gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of enhancing game amusement.SOLUTION: The game machine of this invention for executing a game by shooting a game medium toward the inside of a game area 4 comprises: an operation part 270 to be operated by a player; and a delivery part 20 which delivers game values to the player. The operation part 20 has a vibration part 213 which vibrates in a case of executing the delivery of game values exceeding a regulated number.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A known gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine, which includes a gaming area in which gaming balls (gaming media) move and a launcher that launches the gaming balls into the gaming area. The pachinko gaming machine includes a starting port provided in the gaming area, and when the entry of a gaming ball into the starting port is detected, a special symbol lottery is held. If the result of the special symbol lottery is a jackpot, the gaming state transitions to a special gaming state, and multiple special games are played in the special gaming state. In each special game, a large prize opening provided in the gaming area opens, and gaming balls are paid out based on the entry of the gaming ball into the large prize opening, and various effects are performed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-61649 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in such gaming machines, there is a demand for increased entertainment value.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can increase the enjoyment of gaming. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises: A gaming machine that launches a gaming medium into a gaming area (for example, a gaming area 4) to play a game, an operating unit (e.g., grip unit 20) operated by a player; a payout unit (for example, payout control means 270) that pays out game value to a player, The operation unit has a vibration unit (for example, a vibration device 213) that vibrates when a payout of gaming value exceeding a prescribed number is executed.

[0007] With this configuration, when a payout of game value exceeding the specified number is executed, the vibration of the vibration unit is transmitted to the player through the operation unit, and the player can feel a sense of elation that the game value he or she has acquired has exceeded the specified number by feeling the vibration, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game.

[0008] In the above configuration, the gaming value to be paid out may be the gaming medium itself, such as a gaming ball, or may be electronic information, such as a numerical value.

[0009] In addition, in the above configuration of the present invention, Winning holes (e.g., winning holes 46, 47, 49, 50) arranged within the game area; a counting unit (for example, a frame control board 201) that reduces the number of game values ​​owned by the player based on the release of the game medium and adds the number of game values ​​paid out when the game medium enters the winning slot to the number of game values ​​owned by the player; and a detection unit (for example, a foul ball detection sensor 214) that detects game media that are launched based on the player's operation and return without entering the game area. the counting unit also adds the number of game media detected by the detection unit to the number of game values ​​owned by the player; The vibration unit may not vibrate when the game value number is added based on the detection of the game medium by the detection unit.

[0010] With this configuration, the vibration unit vibrates when a payout of game value exceeding a specified number is executed based on the game medium entering the winning port, while the vibration unit does not vibrate when the number of game values ​​owned by the player increases because the launched game medium returns without entering the game area, thereby more accurately improving the interest based on the generation of prize balls. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to enhance the enjoyment of the game. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an amusement machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating its external configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the gaming machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the gaming machine. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram of the game state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, "front and rear" basically means that when a player is in front of a gaming machine, the player side is "front" and the gaming machine side is "rear," "up and down" means the top side of the gaming machine is "up" and the bottom side is "down," and "left and right" means the left-hand side of a player playing on the gaming machine is "left" and the right-hand side is "right."

[0014] Unlike conventional pachinko gaming machines, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment allows a player to play without touching the gaming balls. The gaming machine 1 is an enclosed circulation type in which a certain number of gaming balls (gaming media) circulate inside the gaming machine. The gaming machine 1 is also a gaming machine in which gaming value is used as electronic information, and the gaming value is consumed and paid out through play. In the gaming machine 1, paying out gaming value means electronically paying out (granting) the gaming value. Note that the invention according to this embodiment is not limited to the gaming machine 1 and can also be applied to conventional pachinko gaming machines, i.e., pachinko gaming machines in which a player can physically touch gaming balls and gaming balls are paid out to a tray when the gaming balls enter a predetermined winning slot.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior configuration of a gaming machine according to this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment includes an outer frame 2 that forms the exterior surface of the gaming machine, a gaming board 6 that is provided inside the gaming machine and forms a gaming area 4 in which gaming balls move, an inner frame 7 that holds the gaming board 6, a glass unit 8 that makes the gaming board 6 visible but inaccessible to players, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached. The inner frame 7 is attached to the outer frame 2 via a hinge mechanism so as to be able to open and close. The front frame 10 is also attached to the inner frame 7 via a hinge mechanism so as to be able to open and close. The inner frame 7 (and the front frame 10) can be opened and closed between a closed position (closed state) that closes the opening of the outer frame 2 and an open position (open state) that opens the opening of the outer frame 2.

[0016] The portion of the front frame 10 surrounding the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the portion made of the translucent material are provided a plurality of front frame lamps 12 that output light effects to enhance the game. In addition, speakers 14 that output sounds to enhance the game are provided on the left and right sides of the lower part of the front frame 10.

[0017] A grip unit 20 (handle) serving as an operating unit is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 10, and when a player rotates the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, a launcher (not shown) provided inside the gaming machine is activated, causing gaming balls to be launched into the gaming area 4. The launcher of this embodiment can launch 99 gaming balls per minute (1.65 balls per second).

[0018] The front frame 10 is provided with a performance button 26, and when the player operates the performance button 26, the performance performed by the gaming machine changes.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2 , a dedicated unit 400 serving as a device for lending game value is provided on the side (left side) of the gaming machine 1 and is connected to the gaming machine 1. The front of the dedicated unit 400 is provided with a bill insertion slot 406 into which bills can be inserted, a card insertion / ejection slot 402 into which a card (game value management medium) can be inserted / ejected, a loan button 403, a replay button 404, and a card return button 405. The card is used to manage the number of game value owned by a player. In other words, the number of game value owned by a player can be determined using the card. The card may also be capable of storing a prepaid balance. The number of game value managed using the card may be managed by storing the number of game value on the card itself, or by storing the number of game value in a predetermined management device installed in an amusement facility or the like and linking the number of game value stored in the management device to identification information stored on the card (such as a player's ID or an identification number unique to each card).

[0020] In the dedicated unit 400, an operation (pressing operation) on the lending button 403 is accepted as a lending operation (game value transfer operation) for transferring game value to the gaming machine 1. When the lending button 403 is pressed, a predetermined number (for example, 125) of game value is credited to the gaming machine 1 by consuming a stored value stored as a prepaid balance on a bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 406 or a card. In addition, in the dedicated unit 400, an operation (pressing operation) on the replay button 404 is accepted as a lending operation (game value transfer operation) for transferring game value to the gaming machine 1. When the replay button 404 is pressed, a predetermined number (for example, 125) of game value is credited to the gaming machine 1 by consuming game value owned by the player and managed by the card (game value linked to the card). In other words, in this embodiment, an operation on the loan button 403 or the replay button 404 is accepted as a loan operation (a game value transfer operation), and based on the loan operation, a predetermined amount of game value is transferred (loaned) from the dedicated unit 400 to the gaming machine 1.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, a game value number display device (game ball number display device) 211 and a count button 212 are provided on the left side of the front frame 10 (the dedicated unit 400 side) (see also FIG. 5). Based on the lending operation on the dedicated unit 400, in the gaming machine 1, a value equivalent to a predetermined number of game values ​​is stored in a game value number memory area of ​​the frame control board 201 described below. Hereinafter, the value (stored value) indicated by the game value number memory area will be referred to as the "number of balls in possession" (number of balls in possession). The number of balls in possession can be said to be the number of game values ​​that can be used for games, and can also be said to be the number of game values ​​owned by the player that are managed by the gaming machine 1. The number of balls in possession is displayed on the game value number display device 211. The game value number display device 211 has a 6-digit 7-segment display, and the number of balls in possession is displayed by the 7-segment display.

[0022] The gaming machine 1 is equipped with a frame control board 201 (see FIG. 5), which controls the value (number of held balls) stored in the game value number storage area. The frame control board 201 decreases the number of held balls when a game ball is detected. The frame control board 201 also increases the number of held balls when prize balls are paid out. The frame control board 201 also increases the number of held balls when a foul ball is detected. Here, a foul ball refers to a game ball that is launched by the launching device by operating the grip unit 20 but is returned without entering the game area 4, and the returned game ball (foul ball) is detected by a foul ball detection sensor 214 (see FIG. 5) which serves as a detection unit. When game value is transferred from the dedicated unit 400 to the gaming machine 1, the frame control board 201 also increases the number of held balls by the amount of game value transferred. Furthermore, when game values ​​are transferred from the gaming machine 1 to the dedicated unit 400, the frame control board 201 reduces the number of held balls by the amount of game values ​​to be transferred. Furthermore, the frame control board 201 controls the game value number display device 211 to display the number of held balls, and changes the display content of the game value number display device 211 according to the increase or decrease in the number of held balls.

[0023] The counting button 212 is a button that is operated when transmitting (returning, transferring) all or part of the number of balls held (the game value stored in the game value number storage area) to the dedicated unit 400. The counting button 212 has a pressing portion (operation portion) that is formed so that it can be pressed. When the player wants to end a game, for example, the player operates (presses) the counting button 212 as a counting operation (return operation). When the counting button 212 is operated, a predetermined number of game values ​​are transferred from the gaming machine 1 to the dedicated unit 400. After the game value has been transferred to the dedicated unit 400, when an operation (presses) is performed on the card return button 405 of the dedicated unit 400, a card that enables the number of game values ​​owned by the player to be determined is ejected from the dedicated unit 400 (card insertion / ejection port 402).

[0024] Fig. 3 is a front view showing the external configuration of the gaming board 6 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, a circular outer rail 28 is provided on the gaming board 6, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 28 is the gaming area 4 in which gaming balls move. In addition, an arc-shaped inner rail 30 is provided at the left end of the gaming area 4 so as to follow the outer rail 28, and the outer rail 28 and the inner rail 30 guide gaming balls launched from a launcher (not shown) provided below the gaming board 6 to the gaming area 4.

[0025] At the center of the game board 6, there is provided a liquid crystal display 32 (effect display device) that displays effect images and the like to liven up the game, and an effect unit 36 ​​that includes a display frame 34 formed to surround the liquid crystal display 32. And, above the center of the liquid crystal display 32, the display frame 34 is provided with a display frame lamp 38 that outputs effect light and the like to liven up the game.

[0026] In this embodiment, the game balls cannot pass in front of the liquid crystal display 32, and the game balls launched from the launching device fall into the game area 4a on the left side or the game area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. In addition, in the game area 4, many game nails (not shown) are nailed so as to intersect with the surface of the game board 6, and the moving direction of the game balls moving in the game area 4 changes randomly.

[0027] An opening 40 is formed on the left side of the display frame 34, through which game balls falling in the game area 4a on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32 can pass, and game balls that pass through this opening 40 pass through a passage 42 provided in the display frame 34 and fall onto a stage 44 provided below the liquid crystal display 32. The top surface of this stage 44 is smoothly curved, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8, through which game balls can fall downward from the stage 44, and game balls that fall from the passage 42 onto the stage 44 move back and forth on the stage 44 before falling downward from near the center of the stage 44.

[0028] A first start opening 46 is provided below the center of the stage 44, through which a gaming ball that has fallen downward from near the center of the stage 44 can enter. A first start opening switch 100 (see FIG. 5) that detects a gaming ball that has entered the first start opening 46 is also provided within the first start opening 46. When the first start opening switch 100 detects a gaming ball (entry of a gaming ball into the first start opening 46), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Based on the input of the detection signal from the first start opening switch 100, the main control board 200 executes a first special symbol lottery as a special symbol lottery. Based on the input of the detection signal from the first start opening switch 100, the main control board 200 executes the payout of prize balls (payout of gaming value to a player) using a payout control means 270 (described later) that serves as a payout unit. Based on the input of the detection signal from the first start opening switch 100, the gaming ball that has entered the first start opening 46 is collected inside the gaming machine.

[0029] To the left of the first starting opening 46 in the gaming area 4, multiple (three) general winning openings 47 (upper left general winning opening 47a, middle left general winning opening 47b, and lower left general winning opening 47c) are provided. The gaming board 6 is also provided with a general winning opening switch 101 (see FIG. 5) that detects a gaming ball that has entered the upper left general winning opening 47a, middle left general winning opening 47b, or lower left general winning opening 47c. When the general winning opening switch 101 detects a gaming ball (entry of a gaming ball into the upper left general winning opening 47a, middle left general winning opening 47b, or lower left general winning opening 47c), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Based on the detection signal input from the general winning opening switch 101, the main control board 200 executes a prize ball payout operation using a payout control means 270. One general prize opening switch 101 may be provided for each of the upper left general prize opening 47a, the center left general prize opening 47b, and the lower left general prize opening 47c, or only one may be provided for multiple (for example, three) general prize openings 47. Furthermore, in addition to the upper left general prize opening 47a, the center left general prize opening 47b, and the lower left general prize opening 47c, general prize opening switches corresponding to these general prize openings may also be provided.

[0030] Furthermore, a passage gate 48 through which gaming balls pass without being collected inside the gaming machine is provided in the gaming area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. A gate switch 102 (see FIG. 5) that detects the passage of a gaming ball is disposed within the passage gate 48. When the gate switch 102 detects a gaming ball (passage of the gaming ball through the passage gate 48), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Furthermore, based on the input of the detection signal from the gate switch 102, the main control board 200 executes a normal symbol lottery that determines whether or not a normal win has been won.

[0031] In addition, a second start opening 49 is provided below the passage gate 48 in the game area 4b to the right of the liquid crystal display 32. A second start opening switch 103 (see FIG. 5) is disposed within the second start opening 49 to detect a game ball that has entered the second start opening 49. When the second start opening switch 103 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the second start opening 49), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Furthermore, the main control board 200 executes a second special symbol lottery as a special symbol lottery based on the input of the detection signal from the second start opening switch 103. Furthermore, the main control board 200 executes the payout of prize balls by the payout control means 270 based on the input of the detection signal from the second start opening switch 103. Furthermore, the game ball that has entered the second start opening 49 is collected inside the gaming machine.

[0032] The second starting opening 49 is provided with a normal accessory 54 (assistance means) that can operate between a reduced state (a state in which entry is not assisted, a non-assistance state) in which it is difficult for the gaming ball to enter the second starting opening 49 and an expanded state (a state in which entry is assisted, an assist state) in which it is easy for the gaming ball to enter. The normal accessory 54 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid, and is controlled to enter the expanded state under predetermined conditions when a normal win is won in the normal symbol lottery.

[0033] A special prize opening 50 is provided in the game area 4b to the right of the liquid crystal display 32. A count switch 104 (see FIG. 5) is disposed within the special prize opening 50 to detect game balls that have entered the special prize opening 50. When the count switch 104 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the special prize opening 50), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Based on the detection signal input from the count switch 104, the main control board 200 executes the payout operation of the prize balls using the payout control means 270. Based on the detection signal input from the count switch 104, the main control board 200 counts the number of game balls that have entered the special prize opening 50. The game balls that have entered the special prize opening 50 are collected inside the gaming machine.

[0034] The large prize opening 50 is provided with a special device 56 that can operate between a closed state (second state, no-entry state) in which game balls cannot enter the large prize opening 50 and an open state (first state, entry-enabled state) in which game balls can enter. The special device 56 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid, and is controlled to be in the open state under predetermined conditions in a special game state that starts when a jackpot is won in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery or second special symbol lottery).

[0035] In addition, an outlet 62 is provided at the bottom of the game area 4 to collect game balls that fall through the game area 4 without entering any of the winning openings 46, 47, 49, and 50 into the game machine. Inside the game machine, a discharge path (not shown) is provided through which game balls collected (discharged) from the game area 4 pass. This game machine is configured so that all game balls shot into the game area 4 (all game balls collected from the game area 4) pass through the discharge path. That is, game balls shot into the game area 4 are collected from the game area 4 and flow into the discharge path by entering any of the winning openings 46, 47, 49, and 50 or passing through the outlet 62. Specifically, game balls that enter each of the winning openings 46, 47, 49, and 50 are detected by switches 100, 101, 103, and 104 disposed in the winning openings, and then guided to the discharge path. Furthermore, the gaming balls collected from the outlet 62 are guided to the discharge path. An out switch 106 (see FIG. 5) is disposed in the discharge path. When the out switch 106 detects a gaming ball passing through the discharge path (discharge of a gaming ball from the gaming area 4), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Furthermore, the main control board 200 counts the number of gaming balls discharged from the gaming area 4 based on the input of the detection signal from the out switch 106.

[0036] The game ball launching device is configured so that the launch force of the game ball changes by adjusting the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 shown in Fig. 1, and when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is small, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4a on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32, and when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. Note that when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is too small, the game ball does not enter the game area 4 and is returned as a foul ball and detected by the foul ball detection sensor 214.

[0037] Therefore, the player adjusts the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 depending on the game situation, and launches the game ball so that it falls through the left-side game area 4a or passes through the opening 40, passage 42 and stage 44 to win the first starting hole 46 (left-handed hit), or so that it falls through the right-side game area 4b and passes through the passing gate 48 or wins the second starting hole 49 or wins the big winning hole 50 (right-handed hit).

[0038] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a gaming ball falls through the left gaming area 4a, the gaming ball does not pass through the passing gate 48, and the gaming ball does not enter (win) the second starting opening 49 or the large winning opening 50. In addition, when a gaming ball falls through the right gaming area 4b, the gaming ball does not enter the first starting opening 46, the upper left general winning opening 47a, the middle left general winning opening 47b, and the lower left general winning opening 47c.

[0039] At the lower right of the gaming board 6, outside the gaming area 4, there is provided a status display section 70 that indicates various states of the gaming machine by turning on and off lamps or the like.

[0040] 4 is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit 70. As shown in FIG. 4, the status display unit 70 is provided with a normal symbol display unit 72, a normal hold display unit 74, a first special symbol display unit 76, a first special hold display unit 78, a second special symbol display unit 80, a second special hold display unit 82, and a game status display unit 84.

[0041] The normal symbol display unit 72 is composed of two lamps, and when a normal symbol lottery is held, the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner by flashing the two lamps, and the normal symbol is displayed in a static manner by turning on or off the two lamps, thereby displaying the result of the normal symbol lottery.

[0042] The normal hold display unit 74 is composed of two lamps, and displays the normal hold number corresponding to the number of the reserved random number values ​​for the normal pattern lottery when the random number values ​​for the normal pattern lottery are reserved because the normal pattern lottery cannot be held even if the random number values ​​for the normal pattern lottery are obtained, such as when the normal pattern is already being displayed in a changing or stopped state when the game ball passes through the passing gate 48, and displays the normal hold number from 0 to 4 by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps.

[0043] The first special pattern display unit 76 is composed of a 7-segment display, and when a first special pattern lottery is held by a gaming ball entering the first starting hole 46, the 7-segment display is made to flash to display the first special pattern in a variable manner, and the 7-segment display is made to light up in one of a plurality of modes to display the first special pattern in a static manner, thereby displaying the result of the first special pattern lottery.

[0044] The first special reserve display unit 78 is composed of two lamps, and displays a first special reserve number corresponding to the number of reserved first special random number values ​​when the first special pattern or second special pattern is already being displayed in a variable or stopped state at the time the game ball enters the first starting hole 46, and the random number value for the special pattern lottery is reserved as the first special random number value because a special pattern lottery cannot be held even if the random number value for the special pattern lottery (lottery information) is obtained, and displays 0 to 4 first special reserve numbers by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps.

[0045] The second special pattern display unit 80 is composed of a 7-segment display, and when a second special pattern lottery is held by a gaming ball entering the second starting hole 49, the 7-segment display is made to flash to display the second special pattern in a variable manner, and the 7-segment display is made to light up in one of a plurality of modes to display the second special pattern in a static manner, thereby displaying the result of the second special pattern lottery.

[0046] The second special reserve display unit 82 is composed of two lamps, and displays a second special reserve number corresponding to the number of the reserved second special random number value when the first special pattern or the second special pattern is already being displayed in a variable or stopped state at the time the game ball enters the second starting hole 49, and the random number value for the special pattern lottery is reserved as the second special random number value because a special pattern lottery cannot be held even if the random number value for the special pattern lottery is obtained, and displays 0 to 4 second special reserve numbers by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps.

[0047] The game status display unit 84 is composed of six lamps, and displays the type of game status currently set by a combination of turning on, off, or flashing the six lamps. In this embodiment, four types of game status can be set: a normal status (low probability status), a probability variable status (high probability status / special status) in which the probability of winning a jackpot is set higher than in the normal status, a special game status that starts when a jackpot is won in the special symbol lottery, and a time-saving status (special status) in which the variation time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is shortened to trigger the execution of the special symbol lottery more frequently. The currently set game status is displayed by a combination of turning on, off, or flashing the six lamps.

[0048] 5 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main control board 200 (main control means) and a sub-control board 202 (sub-control means). The functions of each board, such as the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROMs (an example of information storage media), or RAMs, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in ROMs, etc.

[0049] The main control board 200 controls the progress of the game. The main control board 200 receives input signals from input means such as the first start gate switch 100, the general winning gate switch 101, the gate switch 102, the second start gate switch 103, the count switch 104 or the out switch 106, the foul ball detection sensor 214, and the frame control board 201, performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls the operation of output means such as the status display unit 70, the normal device 54, or the special device 56 based on the calculation results.

[0050] The sub-control board 202 controls the execution of effects based on information sent from the main control board 200. The sub-control board 202 receives signals sent from the main control board 200 and input signals from the effect button switch 150 that detects operation of the effect button 26, performs various calculations to execute effects that match the progress of the game, and controls the operation of effect devices such as the liquid crystal display 32, lighting device, speaker 14, vibration device 213 (described later), and effect object drive device based on the calculation results.

[0051] The frame control board 201 receives signals sent from the main control board 200 and input signals from the counting button 212, controls the number of balls held (number of game balls), and controls the game value number display device 211, etc. The frame control board 201 is capable of bidirectional communication with the main control board 200.

[0052] The main control board 200 is configured to include a random number generating means 210, a normal symbol lottery means 220, a normal display control means 222, a normal device control means 224, a special symbol lottery means 230, a special display control means 240, a game state transition control means 250, a special game execution means 260, a payout control means 270, a communication control means 280, and a main memory 290.

[0053] The random number generating means 210 is a means for generating random numbers for the lottery, and is realized by a random number generator that generates hardware random numbers, or a program that generates software random numbers. Software random numbers can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to circulate within a predetermined count range). Note that in this embodiment, the term "random number value" includes not only values ​​that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values ​​that are generated regularly but can actually function as random numbers because the timing of their acquisition is irregular.

[0054] The normal symbol lottery means 220 acquires a normal symbol lottery random number value from the random number generation means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the gate switch 102 that detects each gaming ball passing through the passage gate 48, stores the normal symbol lottery random number value in the normal random number storage means 2912 of the main memory 290, and performs a normal symbol lottery to determine whether or not a normal win has occurred based on the normal symbol lottery random number value read from the normal random number storage means 2912. Specifically, the normal symbol lottery means 220 performs a normal win determination process, etc., as the normal symbol lottery.

[0055] The normal win determination process is a process for determining whether a normal win has been won. In the normal win determination process, the normal symbol lottery means 220 selects, according to the game state, which normal symbol lottery table to refer to for random number determination processing from among a plurality of types of normal symbol lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290. Here, each normal symbol lottery table associates a normal win or a loss with each of 100 normal symbol lottery random number values ​​from 0 to 99. Then, the normal symbol lottery means 220 determines whether a normal win has been won by referring to the selected normal symbol lottery table and determining whether one normal symbol lottery random number value read from the normal random number storage means 2912 is associated with a normal win. Then, when a normal win is won, the normal symbol lottery means 220 sets a winning flag for the normal win to an ON state in the flag storage means 2916 of the main memory 290, and when a loss occurs, sets the winning flag for the normal win to an OFF state.

[0056] In addition, the normal symbol lottery table selected when the gaming state is in the probability variable state or the time-shortened state is set to have a higher probability of winning a normal win than the normal symbol lottery table selected when the gaming state is neither the probability variable state nor the time-shortened state. In other words, the normal symbol lottery performed when the gaming state is in the probability variable state or the time-shortened state has a higher probability of winning a normal win than the normal symbol lottery performed when the gaming state is neither the probability variable state nor the time-shortened state.

[0057] The normal display control means 222 is a means for controlling the display of the status display unit 70 based on the result of the normal symbol lottery, and performs normal symbol display control processing and normal hold display control processing.

[0058] In the normal symbol display control process, the normal symbol display control means 222 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner by flashing the two lamps of the normal symbol display unit 72 until a predetermined variable time has elapsed, and displays the result of the normal symbol lottery on the normal symbol display unit 72 by turning on or off the two lamps of the normal symbol display unit 72 to stop the normal symbol display depending on whether a normal symbol win has been won in the normal symbol win determination process.

[0059] Specifically, in this embodiment, if the game state at the time the normal pattern lottery is performed is neither a special state nor a time-saving state, the normal pattern variation time is set to 20 seconds, and if the game state at the time the normal pattern lottery is performed is a special state or a time-saving state, the normal pattern variation time is set to 1 second, so that the opportunity to perform the normal pattern lottery occurs more frequently when the game state is a special state or a time-saving state.

[0060] In the normal hold display control process, the normal display control means 222 displays 0 to 4 normal hold numbers by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps of the normal hold display unit 74, depending on the number of random number values ​​for normal pattern lottery stored in the normal random number memory means 2912.

[0061] The normal role control means 224 is a means for controlling the normal role 54 based on the result of the normal symbol lottery. When the gaming state is neither a variable probability state nor a time-saving state, the normal role control means 224 controls the normal role 54 to operate so that the normal role 54 expands and then returns to the reduced state until 0.1 seconds have elapsed, triggered by the normal symbol being stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a normal win. Also, when the gaming state is a variable probability state or a time-saving state, the normal role control means 224 controls the normal role 54 to operate so that the normal role 54 expands and then returns to the reduced state until 20 seconds have elapsed, triggered by the normal symbol being stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a normal win.

[0062] Therefore, when a normal win occurs in the normal symbol lottery, if the game state is neither a probability variable state nor a time-limited state, the normal device 54 operates so as to hardly increase the ease with which the game ball can enter the second starting hole 49, but if the game state is a probability variable state or a time-limited state, the normal device 54 operates so as to increase the ease with which the game ball can enter the second starting hole 49.

[0063] The special symbol lottery means 230 acquires a random number value for special symbol lottery from the random number generation means 210 based on input of a detection signal from the first start port switch 100, which detects gaming balls entering the first start port 46 one by one, and stores the value as a first special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914 of the main memory 290. Also, the special symbol lottery means 230 acquires a random number value for special symbol lottery from the random number generation means 210 based on input of a detection signal from the second start port switch 103, which detects gaming balls entering the second start port 49 one by one, and stores the value as a second special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914. Then, the special symbol lottery means 230 uses the first special random number value or the second special random number value read from the special random number storage means 2914 to perform a special symbol lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won. Specifically, the special symbol lottery means 230 performs a jackpot determination process, a symbol determination process, and the like as a special symbol lottery.

[0064] The jackpot determination process is a process for determining whether or not a jackpot has occurred by reading out one jackpot determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the special random number storage means 2914. Here, one jackpot determination random number value is obtained from 65,536 jackpot determination random number values ​​from 0 to 65,535 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start port switch 100 or the second start port switch 103, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0065] In the jackpot determination process, the special symbol lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of jackpot lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290 to refer to for random number determination process, depending on the game state. Here, each jackpot lottery table associates a jackpot or a miss with each of 65,536 jackpot determination random number values ​​from 0 to 65,535. Then, the special symbol lottery means 230 determines whether or not a jackpot has been won by referring to the selected jackpot lottery table and determining whether or not one of the read jackpot determination random number values ​​is associated with a jackpot. Furthermore, if a jackpot has been won, the special symbol lottery means 230 sets the jackpot winning flag in the flag storage means 2916 to ON, and if a miss occurs, sets the jackpot winning flag to OFF.

[0066] In addition, the jackpot lottery table selected when the gaming state is in the probability variable state is set to have a higher probability of winning a jackpot compared to the jackpot lottery table selected when the gaming state is in the normal state or the time-saving state. In other words, the jackpot determination process (special symbol lottery) performed when the gaming state is in the probability variable state has a higher probability of winning a jackpot compared to the jackpot determination process (special symbol lottery) performed when the gaming state is in the normal state or the time-saving state.

[0067] The symbol determination process is a process performed when a jackpot is won in the jackpot determination process, and is a process of reading out one symbol determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the special random number storage means 2914 and determining whether the jackpot symbol (type of jackpot) will be a 16-round probability variable symbol, a 4-round probability variable symbol, a 16-round normal symbol, or a 4-round normal symbol. Here, one symbol determination random number value is obtained from 100 symbol determination random numbers from 0 to 99 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start port switch 100 or the second start port switch 103, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0068] In the symbol determination process, the special symbol lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple symbol lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to in the random number determination process, depending on whether the read symbol determination random number value was stored as a first special random number value or a second special random number value. Here, each symbol lottery table associates one of 16-round probability variable symbols, 4-round probability variable symbols, 16-round normal symbols, and 4-round normal symbols with each of 100 symbol determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99. The special symbol lottery means 230 then refers to the selected symbol lottery table to determine which of the multiple jackpot symbols the read symbol determination random number value corresponds to, thereby determining which of the multiple jackpot symbols has been selected. The special symbol lottery means 230 also sets a winning flag corresponding to the winning jackpot symbol to an ON state in the flag storage means 2916.

[0069] The special display control means 240 is a means for controlling the display of the status display unit 70 based on the results of the special pattern lottery, and performs first special pattern display control processing, second special pattern display control processing, first special hold display control processing, and second special hold display control processing.

[0070] The first special pattern display control process is a process that is performed when the first special random number value is read from the special random number storage means 2914 and a special pattern lottery is conducted, and the special display control means 240 causes the first special pattern to be displayed in a variable manner by flashing the 7-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 76 until a predetermined variation time has elapsed, and then causes the first special pattern to be displayed in a static manner by lighting up the 7-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 76 in a predetermined manner.

[0071] In this embodiment, the display mode of the 7-segment display is predetermined to correspond to each of the four types of jackpot patterns and misses, and the special display control means 240 causes the first special pattern to be displayed in a static state by lighting up the 7-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 76 in a mode depending on whether or not a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, and in a mode depending on the jackpot pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, and causes the first special pattern display unit 76 to display the result of the special pattern lottery.

[0072] The second special pattern display control process is a process that is performed when a second special random number value is read from the special random number storage means 2914 and a special pattern lottery is conducted, and the special display control means 240 causes the second special pattern to be displayed in a variable manner by flashing the 7-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 80 until a predetermined variation time has elapsed, and then causes the second special pattern to be displayed in a static manner by lighting up the 7-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 80 in a predetermined manner.

[0073] The special display control means 240 then lights up the 7-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 80 in a manner depending on whether or not a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, and in a manner depending on the jackpot pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, thereby causing the second special pattern to be displayed in a static manner, and causes the second special pattern display unit 80 to display the result of the special pattern lottery.

[0074] In the first special hold display control process, the special display control means 240 displays 0 to 4 first special hold numbers by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps of the first special hold display unit 78 depending on the number of first special random number values ​​stored in the special random number memory means 2914.

[0075] In the second special hold display control process, the special display control means 240 displays 0 to 4 second special hold numbers by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps of the second special hold display unit 82, depending on the number of second special random number values ​​stored in the special random number memory means 2914.

[0076] As shown in Figure 6, the game state transition control means 250 performs a game state transition control process that transitions the game state between the normal state, special game state, probability variable state, and time-saving state based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition. The game state transition condition may be a single condition or multiple conditions. When multiple conditions are established, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the establishment of one of the multiple predetermined conditions or the establishment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0077] The normal state is the initial state among the multiple game states, and it is possible to transition from the normal state to the special game state. In the normal state, the normal symbol lottery is performed by referring to the normal symbol lottery table, where the probability of winning a normal jackpot is set at approximately 1 / 20, and the special symbol lottery is performed by referring to the jackpot lottery table, where the probability of winning a jackpot is set at 1 / 319.

[0078] In the normal state, the probability of winning a normal prize in the normal symbol lottery is low at about 1 / 20, and the normal symbol variation time is set long, so that the period during which the normal device 54 is in an expanded state is short at 0.1 seconds, making it difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 49.

[0079] The special game state is initiated when a jackpot is won in a special symbol lottery during the normal state, the special symbol state, or the time-saving state, and ends when a predetermined number of rounds (number of executions) of special games are played according to the type of jackpot symbol.

[0080] Specifically, when the special game state is initiated based on the fact that the winning flag for the 16-round probability variation pattern is set to ON in the special pattern lottery, the special game state ends on the condition that 16 rounds of special games from the 1st round to the 16th round have been executed.

[0081] In addition, when a special game state is started based on the fact that the winning flag of the 4-round probability variable pattern is set to ON in the special pattern lottery, the special game state ends on the condition that 4 rounds of special games from the 1st round to the 4th round have been executed.

[0082] In addition, when a special game state is started based on the fact that the winning flag for the 16-round normal pattern is set to ON in the special pattern lottery, the special game state ends on the condition that 16 rounds of special games from the 1st round to the 16th round have been executed.

[0083] In addition, when a special game state is started based on the fact that the winning flag for the 4-round normal pattern is set to ON in the special pattern lottery, the special game state ends on the condition that 4 rounds of special games from the 1st round to the 4th round have been executed.

[0084] The probability variable state begins when the special game state, which was initiated based on the setting of the winning flag for the 16-round probability variable symbol or the 4-round probability variable symbol (probability variable symbol), ends. From the probability variable state, it is possible to transition to the special game state or the normal state. In the probability variable state, the normal symbol lottery is performed with reference to a normal symbol lottery table, which sets the winning probability of a normal win at approximately 19 / 20, and the special symbol lottery is performed with reference to a jackpot lottery table, which sets the winning probability of a jackpot at 1 / 31. This gives the player an advantage over the normal state. The probability variable state ends when the number of special symbol lotteries in the probability variable state reaches 9,999, and the game transitions to the normal state.

[0085] Specifically, when the special game state ends, the game state transition control means 250 writes a value (e.g., 9999) corresponding to a predetermined number of games (e.g., 9999) to the probability variable end determination counter 2930 in the main memory 290, and performs a decrement update by subtracting a value (e.g., 1) corresponding to one game count from the stored value of the probability variable end determination counter 2930 each time a special symbol lottery is performed in the probability variable state. Then, when the stored value of the probability variable end determination counter 2930 reaches a threshold value (e.g., 0), the probability variable state ends and the normal state begins. However, since the probability variable state has a jackpot probability of 1 / 31, the special game state begins before the number of special symbol lotteries performed in the probability variable state reaches 9999, and transition from the probability variable state to the normal state is unlikely.

[0086] In addition, in the probability variable state, the probability of winning a normal prize in the normal symbol lottery is high at about 19 / 20, the normal symbol variation time is short at 1 second, and the period during which the normal device 54 is in an expanded state is long at 20 seconds, so it is advantageous for the player in that it is easier to get the game ball to enter the second starting hole 49 than in the normal state.

[0087] In addition, in the probability variation state, the variation time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is often set to a shorter time regardless of the number of reserved symbols, so the opportunity to draw the special symbol lottery occurs more frequently than in the normal state.

[0088] The time-saving state begins when the special game state, which was initiated based on the setting of the winning flag for the 16-round normal symbol or the 4-round normal symbol, ends. The time-saving state can be transitioned to either the special game state or the normal state. In the time-saving state, the normal symbol lottery is performed using a normal symbol lottery table with a normal win probability of approximately 19 / 20, just like in the probability-variable state. However, the special symbol lottery is performed using a jackpot lottery table with a jackpot win probability of approximately 1 / 319, just like in the normal state. This makes the time-saving state more disadvantageous to the player than the probability-variable state. The time-saving state ends when 100 special symbol lotteries have been performed in the time-saving state, and the game transitions to the normal state.

[0089] Specifically, when the gaming state is shifted to the time-shortened state, the gaming state shift control means 250 writes a value (e.g., 100) corresponding to a predetermined number of games (e.g., 100 games) to the time-shortened end determination counter 2932 in the main memory 290, and performs a decrement update by subtracting a value (e.g., 1) corresponding to one game play from the stored value of the time-shortened end determination counter 2932 every time a special symbol lottery is performed in the time-shortened state. Then, when the stored value of the time-shortened end determination counter 2932 reaches a threshold value (e.g., 0), the time-shortened state is terminated.

[0090] In addition, in the time-saving state, just like in the special state, the probability of winning a normal prize in the normal symbol lottery is high at about 19 / 20, and the normal symbol variation time is short at 1 second, and the period during which the normal device 54 is in an expanded state is long at 20 seconds, so it is easier for the player to get the game ball to enter the second starting hole 49 than in the normal state, which is advantageous for the player.

[0091] Also, in the time-saving state, similar to the special jackpot state, the first or second special symbol change time is often set to a shorter time regardless of the number of reserved symbols, so the opportunity to draw the special symbols occurs more frequently than in the normal state.

[0092] The special game execution means 260 is a means for executing a special game based on the result of the special symbol lottery, and performs special game execution processes 1 to 4 and the like.

[0093] The special game execution process 1 is executed based on the fact that a 16-round probability variable symbol is won in the special symbol lottery, and the special game execution means 260 sets a value (for example, 16) equivalent to 16 times, which is a predetermined number of rounds for the 16-round probability variable symbol, as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933, and performs an incremental update by adding a value (for example, 1) equivalent to the number of rounds for one time to the stored value of the round counter 2933 every time the special role device 56 completes its operation in a predetermined manner in each round. Then, when the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (for example, 16), the special game state ends.

[0094] Specifically, in the special game execution process 1, in the special game of each of the first to sixteenth rounds, when the opening timer 2934 counts 29 seconds after the special device 56 is opened or when the count switch 104 detects the entry of one game ball and the value of the big prize number counter 2936 is added with a value equivalent to one game ball (for example, 1), the special device 56 is controlled to be in a closed state. Then, it is determined that the end condition for one round is met, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0095] The special game execution process 2 is executed based on the fact that a 4-round probability variable symbol is won in the special symbol lottery, and the special game execution means 260 sets a value (for example, 4) equivalent to four times, which is a predetermined number of rounds for the 4-round probability variable symbol, as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933, and performs an incremental update by adding a value (for example, 1) equivalent to the number of rounds for one time to the stored value of the round counter 2933 every time the special role device 56 completes its operation in a predetermined manner in each round. Then, when the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (for example, 4), the special game state ends.

[0096] Specifically, in the special game execution process 2, in the special game of each of the first to fourth rounds, when the opening timer 2934 counts 29 seconds after the special feature 56 is opened or when the value of the big win number counter 2936 reaches an upper limit value (for example, 10), the drive control of the special feature 56 is performed so that the special feature 56 is closed. Then, it is determined that the end condition for one round is satisfied, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0097] The special game execution process 3 is executed based on the fact that a 16-round normal symbol has been won in the special symbol lottery, and the special game execution means 260 sets a value (for example, 16) equivalent to 16 times, which is a predetermined number of rounds for the 16-round probability variable symbol, as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933, and performs an incremental update by adding a value (for example, 1) equivalent to the number of rounds for one time to the stored value of the round counter 2933 every time the special role device 56 completes its operation in a predetermined manner in each round. Then, when the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (for example, 16), the special game state ends.

[0098] Specifically, in the special game execution process 3, in the special game of each of the 1st to 16th rounds, when the opening timer 2934 counts 29 seconds after the special feature 56 is opened or when the value of the big win number counter 2936 reaches an upper limit value (for example, 10), the drive control of the special feature 56 is performed so that the special feature 56 is closed. Then, it is determined that the end condition for one round is satisfied, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0099] The special game execution process 4 is executed based on the fact that a four-round normal symbol has been won in the special symbol lottery, and the special game execution means 260 sets a value (for example, 4) equivalent to four times, which is a predetermined number of rounds for the four-round normal symbol, as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933, and performs an incremental update by adding a value (for example, 1) equivalent to the number of rounds for one time to the stored value of the round counter 2933 each time the special role device 56 completes its operation in a predetermined manner in each round. Then, when the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (for example, 4), the special game state ends.

[0100] Specifically, in the special game execution process 4, in the special game of each of the first to fourth rounds, when the opening timer 2934 counts 29 seconds after the special feature 56 is opened or when the value of the big win number counter 2936 reaches an upper limit value (for example, 10), the drive control of the special feature 56 is performed so that the special feature 56 is closed. Then, it is determined that the end condition for one round is satisfied, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0101] The payout control means 270, which serves as a payout unit, controls the payout of a number of game values ​​corresponding to a predetermined number of prize balls for each detection signal based on the input of a detection signal from the first start opening switch 100, a detection signal from the general winning opening switch 101, a detection signal from the second start opening switch 103, or a detection signal from the count switch 104. Specifically, a payout signal representing the number of game values ​​corresponding to the number of prize balls is input to the frame control board 201, and the frame control board 201 increases the number of balls held by the number corresponding to that payout number. The number of prize balls may be any number greater than or equal to one, and the number of prize balls paid out by each of the first start opening switch 100, the general winning opening switch 101, the second start opening switch 103, and the count switch 104 may be different or may be set to the same number of prize balls.

[0102] The communication control means 280 controls the transmission of various commands generated in accordance with the results of various calculations in the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202 and the frame control board 201. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 are connected in a communication manner such that only one-way communication from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202 is possible, and information cannot be transmitted from the sub-control board 202 to the main control board 200.

[0103] Next, we will explain the sub-control board 202. The sub-control board 202 is configured to include a performance control means 300 and a sub-memory 310.

[0104] The performance control means 300 controls the performance devices, such as displaying performance images on the LCD display 32, turning on or blinking lighting devices such as the front frame lamp 12 and the display frame lamp 38, outputting performance sounds from the speaker 14, driving the vibration device 213, and driving the performance object driving device to operate the performance objects, based on various commands sent from the main control board 200, input signals from the performance button switch 150, and performance data stored in the performance data storage means 3110 of the sub-memory 310, thereby causing the performance devices to perform performances to liven up or assist the game.

[0105] The vibration device 213 is a vibrator that vibrates when a payout of game values ​​exceeding a specified number is executed. In this embodiment, the presentation control means 300 vibrates the vibration device 213 when the number of game values ​​owned by the player (the value (number of balls held) stored in the game value number storage area) is equal to or greater than a specified number (e.g., "200") and the number of game values ​​owned by the player increases. In other words, the presentation control means 300 vibrates the vibration device 213 when a payout is executed after a payout of more than the specified number.

[0106] In this embodiment, the vibration device 213 is built into the grip unit 20. The vibration of the vibration device 213 causes the grip unit 20 to vibrate. In other words, in this embodiment, a predetermined portion of the grip unit 20 actively vibrates.

[0107] The vibration device 213 does not have to be built into the grip unit 20. For example, the vibration device 213 may be provided near the grip unit 20. The vibration of the vibration device 213 may be transmitted to the grip unit 20, causing the grip unit 20 (a predetermined portion of the grip unit 20) to vibrate. In other words, a predetermined portion of the grip unit 20 may passively vibrate. For example, the vibration device 213 may be provided on a base on which a hand gripping the grip unit 20 can be placed (on which the user's hand can be placed to reduce strain). The vibration device 213 may also be built into the effect button 26. In other words, the gaming machine may have a vibration transmission unit that transmits vibrations generated in a portion other than the grip unit 20 to the grip unit 20.

[0108] That is, the vibration device 213 vibrates a predetermined operation unit (handle, button, etc.) operated by a player, such as the grip unit 20 for firing game media into the game area. The vibration device 213 can also be described as a device capable of transmitting vibrations to the hand of a player holding the grip unit 20.

[0109] As described above, the presentation control means 300 vibrates the vibration device 213 when the number of held balls (the value stored in the game value number storage area) is 200 or more and the number of held balls increases. Specifically, the presentation control means 300 vibrates the vibration device 213 when game balls enter the winning slots 46, 47, 49, and 50 (detected by the first start slot switch 100, the general win slot switch 101, the second start slot switch 103, and the count switch 104), causing the payout control means 270 to pay out game value, and when the number of held balls exceeds 200. For example, suppose that 15 prize balls are generated when the count switch 104 detects a game ball. Then, when the number of held balls is 190 and the count switch 104 detects a game ball, the presentation control means 300 vibrates the vibration device 213 based on the fact that the number of held balls exceeds 200 due to the prize ball. Furthermore, if the count switch 104 detects a game ball after the prize ball has been paid out and the number of balls held is "205," the presentation control means 300 vibrates the vibration device 213 again. That is, in this embodiment, the vibration device 213 vibrates when a payout of game value exceeding a specified number is executed, but "payout of game value exceeding a specified number" may include not only the payout of game value at the moment when a certain number is exceeded, but also the payout of game value when the certain number is exceeded. In other words, the vibration device 213 may vibrate when the specified number is exceeded, or when game value is paid out when the specified number is exceeded.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a payout of game value in excess of the specified number is executed, the vibration device 213 vibrates according to the number of game values ​​paid out in excess of the specified number. Specifically, when a payout of game value in excess of the specified number is executed, the presentation control means 300 vibrates the vibration device 213 a number of times according to the number of game values ​​paid out in excess of the specified number. More specifically, the presentation control means 300 vibrates the vibration device 213 once each time a predetermined number (e.g., "1") of game value is paid out in excess of the specified number (each time the display on the game value number display device 211 increases by "1"). For example, if the number of held balls increases from "190" to "205" due to 15 winning balls, the vibration device 213 may vibrate five times based on the fact that "5" game values ​​have been paid out, exceeding the specified number "200." Also, for example, if the number of held balls increases from "205" to "220" due to 15 winning balls, the vibration device 213 may generate vibrations 15 times based on the fact that "15" game values ​​will be paid out, which exceeds the specified number "200." Note that, when the number of held balls exceeds the specified number, the presentation control means 300 may vibrate the vibration device 213 for a predetermined period of time each time a game ball enters one of the winning slots 46, 47, 49, 50. Note that, when the number of held balls exceeds the specified number, the presentation control means 300 does not vibrate the vibration device 213 when paying out game values ​​(in other words, adding to the value stored in the game value number storage area) when the number is below the specified number.

[0111] The vibration of the vibration device 213 may be performed after (for example, at the same time as) the display of the number of held balls on the game value number display device 211 exceeds a specified number (for example, "200"), or may be performed before the number of held balls exceeds the specified number "200". For example, if the count switch 104 detects game balls when the number of held balls is "190", it is determined that the number of held balls will exceed the specified number "200" at the time of detection. At this time, in the process of updating the display of the game value number display device 211 from "190" to "205", the vibration of the vibration device 213 may not be performed when the display of the game value number display device 211 is from "190" to "200", but may be performed when the display is from "201" to "205". However, the vibration of the vibration device 213 may be performed when the display of the game value number display device 211 is from "190" to "200" (for example, when updating of the display based on the detection of game balls by the count switch 104 begins).

[0112] Furthermore, the vibration device 213 does not vibrate when the game value is increased based on the detection of a game medium by the foul ball detection sensor 214. In other words, in this embodiment, the frame control board 201 decreases the number of held balls based on the release of game balls and increases the number of held balls based on the detection of a foul ball. Therefore, the occurrence of a foul ball may result in an increase in game value beyond the specified number. For this reason, if the vibration device 213 were simply vibrated every time the value stored in the game value number storage area exceeds "200," vibration would occur even though the number of game values ​​owned by the player has not actually increased. In contrast, the configuration of this embodiment can generate vibrations based on prize balls without generating vibrations based on foul balls, thereby more accurately improving the excitement of the game based on the generation of prize balls.

[0113] The vibration device 213 of this embodiment is particularly useful in gaming machines 1 in which the player plays without touching the game balls and in which the game value is electronic information. In other words, in pachinko gaming machines in which game balls are paid out to a designated tray when they enter a designated winning slot, when a large number of prize balls are generated, such as through an attacca win (balls entering the large winning slot 50) during a major combination, the game balls stored in a designated tray (e.g., the upper tray) overflow and are discharged from the designated tray (e.g., toward the lower tray), generating continuous micro-vibrations as the game balls flow down. These micro-vibrations are pleasant vibrations that are transmitted to the entire tray unit and the handle (grip unit 20) for launching the game balls, and the player's physical sensations can reach a climax of excitement. In contrast, gaming machines that do not pay out game balls to a tray lack the tactile sensation of these micro-vibrations, which can reduce the game's enjoyment. However, the gaming machine of this embodiment has a vibration unit that vibrates when a payout of gaming value exceeding the specified number is executed, so that when the specified number is exceeded, a vibration is transmitted to the player, giving the player a sense of elation.

[0114] In particular, from the viewpoint of simulating the phenomenon in a gaming machine in which gaming balls are stored in a tray, it is preferable that the vibration device 213 vibrates in accordance with the number of gaming balls paid out in excess of the specified number when a payout of gaming value exceeding the specified number is executed. Furthermore, it is preferable that the specified number corresponds to the number of gaming balls (e.g., 200 balls) that fills a specified tray (e.g., the upper tray). This creates a realistic feeling of winning balls, further enhancing the player's sense of excitement.

[0115] In this embodiment, the presentation control means 300 causes the vibration device 213 to vibrate when game value exceeding a prescribed number is paid out regardless of the game state, but the vibration may be controlled depending on the game state. For example, when the game state is a special game state (or a time-saving state, etc.) as a prescribed game state, the presentation control means 300 may cause the vibration device 213 to vibrate when game value exceeding a prescribed number is paid out, but when the game state is a specific game state other than the prescribed game state (for example, a normal state, etc.), the presentation control means 300 may not vibrate the vibration device 213 even if game value exceeding a prescribed number is paid out.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vibration device 213 is vibrated in response to the payout of prize balls based on balls entering all of the winning slots 46, 47, 49, and 50, but the vibration device 213 may vibrate only in response to the payout of prize balls based on balls entering some of the winning slots. For example, the performance control means 300 may vibrate the vibration device 213 when a payout of game value exceeding a specified number occurs based on the detection of game balls by the count switch 104, but may not vibrate the vibration device 213 when a payout of game value exceeding a specified number occurs based on the detection of game balls by the first start slot switch 100, the general win slot switch 101, or the second start slot switch 103. In other words, the presentation control means 300 may vibrate the vibration device 213 when an attacca win (ball entering the large winning port 50) during a big role (special game state) results in the payout of more than the specified number of game values, but may not vibrate the vibration device 213 when a game ball enters the start port 46, 49 or the general winning port 47 results in the payout of more than the specified number of game values.

[0117] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the payout of game value when the stored value in the game value number storage area exceeds "200" is considered to be the payout of game value exceeding a prescribed number, but for example, a counter that counts the game value (total number of game values) paid out by prize balls in a prescribed period may be provided in a prescribed storage unit such as the main memory 290, and "the payout of game value when the stored value of the counter exceeds a prescribed value" may be considered to be the payout of game value exceeding a prescribed number. In other words, for example, the presentation control means 300 may vibrate the vibration device 213 when the total number of game values ​​acquired by the player in a prescribed period exceeds a prescribed number.

[0118] The gaming machine of this embodiment is A gaming machine that launches a gaming medium into a gaming area (for example, a gaming area 4) to play a game, an operating unit (e.g., grip unit 20) operated by a player; a payout unit (for example, payout control means 270) that pays out game value to a player, The operation unit has a vibration unit (for example, a vibration device 213) that vibrates when a payout of gaming value exceeding a prescribed number is executed.

[0119] In this embodiment, when a payout of game value exceeding the specified number is executed, the vibration of the vibration unit is transmitted to the player through the operation unit, and the player can feel a sense of elation that the game value he or she has acquired has exceeded the specified number by feeling the vibration.This can therefore increase the enjoyment of the game.

[0120] In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment has Winning holes (e.g., winning holes 46, 47, 49, 50) arranged within the game area; a counting unit (for example, a frame control board 201) that reduces the number of game values ​​owned by the player based on the release of the game medium and adds the number of game values ​​paid out when the game medium enters the winning slot to the number of game values ​​owned by the player; and a detection unit (for example, a foul ball detection sensor 214) that detects game media that are launched based on the player's operation and return without entering the game area. the counting unit also adds the number of game media detected by the detection unit to the number of game values ​​owned by the player; The vibration unit does not vibrate when the game value number is added based on the detection of the game medium by the detection unit.

[0121] With this configuration, the vibration unit vibrates when a payout of game value exceeding a specified number is executed based on the game medium entering the winning port, while the vibration unit does not vibrate when the number of game values ​​owned by the player increases because the launched game medium returns without entering the game area, thereby more accurately improving the interest based on the generation of prize balls.

[0122] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine is not limited to that of the above-described embodiment. For example, the above-described configuration can be applied to a pachinko gaming machine in which a player can physically touch the gaming balls and the gaming balls are paid out to a tray based on the entry of the gaming balls into a predetermined winning slot.

[0123] It should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, the components may be freely combined, or the components may be arbitrarily modified or omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1. Gaming machines 4 Gaming area 20 Grip Unit 46, 47, 49, 50 Winning Entrances 201 Frame control board 213 Vibration device 214 Foul ball detection sensor 270 Withdrawal control means

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine that launches gaming media into a gaming area to play a game, an operation unit operated by a player; A prize slot disposed within the gaming area; a counting unit that reduces the number of game values ​​owned by the player and stored in a memory area based on the release of the game medium, and adds the number of game values ​​paid out when the game medium enters the winning slot to the number of game values ​​owned by the player and stored in the memory area; a detection unit that detects game media that are launched based on a player's operation and return without entering the game area; the operation unit has a vibration unit that vibrates when a payout of game value exceeding a specified number is executed, the counting unit also adds the number of game media detected by the detection unit to the number of game values ​​owned by the player stored in the storage area; The vibration unit does not vibrate when the game value number is added based on the detection of the game medium by the detection unit. Gaming machine.

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