gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of reducing an influence of an electrical noise.SOLUTION: Since providing of a through hole VIA114 is prevented on an area where a noise from the back of a performance object 36 directly reaches a substrate 106 through a heat release opening 112, an integrated circuit or the like connected electrically to the through hole VIA114 is not influenced by a noise.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002]

[0003] Gaming machines (pachinko machines) have been known in the past that have a gaming area in which gaming balls (gaming media) move and that launch gaming balls into the gaming area in response to player operation. This type of gaming machine has a start winning hole in the gaming area as a detection area for detecting gaming balls. When it detects that a gaming ball has entered the start winning hole, it conducts a special lottery and starts displaying a varying number of symbols on the display device. If the result of the special lottery is a jackpot, it displays the symbols stationary in a specific manner. This then transitions the gaming state to a special gaming state, in which multiple jackpot games are played. During each jackpot game, it opens a special winning hole in the gaming area and pays out gaming balls in response to the entry of the gaming ball into the special winning hole.

[0003] In some gaming machines of this type, a presentation object is provided on the front of the gaming machine, and the presentation object is operated according to the result of a special lottery to produce a game effect (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-8108 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In this type of gaming machine, a light-transmitting outer lens is installed on the front of the display, and the display light is output from an LED installed inside the display. However, if an opening is installed to allow heat from inside the display to be released, electrical noise from the components around the display can reach the inside of the display directly through the opening, and the noise may affect the electronic components installed inside the display.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can reduce the influence of electrical noise. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which the game progresses according to the results of a lottery, comprising a board on which electronic components are mounted and a cover that covers the board, wherein the board is provided with a plurality of through-hole vias into which terminals of the electronic components are not inserted, the cover is provided with predetermined openings, and the through-hole vias are positioned so as not to be exposed from the predetermined openings.

[0008] According to the present invention, the influence of electrical noise can be reduced even when an opening is provided in the cover. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the influence of electrical noise can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the front frame of the embodiment of the present invention in an open state. [Figure 3] 1 is a front view showing the external configuration of a game board according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a front view showing the external configuration of a game board according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a presentation piece according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the substrate cover according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing details of a substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a front view of a handle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the arrangement of a handle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a game board according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the outer rail according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the upper part of the game board according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is a diagram illustrating the functional blocks of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the embodiment are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0012] 1. Configuration of the gaming machine 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior configuration of a gaming machine according to this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is used for playing games using gaming balls (gaming media) loaned from an amusement parlor. It includes an outer frame 2 (frame body) that forms the exterior of the gaming machine, a gaming board 6 that is provided inside the gaming machine and forms a gaming area 4 in which the gaming balls move, a main body 7 that holds the gaming board 6 and various control boards inside the gaming machine, a glass unit 8 that makes the gaming area 4 visible but inaccessible to players, and a front frame 10 (door body) that is formed on the front of the gaming machine to surround the gaming area 4. The front frame 10 forms a front frame opening 11 in an area corresponding to the gaming area 4 so that the player can see the gaming area 4. The glass unit 8 is attached from the rear side to close the front frame opening 11, thereby forming the front of the gaming machine together with the glass unit 8.

[0013] A portion of the front frame 10 is made of a translucent material that allows light to pass through, 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. The front frame 10 also has a speaker 14 that outputs sound effects to enhance the game.

[0014] An upper tray 16 for storing game balls is provided in the center of the lower part of the front frame 10, and a payout opening 18 for paying out game balls from the gaming machine to a player is provided on the left side of the inner surface of the upper tray 16 at the back. A handle 20 is provided on the right side of the lower part of the front frame 10, and when a player turns the handle 20 clockwise facing the gaming machine, a launcher (not shown) provided inside the gaming machine is activated, and game balls are launched into the gaming area 4. The launcher of this embodiment can launch 99 game balls per minute (1.65 balls per second).

[0015] A supply port 22 is provided on the right side of the inner surface of the upper tray 16 at the back side for supplying game balls from the upper tray 16 to the launching device. Also, a lower tray 24 is provided below the upper tray 16 for storing surplus game balls when the upper tray 16 cannot store all the game balls.

[0016] In addition, a performance input device 25 (performance operation means) consisting of buttons, handles, etc. is provided in the center of the front side of the upper tray 16, and when the player operates the performance input device 25, the performance performed by the gaming machine changes.

[0017] Here, the front frame 10 is attached so as to be rotatable relative to the outer frame 2 around a frame rotation axis 26 that runs along the left edge of the front frame 10 and the left edge of the outer frame 2. When a key is inserted into the cylinder lock 27 provided on the right side of the upper tray 16 and rotated in one direction, the lock is released and the front frame 10 can be opened relative to the outer frame 2.

[0018] 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front frame 10 is open relative to the outer frame 2. As shown in FIG. 2, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the main body 7, on which the game board 6 and various control boards are provided, is also attached rotatably to the outer frame 2 and the front frame 10 around the frame rotation axis 26, so that the front frame 10 can be opened relative to the outer frame 2 and the main body 7, and the main body 7 can be opened relative to the outer frame 2.

[0019] 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. An arc-shaped inner rail 30 is provided on the left end of the gaming area 4 so as to follow the outer rail 28, and the outer rail 28 and inner rail 30 guide gaming balls launched from a launcher (not shown) provided below the gaming board 6 into the gaming area 4.

[0020] Also, in the center of the game board 6, there is provided a liquid crystal display 31 (effect image display means) that displays effect images and the like to liven up the game, and an effect unit 33 that includes a decorative section 32 formed to surround the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 31. Here, the decorative section 32 has a portion made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the portion made of the translucent material, there are provided a plurality of decorative section lamps 34 that output effect lights and the like to liven up the game.

[0021] As shown in Figure 4, the presentation unit 33 of this embodiment is equipped with a presentation object 36 (movable object) that forms a V shape in front of the display area of ​​the LCD display 31, and the presentation object 36 is configured to be able to move (displace) between an appeared state (first state) in which it covers part of the display area of ​​the LCD display 31 and is visible to the player, as shown in Figure 4, and a stored state (second state) in which it is stored below the LCD display 31 and is not visible to the player, as shown in Figure 3.

[0022] In this embodiment, the game ball cannot pass in front of the presentation unit 33, and the game ball launched from the launching device falls in the game area 4 on the left side of the presentation unit 33 or the game area 4 on the right side of the presentation unit 33. In the game area 4, a large number of game nails (not shown) are nailed so as to intersect with the surface of the game board 6, and the movement direction of the game ball moving through the game area 4 changes randomly.

[0023] Furthermore, a left opening 40 is formed on the left side of the decorative section 32, through which game balls falling in the game area 4 on the left side of the performance unit 33 can pass, and game balls that pass through this left opening 40 pass through a passage 42 provided inside the decorative section 32 and fall onto a stage 44 provided below the decorative section 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 that allows game balls to fall downward from the stage 44, so that game balls that fall onto the stage 44 from the passage 42 move back and forth on the stage 44 before falling downward from near the center of the stage 44.

[0024] A first start winning opening 46 is provided below the center of the stage 44, into which a gaming ball that has fallen downward from near the center of the stage 44 can enter. This first start winning opening 46 has a built-in sensor (detection means) that detects the entry of a gaming ball, and is configured so that when a gaming ball enters, the gaming ball is collected inside the gaming machine, and each time a gaming ball enters the first start winning opening 46, a predetermined number of gaming balls (a specified number of one or more, for example, three) is paid out to the player, and a special lottery is held to obtain a random number value and determine whether or not the player has won a jackpot.

[0025] Furthermore, a passing gate 48 is provided in the gaming area 4 on the right side of the performance unit 33, through which gaming balls pass without being collected inside the gaming machine. This passing gate 48 has a built-in sensor that detects the passing of a gaming ball, and every time a gaming ball passes through the passing gate 48, a random number value is obtained and a normal lottery is held to determine whether or not a normal win has occurred.

[0026] In addition, in the gaming area 4 to the right of the presentation unit 33, below the passing gate 48, there is provided a second start winning port 50 through which a gaming ball is collected inside the gaming machine when it enters. This second start winning port 50 has a built-in sensor (gaming medium detection means) that detects the entry of a gaming ball, and is provided with a normal role device 52 (auxiliary means) that has an auxiliary member that can operate between a reduced state (a state that does not assist entry, a non-assisted state) in which it is difficult for a gaming ball to enter the second start winning port 50, and an expanded state (a state that assists entry, an auxiliary state) in which it is easy for a gaming ball to enter. The normal role device 52 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid that operates the auxiliary member, and is controlled to enter the expanded state under predetermined conditions when a normal win is won in the normal lottery. Each time a game ball enters the second start winning port 50, a predetermined number of game balls (a prescribed number greater than one, for example, one) is paid out to the player, and a special lottery is held to obtain a random number value and determine whether or not the player has won the jackpot.

[0027] In addition, the number of game balls paid out to the player each time a game ball enters the first start winning port 46 and the number of game balls paid out to the player each time a game ball enters the second start winning port 50 may be the same or different numbers.

[0028] Additionally, the gaming area 4 to the right of the presentation unit 33 is provided with a jackpot opening 54, through which a gaming ball enters and is collected inside the gaming machine. This jackpot opening 54 incorporates a sensor that detects the entry of a gaming ball, and is equipped with a special device 56 having a plate-like member that blocks the jackpot opening 54. The special device 56 is configured to be operable between an open state (first state, entry-enabled state) in which a gaming ball can enter the jackpot opening 54, and a closed state (second state, entry-disabled state) in which a gaming ball cannot enter the jackpot opening 54. The special device 56 incorporates a drive device such as a solenoid that operates the plate-like member, and is controlled to open under predetermined conditions in a special gaming state that begins when a jackpot is won in a special lottery. Each time a gaming ball enters the jackpot opening 54, a predetermined number of gaming balls (e.g., 10) are paid out to the player.

[0029] In addition, at the bottom of the game area 4, an outlet 62 is provided for retrieving into the game machine game balls that have fallen through the game area 4 without entering any of the winning holes.

[0030] The game ball launching device is configured so that the launch force of the game ball can be changed by adjusting the amount of rotation of the handle 20 shown in Figure 1. When the amount of rotation of the handle 20 is small, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4 on the left side of the presentation unit 33, and when the amount of rotation of the handle 20 is large, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4 on the right side of the presentation unit 33.

[0031] Therefore, the player adjusts the amount of rotation of the handle 20 depending on the game situation, and launches the game ball so that it falls down the left-side game area 4, or passes through the left opening 40, the passage 42 and the stage 44, and enters the first starting winning port 46 (left hit), or so that it falls down the right-side game area 4, passes through the passing gate 48, or enters the second starting winning port 50, or enters the big winning port 54 (right hit).

[0032] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the gaming ball falls through the left-hand gaming area 4, it will not pass through the passing gate 48 and will not win the second starting winning opening 50 or the large winning opening 54, and when the gaming ball falls through the right-hand gaming area 4, it will not win the first starting winning opening 46.

[0033] In addition, at the bottom right of the game board 6, outside the game area 4, there is provided a status display device 70 that shows various states of the game machine, such as the results of the regular lottery, the results of the special lottery, and the game status, by turning on and off lamps, etc.

[0034] 2. Internal structure of the performance Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the presentation object 36 shown in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 5, the presentation object 36 includes a decorative ornament 100 having an outer lens 101 that transmits light while forming the front of the presentation object 36, a decorative sheet 102 that transmits light while making it difficult to see inside the presentation object 36, a light-guiding lens 104 that outputs light supplied to the side (end face) from the plate surface, a substrate 106 on which multiple LEDs 110 are mounted, and a substrate cover 108 that forms the back of the presentation object 36.

[0035] Then, by screwing together the decorative ornament 100, the light guide lens 104, and the substrate cover 108, the decorative sheet 102, the light guide lens 104, and the substrate 106 are held in a superimposed state inside the decorative ornament 100 and the substrate cover 108.

[0036] More specifically, a plurality of LEDs 110 are arranged on the outer edge of the front surface of the substrate 106, and when the light guide lens 104 and the substrate 106 are overlapped, the plurality of LEDs 110 surround the periphery of the light guide lens 104. Each of the plurality of LEDs 110 is a side-view type that emits light laterally, i.e., in a direction along the substrate 106, and is arranged to emit light toward the inside of the substrate 106, i.e., toward the side surface of the light guide lens 104 overlapped on the substrate 106.

[0037] Therefore, the light output from the multiple LEDs 110 is supplied to the side of the light-guiding lens 104, and is output from the surface of the light-guiding lens 104, through the design sheet 102 and the outer lens 101, and in front of the performance object 36.

[0038] Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of the board cover 108. As shown in Fig. 6, a plurality of elongated heat dissipation openings 112 (predetermined openings) are provided at the outer edge of the board cover 108 so as to penetrate the board cover 108 in order to protect the board 106 and the integrated circuits (electronic components) and elements (electronic components) provided on the board 106 from heat. As shown in Fig. 5, the plurality of heat dissipation openings 112 are arranged at the outer edge of the board cover 108 so as to follow the arrangement of the plurality of LEDs 110 at the outer edge of the board 106.

[0039] This allows the board cover 108 to protect the board 106 and other components while still allowing heat from inside the performance object 36 to be released to the outside.

[0040] Fig. 7(A) is a plan view showing the details of the substrate 106. As shown in Fig. 7(A), the substrate 106 is provided with a large number of through-holes VIA 114 (through-hole vias) that penetrate all layers of the substrate 106 and into which terminals of electronic components are not inserted. The inner surfaces of the large number of through-holes VIA 114 are covered with a conductive material (conductive regions are formed), thereby providing electrical continuity between the layers of the substrate 106 and adjusting the amount of current.

[0041] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, when the performance item 36 is in the appeared state, an LCD display 31 is located behind the performance item 36, and as shown in Figure 2, when the performance item 36 is in the stored state, various control boards located inside the main body 7 are located behind the performance item 36, so the board 106 of the performance item 36 is susceptible to electrical noise from behind the performance item 36.

[0042] In particular, the area of ​​the substrate 106 of the presentation object 36 corresponding to the heat dissipation opening 112 is directly exposed to noise from behind the presentation object 36, so if a through hole VIA 114 is provided in the area corresponding to the heat dissipation opening 112, there is a risk that the noise will affect integrated circuits, etc. that are electrically connected to the through hole VIA 114.

[0043] Therefore, in this embodiment, the through-hole VIA 114 is not provided in the area of ​​the substrate 106 of the performance object 36 that corresponds to the heat dissipation opening 112. In other words, the through-hole VIA 114 is provided in a position that is not exposed from the heat dissipation opening 112.

[0044] 7(B) is a diagram showing a via prohibited area 116 that is set as an area in which no through-hole VIA 114 is provided on the substrate 106. As shown in FIG. 7(B), in this embodiment, in addition to an area corresponding to the outer edge of the substrate 106, an area corresponding to a hole through which a protrusion of the substrate cover 108 penetrates to hold the substrate 106 to the substrate cover 108, and an area corresponding to an element provided on the substrate 106, an area corresponding to the heat dissipation opening 112 is set as the via prohibited area 116.

[0045] More specifically, in this embodiment, when the substrate 106 is attached to the substrate cover 108, an area including the area where the heat dissipation opening 112 is projected onto the substrate 106 is set as the VIA prohibited area 116. Specifically, the area where the heat dissipation opening 112 is projected onto the substrate 106 is expanded by approximately 1 mm in all directions, and the VIA prohibited area 116 is set as the VIA prohibited area 116.

[0046] As a result, in this embodiment, the through-hole VIA 114 is not provided in the area where noise from behind the prop 36 directly reaches the substrate 106 through the heat dissipation opening 112, thereby reducing the impact of noise on integrated circuits and the like that are electrically connected to the through-hole VIA 114.

[0047] FIG. 8(A) is an enlarged front view of the handle 20 shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 8(A), the handle 20 is in its initial position. When the handle 20 is in its initial position, a first finger rest 500, a second finger rest 502, and a third finger rest 504 are formed on the upper portion of the handle 20 so as to protrude outward and allow the player to hook the fingers of the player gripping the handle 20. In detail, the first finger rest 500, the second finger rest 502, and the third finger rest 504 are shaped so that the player's fingers can easily hook onto them when the player rotates the handle 20 from the initial position to the right around a rotation axis 506. The handle 20 is rotatable 100 degrees around the rotation axis 506 relative to the front frame 10 from the initial position shown in FIG. 8(A) to the maximum rotation position of the handle 20 shown in FIG. 8(B).

[0048] In this embodiment, regardless of the position of the handle 20 from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook 500, second finger hook 502, or third finger hook 504 protrudes downward from the lower edge of the inner frame 7. Furthermore, although the lower edge of the front frame 10 is located more inward than the lower edge of the inner frame 7, regardless of the position of the handle 20 from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook 500, second finger hook 502, or third finger hook 504 protrudes downward from the lower edge of the front frame 10.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, regardless of the position of the handle 20 from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook 500, second finger hook 502, or third finger hook 504 protrudes to the right beyond the right edge of the inner frame 7. Furthermore, although the right edge of the front frame 10 is located more inward than the right edge of the inner frame 7, regardless of the position of the handle 20 from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook 500, second finger hook 502, or third finger hook 504 protrudes to the right beyond the right edge of the front frame 10.

[0050] In detail, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the distance d1 between the tip of the first finger hook 500 and the rotation axis 506 is 53.4 mm, the distance d2 between the tip of the second finger hook 502 and the rotation axis 506 is 45.6 mm, and the distance d3 between the tip of the third finger hook 504 and the rotation axis 506 is 39.3 mm.

[0051] Furthermore, when the handle 20 is in the initial position, the distance e between the bottom end of the handle 20 and the rotation shaft 506 is 34.6 mm. The distance f1 between the lower edge of the front frame 10 and the rotation shaft 506 is 40.0 mm, and the distance f2 between the lower edge of the inner frame 7 and the rotation shaft 506 is 45.0 mm. The distance g1 between the right edge of the front frame 10 and the rotation shaft 506 is 49.1 mm, and the distance g2 between the right edge of the inner frame 7 and the rotation shaft 506 is 51.1 mm.

[0052] In this embodiment, among the first finger grip portion 500, the second finger grip portion 502, and the third finger grip portion 504, the first finger grip portion 500 has the longest distance between its tip and the rotation axis 506, but the tip of the first finger grip portion 500 when the handle 20 is at the maximum rotation position is not positioned at the lowest point of the trajectory of the tip of the first finger grip portion 500 when the handle 20 rotates from the initial position to the maximum rotation position.

[0053] As a result, in this embodiment, even if the gaming machine is placed on the floor or the like, the first finger grip portion 500, the second finger grip portion 502 or the third finger grip portion 504 will not come into contact with the floor or the like, thereby preventing damage to the handle 20.

[0054] In this embodiment, the operating torque required to rotate the handle 20 from its initial position is defined as the first operating torque (6.8 x N), the position of the handle 20 at which the game ball launched from the launching device can fall into the left-side game area 4 is defined as the left-hand hit reference position, the operating torque required to rotate the handle 20 from its initial position to the left-hand hit reference position is defined as the second operating torque (13.6 x N), and the operating torque required to rotate the handle 20 from its initial position to the maximum rotation position is defined as the third operating torque (23.8 x N).The second operating torque is greater than the first operating torque, but the second operating torque is less than twice the first operating torque.

[0055] In this way, in this embodiment, the difference between the first operation torque and the second operation torque is small, and the operation torque does not increase suddenly between the initial position and the left hit reference position. As a result, in this embodiment, the difference between the first operation torque and the second operation torque can be felt by the player as being small, and the burden on the player can be reduced.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the third operating torque is greater than the second operating torque, but the third operating torque is equal to or less than twice the second operating torque.

[0057] In this way, in this embodiment, the difference between the second operation torque and the third operation torque is small, and the operation torque does not increase suddenly between the left-hit reference position and the maximum rotation position. As a result, in this embodiment, the difference between the second operation torque and the third operation torque feels small to the player, and the burden on the player can be reduced.

[0058] In this embodiment, the operating angle of the handle 20 from the initial position to the left-handed reference position is defined as the first operating angle (45° to 60°), and the operating angle of the handle 20 from the initial position to the maximum rotation position is defined as the second operating angle (100° to 120°). The first operating angle (e.g., 45°) is less than half of the second operating angle (e.g., 100°).

[0059] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the game board 6 with the outer rail 28 removed from the outer rail mounting portion 608 to which the outer rail 28 is attached. The game board 6 and the outer rail mounting portion 608 may be configured as an integral unit, or the outer rail 28 may be attached directly to the game board 6. As shown in FIG. 10 , a mounting surface 610 of the outer rail mounting portion 608 to which the outer rail 28 is attached is provided with a plurality of protrusions 612. Meanwhile, the outer rail 28 is provided with a plurality of receiving portions 614 (positioning portions) at positions corresponding to the plurality of protrusions 612, for receiving the corresponding protrusions 612. When the outer rail 28 is attached along the outer rail mounting portion 608, the plurality of protrusions 612 are received in the plurality of receiving portions 614, thereby positioning the outer rail 28 at the mounting position of the outer rail 28 on the outer rail mounting portion 608.

[0060] As a result, in this embodiment, the outer rail 28 can be attached in an accurate position, and the outer rail 28 can be prevented from shifting or vibrating even when game balls pass over it repeatedly.

[0061] Fig. 11 is a plan view of the outer rail 28. As shown in Fig. 11, each of the multiple receiving portions 614 in this embodiment is formed as a long, oval through-hole extending along the length of the outer rail 28. The multiple receiving portions 614 are not provided in the center of the outer rail 28, but rather in positions that are close to the game board 6 when the outer rail 28 is attached to the outer rail attachment portion 608. The receiving portions 614 may be formed as notches or grooves instead of through-holes.

[0062] Fig. 12 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the upper part of the game board 6. As shown in Fig. 12, the outer rail 28 is attached so as to be in close contact with the attachment surface 610, with the protruding portions 612 received in the receiving portions 614. As described above, the multiple protruding portions 612 and the multiple receiving portions 614 are provided in positions close to the game board 6, so that game balls moving along the outer rail 28 do not come into contact with them.

[0063] When the outer rail 28 is attached to the outer rail attachment portion 608, the outer rail 28 and the attachment surface 610 are inclined so that the outer rail 28 is slightly downward toward the front. This makes it difficult for the game ball moving along the outer rail 28 to move forward.

[0064] Fig. 13 is a front view of the game board 6 with the outer rail 28 attached. As shown in Fig. 13, in this embodiment, the spacing between each of the multiple protrusions 612 and the spacing between each of the multiple receiving portions 614 are not uniform.

[0065] In detail, the range from the starting point S closest to the launching device to the leftmost point L on the arc-shaped outer rail 28 is defined as the first range R1, the range from the leftmost point L to the topmost point U, which is the uppermost point, is defined as the second range R2, and the range from the topmost point U to the end point E is defined as the third range R3.The number of multiple protrusions 612 and the number of multiple receiving portions 614 are 3 in the first range R1, 2 in the second range R2, and 0 in the third range R3, so that the first range R1 has more protrusions than the second range R2, and the second range R2 has more than the third range R3.

[0066] Furthermore, if the range from the leftmost part L to the terminal part E is defined as the fourth range R4, the number of the multiple protrusions 612 and the number of the multiple receiving parts 614 in the fourth range R4 are two, and the first range R1 has more than the fourth range R4.

[0067] Furthermore, if the range from the starting point S to the top U is defined as the fifth range R5, the number of the multiple protrusions 612 and the number of the multiple receiving portions 614 in the fifth range R5 is five, which is greater in the fifth range R5 than in the third range R3.

[0068] Furthermore, if the range from the starting point S to the midpoint M between the starting point S and the end point E is defined as a sixth range R6, and the range from the midpoint M to the end point E is defined as a seventh range R7, the number of multiple protrusions 612 and the number of multiple receiving portions 614 are four in the sixth range R6 and one in the seventh range R7, meaning that the sixth range R6 is greater than the seventh range R7.

[0069] The leftmost portion L and the topmost portion U are not provided with the protrusion 612 and the receiving portion 614 .

[0070] In this embodiment, by increasing the number of multiple protrusions 612 and the number of multiple receiving portions 614 arranged in the area close to the launching device, where the impact from the game balls is large and where particularly accurate positioning of the outer rail 28 is required, it is possible to reliably prevent the outer rail 28 from shifting or vibrating in the area close to the launching device.

[0071] In addition, the portions corresponding to the leftmost portion L and the topmost portion U where the width of the outer rail mounting portion 608 narrows do not have the protrusion portion 612 and the receiving portion 614, thereby reliably preventing the outer rail 28 from shifting or vibrating in the highly stable portions of the outer rail mounting portion 608.

[0072] As a result, in this embodiment, the trajectory of the game ball can be stabilized, and the game ball can enter each winning port according to the designed value, allowing the game to be played as designed.

[0073] On the other hand, in the part near the terminal end E where the impact from the game ball is small and the impact on the game is small, the number of multiple protrusions 612 and the number of multiple receiving portions 614 arranged are reduced, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs of the outer rail 28 and the outer rail mounting portion 608 and making it easier to attach the outer rail 28 to the outer rail mounting portion 608.

[0074] The number of the multiple protrusions 612 and the number of the multiple receiving portions 614 may be three in the first range R1, two in the second range R2, and one in the third range R3; three in the first range R1, one in the second range R2, and zero in the third range R3; three in the first range R1, one in the second range R2, and one in the third range R3; one in the first range R1, one in the second range R2, and zero in the third range R3; or three in the first range R1, two in the second range R2, and three in the third range R3.

[0075] 3. Functional Blocks 14 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 board 500 and a sub-board 600. The main board 500 receives input signals from input means such as a passing gate sensor 502, a first start winning opening sensor 504, a second start winning opening sensor 505, a special winning opening sensor 506, and a payout sensor 508, performs various calculations to execute a game, and controls the operation of output means such as a normal role drive device 520, a special role drive device 522, and a payout device 524 based on the calculation results.

[0076] Furthermore, the sub-board 600 receives signals sent from the main board 500 and input signals from the effect input device switch 602, performs various calculations to execute effects that match the progress of the game, and controls the operation of effect devices 626, such as effect display device 620, sound device 622, and movable object drive device 624, based on the calculation results. The functions of each board, such as the main board 500 and the sub-board 600, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in the ROM, etc.

[0077] The main board 500 is configured to include a random number generating means 540, a normal lottery means 542, a normal drive control means 544, a special lottery means 546, a game state transition control means 548, a special drive control means 550, a payout control means 552, a communication control means 554, and a main memory 570.

[0078] The random number generating means 540 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). In this embodiment, the term "random number" 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.

[0079] The normal lottery means 542 acquires a random number value (random number value for lottery) from the random number generating means 540 based on a detection signal from the passing gate sensor 502, which is activated each time a game ball passes through the passing gate 48, and performs a normal lottery to determine whether or not the acquired random number value is a normal win.

[0080] When a normal win is won in the normal lottery, the normal drive control means 544 controls the normal accessory drive device 520 so that the normal accessory 52 is expanded under predetermined conditions.

[0081] The special lottery means 546 acquires a random number value (random number value for lottery) from the random number generating means 540 based on a detection signal from the first start entry port sensor 504, which is activated each time a game ball enters the first start entry port 46, or based on a detection signal from the second start entry port sensor 505, which is activated each time a game ball enters the second start entry port 50, and determines whether the acquired random number value will result in a jackpot, and if a jackpot is won, a special lottery is held to determine which of multiple types of jackpot patterns has won.

[0082] The game state transition control means 548 performs game state transition control processing to transition the game state among the normal state, the special game state, the probability variable state, and the time-shortened state based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition.

[0083] The normal state is a game state that corresponds to the initial state among a plurality of game states, and it is possible to transition from the normal state to a special game state.

[0084] The special game state is initiated when a jackpot is won in a special lottery in the normal state, the probability variable state, or the time-saving state, and ends when a predetermined number of rounds (number of executions) of jackpot games are played depending on the type of jackpot symbol. If the jackpot symbol is a probability variable symbol, the game will transition to the probability variable state when the special game state ends, and if the jackpot symbol is a normal symbol, the game will transition to the time-saving state when the special game state ends.

[0085] The probability variable state is a game state in which a special lottery is conducted to increase the probability of winning a jackpot compared to the normal state, and a normal lottery is conducted to increase the probability of winning a normal jackpot compared to the normal state. In the probability variable state, the time required for one special lottery and one normal lottery is shortened compared to the normal state, thereby controlling the timing of special and normal lottery draws to occur more frequently. While it is possible to transition from the probability variable state to the special game state, the game ends and transitions to the normal state once 9,999 special lotteries have been performed in the probability variable state. However, because the probability of winning a jackpot in the special lottery is set to approximately 1 / 50 in the probability variable state, the special game state begins before 9,999 special lotteries have been performed in the probability variable state, making it almost impossible to transition from the probability variable state to the normal state.

[0086] The time-saving state is a game state in which a special lottery is held so that the probability of winning a jackpot is the same as in the normal state, but a normal lottery is held so that the probability of winning a normal jackpot is higher than in the normal state. In the time-saving state, the time required for one special lottery and one normal lottery is shortened compared to the normal state, so that the special lottery and normal lottery opportunities occur more frequently. It is possible to transition from the time-saving state to the special game state, but the state ends and the game transitions to the normal state when the number of special lotteries held in the time-saving state reaches 100.

[0087] The special drive control means 550 controls the drive of the special feature drive device 522 so that the special feature 56 is opened in a predetermined manner according to the type of jackpot symbol during each jackpot game in the special game state.

[0088] The payout control means 552 controls the payout device 524 to pay out a number of game balls equivalent to a predetermined number of prize balls for each detection signal based on the detection signal from the first start winning port sensor 504, the second start winning port sensor 505, or the large winning port sensor 506.

[0089] The communication control means 554 controls the transmission of signals to the sub-board 600. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the main board 500 and the sub-board 600 are connected in a communication manner such that only one-way communication from the main board 500 to the sub-board 600 is possible, and signals cannot be transmitted from the sub-board 600 to the main board 500.

[0090] Next, a description will be given of the sub-substrate 600. The sub-substrate 600 is configured to include a performance control means 640 and a sub-memory 670.

[0091] The performance control means 640 controls the performance display device 620 to light or flash the front frame lamp 12 and decorative lamp 34, display performance images on the LCD display 31, control the sound device 622 to output performance sounds from the speaker 14, and drive the movable object drive device 624 to operate movable objects, based on the notification signal sent from the main board 500, the input signal from the performance input device switch 602, and the performance data stored in the sub-memory 670, thereby controlling the performance device 626 to execute performances to liven up or assist the game.

[0092] For example, in response to the occurrence of a game event such as a game ball entering the first start winning port 46 or the second start winning port 50, an operation on the effect input device 25, or a change in the game state, a special lottery effect process, a state effect process, etc. is performed.

[0093] In the special lottery effect processing, the effect control means 640 causes the effect device 626 to execute a special variable effect that effects a special lottery, based on a notification signal transmitted from the main board 500. In this embodiment, the effect control means 640 causes the liquid crystal display 31 to variably display a special pattern image, and then causes the liquid crystal display 31 to statically display the special pattern image in a manner according to the result of the special lottery, and also causes the liquid crystal display 31 to display a variable effect image that moves a character image or changes a background image, thereby executing a special variable effect on the liquid crystal display 31.

[0094] In this embodiment, the execution types of the special variable effect are Premium Reach, Super Reach 1, Super Reach 2, Normal Reach, and No Reach, and the effect control means 640 determines which of the execution types to use for the special variable effect based on the results of the special lottery. The special variable effect of each execution type has different display patterns for the special symbol images and variable effect images, different movement patterns for the movable objects, different probabilities of selection depending on the results of the special lottery, and different execution times from start to finish. As a result, the special variable effect of each execution type has different expectations for winning a jackpot when the special variable effect of each execution type is executed, and different expectations for winning a probability variable or normal symbol.

[0095] Furthermore, as a special variable effect, the effect control means 640 controls the movable object drive device 624 in accordance with the progression of the special symbol image and variable effect image, to operate movable objects such as the first effect object 36 and the second effect object 38. In detail, in this embodiment, the effect control means 640 (control means) controls the movable object drive device 624 such as a solenoid or motor to drop the first effect object 36 from a reference position to a drop position, to raise the second effect object 38 from the reference position to a raised position, and to return the first effect object 36 or the second effect object 38 from the dropped position or raised position to the reference position.

[0096] In the status presentation process, the presentation control means 640 performs status presentation that indicates the current game status to the player by moving the character image on the LCD display 31, changing the background image, or moving movable objects according to the current game status, based on the notification signal sent from the main board 500.

[0097] For example, when the current game state is the normal state, the presentation control means 640 performs a presentation state transition lottery under predetermined conditions to determine which of a plurality of presentation states the presentation state should be set to. The presentation control means 640 then causes the liquid crystal display 31 to display a normal state image corresponding to the set presentation state. When the current game state is the probability variable state, the presentation control means 640 causes the liquid crystal display 31 to display a probability variable state image suggesting that the current game state is the probability variable state. When the current game state is the time-saving state, the presentation control means 640 causes the liquid crystal display 31 to display a time-saving state image suggesting that the current game state is the time-saving state and indicating the number of times the special lottery has been performed until it reaches 100. When the current game state is the special game state, the presentation control means 640 causes the liquid crystal display 31 to display a special game state image indicating that the current game state is the special game state and indicating the number of rounds that have been played and the number of rounds that are remaining.

[0098] Furthermore, the performance control means 640 controls the output of specific performance sounds from the speaker 14, the display of specific performance images on the liquid crystal display 31, and the operation of movable objects based on operations performed on the performance input device 25 at predetermined timing.

[0099] 4. Variations The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible, and modifications are introduced below. Note that the above-described embodiment and the various methods described below as modifications can be appropriately combined and adopted as a control method for realizing the present invention.

[0100] First, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which the through-hole VIA 114 is not provided in the area including the area where the heat dissipation opening 112 is projected onto the board. However, if the board cover 108 is provided with a connector opening (predetermined opening) for exposing a connector provided on the board to the outside, or a switch opening (predetermined opening) for exposing a switch provided on the board to the outside, the through-hole VIA 114 may not be provided in the area including the area where the connector opening or switch opening is projected onto the board (it may be provided in a position where it is not exposed from the predetermined opening).

[0101] For example, connectors for connecting to external devices such as the gaming machine's verification device, connectors for connecting to other boards, RAM clear switches, setting change switches for changing the gaming machine's settings, and volume adjustment switches for adjusting the volume of the presentation device 626 are susceptible to static electricity because they are operated by hand by the gaming machine administrator, so through holes VIA114 may not be provided in the areas corresponding to the connector openings and switch openings for exposing these to the outside (they may be provided in positions that are not exposed from the designated openings).

[0102] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which no VIA through holes 114 are provided in the areas corresponding to all of the heat dissipation openings 112 provided in the board cover 108, but it is also possible that no VIA through holes 114 are provided in the areas corresponding to some of the heat dissipation openings 112 provided in the board cover 108 (they are provided in positions that are not exposed from the specified openings), or that no VIA through holes 114 are provided in the areas corresponding to the heat dissipation openings 112 provided in the board cover 108 (they are provided in positions that are not exposed from the specified openings), but through holes VIA 114 are provided in the areas corresponding to the connector openings and switch openings provided in the board cover 108 (they are provided in positions that are exposed from other openings).

[0103] Furthermore, in the above embodiment and modified examples, an example was described in which through-hole VIA 114 penetrating all layers of the substrate is not provided in a region corresponding to a predetermined opening, but other types of VIA holes, whose inner surfaces are covered with a conductive material to provide electrical continuity between the layers of substrate 106 and into which terminals of electronic components are not inserted, may be provided in a region corresponding to a predetermined opening (provided in a position exposed from the predetermined opening). For example, an inner VIA penetrating part of the substrate may be provided in a region corresponding to a predetermined opening, and the inner VIA may be a blind VIA penetrating the surface and inner layers of the substrate, or a buried VIA penetrating the inner layers of the substrate.

[0104] In addition, the inner surface may be covered with a conductive material to electrically connect the layers of the substrate 106, and through holes for electronic components, into which terminals of electronic components can be inserted and soldered, may be provided in areas corresponding to the specified openings.

[0105] Furthermore, other types of VIA holes or through holes for electronic components other than the through hole VIA114 may not be provided in the area corresponding to the predetermined opening.

[0106] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which an opening is provided in the substrate cover 108 that forms the back of the performance object 36, but the opening may also be provided in the cover that covers the substrate from the front, the cover that covers the substrate from above, or the cover that covers the substrate from below.

[0107] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which the prop 36 moves, but the prop 36 may be fixed and not move.

[0108] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which an area was set up on the board 106 provided inside the performance 36 where no through-hole VIA 114 was provided, but it is also possible to set up an area on a board covered with a cover where no through-hole VIA 114 or through-hole for electronic components is provided, not limited to the inside of the performance 36.

[0109] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the present invention was applied to a pachinko gaming machine that has a gaming area in which gaming balls move and that launches gaming balls into the gaming area in response to player operation, but the present invention may also be applied to a slot machine that has multiple reels with patterns arranged on their outer surfaces, that rotates the multiple reels in response to player operation, and that stops the multiple reels in a manner in response to the results of a lottery. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 2 outer frame, 4 playing area, 6 playing board, 7 main body, 8 glass unit, 10 front frame, 11 front frame opening, 12 front frame lamp, 14 speaker, 16 upper tray, 18 dispensing outlet, 20 handle, 22 supply port, 24 bottom tray, 25 performance input device, 26 Frame pivot, 27 Cylinder lock, 28 outer rail, 30 inner rail, 31 liquid crystal display, 32 decorative part, 33 Production unit, 34 Decoration lamp, 36 First production item, 38 Second production item, 40 left opening, 42 passage, 44 stage, 46 first starting winning gate, 48 Passing gate, 50 Second starting winning gate, 52 Regular role, 54 Big winning gate, 56 Special features, 62 Outlet, 70 Status display device, 100 decorative ornament, 101 outer lens, 102 decorative sheet, 104 light guide lens, 106 board, 108 board cover, 110 LED, 112 heat dissipation opening, 114 through-hole VIA, 116 VIA prohibition area, 500 main board, 502 passing gate sensor, 504 first start winning port sensor, 505 second start winning port sensor, 506 large winning port sensor, 508 payout sensor, 520 Ordinary device drive device, 522 Special device drive device, 524 Payout device, 540 random number generating means, 542 normal lottery means, 544 normal drive control means, 546 special lottery means, 548 game state transition control means, 550 special drive control means, 552 payout control means, 554 communication control means, 570 main memory, 600 sub-board, 602 performance input device switch, 620 performance display device, 622 Sound equipment, 624 Moving object driving equipment, 626 Stage equipment, 640 performance control means, 670 sub-memory

Claims

1. a gaming board on which a gaming area having a first gaming area and a second gaming area is formed; An inner frame for holding the game board; The front frame and A handle formed to be rotatable; A launching device that launches game balls in response to the rotation operation of the handle; A gaming machine equipped with The handle includes a plurality of finger grips that protrude radially outward, The handle is rotatable from an initial position to a maximum rotation position; When the handle is rotated to the reference position, a game ball is launched to the first game area, and when the handle is rotated to the maximum rotation position, the game ball is launched to the second game area; Among the plurality of finger rests, the finger rest with the largest protruding amount is designated as a specific finger rest, a distance from the rotation center of the handle to the tip of the specific finger rest portion is defined as a first distance; If the distance from the rotation center of the handle to the lower edge of the front frame is a second distance, The first distance is greater than the second distance, In the initial position, none of the plurality of finger grip portions protrudes downward beyond the lower edge of the front frame, At the maximum rotation position, none of the plurality of finger grip portions protrudes downward beyond the lower edge of the front frame, In the initial position, none of the plurality of finger hook portions protrudes to the right beyond the right edge of the front frame, At the maximum rotation position, none of the plurality of finger hook portions protrudes to the right beyond the right edge of the front frame, an operation torque required to start rotating the handle from the initial position is defined as a first operation torque; an operation torque required to rotate the handle from the initial position to the reference position is defined as a second operation torque; When an operation torque required to rotate the handle from the initial position to the maximum rotation position is defined as a third operation torque, The second operating torque is greater than the first operating torque, the third operating torque is greater than the second operating torque, is equal to or less than twice the second operating torque, and is equal to or more than twice the first operating torque, an operation angle required to rotate the handle from the initial position to the reference position is defined as a first operation angle; When an operation angle required to rotate the handle from the initial position to the maximum rotation position is defined as a second operation angle, The second operation angle is at least twice the first operation angle.

2. a gaming board on which a gaming area having a first gaming area and a second gaming area is formed; An inner frame for holding the game board; The front frame and A handle formed to be rotatable; A launching device that launches game balls in response to the rotation operation of the handle; A gaming machine equipped with The handle includes a plurality of finger grips that protrude radially outward, The handle is rotatable from an initial position to a maximum rotation position; When the handle is rotated to the reference position, a game ball is launched to the first game area, and when the handle is rotated to the maximum rotation position, the game ball is launched to the second game area; Among the plurality of finger rests, the finger rest with the largest protruding amount is designated as a specific finger rest, a distance from the rotation center of the handle to the tip of the specific finger rest portion is defined as a first distance; If the distance from the rotation center of the handle to the lower edge of the inner frame is a second distance, The first distance is greater than the second distance, In the initial position, none of the plurality of finger grip portions protrudes downward beyond a lower edge of the inner frame, At the maximum rotation position, none of the plurality of finger grip portions protrudes downward beyond a lower edge of the inner frame, In the initial position, none of the plurality of finger grip portions protrudes to the right beyond the right edge of the inner frame, At the maximum rotation position, none of the plurality of finger grip portions protrudes to the right beyond the right edge of the inner frame, an operation torque required to start rotating the handle from the initial position is defined as a first operation torque; an operation torque required to rotate the handle from the initial position to the reference position is defined as a second operation torque; When an operation torque required to rotate the handle from the initial position to the maximum rotation position is defined as a third operation torque, The second operating torque is greater than the first operating torque, the third operating torque is greater than the second operating torque, is equal to or less than twice the second operating torque, and is equal to or more than twice the first operating torque, an operation angle required to rotate the handle from the initial position to the reference position is defined as a first operation angle; When an operation angle required to rotate the handle from the initial position to the maximum rotation position is defined as a second operation angle, The second operation angle is at least twice the first operation angle.

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