Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a gaming machine that can enhance the enjoyment of players. [Solution] A gaming machine comprising a game area into which game balls can flow down, a prize entry opening into which game balls flowing down the game area can enter, a specific space provided above the prize entry opening, into which game balls flowing down the game area can enter, and into which game balls that have entered can roll, a guide section having a receiving section that can receive game balls flowing down the game area from above, and a guide section that guides the game balls received from the receiving section toward the prize entry opening, and a rolling section that can receive game balls rolling in the specific space, and into which the received game balls can roll toward the prize entry opening, wherein a discharge section is provided at the end of the rolling direction of the game balls in the rolling section to discharge the game balls outside the rolling section, and the width of the receiving section of the guide section is made wider than the width of the discharge section of the rolling section.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, a jackpot lottery is conducted triggered by the entry of a game ball into a start winning opening provided in a game area (game board) where the game ball flows down, and a variable display for notifying the result of the jackpot lottery is executed. In recent years, in order to enrich the variations of the entry route of the game ball into the start winning opening and improve the player's interest, a gaming machine has been devised in which a stage where the game ball flowing down the game area can enter and the entered game ball can roll is provided. In such a gaming machine, the stage is formed so as to slope downward from both left and right ends toward the center, and a start winning opening is arranged below the center of the stage, so that the game ball entering the stage is likely to enter the start winning opening, and a guide passage for guiding the game ball on the stage toward the start winning opening is provided (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to the gaming machine as described above, although the player's interest can be enhanced, in recent years as the structure of the game area (game board) and the diversification of the game properties progress, it has been desired to improve the entry mode and entry performance of the game ball into the start winning opening and to introduce a gaming machine capable of further improving the player's interest.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in light of the circumstances described above, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can enhance the enjoyment of players. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention is configured as follows.

[0007] (1) The gaming machine according to the present invention comprises a game area into which game balls can flow down, a prize entry opening into which game balls flowing down the game area can enter, a specific space provided above the prize entry opening, into which game balls flowing down the game area can enter and into which game balls that have entered can roll, a guide section having a receiving section that can receive game balls flowing down the game area from above and guides the game balls received from the receiving section toward the prize entry opening, and a rolling section that can receive game balls rolling in the specific space and into which the received game balls can roll toward the prize entry opening, wherein a discharge section is provided at the end of the rolling direction of the game balls in the rolling section for discharging the game balls outside the rolling section, and the width of the receiving section of the guide section is wider than the width of the discharge section of the rolling section.

[0008] (2) In addition, the gaming machine may be configured such that the discharge section of the rolling section is located below the receiving section of the guide section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can enhance the enjoyment of the players. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the exterior of a pachinko machine. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a pachinko machine with its front door open. [Figure 3] This is a schematic front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. [Figure 4] This is a magnified front view of the area around the first starting prize entry point of a pachinko machine. [Figure 5] This is a magnified perspective view of the area around the first starting prize entry point of a pachinko machine. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged left side cross-sectional view of the area around the first starting prize entry point of a pachinko machine. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged front view of the area around the first starting prize entry point of a modified pachinko machine. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification, the front / rear (front and back), left / right (sides), and up / down (bottom) directions of each component provided in the pachinko machine P refer to the directions when the pachinko machine P is viewed from the front with each component fixed to the pachinko machine P.

[0012] (External configuration of a Pachinko machine P) The gaming machine in this configuration is a pachinko machine P that uses game balls as the game medium. Although not specifically shown in the illustrations, in a gaming parlor where pachinko machines P are installed, multiple pachinko machines P are arranged in a row in an area called an island, and game ball dispensing devices (not specifically shown in the illustrations) for dispensing game balls are installed adjacent to each pachinko machine P. Each pachinko machine P is connected to the corresponding game ball dispensing device. The game ball dispensing device allows for the insertion of banknotes and a storage medium (card) that stores the value information necessary for dispensing game balls. By inserting banknotes (or a card) into the game ball dispensing device and then performing the prescribed dispensing operation on the pachinko machine P, the player can receive game balls from the game ball dispensing device.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment is a rectangular frame fixed to an island, and includes a machine frame 1 having a hollow portion (not particularly shown), and a rectangular frame attached to the machine frame 1 by a hinge mechanism (not particularly shown) so as to be openable and closable, and having a hollow portion (not particularly shown), a main body frame 2, and a front door 3 attached to the main body frame 2 by a hinge mechanism (not particularly shown) so as to be openable and closable, and having an opening (not particularly shown) formed in the front surface.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, a speaker 10 as a voice output device is provided at the lower left portion of the machine frame 1.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, a game board 11 for forming a game area 12 is accommodated in the hollow portion of the main body frame 2. The game board 11 is a transparent acrylic plate having a hollow portion near the center, and an effect display device 21 for executing effects accompanying the progress of the game is provided behind the hollow portion (see FIG. 3). In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, a liquid crystal display device capable of displaying images is used as the effect display device 21, but it is not limited thereto. For example, a drum-type display device or the like that performs various displays using a plurality of drums with patterns attached to the outer periphery may be used. Further, although not particularly shown, a control device for controlling the operation of the pachinko machine P is provided on the back surface of the game board 11.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the front door 3 includes a transparent plate 4 that covers the opening, an upper plate 6 and a receiving plate 7 that are located below the transparent plate 4 and can receive game balls, speakers 10 respectively attached to the upper left and upper right of the transparent plate 4, an effect operation device 9 that is located in front of the upper plate 6 and enables the player to operate to progress and switch effects, and an operation handle 5 that is attached to the right of the receiving plate 7 and is used to perform a shooting operation of the game balls. Further, an effect lamp DL that performs an effect by emitting light in various colors and light emission patterns is provided on the outer periphery of the front door 3. Although not particularly shown, the effect lamp DL is composed of LEDs capable of emitting light in a plurality of colors.

[0017] In this pachinko machine P, when the main body frame 2 is closed with respect to the machine frame 1 and then the front door 3 is closed, a transparent plate 4 is positioned with a gap in front of the game board 11. As a result, the game board 11 located at the rear can be visually recognized through the transparent plate 4, and the display portion 21a of the effect display device 21 located behind the game board 11 can also be visually recognized.

[0018] In addition, the upper tray 6 is configured to guide game balls lent out by the game ball lending device and prize balls paid out from the pachinko machine P. The upper tray 6 can receive a predetermined amount of game balls. When the upper tray 6 is full of game balls, the game balls lent out or paid out thereafter are guided to the saucer 7. Although not particularly shown, a discharge hole for discharging the stored game balls and an opening / closing plate capable of opening and closing the discharge hole are provided on the bottom surface of the saucer 7. In a normal state, the discharge hole is closed by the opening / closing plate. However, by moving the opening / closing lever 8 (see FIG. 1) attached integrally with the opening / closing plate in the lateral direction, the opening / closing plate also moves in the same direction, and the discharge hole is opened. Thereby, the game balls can be dropped from the discharge hole and discharged outside the saucer 7.

[0019] The effect operation device 9 includes an operation dial 9a in the shape of a circular ring that can be rotated and an operation button 9b that is fitted into the operation dial 9a and can be pressed. When the operation dial 9a is rotated or the operation button 9b is pressed, the ongoing effect progresses or switches to a different effect

[0020] The operation handle 5 is for hitting out game balls and is formed so that the player can rotate it. The above-mentioned upper tray 6 has a supply passage (not particularly shown) for supplying game balls to a game ball launching device (not particularly shown). When the player rotates the operation handle 5 in a state where the game balls in the upper tray 6 are supplied from the supply passage to the launching device, the game balls are launched by the launching device with an intensity corresponding to the rotation angle of the operation handle 5.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3, the surface (front side) of the game board 11 is provided with a pair of rails 13a and 13b that guide the game balls launched from the launching device. With the main frame 2 and front door 3 closed relative to the machine frame 1, the area formed between the game board 11 and the transparent plate 4, inside the pair of rails 13a and 13b (towards the center of the game board 11), constitutes the game area 12. The game balls launched by the launching device are guided by the rails 13a and 13b, rise to the game area 12, and can flow down within the game area 12.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the game area 12 consists of a first game area 12a, which is the area to the left of the player facing the pachinko machine P, and a second game area 12b, which is the area to the right of the player facing the pachinko machine P. The possibility of game balls entering these two game areas 12 differs depending on the firing intensity of the launching device. Specifically, if the firing intensity of the launching device is less than a predetermined intensity (an intensity such that the game ball launched by the launching device does not reach the highest point of the game area 12), the game ball enters the first game area 12a. On the other hand, if the firing intensity of the launching device is equal to or greater than a predetermined intensity (an intensity such that the game ball launched by the launching device can reach the highest point of the game area 12), the game ball enters the second game area 12b.

[0023] Within the game area 12, as shown in Figure 3, there is a windmill and numerous nails to make the direction of the game balls flowing irregular, a general prize entry point 14, a first start prize entry point 15, and a second start prize entry point 16 into which game balls can enter, a gate 20 through which game balls can pass, an attacker device 17 that operates when predetermined conditions are met, and an out entry point 19 that guides the game balls out of the game area 12.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the general prize slot 14 has an opening 14a that opens upward, and is formed so that game balls can be entered at all times through this opening. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the general prize slot 14 is located in the lower left part of the game area 12 (below the first game area 12a), and when a game ball enters the general prize slot 14, a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 3 balls) are dispensed. The number and location of the general prize winning slots 14 are not limited to the configuration shown in the illustration. For example, multiple general prize winning slots 14 may be provided within the first game area 12a, or one or more general prize winning slots 14 may be provided within the second game area 12b, with or without being provided within the first game area 12a.

[0025] The first starting prize entry opening 15 has an opening 15a that opens upward and is formed in a cup shape that allows game balls to enter at all times through the opening 15a. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the first starting prize entry opening 15 is located in the lower center of the game area 12 (below the display device 21 within the first game area 12a). Only game balls flowing down the first game area 12a can enter the first starting prize entry opening 15, and game balls flowing down the second game area 12b cannot enter. Furthermore, the opening 15a of the first starting prize entry point 15 is wider from left end to right end (width) than the width of one game ball (in this embodiment, it is about 1.8 times the diameter of a game ball). In addition, the width of the opening 15a is wider than the width of the opening 14a of the general prize entry point 14 described above, and is also wider than the width of the opening 16c of the second starting prize entry point 16, which will be described later. Furthermore, the width of the opening 15a may be wider than either the width of the opening 14a of the general prize winning opening 14 or the width of the opening 16c of the second starting prize winning opening 16, but narrower than the other.

[0026] Here, we will explain in detail the configuration around the first starting prize entry point 15 in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment is provided with a stage ST between the performance display device 21 located in the center of the game area 12 and the first starting prize entry opening 15, which is a space into which game balls can enter and where entered game balls can stay, and a stage guide passage SGA is provided which is a passage into which game balls flowing down the first game area 12a can enter and which guides entered game balls to the stage ST. In this form of pachinko machine P, the first starting prize entry point 15 is located directly below the center of the ST stage (see Figure 3).

[0027] Between the stage ST and the first starting prize entry opening 15 (directly below the center of the stage ST), a pair of left upright plates GL and right upright plates GR are provided, erected in the forward direction from the surface of the game board 11. These left upright plates GL and right upright plates GR form a prize entry guide passage IGA that allows game balls to enter from above and guides the entered game balls toward the first starting prize entry opening 15. Directly below the center of the stage ST, the prize entry guide passage IGA and the first starting prize entry opening 15 are located in that order from top to bottom.

[0028] The left vertical plate GL and the right vertical plate GR are rectangular thin plates made of synthetic resin, with one end in the longitudinal direction curved. In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the left vertical plate GL is positioned above the left end of the opening 15a in the first starting prize entry opening 15, and the right vertical plate GL is positioned above the right end of the opening 15a so as to face the left vertical plate GL, thereby forming a prize entry guide passage IGA through which the game balls can flow (see Figure 3).

[0029] Furthermore, the left vertical plate GL is positioned so that one of its curved ends is at the top and curves toward the left, and the right vertical plate GR is positioned so that one of its curved ends is at the top and curves toward the right, so that when placed on the game board 11, they form an inverted V shape (inverted hakama shape) when viewed from the front (see Figure 3). With the left vertical plate GL and the right vertical plate GR positioned as described above, a prize entry guide passage entrance IGI is formed at the upper end of the prize entry guide passage IGA, which is capable of receiving game balls from above and has an flared edge, and a prize entry guide passage exit IGO is formed vertically below the prize entry guide passage entrance IGI at the lower end of the prize entry guide passage IGA, which discharges game balls out of the prize entry guide passage IGA (see Figure 3). Furthermore, as described above, the upper edge of the prize entry guide passage IGA is widened, so the width of the passage at the upper end (the width of the prize entry guide passage entrance IGI) is wider than the width of the passage other than the upper end, and the width of the passage other than the upper end is the same length as the width of the opening 15a of the first starting prize entry 15 (approximately 1.8 times the diameter of the game ball).

[0030] Furthermore, when the left vertical plate GL and the right vertical plate GR are positioned on the game board 11, their lower ends are located above the opening 15a of the first starting prize entry hole 15, separated by a gap of about one game ball, and their upper ends are located slightly below the stage ST (below the front end of the stage surface SS, which will be described later). In other words, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the lower ends of the left vertical plate GL and the right vertical plate GR do not come into contact with the first starting prize entry hole 15, and a gap (lateral hole) of about one game ball is provided between them (see Figure 3).

[0031] The stage ST is equipped with a stage surface SS on which game balls can roll. The stage surface SS is formed to slope downward from both the left and right ends towards the center, and the front end is open (see Figure 3).

[0032] Furthermore, the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment is equipped with a rolling passage RA that can accept game balls in the stage ST and allows the accepted game balls to roll and flow down toward the first starting prize entry opening 15, as shown in Figures 3 to 6. This rolling passage RA extends from a rolling passage inlet RI (starting point of the rolling passage RA) formed in the center of the stage surface SS and capable of accepting game balls, through the back side of the game board 11, to a rolling passage exit RO (end of the rolling passage RA) formed in the prize entry opening guide passage IGA (below the upper end of the prize entry opening guide passage IGA (entrance IGI) and above the lower end of the prize entry opening guide passage IGA (exit IGO)) and capable of discharging game balls out of the rolling passage RA (see Figures 3 to 6). The rolling passage exit RO is located approximately in the center in the left-right direction of the prize entry opening guide passage IGA (see Figure 3). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the width (W1) of the entrance to the prize-winning guide passage IGA is wider than the width (W2) of the exit to the rolling passage RO in the rolling passage RA.

[0033] In the pachinko machine P according to this configuration, among the game balls flowing down the first game area 12a, those that enter the stage guide passage SGA are guided along the passage and enter the stage ST. Most of the game balls that do not enter the stage guide passage SGA continue to flow down the first game area 12a while coming into contact with windmills and nails, and reach the vicinity of structures such as the stage ST, the first starting prize entry opening 15, and the prize entry opening guide passage IGA. These game balls may bounce up due to collisions with nails arranged around these structures, and as a result they may enter the stage ST from the front edge of the stage surface SS, enter the prize entry opening guide passage IGA from the prize entry opening guide passage entrance IGI, or enter the first starting prize entry opening 15 through the gap between the left vertical plate GL and the right vertical plate GR that form the prize entry opening guide passage IGA and the upper end of the first starting prize entry opening 15.

[0034] Then, the game balls that enter the stage ST are either received at the entrance RI of the rolling passage, or they fall out of the stage ST from the front edge of the stage surface SS.

[0035] The game balls received at the rolling passage entrance RI roll down through the rolling passage RA and are discharged from the rolling passage exit RO. As described above, the rolling passage exit RO is formed within the prize entry guide passage IGA (below the upper end of the prize entry guide passage IGA (prize entry guide passage entrance IGI) and above the lower end of the prize entry guide passage IGA (prize entry guide passage exit IGO)), so the game balls discharged from the rolling passage exit RO flow down through the prize entry guide passage IGA. Here, a gap of about one game ball is provided between the left vertical plate GL and the right vertical plate GR that form the prize entry guide passage IGA and the upper end of the first starting prize entry opening 15. However, since the first starting prize entry opening 15 is located directly below the prize entry guide passage IGA, the possibility of game balls flowing down through the prize entry guide passage IGA entering the gap is extremely low, and almost all game balls discharged from the rolling passage exit RO will enter the first starting prize entry opening 15 directly. In other words, game balls that enter the stage ST and are received at the rolling passage entrance RI are very likely to enter the first starting prize entry opening 15. As mentioned above, the width of the entrance IGI to the prize entry guide passage IGA is wider than the width of the exit RO to the rolling passage RA. Therefore, even if a game ball discharged from the exit RO to the rolling passage bounces upward above the entrance IGI to the prize entry guide passage due to some impact, the game ball can easily re-enter the prize entry guide passage IGA from the entrance IGI. Furthermore, even if the rolling passage RA is formed such that the exit RO to the rolling passage is located above the entrance IGI to the prize entry guide passage, game balls discharged from the exit RO to the prize entry guide passage IGA from the entrance IGI to the prize entry guide passage.

[0036] Furthermore, although game balls within the stage ST can fall out of the stage ST from any point on the front edge of the stage surface SS, they tend to fall from near the center of the stage ST because the stage surface SS slopes downward from both the left and right ends towards the center. Also, as mentioned above, the prize entry guide passage IGA is located directly below the center of the stage ST, and the edge of the prize entry guide passage entrance IGI is widened, so game balls that fall out of the stage ST from near the center of the stage ST tend to enter the prize entry guide passage IGA, and most of these game balls will go straight into the first start prize entry 15. In other words, game balls that enter the stage ST and fall out of the stage ST without being accepted by the rolling passage entrance RI also tend to go into the first start prize entry 15.

[0037] As described above, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, a rolling passage RA is formed that allows game balls flowing down the first game area 12a to roll from the stage ST toward the first starting prize entry opening 15, and a prize entry guide passage IGA is formed between the stage ST and the first starting prize entry opening 15, into which game balls discharged from the rolling passage exit RO located at the end of the rolling passage RA can enter and which can guide the entered game ball toward the first starting prize entry opening 15, and the width of the prize entry guide passage entrance IGI in the prize entry guide passage IGA is configured to be wider than the width of the rolling passage exit RO in the rolling passage RA. As a result, even if a game ball that has entered the rolling passage RA from the stage ST and been discharged from the rolling passage RO bounces up due to some kind of impact, it is easier for the game ball to enter the prize entry guide passage IGA from the prize entry guide passage entrance IGI. This increases the proportion of game balls that have entered the stage ST that enter the first starting prize entry 15, and in turn, enhances the player's enjoyment.

[0038] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P according to this configuration, the exit RO of the rolling passage RA (the end of the rolling passage RA) is configured to be located below the upper end of the prize entry guide passage IGA (the entrance IGI of the prize entry guide passage). As a result, game balls that enter the rolling passage RA from the stage ST and are discharged from the rolling passage exit RO are located within the prize entry guide passage IGA. Since there is no contact with other game balls flowing down outside the prize entry guide passage IGA, they can flow down within the prize entry guide passage IGA and enter the first starting prize entry 15. In other words, with the pachinko machine P according to this configuration, it is possible to prevent game balls discharged from the rolling passage exit RO from being obstructed by other game balls entering the first starting prize entry 15. This increases the proportion of game balls that enter the stage ST and enter the first starting prize entry 15, and consequently enhances the player's enjoyment.

[0039] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the width of the opening 15a of the first starting prize entry 15 is wider than the width of the opening 14a of the general prize entry 14 and the width of the opening 16a of the second starting prize entry 16, which will be described later. This makes it possible to increase the proportion of game balls that enter the first starting prize opening 15 when moving near the first starting prize opening 15, compared to the proportion of game balls that enter the first starting prize opening 14 when moving near the first starting prize opening 14, and the proportion of game balls that enter the second starting prize opening 16 when moving near the first starting prize opening 16, thereby improving the player's enjoyment.

[0040] Next, we will describe a modified configuration of the area around the first starting prize entry point 15. In the pachinko machine P of this form, the prize entry guide passage IGA was formed by a rectangular thin plate, a left vertical plate GL and a right vertical plate GR, but it is not limited to this. For example, a prize entry guide passage IGA may be formed by driving multiple nails into the game board 11 at the upper left and upper right ends of the opening 15a of the first starting prize entry opening 15. In this case, the same effects and benefits as described above will be achieved.

[0041] In the pachinko machine P relating to this form, a gap of about one game ball was provided between the lower end of the prize entry guide passage IGA (the lower end of the prize entry guide passage IGO (the lower end of the left vertical plate GL and the right vertical plate GR)) and the first start prize entry 15, but it is not limited to this. For example, a gap larger than one game ball may be provided between the lower end of the prize entry guide passage IGA and the first starting prize entry opening 15, or a gap smaller than one game ball may be provided. Alternatively, the lower end of the prize entry guide passage IGA and the first starting prize entry opening 15 may be in contact without any gap being provided. In this case, the same effects and benefits as described above will be achieved.

[0042] In the pachinko machine P relating to this form, the upper end of the prize entry guide passage IGA (the entrance to the prize entry guide passage IGI (the upper ends of the left vertical plate GL and the right vertical plate GR)) is located below the front end of the stage surface SS in the stage ST, but is not limited to this. For example, the upper end of the prize entry guide passage IGA may be at the same height as the front edge of the stage surface SS (i.e., the upper end of the prize entry guide passage IGA may be in contact with the front edge of the stage surface SS). In this case, the same effects as described above will be achieved, and it will be easier to accept game balls that have entered stage ST but have not entered the rolling passage RA into the prize entry guide passage IGA, thereby increasing the proportion of game balls that enter the first starting prize entry 15.

[0043] In the pachinko machine P of this form, the prize entry guide passage IGA has an enlarged edge at its upper end (prize entry guide passage entrance IGI), and the width of the passage at the upper end is wider than the width of the passage at the rest of the passage. However, this is not limited to this as long as the game balls can flow down. For example, the prize entry guide passage IGA may be designed so that the passage width is the same from the top to the bottom without widening the top edge, or the passage width at the bottom may be wider than the passage width at the bottom by widening the bottom edge instead of the top edge. Alternatively, both the top edge and the bottom edge may be widened so that the passage width at the top and bottom is wider than the passage width at the top and bottom. In this case, the same effects and benefits as described above will be achieved.

[0044] In the pachinko machine P of this form, the width of the passage other than the upper end portion of the prize entry guide passage IGA was the same length as the width of the opening 15a of the first start prize entry 15 (approximately 1.8 times the diameter of the game ball), but this is not limited to this as long as the game ball can flow down and enter the first start prize entry 15. For example, the width of the passage other than the upper end portion of the prize entry guide passage IGA may be configured to be wider or narrower than the width of the opening 15a of the first starting prize entry 15, as long as the game ball can flow down. The same applies when the width of the passage from the upper end to the lower end of the prize entry guide passage IGA is the same. Furthermore, the width of the opening 15a of the first starting prize entry 15 can also be set arbitrarily as long as the game ball can enter, for example, it may be a length that is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball (approximately 1.1 times the diameter of the game ball, etc.) or a length that is 1.8 times or more the diameter of the game ball, etc. In this case, the same effects and benefits as described above will be achieved.

[0045] In the pachinko machine P relating to this form, the stage surface SS of the stage ST is formed to slope downward from both the left and right ends toward the center, and the prize entry passage IGA and the first start prize entry 15 are provided directly below the center of the stage ST (directly below the lowest position of the stage ST), but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the stage surface SS may be formed to have a downward slope from the left end to the right end (the left end being the highest and the right end being the lowest), and the prize entry guide passage IGA and the first starting prize entry 15 may be provided directly below the right end of the stage ST (directly below the lowest position of the stage ST). In addition, in this configuration, a rolling passage entrance RI may be provided at the right end of the stage surface SS, and a rolling passage RA may be provided that allows the game balls received from this rolling passage entrance RI to roll toward the first starting prize entry 15. In this case, the same effects and benefits as described above will be achieved.

[0046] In the pachinko machine P of this form, the entrance RI to the rolling passage RA of the rolling passage was provided in the center of the stage surface SS, but the installation position of the rolling passage entrance RI is not limited to this. For example, the rolling passage inlet RI may be provided in any region to the left of the center of the stage surface SS, or in any region to the right of the center of the stage surface SS. In this way, the proportion of game balls that enter Stage ST that are accepted into the rolling passage entrance RI can be changed, thereby improving the player's enjoyment.

[0047] In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, the rolling passage RA was formed to pass through the back of the game board 11 and reach the rolling passage entrance RI located in the center of the stage surface SS and the rolling passage exit RO located above the first starting prize entry opening 15, but it is not limited to this. For example, the rolling passage RA may be formed to pass through the front side of the game board 11, from the rolling passage inlet RI to the rolling passage exit RO. In this case, the same effects and benefits as described above will be achieved.

[0048] In the pachinko machine P relating to this form, the exit RO of the rolling passage RA was located within the prize entry guide passage IGA (below the upper end of the prize entry guide passage IGA (entrance IGI) and above the lower end of the prize entry guide passage IGA (exit IGO)), but is not limited to this. For example, the rolling passage exit RO may be located outside the prize entry guide passage IGA (above the upper end of the prize entry guide passage IGA (prize entry guide passage entrance IGI), below the lower end of the prize entry guide passage IGA (prize entry guide passage exit IGO), etc.).

[0049] In the pachinko machine P relating to this form, the front end of the stage surface SS is open, but this is not the only limitation. For example, as shown in Figure 7, a fall prevention section SB may be provided at the front end of the stage surface SS to prevent game balls from falling out of the stage ST from that end. This fall prevention section SB can be formed, for example, by a plate-shaped member erected from the stage surface SS (see Figure 7). In this case, game balls that have entered the stage ST can enter the rolling passage RA from the rolling passage entrance RI without falling out of the stage ST, thereby increasing the proportion of game balls that enter the first starting prize entry opening 15. Furthermore, to prevent game balls from falling off the stage ST at all, a fall prevention section SB may be provided over the entire area from the left end to the right end of the front edge of the stage surface SS. Also, to allow balls to fall from the center of the stage ST, which makes it easy to enter the prize entry passage IGA, but to prevent them from falling from anywhere else, a fall prevention section SB may be provided over the area excluding the central part of the front edge of the stage surface SS. Furthermore, in order to allow game balls that have flowed down towards the vicinity of the stage ST to enter the stage ST by bouncing up, the upper part of the fall prevention section SB may be open to allow bouncing game balls to enter, and the upper end of the fall prevention section SB may be configured to be at a height that bouncing game balls can clear.

[0050] In the pachinko machine P relating to this form, a prize entry guide passage IGA is provided that allows game balls to enter from above and guides the entered game balls toward the first starting prize entry opening 15, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the prize entry guide passage IGA, guide passages that allow game balls to enter and guide the entered game balls toward the general prize entry 14 may be provided, as well as guide passages that allow game balls to enter and guide the entered game balls toward the second starting prize entry 16. If these guide passages are provided, the width of the entrance IGI of the prize entry guide passage IGA that guides game balls toward the first starting prize entry 15 may be wider than the width of the entrance of the guide passage that guides game balls toward the general prize entry 14, and also wider than the width of the entrance of the guide passage that guides game balls toward the second starting prize entry 16. Furthermore, the width of the entrance IGI of the prize-entry guidance passage IGA, which can guide the game ball toward the first starting prize-entry opening 15, may be configured to be wider than either the width of the entrance to the guidance passage that can guide the game ball toward the general prize-entry opening 14, or the width of the entrance to the guidance passage that can guide the game ball toward the second starting prize-entry opening 16, but narrower than the other.

[0051] In the pachinko machine P relating to this embodiment, a stage guidance passage SGA is provided, which is a passage through which game balls flowing down the first game area 12a can enter and which guides the entered game balls to the stage ST, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the stage guidance passage SGA, a stage guidance passage may be provided that allows game balls flowing down the second game area 12b to enter and guides the entered game balls to the stage ST. If such a stage guidance passage is provided, the proportion of game balls flowing down the first game area 12a entering the stage guidance passage SGA may be higher than the proportion of game balls flowing down the second game area 12b entering the stage guidance passage. Specifically, for example, the entrance to the stage guidance passage SGA may be inclined to easily accept game balls flowing down the first game area 12a, but the entrance to the stage guidance passage into which game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can enter may not be inclined to easily accept game balls. Furthermore, the above-mentioned modifications can be combined with each other to the extent possible.

[0052] The following section returns to the explanation of other components in the game area 12 and the gameplay of the pachinko machine P. As shown in Figure 3, gate 20 is located in the upper right part of the game area 12 (above the second game area 12b). In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, only game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can pass through gate 20, while game balls flowing down the first game area 12a cannot pass through gate 20.

[0053] Below the gate 20 (approximately in the right center of the game area 12 (approximately in the center of the second game area 12b)), as shown in Figure 3, a second starting prize entry opening 16 and a flat, movable piece 16b (a standard electric mechanism) that can protrude from and retract into the game board 11 are arranged side by side. The upper surface of the movable piece 16b is formed to slope downward from the right end to the left end when it is protruding from the game board 11. The right end of the movable piece 16b is located directly below the gate 20, and the second starting prize entry opening 16 is located to the left of the left end of the movable piece 16b. The second starting prize entry opening 16 is cup-shaped with an opening 16c that opens upward, and game balls that reach the opening 16c enter the second starting prize entry opening 16. When the movable piece 16b is protruding from the game board 11 (hereinafter also referred to as the protruding state), the upper surface of the movable piece 16b functions as a guide member that guides the game ball to the opening of the second starting prize entry hole 16. In contrast, when the movable piece 16b is immersed in the game board 11 (hereinafter also referred to as the immersed state), the movable piece 16b is unable to guide the game ball to the opening of the second starting prize entry hole 16. Furthermore, only game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can enter the second starting prize entry point 16, and game balls flowing down the first game area 12a cannot enter it.

[0054] However, the second starting prize entry opening 16 and the movable piece 16b are not limited to the above configuration. For example, a movable piece 16b may be provided as a wing member that rotates left and right around an axis perpendicular to the game board 11 to open and close the second starting prize opening 16. Specifically, when the movable piece 16b (wing member) is closed, the second starting prize opening 16 is closed and it is not possible for game balls to enter the second starting prize opening 16. However, when the movable piece 16b is opened, the second starting prize opening 16 is opened and this movable piece 16b functions as a guide member that guides game balls toward the second starting prize opening 16, thereby making it possible for game balls to enter the second starting prize opening 16. Furthermore, the movable piece 16b may be a lid member that rotates in the front-to-back direction around an axis horizontal to the game board 11 to open and close the second starting prize entry opening 16, or it may be a shutter member that slides in the up-and-down direction to open and close the second starting prize entry opening 16. Furthermore, the installation positions of the first starting prize entry point 15 and the second starting prize entry point 16 are not particularly limited. For example, the first starting prize entry point 15 and the second starting prize entry point 16 may be positioned in a location that makes it easy for game balls flowing down either of the game areas 12 (first game area 12a, second game area 12b) to enter.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, the attacker device 17 is located below the second starting prize entry opening 16 and the movable piece 16b (in the lower right part of the game area 12 (below the second game area 12b)). The attacker device 17 includes a large prize entry opening 18 into which game balls can enter, and an opening / closing door 18b that opens and closes this large prize entry opening 18. Under normal circumstances, the opening / closing door 18b is closed and the large prize opening 18 is closed, making it impossible for game balls to enter the large prize opening 18. However, when the special game described later is played, the opening / closing door 18b opens and the large prize opening 18 is opened, and the opening / closing door 18b functions as a receiving member that guides game balls into the large prize opening 18, making it possible for game balls to enter the large prize opening 18. Specifically, during the special game, a round game in which the large prize opening 18 is opened is played multiple times. When one game ball enters the large prize opening 18, a predetermined number of prize balls (15 in this configuration) are dispensed. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can enter the large prize opening 18, but game balls flowing down the first game area 12a cannot. In addition, nails and windmills are arranged so that almost all game balls flowing down the second game area 12b, except for those that enter the second starting prize opening 16, can reach the large prize opening 18. Therefore, if game balls are continuously launched into the second game area 12b while the aforementioned movable piece 16b is retracted and the large prize opening 18 is open, those game balls will enter the large prize opening 18.

[0056] However, the attacker device 17 is not limited to the configuration described above. For example, the opening and closing door 18b may be a shutter member that can be retracted into the game board 11, so that when it is protruding from the game board 11 the large prize opening 18 is closed and when it is retracted into the game board 11 the large prize opening 18 is open.

[0057] As shown in Figure 3, the out-out opening is located at the bottom of the game area 12 and accepts game balls that do not enter any of the general prize-winning openings 14, the first starting prize-winning opening 15, the second starting prize-winning opening 16, or the large prize-winning opening 18. Game balls that are accepted into the out-out opening 19 are guided to the back side of the game board 11 and collected.

[0058] In the pachinko machine P of this form, when a game ball enters the first starting prize entry point 15 or the second starting prize entry point 16, a predetermined number of prize balls are dispensed, and a lottery is held to determine whether or not to execute a special game in which the large prize entry point 18 is opened. If a jackpot is won, the special game is executed. There are also multiple types of special games, each with different numbers of times the large prize entry point 18 is opened, different opening times, and different game states to which the player transitions after the special game ends. Which special game is executed is determined by a lottery for special symbols, which selects one of the multiple types of special symbols.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3, a first special symbol display device 30, a second special symbol display device 31, a regular symbol display device 32, a first special symbol hold display device 38, a second special symbol hold display device 39, and a regular symbol hold display device 33 are provided in the lower left part of the game board 11 and outside the game area 12, as devices for displaying various situations related to the game. When a game ball enters the first starting prize slot 15, the first special symbol display device 30 displays a changing special symbol for a predetermined time, and when a game ball enters the second starting prize slot 16, the second special symbol display device 31 displays a changing special symbol for a predetermined time. During this time, the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 displays a changing performance symbol 50, which is a symbol used for performances. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the changing display on the first special symbol display device 30 or the second special symbol display device 31 stops, and a special symbol indicating the result of the jackpot lottery is displayed. If a jackpot is won, the special symbol associated with the type of special game (hereinafter also referred to as the jackpot symbol) is displayed, and if it is a loss, the special symbol associated with a loss (hereinafter also referred to as the losing symbol) is displayed. Furthermore, in the variable animations performed by the animation display device 21, if a jackpot is won, the animation symbols 50 are stopped and displayed in a manner that indicates the result, and if it is a loss, the animation symbols 50 are stopped and displayed in a manner that indicates the result. When a jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, a special game of the type associated with that jackpot symbol is performed.

[0060] Furthermore, while the special symbols are being displayed in the first special symbol display device 30 or the second special symbol display device 31, or while a special game is being played, if a game ball enters the first starting prize slot 15 or the second starting prize slot 16, this fact is stored (reserved), and the number of stored (reserved) numbers based on the game ball entering the first starting prize slot 15 is displayed on the first special symbol reservation display device 38, and the number of reserved numbers based on the game ball entering the second starting prize slot 16 is displayed on the second special symbol reservation display device 39. For example, the number of reserved numbers is indicated by the number of lamps that light up. When the special symbol display ends or the special game ends, a jackpot lottery and a special symbol lottery are conducted based on the reserved numbers. Up to a maximum predetermined number (for example, 4) can be held in reserve. When a jackpot lottery or a special symbol lottery is conducted based on the reserved symbols, the number of reserved symbols is reduced, and accordingly, the displays on the first special symbol reserved symbol display device 38 and the second special symbol reserved symbol display device 39 are also reduced.

[0061] Furthermore, when a game ball passes through gate 20, a lottery is held to determine whether or not to extend the movable piece 16b. This lottery is conducted as a lottery for a regular symbol, determining one of several regular symbols that are associated with the extension (winning) and non-extension (losing) of the movable piece 16b. If the result of the lottery is a win, the movable piece 16b extends for a predetermined time, and the game ball can enter the second starting prize entry opening 16.

[0062] Furthermore, when a game ball passes through gate 20, the regular symbol display device 32 displays a changing regular symbol for a predetermined period of time. After the changing period has elapsed, the changing display on the regular symbol display device 32 stops, and a regular symbol indicating the result of the regular symbol lottery is displayed. That is, in the case of a win, the regular symbol associated with that win is displayed, and in the case of a loss, a predetermined regular symbol associated with a loss is displayed. When the regular symbol associated with a win is displayed, the movable piece 16b protrudes. When the movable piece 16b is protruding, a game ball can be entered into the second starting prize entry opening 16, increasing the chances of winning a jackpot and creating a more advantageous state than when the movable piece 16b is not protruding (when it is retracted).

[0063] Here, if a game ball passes through gate 20 while the regular symbol display device 32 is showing the variation of the regular symbols, it will be held in reserve up to a maximum predetermined number (for example, 4 balls) as described above, and the number of reserved balls will be displayed on the regular symbol reserved display device 33. When the variation of the regular symbols ends, a lottery for regular symbols will be held based on the reserved balls, the number of reserved balls will be reduced, and the display on the regular symbol reserved display device 33 will be reduced.

[0064] In addition, the movable piece 16b may be extended in both cases where the result of the regular lottery is a win or a loss. If it is a win, the movable piece 16b may be extended for a time when it is possible to enter the second starting prize slot 16 (operating the movable piece 16b in a so-called long-acting mode). On the other hand, if it is a loss, the movable piece 16b may be extended for a time when it is almost impossible to enter the second starting prize slot 16 (operating the movable piece 16b in a so-called short-acting mode).

[0065] As shown in Figure 3, the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 is positioned approximately in the center of the game area 12. The display unit 21a displays a background image, and as part of the variation performance, it also displays the variation of the aforementioned performance symbols 50 (dummy symbols). The result of the jackpot lottery is then communicated to the player based on the stopping display pattern of each performance symbol 50.

[0066] Furthermore, the first starting prize entry opening 15 in the above-described embodiment corresponds to the prize entry opening of the present invention. The stage ST in the above-described embodiment corresponds to the specific space of the present invention. The prize entry opening guide passage IGA in the above-described embodiment corresponds to the guide section of the present invention. The prize entry opening guide passage entrance IGI in the above-described embodiment corresponds to the receiving section of the present invention. The rolling passage RA in the above-described embodiment corresponds to the rolling section of the present invention. The rolling passage exit RO in the above-described embodiment corresponds to the discharge section of the present invention. The pachinko machine P in the above-described embodiment corresponds to the gaming machine of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] P Pachinko machine ST Stage SS Stage IGA Prize Entrance Guideway IGI Prize Winners' Entrance Guide Passage IGO Prize Winners' Entrance Guideway Exit RA rolling path RI rolling passage entrance RO rolling passage outlet 15 First Prize Entry

Claims

1. A game area in which game balls can flow down, A prize entry point into which game balls flowing down the game area can enter, A specific space is provided above the prize entry point, into which game balls flowing down the game area can enter, and into which game balls that have entered can roll; It has a receiving section that can receive game balls flowing down the game area from above, and a guide section that guides the game balls received from the receiving section toward the prize winning opening, It comprises a rolling section capable of receiving game balls rolling in a specific space, and capable of allowing the received game balls to roll toward the prize-winning opening, At the end of the rolling direction of the game ball in the rolling section, a discharge section is provided to discharge the game ball outside the rolling section. A gaming machine characterized in that the width of the receiving section of the guide unit is wider than the width of the discharge section of the rolling unit.

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the discharge section of the rolling section is provided below the receiving section of the guide section.

Images