaming machine 100) uses game balls as the game medium, and players borrow game balls from the gaming hall operator and play games using the gaming machine 100. In the game played on the gaming machine 100, each game ball is a medium that has game value, and the benefits (profits) that players enjoy as a result of playing the game can be converted into game value, for example, based on the number of game balls acquired by the player.

[0013] The gaming machine 100 comprises an outer frame 102 formed in a roughly rectangular shape (a vertically elongated rectangular shape), an inner frame 104 attached to the outer frame 102 via a hinge mechanism so as to be openable and closable (pivot-supported), and a front frame 106 (door unit) attached to the inner frame 104 (or outer frame 102) via a hinge mechanism so as to be openable and closable (pivot-supported). The hinge mechanism (hinge part) is provided on one side (left side) in the left-right direction (width direction).

[0014] The inner frame 104 and the front frame 106 are pivotable about the hinge mechanism side (left side) as an axis (rotation axis). The other side (right side) in the left-right direction (width direction) of the inner frame 104 and the front frame 106 is a free end. The inner frame 104 and the front frame 106 can be opened and closed independently of the outer frame 102. The inner frame 104 can be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame 102 either alone or integrally with the front frame 106. Incidentally, the configuration in which the front frame 106 and the inner frame 104 are combined may be referred to as the "main body frame". Further, the front frame 106 can be opened and closed alone with respect to the base (inner frame 104 and outer frame 102), and can also be opened and closed integrally with the inner frame 104 with respect to the outer frame 102. Incidentally, it can also be said that the main body frame (front frame 106 and inner frame 104) opens and closes between a closed position (closed state) that closes the opening provided in the outer frame 102 and an open position (open state) that opens the opening provided in the outer frame 102. Also, the front frame 106 may be referred to as a front door or a glass door frame.

[0015] Similar to the outer frame 102, the inner frame 104 is formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape. The inner frame 104 holds the game board 108 (game board unit). The game board (game plate) 108 is formed of, for example, a transparent synthetic resin (for example, acrylic). Incidentally, when referring to the inner frame, it may refer to a unit (inner frame unit) in which a frame-shaped member and components (such as the game board 108) provided on the frame-shaped member are integrated.

[0016] The front frame 106 holds a glass unit (transparent plate). In this embodiment, a glass unit is used, but a resin plate may also be used. Also, when referring to the front frame, it may refer to a unit (door unit) in which a frame-shaped member and components (such as design members) provided on the frame-shaped member are integrated.

[0017] When the inner frame 104 and the front frame 106 are closed with respect to the outer frame 102, the game board 108 and the glass unit face substantially parallel to each other with a predetermined interval (gap) therebetween. At this time, the game board 108 is visible through the glass unit from the front side of the gaming machine 100.

[0018] Figure 2 is a view of the gaming machine 100 from the front. The gaming machine 100 is equipped with a performance device that provides effects during gameplay, including a performance control device 208, a lighting device 204, and a speaker 206. The performance control device 208 is configured to accept operations related to the effects and has a pressable button. The lighting device 204 is equipped with LEDs and is configured to emit light in different colors and different lighting patterns (lighting modes). The speaker 206 is configured to output voices, sound effects, background music, etc.

[0019] Furthermore, the gaming machine 100 is equipped with an operating handle 112 (handle) located in the lower right part of the front frame 106 and configured to be rotatable. The operating handle 112 protrudes toward the front of the gaming machine 100. When a launching operation is performed by rotating the operating handle 112, a game ball is launched from the launching mechanism (not shown) with an intensity (launching force) corresponding to the rotation angle (operating angle) (amount of rotation) of the operating handle 112.

[0020] An upper tray portion 160 and a lower tray portion 170 are provided at the lower part of the front frame 106. The upper tray section 160 is equipped with an upper tray ball release lever 161. By operating the upper tray ball release lever 161, the game balls stored in the upper tray section 160 can be sent to the lower tray section 170. The lower tray section 170 is equipped with a lower tray ball release lever 171. By operating the lower tray ball release lever 171, the game balls stored in the lower tray section 170 can be discharged to the outside. On the right side of the upper tray section 160 are provided a ball dispensing button 163 and a return button 164.

[0021] Figure 3 is a view of the game board 108 from the front. The game board 108 is provided with a roughly circular outer rail 114b and an inner rail 114a formed in an arc shape along the outer rail 114b. The game balls launched from the launching mechanism rise between the inner rail 114a and the outer rail 114b and are guided to the game area 116. The game area 116 (board surface) is the space formed between the game board 108 and the glass unit, and is an area in which the game balls can move (flow down, roll). The game board 108 is provided with (driven in) numerous game nails and windmills, and the game balls guided to the game area 116 collide with the nails and windmills, causing them to move (flow down, roll) in irregular directions.

[0022] The outer rail 114b extends clockwise from the bottom of the game board 108 towards the upper left, and also extends clockwise from approximately the center of the vertical (up and down) direction of the game board 108 towards the upper right. The outer rail 114b curves and extends from the bottom to the top of the game board 108, surrounding the game area 116. That is, the area surrounded by the outer rail 114b is the game area 116 where the game balls move. The inner rail 114a is located on the left side of the game board 108 and is positioned inside the outer rail 114b in the game area 116.

[0023] The game area 116 includes a first game area 116a and a second game area 116b, which allow for different degrees of entry of game balls depending on the launch strength of the launching mechanism, enabling the player to choose which game ball to shoot. The first game area 116a is located to the left of the game area 116 as viewed from a player facing the game machine 100, and the second game area 116b is located to the right of the game area 116 as viewed from a player facing the game machine 100. Since the outer rail 114b and inner rail 114a are located to the left of the game area 116, game balls launched by the launching mechanism with a launch strength below a predetermined strength enter the first game area 116a (left-handed area), and game balls launched by the launching mechanism with a launch strength of a predetermined strength or greater enter the second game area 116b (right-handed area).

[0024] Furthermore, the game area 116 includes an upper passage 116c that connects the left-hand play area 116a and the right-hand play area 116b.

[0025] Furthermore, the game area 116 is provided with general prize slots 118a and 118b into which game balls can be entered. General prize slot 118a is located in the first game area 116a. General prize slot 118b is located in the second game area 116b. General prize slots 118a and 118b are collectively referred to as general prize slot 118. When a game ball enters a general prize slot 118, a predetermined number of prize balls (game balls acquired through entry) are dispensed to the player. The number of prize balls can be one or more.

[0026] A special feature device 180 is provided approximately in the center of the game board 108 (game area 116). The special feature device 180 has a specific ball entry opening 182 into which game balls can be entered. The special feature device 180 also has a movable piece 181 (a so-called wing member) that can operate (open and close) between a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the specific ball entry opening 182 and an open state in which game balls can enter the specific ball entry opening 182. When the special feature device 180 is activated, the movable piece 181 is displaced so as to tilt outward in the left-right direction of the game area 116, with its base end (lower side) as the pivot point, and the movable piece 181 opens. Figure 3 shows the state in which the movable piece 181 is open.

[0027] The movable piece 181 is movable (displaceable) between an open state and a closed state (with its tip pointing upward and almost upright). When the movable piece 181 is in the closed state, it is not possible to enter the specific ball entry opening 182, and it is not possible to enter the specific game section 183 inside the mechanism 180. When the movable piece 181 is in the open state, it is possible to enter the specific ball entry opening 182, and it is possible to enter the specific game section 183 inside the mechanism 180.

[0028] Furthermore, below the game area 116, there are three entry points into which game balls can enter: a left-start entry point 120a, a middle-start entry point 120b, and a right-start entry point 120c. The left-start entry point 120a is located in the first game area 116a. The middle-start entry point 120b is located approximately in the center in the left-right direction. The right-start entry point 120c is located in the second game area 116b. The left-start entry point 120a, the middle-start entry point 120b, and the right-start entry point 120c are collectively referred to as the start entry point 120. When a game ball enters an entry point 120, a predetermined number of prize balls (game balls acquired through entry) are dispensed to the player. In addition, entry into an entry point 120 triggers the opening of the movable piece 181 for a predetermined period of time (for example, 0.5 seconds to 1 second). In this embodiment, when a game ball enters the left starting prize slot 120a or the right starting prize slot 120c, the movable piece 181 is opened once for a predetermined period of time. When a game ball enters the middle starting prize slot 120b, the movable piece 181 is opened twice for a predetermined period of time.

[0029] The game balls, guided into the specific game section 183 inside the mechanism 180, move downwards or roll (upwards) and ultimately pass through either a specific area or a losing area (they pass through the specific area with a predetermined probability). When it is detected that the game ball has passed through the specific area (entered the specific area), it is considered a win (jackpot), and a special game (jackpot game) is executed.

[0030] The game area 116 is provided with a large prize slot 150 into which game balls can be entered. When a game ball enters the large prize slot 150, a predetermined number of prize balls (game balls acquired through the prize) are dispensed to the player. The large prize slot 150 is equipped with a special mechanism that can operate between a closed state (inaccessible state) into which game balls cannot enter and an open state (inaccessible state) into which game balls can enter. The special mechanism is controlled to be in the open state under predetermined conditions during a special game (special game state) that is started based on the passage of a game ball through a specific area. The special game state consists of multiple rounds of gameplay, and the large prize slot 150 is open during each round of gameplay. Each round of gameplay ends when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from its start, or when a predetermined maximum number of game balls have entered the large prize slot 150. When a game ball enters the large prize slot 150, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player, allowing the player to win a large number of prize balls by playing the special game. In this embodiment, the number of rounds is determined by lottery or other means from among 3 rounds, 5 rounds, or 10 rounds.

[0031] An outlet 122 (discharge port) is provided at the bottom of the game area 116. Game balls that do not enter any of the general prize entry ports 118, start prize entry ports 120, big prize entry ports 150, or the special feature device 180 are discharged from the game area 116 to the back side of the game board 108 via the outlet 122.

[0032] The game board 108 has a through-hole 108a that penetrates in the thickness direction (the front-to-back direction of the game machine 100). A liquid crystal display device (not shown) is also provided on the back of the game board 108 as a display device. The liquid crystal display device (liquid crystal display) has a display section that displays images for display purposes. The display section of the liquid crystal display device is exposed through the through-hole 108a, and the image displayed on the display section can be viewed from the front.

[0033] The gaming machine according to this embodiment is controlled by a control board that includes a main board and a sub-board. The functions of each board, such as the main board and sub-board, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, and software consisting of a given program pre-stored in the ROM or the like.

[0034] The main board (main control means) receives input signals from input means (various sensors, etc.), performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls the operation of output means (payout device, etc.) based on the calculation results.

[0035] The sub-board (sub-control means) receives commands sent from the main board and input signals from the performance operation sensor that detects operations on the performance operation device 208, performs various calculations to execute performances in accordance with the progress of the game, and controls the operation of the performance device based on the calculation results.

[0036] The game area 116 is provided with target positions (target areas) where the game balls are to land. The target positions are the positions where the probability of the game balls entering the various ball entry points is highest when the player aims for the target positions and shoots the game balls there.

[0037] Figure 9 shows the target position in another gaming machine. In Figure 9, the target position is provided on the game ball receiving member 800. The game ball receiving member 800 comprises three nails (nails 811, 812, and 813) and one resin member 820. The nails 811, 812, and 813 are arranged to form a roughly inverted triangle when viewed from the front (the positions of the vertices of the inverted triangle). The resin member 820 is made of transparent resin and has a roughly circular shape when viewed from the front. A gap is formed between the resin member 820 and the surface of the game board 108, allowing the game ball to pass through this gap. In this example, the target position is between nails 811 and 812. Game balls that are driven into the game area 116 and land at the target position (between nails 811 and 812) move downwards and are distributed to the lower left or lower right.

[0038] When the game ball receiving member 800 is used, the target position (between nails 811 and 812) is narrow, making it difficult to guide the game ball into (pass through) the target position. Furthermore, game balls that do not enter between nails 811 and 812 and instead collide with the resin member 820 can move in various directions (the path the game ball travels is unstable). In addition, the game board is a component that is often shared with other models, and in recent years, as the LCD screens installed in other models have become larger and the size of the game board has increased, the size of the game board (board surface) has also increased in so-called two-type game machines like this embodiment. When the board surface becomes larger, the dispersion of game ball launches increases accordingly. In other words, the landing position of the game ball is not stable. When the game ball receiving member 800 is used, it is difficult to aim at the target position (the path of the game ball cannot be stabilized), which leads to problems such as player dissatisfaction (a heavy burden on the player).

[0039] Therefore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, instead of the gaming ball receiving member 800, the gaming ball receiving member 300 shown in Figure 3 is adopted, and a target position is provided on the gaming ball receiving member 300. The gaming ball receiving member 300 is a resin member provided at the top of the game area 116, approximately in the center in the left-right direction, and extends in the left-right direction (it is a long member in the left-right direction). The gaming ball receiving member 300 has a predetermined width in the front-rear direction, with the back side of the paper contacting the game board surface and the front side of the paper contacting the glass unit.

[0040] The game ball receiving member 300 is provided with at least one inclined surface. The inclined surface 311 is formed such that it slopes downward from left to right in the left-right direction (it slopes downward from the center to the left). The inclined surface 311 is tilted at approximately 5° with respect to the horizontal plane. In this embodiment, this inclined surface 311 is the "target position". The left-right dimension of the inclined surface 311 (dimension L shown in Figure 3) is approximately 20 mm. Furthermore, the game ball receiving member 300 has a symmetrical shape. In this embodiment, the game ball receiving member 300 is further provided with an inclined surface 312 (an inclined surface that slopes downward from the center to the right) which is formed so that the right side is lower in the left-right direction. The inclined surface 312 is tilted at approximately 5° with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0041] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the game ball receiving member 300, viewed from the front. The game ball receiving member 300 is provided in the approximate center in the left-right direction and includes a block-shaped projection 320 that protrudes upward for a predetermined length. The left wall 321 and the right wall 322 of the projection 320 are surfaces that are approximately perpendicular to the left-right direction. The vertical width (height) of the left wall 321 and the right wall 322 is greater than the diameter of the game ball (approximately 11 mm). The upper surface of the projection 320 is a surface that is perpendicular to the vertical direction. An inclined surface 311 is provided on the left side of the projection 320, and an inclined surface 312 is provided on the right side of the projection 320. A game ball that comes into contact with (collides with) the left wall 321 bounces back and is guided towards the inclined surface 311.

[0042] Here, the left end (left end face) of the game ball receiving member 300 is designated as the left end 304, and the right end (right end face) of the game ball receiving member 300 is designated as the right end 305. A game ball that lands on the inclined surface 311 flows down the inclined surface 311 for a certain distance, reaches the left end 304 (downstream end), and falls downward from the left end 304. A game ball that lands on the inclined surface 312 flows down the inclined surface 312 for a certain distance, reaches the right end 305 (downstream end), and falls downward from the right end 305.

[0043] The game ball receiving member 300 is equipped with an inclined surface (inclined surface 311), which allows the game ball to flow down a certain distance before dropping it from its end (left end 304) into the game area 116 below. The player only needs to launch the game ball so that it lands on the inclined surface 311, which has a predetermined width in the left-right direction, making it easy to aim at the target position. This helps to reduce player frustration (stress) (reduces the burden on the player).

[0044] Furthermore, the game ball receiving member 300 stabilizes the game ball by allowing it to flow down the inclined surface 311 before dropping it downwards from its end (left end 304), thus ensuring that the game balls fall to the same position (stabilizing the landing position (path of movement) of the game balls). In other words, even if the landing positions of the game balls vary, this variation is absorbed by the inclined surface, causing the game balls to fall to the same position. This reduces the impact of variations in the landing positions of the game balls on the outcome of the game (balls entering the ball entry point).

[0045] (Obstacle nail set) Figure 5 is an enlarged view showing the left side of the game ball receiving member 300 and the game area 116 below it. Below (directly below) the end (left end 304) of the game ball receiving member 300, a nail set 400 (obstacle nail set, first obstacle nail set) is provided. The nail set 400 consists of three obstacle nails (nails 411, 412, and 413). The nails 411, 412, and 413 are arranged to form a roughly inverted triangle shape (positions of the vertices of the inverted triangle) when viewed from the front. The first nail 411 is provided below (directly below) the left end 304. The second nail 412 is provided to the left of the first nail 411, with a gap of approximately 13.15 mm between them. The first spacing is greater than the diameter of the game ball (approximately 11 mm), allowing the game ball to pass between the first nail 411 and the second nail 412.

[0046] The third nail 413 is located below the first nail 411 and the second nail 412, and is positioned between the first nail 411 and the second nail 412 in the left-right direction (approximately in the center). The second distance between the third nail 413 and the first nail 411 is approximately 11.40 mm. In this embodiment, the second distance is smaller than the first distance, but the second distance may be the same as the first distance. The nails 411, 412, and 413 may be arranged at each vertex of an equilateral triangle, with equal spacing between them.

[0047] Below the end (left end 304) of the game ball receiving member 300, a specific ball entry opening 182 for the special feature device 180 is provided. The nail set 400 is located between the game ball receiving member 300 and the special feature device 180 in the vertical direction. The specific ball entry opening 182 is located downstream of the nail set 400. In other words, the nail set 400 is located upstream of the specific ball entry opening 182.

[0048] The nail set 400 is capable of distributing game balls in at least two directions. If one of the two directions is designated as the first direction, the first direction (specific direction) is the direction toward the bonus device 180 (specific ball entry opening 182), and in this example, it is the direction that passes between the third nail 413 and the first nail 411. If the other direction is designated as the second direction (a direction different from the specific direction), the second direction is the direction away from the bonus device 180 (specific ball entry opening 182), and in this example, it is the direction that passes between the third nail 413 and the second nail 412. Game balls that flow down in the first direction are more likely to enter the specific ball entry opening 182 than game balls that flow down in the second direction.

[0049] As described above, the gaming machine of this embodiment has a gameplay feature that aims to open the movable piece 181 and get the game ball into the specific ball entry opening 182, and when the game ball enters the specific ball entry opening 182, the player can win a prize.Therefore, the first path, in which it is easier for the ball to enter the specific ball entry opening 182 when the movable piece 181 is open, is more advantageous than the second path.

[0050] In Figure 5, if you proceed in the first direction and follow the path "A-1", the game ball is most likely to enter the specific ball entry opening 182. If you proceed along the path "A-1", the game ball can enter the specific ball entry opening 182 even if the movable piece 181 is not fully open (half-open). If you proceed in the first direction and follow the path "A-2", the probability of the game ball entering the specific ball entry opening 182 is relatively high. If you proceed in the second direction and follow the path "B", the game ball can enter the specific ball entry opening 182, but it is difficult for the ball to enter the specific ball entry opening 182 unless the movable piece 181 is fully open. If you proceed in the second direction and follow the paths "C" and "C-1", the result is the same as if you had followed the path "B". If the player proceeds in the second direction and follows the paths "C" and "C-2", the game ball will not enter the specific ball entry opening 182.

[0051] In this embodiment, the rate at which balls enter the specific ball entry point 182 is set primarily by the nail set 400 (one inspection point). However, the first nail 411, the second nail 412, and the third nail 413 can bend due to contact with the game balls (they are flexible). If at least one of the nails constituting the nail set 400 bends, the spacing between the nails (the spacing between nails) changes, which alters the game ball distribution performance and causes the rate at which balls enter the specific ball entry point 182 to differ from the preset value. In this embodiment, the nails of the nail set 400 (at least one nail) can be maintained to adjust the rate at which balls enter the specific ball entry point 182 (return it to the preset value). In this embodiment, the worker only needs to check whether the nails in the nail set 400, which greatly affects the rate at which balls enter the specific ball entry point 182, are bent (check whether they are normal), making management easier (reducing the burden of management).

[0052] To avoid repeating the explanation, as shown in Figure 3, a similar set of nails 400 is also provided below (directly below) the right end (right end 305) of the game ball receiving member 300.

[0053] As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, a block-shaped resin member 401 is provided on the left side of the game ball receiving member 300, at a predetermined distance (approximately 15 mm) from the left end 304. The resin member 401 has a roughly rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The resin member 401 has a predetermined width in the front-to-back direction, with the back surface of the paper in contact with the board surface and the front surface of the paper in contact with the glass unit.

[0054] The resin member 401 is positioned above the second nail 412. Specifically, the right end surface of the resin member 401 is positioned approximately directly above the second nail 412. Game balls that flow down the inclined surface 311 pass between the game ball receiving member 300 and the resin member 401 and fall downward. It can be said that the first nail 411 and the second nail 412 are positioned along (approximately parallel to) this space. The resin member 401 functions as a guide to more reliably cause game balls that have flowed down the inclined surface 311 to fall downward (passing between the first nail 411 and the second nail 412). The upper surface of the resin member 401 and the inclined surface 311 do not have to be flush; the upper surface of the resin member 401 may be positioned above the inclined surface 311. In that case, it becomes more difficult for game balls that have flowed down the inclined surface 311 to go over the resin member 401.

[0055] Furthermore, the resin member 401 has the function of preventing the game ball from coming into contact with the second nail 412 and causing the second nail 412 to fall over.

[0056] To avoid repeating the explanation, as shown in Figure 3, a block-shaped resin member 402 is also provided on the right side of the game ball receiving member 300, at a predetermined distance (approximately 15 mm) from the right end 305.

[0057] In this embodiment, resin members 401 and 402 are provided, but they do not necessarily have to be provided.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the game ball receiving member 300 is provided with a protrusion 320 (see Figure 4), but the protrusion 320 is not required.

[0059] Furthermore, although the nail set 400 is shown as consisting of three nails in this embodiment, the nail set 400 may consist of three or more nails, as long as it is capable of distributing game balls in at least two directions (the first and second directions described above). For example, it may consist of four nails, as shown in Figure 6(a). It may also consist of five nails, as shown in Figure 6(b).

[0060] The gaming machine of this embodiment is A game area (game area 116) in which game balls can flow down, The system includes a resin game ball receiving member (game ball receiving member 300) positioned in the game area and having an inclined surface (inclined surface 311) for allowing game balls to flow downstream, Below the downstream end of the aforementioned inclined surface, an obstacle pin set (pin set 400) capable of distributing game balls in at least two directions and a specific ball entry opening (specific ball entry opening 182) are arranged. When the game balls are directed in a specific direction by the aforementioned obstacle nail set and flow down, it is easier for them to enter the specific ball entry opening than when they are directed in a direction other than the aforementioned specific direction. By maintaining the obstruction nails in the aforementioned obstruction nail set, it is possible to adjust the rate at which balls enter the specific ball entry point.

[0061] The aforementioned game ball receiving member is equipped with an inclined surface that allows the game balls to flow downstream. The player only needs to launch the game ball so that it lands on the inclined surface, making it relatively easy to aim. Therefore, it is possible to reduce player dissatisfaction (stress) (reduce the burden on the player). In addition, the rate at which balls enter the specific ball entry point can be adjusted by maintaining the obstacle nails of the obstacle nail set. This reduces the management burden on the worker.

[0062] (Variation 1) In this modified example 1, as shown in Figure 7, a nail set 500 (second obstruction nail set) is further provided, which is capable of distributing game balls that have been allocated in the second direction (away from the special feature device 180 (specific ball entry opening 182)) in the nail set 400 to at least two directions. The nail set 500 is provided below (downstream) the nail set 400. In the vertical direction, the nail set 500 can be said to be provided between the nail set 400 and the specific ball entry opening 182.

[0063] Nail set 500 is constructed in the same manner as (or nearly the same manner as) nail set 400, and consists of three nails (nails 511, 512, and 513). Nails 511, 512, and 513 are arranged so as to form a roughly inverted triangle when viewed from the front (the positions of the vertices of the inverted triangle).

[0064] The nail set 500 is capable of distributing game balls in at least two directions. If one of the two directions is the X direction, the X direction is toward the mechanism 180 (specific ball entry opening 182), and in this example, it is the direction that passes between the third nail 513 and the first nail 511. If the other of the two directions is the Y direction, the Y direction is toward the away from the mechanism 180 (specific ball entry opening 182), and in this example, it is the direction that passes between the third nail 513 and the second nail 512. Game balls that flow down in the X direction are more likely to enter the specific ball entry opening 182 than game balls that flow down in the Y direction.

[0065] The nail set 500 can return the game balls that were allocated in the second direction (unfavorable direction) by the nail set 400 back to the X direction, that is, the side of the special feature device 180 (specific ball entry opening 182) (favorable direction). In other words, the nail set 500 can allocate the game balls in a direction that allows them to enter the specific ball entry opening 182.

[0066] In this modified example, the rate at which balls enter the specific ball entry point 182 is set primarily by nail sets 400 and 500 (two inspection points) located upstream of the specific ball entry point 182. As mentioned above, nails can fall over, but in this modified example, the nails in nail sets 400 and 500 can be maintained to adjust the rate at which balls enter the specific ball entry point 182 (returning it to a preset value) (there are two inspection points, and the adjustment range is wide). In this embodiment, the worker only needs to check whether the nails in nail sets 400 and 500 are bent (check if they are in good condition), making management easier (reducing the burden of management).

[0067] The gaming machine in this modified example is, A second set of obstructing nails (nail set 500), configured substantially the same as the first set of obstructing nails, is placed between the aforementioned set of obstructing nails and the designated ball entry opening. The second set of obstructing nails is capable of redirecting game balls that have been sorted and flowed down in a direction different from the specific direction by the obstructing nail set, into a direction in which they can enter the specific ball entry opening. By maintaining the obstruction nails of the second set of obstruction nails, it is possible to adjust the rate at which balls enter the specific ball entry point.

[0068] (Modification 2) In this modified version 2, as shown in Figure 8, a portion of the nail set 400 is composed of a windmill 450. Specifically, the third nail 413 shown in Figure 5 is replaced by the windmill 450. The windmill 450 is attached to the surface of the game board 108 by nails. The nail set 400 equipped with the windmill 450 is capable of distributing game balls in at least two directions. If one of the two directions is designated as the first direction, the first direction (specific direction) is the direction toward the bonus device 180 (specific ball entry opening 182), and in this example, it is the direction that passes between the windmill 450 and the first nail 411. If the other direction is designated as the second direction (a direction different from the specific direction), the second direction is the direction toward away from the bonus device 180 (specific ball entry opening 182), and in this example, it is the direction that passes between the windmill 450 and the second nail 412. Game balls that flow down in the first direction are more likely to enter the specific ball entry opening 182 than game balls that flow down in the second direction.

[0069] In this embodiment, the rate at which balls enter the specific ball entry point 182 is set primarily by the nail set 400 (one inspection point). However, the first nail 411, the second nail 412, and the windmill 450 can bend due to contact with the game balls (they are flexible). If at least one component of the nail set 400 is bent, the spacing between the components changes, which alters the game ball distribution performance and causes the rate at which balls enter the specific ball entry point 182 to differ from the preset value. In this embodiment, the components of the nail set 400 can be maintained to adjust the rate at which balls enter the specific ball entry point 182 (returning it to a preset value). In this embodiment, the worker only needs to check whether the nails in the nail set 400, which greatly affects the rate at which balls enter the specific ball entry point 182, are bent (check if they are normal), making management easier (reducing the burden of management).

[0070] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its essence. For example, the configuration of the pachinko game machine is not limited to that of the embodiments described above. Within the scope of the invention, any component can be modified or any component can be omitted. Also, the configuration described above can be applied not only to pachinko game machines but also to other game machines. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 116 Gaming Area 182 Specified ball entrance 300 Game ball receiving member 311 Slope 400 Nail Set 500 Nail Set

Claims

1. A game area in which game balls can flow down, The game area includes a resin game ball receiving member that is positioned therein and has an inclined surface for allowing game balls to flow downstream, Below the downstream end of the aforementioned inclined surface, a set of obstacle pins capable of distributing game balls in at least two directions, and a specific ball entry opening are arranged. When the game balls are directed in a specific direction by the aforementioned obstacle nail set and flow down, it is easier for them to enter the specific ball entry opening than when they are directed in a direction other than the aforementioned specific direction. A gaming machine that allows adjustment of the rate at which balls enter the specific ball entry opening by maintaining the obstruction nails of the aforementioned obstruction nail set.

2. A second set of obstruction nails, configured substantially the same as the first set of obstruction nails, is placed between the aforementioned set of obstruction nails and the designated ball entry opening. The second set of obstructing nails is capable of distributing the game balls that have been sorted and flowed down in a direction different from the specific direction by the obstructing nail set, in a direction that allows them to enter the specific ball entry opening. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the rate of balls entering the specific ball entry opening can be adjusted by maintaining the obstruction nails of the second set of obstruction nails.

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