Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine that can be improved regarding feeding of game balls.SOLUTION: In a Pachinko machine e10 that can use game balls by circulating them, game balls can be fed from a ball feed passage eTR7 to a ball feed passage eTR8 by lifting the game balls located in the ball feed passage eTR7 by rotating lifting means e470 of a lifting / polishing device e400, and game balls fed to an upper (lifting) side end area of the ball feed passage eTR7 are brought into contact with displacement means e454.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 799

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Downward Displacement means is Configured to be displaceable known in a gaming machine that is displaced (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-described conventional gaming machine, there is a problem that there is room for improvement regarding the displacement means of displacement . [[ID=4�]]

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-exemplified problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that can be improved regarding the displacement means of displacement .

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve this object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 Displacement means configured to be displaceable at least downward, and the is configured to be able to contact a part of the displacement means and It has a contact portion, and is configured such that the contact portion can be displaced at least between a visible position that is visible from a first position in front of the gaming machine and a non-visible position that is not visible from the first position. contacting means ,before and is configured to be able to cause the displacement means to a predetermined part of Displaced while in contact the displacement means and Displace towards the designated position means, and includes Power transmission . The system is configured to allow for a first situation in which the displacement means is displaced downward while the power transmission means is separated from the predetermined portion of the displacement means, and a second situation in which the displacement means is displaced downward while the power transmission means is in contact with the predetermined portion of the displacement means, and when the contact means is displaced from the visible position to the invisible position, the system is configured to change from a non-contact state in which a part of the displacement means does not contact the contact portion of the contact means to a contact state in which it does contact, and in the contact state, a part of the displacement means slides along the outer edge of the contact portion so that the displacement means can be displaced toward a specific position, and the power transmission means is in front of the displacement means The displacement means is provided with a biasing means that can bias the displacement means when it is in contact with a predetermined part, and it is possible to configure a situation in which the displacement means is positioned at the predetermined position and the contact means is positioned at the visible position, and in a situation in which a part of the displacement means slides along the outer edge of the contact part and the displacement means is displaced toward the specific position, a part different from the part of the displacement means can be displaced further forward of the game machine than the contact part, and when the contact means is displaced from the visible position to the non-visible position, the time required from when the distance between a part of the displacement means and the contact part of the contact means begins to decrease until the contact state is reached can be changed.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the gaming machine described in claim 1, displacement means of displacement can be improved.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0008] [Figure 1] It is a front view of the pachinko machine in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a rear view of the pachinko machine. [Figure 3] It is a front perspective view of the pachinko machine showing the state where the inner frame is opened (deployed) with respect to the outer frame. [Figure 4] It is a front perspective view of the pachinko machine showing the state where the back pack is opened (deployed) with respect to the inner frame in the state where the inner frame is opened with respect to the outer frame. [Figure 5] It is a front perspective view of the pachinko machine showing the state where the inner frame is closed with respect to the outer frame and the front frame is opened (deployed). [Figure 6] It is a front view of the pachinko machine in the state where the front frame is removed. [Figure 7] It is an exploded front perspective view of the game board and the inner frame. [Figure 8] [[ID=三十七]]It is an exploded perspective front view of the front frame. [Figure 9] It is an exploded perspective rear view of the front frame. [Figure 10] It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 11] It is a front view of the pachinko machine in the second embodiment. [[ID=4八十八]] [Figure 12] It is a front view of the game board of the pachinko machine. [Figure 13] It is an exploded front perspective view of the game board and the operation unit. [Figure 14] It is an exploded front perspective view of the game board. [Figure 15] It is an exploded front perspective view of the winning unit. [Figure 16] It is an exploded rear perspective view of the winning unit. [Figure 17] It should be noted that in the translation, there is an error in the Chinese annotation of "". It should be "

图37

三十七

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, referring to Figures 1 to 10, one embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko game machine (hereinafter simply referred to as "pachinko machine") H10 will be described as the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine H10 in the first embodiment, Figure 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine H10, Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the pachinko machine H10 showing the inner frame H12 open (unfolded) relative to the outer frame H11, and Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the pachinko machine H10 showing the back pack unit H94 open (unfolded) relative to the inner frame H12 with the inner frame H12 open relative to the outer frame H11. Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the pachinko machine H10 showing the inner frame H12 closed to the outer frame H11 and the front frame H14 open (unfolded). Figure 6 is a front view of the pachinko machine H10 with the front frame H14 removed. Figure 7 is an exploded front perspective view of the game board H13 and inner frame H12. Figure 8 is an exploded front perspective view of the front frame H14. Figure 9 is an exploded rear perspective view of the front frame H14. In Figure 6, the rear opening H172 for sending balls from the launch position ball sending unit H170 to the ball launching unit H112a is shown by a dashed line.

[0011] Furthermore, in the following explanation, with respect to the pachinko machine H10 in the state shown in Figure 1, the front side of the page will be referred to as the front (front), and the back side of the page as the rear (back) side. Also, with respect to the pachinko machine H10 in the state shown in Figure 1, the top side will be referred to as the up (up), the bottom side as the down (down), the right side as the right (right), and the left side as the left (left). In addition, the arrows UD, LR, and FB in the figure (see, for example, Figure 1) indicate the vertical, horizontal, and front-to-back directions of the pachinko machine H10, respectively.

[0012] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, players of Pachinko Machine H10 are assumed to be positioned on the front side of Pachinko Machine H10 (direction of arrow F) and to be facing the back side of Pachinko Machine H10 (direction of arrow B) while playing (facing the front side of Pachinko Machine H10).

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, the pachinko machine H10 mainly comprises an outer frame H11 formed by a roughly rectangular wooden frame, an inner frame H12 formed to be roughly the same external shape as the outer frame H11 and supported to be openable and closable relative to the outer frame H11, and a front frame H14 formed to be roughly the same external shape as the inner frame H12 and supported to be openable and closable relative to the inner frame H12.

[0014] The outer frame H11 has metal hinges H18 attached to the top and bottom (arrow UD direction) on the left side (arrow L direction) when viewed from the front (see Figure 1) to support the inner frame H12. The inner frame H12 is supported together with the front frame H14 so that it can be opened and closed towards the front (arrow F direction) with the side on which the hinges H18 are provided as the axis of opening and closing.

[0015] The pachinko machine H10 is installed in the gaming hall by attaching and fixing the outer frame H11 to the island equipment. However, the outer frame H11 is not an essential component of the pachinko machine H10, and the gaming hall may be equipped with a component that has the same inner shape as the outer frame H11, or a component that has an inner frame H12 support structure (hinge H18, etc.) and a locking structure for the outer frame H11.

[0016] The outer frame H11 is formed in a frame shape by combining an upper plate H11a, which is located on the upper side (direction of arrow U), a lower plate H11b, which is located on the lower side (direction of arrow D), and a left plate H11c and a right plate H11d, which connect the left and right ends (directions of arrows LR) of the upper plate H11a and the lower plate H11b in the vertical direction.

[0017] Furthermore, the outer frame H11 is not limited to being made of wood, but may also be made of metal materials such as aluminum or resin materials such as plastic, and may be formed by combining members (upper plate H11a, lower plate H11b, left plate H11c, right plate H11d) made of wood, metal materials, or resin materials.

[0018] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a hinge H18 is attached to the left side of the outer frame H11 in a front view (direction of arrow L), allowing the right side of the inner frame H12 in a front view (direction of arrow R) to be opened and closed relative to the outer frame H11 towards the front (direction of arrow F). However, the hinge H18 may also be attached to the right side of the outer frame H11 in a front view, allowing the left side of the inner frame H12 in a front view to be opened and closed relative to the outer frame H11 towards the front. Alternatively, the hinge H18 may be attached to both the left and right (arrows LR direction) ends of the lower side of the outer frame H11 in a front view (direction of arrow D), allowing the upper side of the inner frame H12 in a front view (direction of arrow U) to be opened and closed relative to the outer frame H11 towards the front.

[0019] The inner frame H12 is mainly formed by a frame forming unit H12a, which is formed in a rectangular shape with an outer shape almost identical to that of the outer frame H11, and a back pack unit H94 that is rotatably supported on the back side (direction of arrow B) of the frame forming unit H12a. The back pack unit H94 is rotatable backward with the left side (direction of arrow L) as the pivot base end (opening / closing base end) and the right side (direction of arrow R) as the pivot tip end (opening / closing tip) when viewed from the front (see Figure 4).

[0020] Furthermore, within the inner frame H12, a game board H13 (see Figures 6 and 7) is arranged, which is roughly box-shaped with the front side (direction of arrow F) open, formed by the frame forming unit H12a and the back pack unit H94, and has numerous nails and prize slots H63, H64 inside. Ball games are played as balls (game balls) flow down the front of this game board H13.

[0021] The inner frame H12's frame forming unit H12a is equipped with a left end support portion H12a1 at the upper and lower corners of its inner surface on the left side (direction of arrow L) for supporting the left end of the game board H13, and a board surface support device H12a2 at the upper and lower corners of its inner surface on the right side (direction of arrow R) for supporting the right end of the game board H13. The game board H13 is inserted into the left end support portion H12a1 with the left end of the base plate H60 inserted and pushed towards the back side (direction of arrow B) of the inner frame H12. Then, the board surface support device H12a2 is operated so that it engages with the front surface of the base plate H60 (supports the front surface of the base plate H60), thereby fixing the game board H13 inside the inner frame H12.

[0022] Furthermore, the inner frame H12's frame forming unit H12a is mainly formed by a ball launching unit H112a (see Figure 6) that launches balls into the front area (game area) of the game board H13, and a tray passage forming member H160 (see Figure 6) that sends balls to the front frame H14 (upper and lower tray unit H15).

[0023] Furthermore, the inner frame H12's frame forming unit H12a has metal hinges H19 attached to the top and bottom of the left side (arrow L direction) in a front view to support the front frame H14. The side with the hinges H19 is used as the axis of opening and closing, allowing the front frame H14 to open and close towards the front (arrow F direction) (see Figure 5). The inner frame H12 and the front frame H14 are unlocked by inserting a special key into the keyhole H21 of the cylinder lock H20 installed on the frame forming unit H12a and performing a predetermined operation.

[0024] The ball launching unit H112a is formed to be able to receive balls that are sent one by one at predetermined timings from the upper tray H17 via the launch position ball delivery unit H170, and mainly comprises a launch rail H112a1 that extends in the direction of ball delivery to the game board H13 (inner rail H61 and outer rail H62), a rotating body H112a2 that is rotatably supported and formed to rotate and contact the balls that have been sent onto the launch rail H112a1, and a drive motor (not shown) for rotating the rotating body H112a2.

[0025] The launching (sending) of balls from the ball launching unit H112a to the upper side (direction of arrow U) of the game board H13 is performed by first sending the ball onto the launching rail H112a1, then rotating the rotating body H112a2 to collide with the ball that has been sent onto the launching rail H112a1.

[0026] In this embodiment, the ball is launched (delivered) from the ball launching unit H112a by the rotating body H112a2, but the structure for launching the ball is not limited to a rotating member (rotating body H112a2). For example, the system may be configured to include a sliding body that can slide in the direction of ball launch and a solenoid that slides the sliding body, and the ball is launched (delivered) by displacing the sliding body with the ball through excitation of the solenoid.

[0027] Furthermore, the ball launching unit H112a is not limited to being installed in the inner frame H12, but can also be installed on the back side (in the direction of arrow B) of the base plate H60 (on the game board H13) as a performance device for the pachinko machine H10. For example, the ball may be sent from an opening in the center frame H86 or the base plate H60 onto a launching rail H112a1 installed on the back side of the base plate H60, and then launched by a rotating body H112a2 so that the ball passes on the front side of the third symbol display device H81.

[0028] As shown in Figure 6, the tray passage forming member H160 has a main body-side upper tray passage portion H161 and a main body-side lower tray passage portion H162. The main body-side upper tray passage portion H161 and the main body-side lower tray passage portion H162 form a curved passage in which the direction of the passage changes by 90 degrees internally (changing from the front-to-back direction to the up-and-down direction), with the ends on the rear side (direction of arrow B) opening towards the rear side (direction of arrow FB) so as to be able to communicate with a through hole that penetrates the inner frame H12 in the front-to-back direction, and the ends on the front side (direction of arrow F) opening downward (direction of arrow D). In this configuration, balls dispensed from the dispensing device H133 pass through the through hole in the inner frame H12, enter the tray passage forming member H160 from the rear end of the tray passage forming member H160, and are discharged from the front end.

[0029] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, a shutter H163 is provided on the lower part of the tray passage forming member H160 to restrict the outflow of balls from the upper tray passage H161 and the lower tray passage H162 on the main body side. The shutter H163 is provided to be switchable between a blocking position that narrows the exit portions of both passages to prevent the outflow of balls and a permitting position that allows the outflow of balls. It is positioned in the permitting position when the front frame H14 is closed to the inner frame H12, and in the blocking position when the front frame H14 is open to the inner frame H12 (as shown in Figure 5). This prevents the inconvenience of stored balls spilling out when the front frame H14 is opened while balls are stored in the upper tray passage H161 or the lower tray passage H162 on the main body side.

[0030] The front frame H14 mainly consists of a main frame H14d formed in the shape of a vertically elongated rectangular frame from a metal plate, an upper decorative unit H14a disposed on the main frame H14d and positioned on the upper front side (arrow U direction) of the main frame H14d, a left decorative unit H14b and a right decorative unit H14c extending downward (arrow D direction) from both sides (arrows LR direction) of the upper decorative unit H14a, an upper and lower tray unit H15 covering the lower front side of the main frame H14d, a passage forming unit H140 disposed on the rear side (arrow B direction) of the upper and lower tray unit H15 via the main frame H14d, and a launch position ball delivery unit H170 disposed on the rear side of the passage forming unit H140, and is rotatably attached to the inner frame H12.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, front door mounting brackets H57 and H58 are provided on the pivot base end side of the front frame H14. These front door mounting brackets H57 and H58 (front door mounting bracket H57 is a cylindrical part, and front door mounting bracket H58 is a metal plate with an axial hole) engage with the inner frame H12, thereby supporting the front frame H14 so that it can rotate relative to the inner frame H12.

[0032] In detail, the front door mounting bracket H57 is pivotally supported by a pivot plate portion H12e, which has a fitting recess H12e1 (see Figure 7) that extends from the front end of the inner frame H12 toward the front side (direction of arrow F) and extends from the tip toward the rear side (direction of arrow B) and is recessed to accommodate the front door mounting bracket H57. The front door mounting bracket H58 is pivotally supported by being fitted onto a stepped cylindrical support pin H19a that protrudes upward (direction of arrow U) from the lower hinge H19 of the inner frame H12.

[0033] Furthermore, the front frame H14 has a window section H14e formed in the area enclosed by the upper decorative unit H14a, the left decorative unit H14b, the right decorative unit H14c, and the upper and lower tray units H15. A glass unit H16 with two glass plates is arranged on the back side (direction of arrow B) of the front frame H14 (main frame H14d) so as to cover the window section H14e (see Figure 1). The front of the game board H13 can be seen from the front of the pachinko machine H10 through the glass unit H16 (window section H14e).

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the glass unit H16 comprises a pair of transparent glass panes H16a and H16b, which have a larger outer shape and light transmittance (transparency) than the window section H14e, and a fixing frame (not shown) that integrates these transparent glass panes H16a and H16b. The fixing frame is formed from a resin material in an annular shape that is slightly larger than the transparent glass panes H16a and H16b, and the outer edges of the transparent glass panes H16a and H16b are bonded to the fixing frame, thereby making the glass unit H16 a single, integrated double-glazed glass.

[0035] The glass unit H16 is formed in a colorless and transparent manner using transparent glass H16a and H16b, but is not limited to this. It may also be formed in a colorless and transparent manner using resin material, and may be formed in a colored and transparent manner rather than colorless, as long as the game area can be seen through the glass unit H16 from the front of the pachinko machine H10.

[0036] Furthermore, the two transparent glass panels H16a and H16b may be arranged with a predetermined gap between them. If a predetermined gap is provided between the transparent glass panels H16a and H16b, a displacement means that can be displaced may be provided between them to enable a performance using the displacement means on the front side (direction of arrow F) of the game board H13. In this case, the displacement means may be, for example, a system that blows away multiple displacement members made of materials such as paper or nylon using wind sent from holes formed in a fixed frame, or a system that displaces displacement members arranged in a fixed frame between the two transparent glass panels H16a and H16b using an audio lamp control device H113 (see Figure 10). Alternatively, a light-emitting device may be placed on a fixing plate that secures the two transparent glass panels H16a and H16b, and the light emitted from the light-emitting device may be directed onto either the front transparent glass panel H16a or the rear transparent glass panel H16b (in the direction of arrow B), so that the player can see the light directed onto one of the transparent glass panels H16a or H16b.

[0037] In the front frame H14 (upper decorative unit H14a, left decorative unit H14b, right decorative unit H14c), multiple illuminated sections H29 to H33, each containing a light-emitting means such as an LED, are provided around the window section H14e, as shown in Figure 1. These illuminated sections H29 to H33 light up or flash in response to changes in the game state, such as during a jackpot or a predetermined reach. In addition, the illuminated section H30 above the window section H14e (in the direction of arrow U) contains a light-emitting means that lights up in the event of a predetermined error, such as a shortage of payout balls, and a light-emitting means that lights up during the payout of prize balls.

[0038] Furthermore, the areas of the upper decorative unit H14a, left decorative unit H14b, and right decorative unit H14c that do not contain the illuminated sections H29-H33 are formed from an opaque resin material that prevents light emitted from the illuminated sections H29-H33 from passing through. This creates a structure that easily draws the player's attention to the illumination (lighting or flashing) of the illuminated sections H29-H33.

[0039] Furthermore, the areas other than those where the illuminated sections H29-H33 are installed are not limited to being formed as opaque; they may be formed from a transparent resin material so that when the illuminated sections H29-H33 emit light (light up or flash), light can be emitted (transmitted) from the entire front frame H14. In addition, plated members made of chrome-plated ABS resin may be placed around the illuminated sections H29-H33 to create a dazzling effect.

[0040] On the left side (direction L of arrow) and right side (direction R of arrow) of the upper decorative unit H14a (on the upper right and upper left sides of the window section H14e), there are speaker covers H27 (thin sheet members formed from perforated metal) that cover speaker assemblies (sound output devices H226 (see Figure 10)) that output sound effects according to the game state. The speakers are configured to emit sound through the speaker covers H27 towards the front side (direction F of arrow) of the pachinko machine H10.

[0041] Below the window section H14e (in the direction of arrow B), as shown in Figure 1, an upper tray H17 and a lower tray H50 are arranged to bulge outwards towards the front, and an upper and lower tray unit H15 is provided in which the upper tray H17 and the lower tray H50 are arranged side by side vertically.

[0042] The upper tray H17 is formed in a roughly box shape with an open top, and prize balls and loaned balls are dispensed into this upper tray H17. The upper tray H17 also has the function of temporarily storing the balls dispensed from the dispensing device H133 (see Figure 2) and guiding them toward the ball launching unit H112a (see Figure 6) while aligning them in a line. The bottom surface is formed with a downward slope to the right side when viewed from the front (towards the direction of arrow R), and this slope allows the balls placed in the upper tray H17 to be guided toward the launch position ball delivery unit H170. The balls that are sent from the upper tray H17 to the launch position ball delivery unit H170 are then guided one by one toward the ball launching unit H112a by the operation of the launch position ball delivery unit H170.

[0043] The lower tray H50 is formed in a roughly box shape with an open top and has the function of storing balls that are left over in the upper tray H17. In addition, a ball guide opening H53 is formed on the rear side (direction of arrow B) of the lower tray H50, which opens in the front-to-back direction (direction of arrow FB) and guides the balls into the lower tray H50.

[0044] A ball release lever H52 is provided on the lower part (arrow D direction) of the front side (arrow F direction) of the lower tray H50, for use in discharging the balls stored in the lower tray H50 downwards. This ball release lever H52 is normally biased to the right (arrow R direction), and by sliding it to the left (arrow L direction) against this bias, the bottom opening formed on the bottom surface of the lower tray H50 opens, and the balls fall out naturally from this bottom opening and are discharged. This ball release lever H52 is usually operated with a box (commonly called a "senryobako") placed below the lower tray H50 to receive the balls discharged from the lower tray H50.

[0045] Furthermore, the operation of the ball removal lever H52 does not necessarily have to discharge the balls into a treasure chest; it may also discharge the balls into a collection port connected to the island equipment. Also, it is not necessary to have multiple ball storage areas separated into the upper tray H17 and the lower tray H50; the lower tray H50 may be eliminated, and the configuration may have only one storage area consisting of the upper tray H17.

[0046] On the front side (direction of arrow F) of the upper tray H17 (ball storage area), there is an operation unit H180 that is manually operated by the players. The operation unit H180 is an operating device used when the display screen of the third symbol display device H81 or the like displays an effect corresponding to the player's operation.

[0047] The operating unit H180 has a button member H181 on its upper side. The button member H181 can be pressed downwards around an axis that extends in the left-right direction (arrows L and R direction), and is operated by the player, for example, to change the stage of the animation displayed on the third symbol display device H81 (see Figure 6) or to change the content of the super reach animation.

[0048] The operating unit H180 may be installed in a location other than the upper tray H17, such as around the lower tray H50, or in multiple locations. Furthermore, the operating method may be a push-button switch, or it may be configured to allow information input via other operating methods such as a touch sensor or a non-contact sensor.

[0049] To the right of the operation unit H180, on the upper surface of the upper and lower tray unit H15, are the ball dispensing operation unit H40 (see Figure 8), the function adjustment operation unit H190, and the ball ejection lever H54. The ball dispensing operation unit H40 is equipped with a count display unit H41, a ball dispensing button H42, and a return button H43. When banknotes or cards are inserted into the card unit (ball dispensing unit) (not shown) located on the side of the pachinko machine H10, and the ball dispensing operation unit H40 is operated, balls are dispensed according to the operation. Specifically, the count display unit H41 is an area where the remaining balance information of the card, etc., is displayed, and the built-in LED lights up to display the remaining balance as a number.

[0050] The ball dispensing button H42 is operated to obtain dispensing balls based on information recorded on a card or other recording medium, and dispensing balls are supplied to the upper tray H17 as long as there is a balance remaining on the card or other recording medium. The return button H43 is operated when requesting the return of a card or other recording medium inserted into the card unit. In pachinko machines where balls are dispensed directly to the upper tray H17 from the ball dispensing device without going through a card unit, so-called cash machines, the ball dispensing operation unit H40 is unnecessary, but in this case, decorative stickers or the like can be added to the installation area of ​​the ball dispensing operation unit H40 to make the component configuration common. This makes it possible to standardize pachinko machines using a card unit and cash machines.

[0051] The function adjustment control unit H190 includes a select button H191 and four buttons positioned outward in a cross shape from the select button H191: an upper button H192, a lower button H193, a left button H194, and a right button H195.

[0052] The function adjustment control unit H190 is an operation unit for changing the volume of the speaker (sound output device H226) located in the upper decorative unit H14a, the brightness of the display screen of the third symbol display device H81, and the brightness of the illuminated parts H29-H33 located in the upper decorative unit H14a, left decorative unit H14b, and right decorative unit H14c. The player can change the volume and brightness to suit their preference by operating the select button H191, up button H192, down button H193, left button H194, and right button H195.

[0053] Furthermore, when changing the volume or brightness, the degree of adjustment is displayed numerically or as a volume indicator on a portion of the third symbol display device H81. This makes it easy for players to adjust the volume or brightness when they start playing another pachinko machine H10.

[0054] Furthermore, the changes made by the function adjustment control unit H190 are not limited to volume or brightness, but may also include changes to the effects displayed on the third symbol display device H81. Also, the degree of volume and brightness adjustment is not limited to being displayed on the third symbol display device H81; for example, the sound or display after the change (adjustment) may be displayed simultaneously with the operation without being displayed on the third symbol display device H81, or the degree of adjustment may be displayed on a display device separate from the third symbol display device H81.

[0055] The ball discharge lever H54 is a lever operated by the player when discharging balls stored in the upper tray H17 to the lower tray H50. It is positioned in a state where it is biased upward (towards the direction of arrow U) by a biasing means (spring) not shown. The ball discharge lever H54 is configured to switch between a passage connecting the upper tray H17 to the launch ball discharging unit H170 and a passage connecting the upper tray H17 to the lower tray H50 (foul ball passage H145) when operated (pushed downward (towards the direction of arrow D)). This allows the balls stored in the upper tray H17 to be discharged to the lower tray H50.

[0056] On the right side of the lower tray H50 (in the direction of arrow R), there is an operating handle H51 that the player operates during gameplay. Inside the operating handle H51 are a touch sensor H51a for allowing the ball launching unit H112a to be driven, a launch stop switch H51b that stops ball launching while the handle is being pressed, and a variable resistor (not shown) that detects the amount of rotation (rotation position) of the operating handle H51 by a change in electrical resistance. When the operating handle H51 is rotated clockwise by the player, the touch sensor H51a is turned on and the resistance value of the variable resistor changes in accordance with the amount of rotation, and a ball is launched with a strength (launching strength) corresponding to the resistance value of the variable resistor, thereby sending the ball to the front of the game board H13 with a distance corresponding to the player's operation. When the operating handle H51 is not being operated by the player, the touch sensor H51a and the launch stop switch H51b are turned off.

[0057] The passage forming unit H140 is molded from a resin material and has a front door side upper tray passage section H141 leading to the upper tray H17, a front door side lower tray passage section H142 leading to the lower tray H50, and a foul ball passage section H145.

[0058] At the upper corner of the passage forming unit H140 (the corner on the pivot end side of the front frame H14), a dispensing ball receiving section H143 is formed, which protrudes rearward (in the direction of arrow B) and opens upward. This dispensing ball receiving section H143 is divided into left and right sections by a partition wall H144, thereby forming the passage entrance for the upper tray passage section H141 on the front door side and the passage entrance for the lower tray passage section H142 on the front door side (see Figure 8).

[0059] Furthermore, the entrance to the upper tray passage section H141 on the front door side is connected to the upper tray passage section H161 on the main body side of the inner frame H12 (see Figure 6), and the entrance to the lower tray passage section H142 on the front door side is connected to the lower tray passage section H162 on the main body side of the inner frame H12 (see Figure 6). As a result, the balls dispensed from the dispensing device H133 are sent to either the upper tray H17 or the lower tray H50.

[0060] The foul ball passage section H145 (see Figure 8) is a section that forms a passage for discharging foul balls that do not reach the game area from the ball launching unit H112a into the lower tray H50.

[0061] As shown in Figure 9, the foul ball passage section H145 is provided with a foul ball receiving section H146 that is open on the upper side (in the direction of arrow U). Foul balls received in this foul ball receiving section H146 flow down the internal passage of the foul ball passage section H145 (see Figure 8) and are then discharged into the lower tray H50. Alternatively, the foul ball passage section H145 may be connected to an upper tray H17 instead of the lower tray H50, and the foul balls may be discharged into the upper tray H17.

[0062] Furthermore, the foul ball passage section H145 is formed to merge with a ball removal passage (not shown), which is a passage through which un-shot balls flow from the upper tray H17 to the lower tray H50 when the player operates the ball discharge lever H54.

[0063] The launch position ball delivery unit H170 is a unit for delivering balls stored in the upper tray H17 one by one to the ball launch unit H112a. The launch position ball delivery unit H170 mainly comprises a front opening H171 connected to the opening of the ball delivery path of the upper tray H17, a rear opening H172 from which balls flowing in from the front opening H171 can be discharged from the rear, a switching means (not shown) that is displaceablely disposed on the passage from the front opening H171 to the rear opening H172, and a solenoid (not shown) that drives the switching means.

[0064] The switching mechanism of the launch position ball delivery unit H170 is configured to be displaceable between a position in which balls can flow from the upper tray H17 to the front opening H171 and a position in which balls cannot flow from the upper tray H17 to the front opening H171. When the mechanism is displaced to the position in which balls cannot flow from the upper tray H17 to the front opening H171, the balls on the passage of the launch position ball delivery unit H170 are configured to flow from the rear opening H172 to the ball launching unit H112a (launch rail H112a1). This makes it possible to discharge one ball at a time from the rear opening H172 with each change in the position of the switching mechanism (one round trip displacement).

[0065] The rear opening H172 is located on the front side (arrow F direction) above (arrow U direction) the launch rail H112a1 of the ball launching unit H112a (see Figure 6). Therefore, one ball at a time is sent from the launch position ball delivery unit H170 to the launch rail H112a1 of the ball launching unit H112a.

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the rear opening H172 is formed between both ends of the launch rail H112a1 in the direction in which the ball is launched from the launch rail H112a1. Therefore, the ball launched from the rear opening H172 onto the launch rail H112a1 can roll in both left and right directions (arrows LR direction), but since the launch rail H112a1 is arranged with one side (the side away from the rotating body H112a2) tilted upward (arrow U direction), the ball launched from the rear opening H172 onto the launch rail H112a1 (the ball before being launched by the rotating body H112a2) is prevented from rolling away from the rotating body H112a2.

[0067] As shown in Figure 6, the game board H13 is constructed by assembling numerous nails (not shown) and windmills (not shown) for guiding balls, as well as rail members H61, H62, a general prize slot H63, a first prize slot H64, a second prize slot H640, a variable prize device H65, a through gate H67, a variable display unit H80, etc., onto a base plate H60 that is cut into a roughly square shape when viewed from the front, and its peripheral edge is attached to the back side of the inner frame H12.

[0068] The base plate H60 is made of a light-transmitting resin material and is formed in such a way that various structures arranged on the back side of the base plate H60 (arrow B direction side) can be seen by the player from the front side (arrow F direction side). The general prize slot H63, the first prize slot H64, the second prize slot H640, and the variable display unit H80 are arranged in through holes formed in the base plate H60 by router processing and are fixed from the front side of the game board H13 with tapping screws or the like.

[0069] Furthermore, the base plate H60 is not limited to being made of a light-transmitting resin material; it may also be made of wood formed by laminating thin plates, or it may be made of an opaque resin material. In these cases, it is preferable to attach decorative stickers or the like to the entire front side (direction of arrow F) of the base plate H60 to ensure its decorative appearance.

[0070] The central front portion of the game board H13 can be seen from the front side (arrow F direction) of the inner frame H12 through a part of the window H14e (see Figure 1) of the front frame H14. The configuration of the game board H13 will be described below, mainly with reference to Figure 6.

[0071] An outer rail H62, formed by bending a strip of metal plate into a roughly arc shape, is installed on the front of the game board H13. Inside the outer rail H62, an arc-shaped inner rail H61, also formed from a strip of metal plate, is installed. The outer perimeter of the front of the game board H13 is surrounded by the inner rail H61 and the outer rail H62, and the front and back (arrow FB direction) are surrounded by the game board H13 and the glass unit H16 (see Figure 1), thus forming a game area on the front of the game board H13 where the game is played by the movement of the balls. The game area is the area on the front of the game board H13 that is demarcated by the two rail members H61 and H62 and the resin outer edge member H73 that connects the rails (the area where prize slots are located and the launched balls flow down). Furthermore, the two rail members H61 and H62 do not necessarily have to be metal plates; they may be formed in a strip shape from a resin material.

[0072] The two rail members H61 and H62 are provided to guide the balls launched from the ball launching unit H112a to the upper side (direction of arrow U) of the game board H13. A ball return prevention member H68 is attached to the tip of the inner rail H61 (upper left in Figure 6).

[0073] The ball return prevention member H68 is formed from a resin plate member extending from the inner rail H61 side to the outer rail H62 side, and is rotatable around one end on the inner rail H61 side, with the other end moving away from the outer rail H62. The ball return prevention member H68 is also equipped with a weight at one end, which biases the other end toward the outer rail H62.

[0074] This allows the momentum of the ball being guided to the upper side of the game board H13 (in the direction of arrow U) to rotate the other end of the ball return prevention member H68 away from the outer rail H62. At the same time, when the ball is guided to a position beyond the ball return prevention member H68 (upper side of the game board H13), the other end of the ball return prevention member H68 can be rotated towards the outer rail H62, preventing the ball, once guided to the upper part of the game board H13, from returning to the ball guidance passage.

[0075] Furthermore, the ball return prevention member H68 does not need to be made of resin material; it may be made of metal material. In addition, the other end of the ball return prevention member H68 may be biased toward the outer rail H62 by magnetic force such as a magnet or a biasing force such as a torsion spring, rather than by a weight.

[0076] A return rubber H69 is attached to the tip of the outer rail H62 (upper right of Figure 6) at a position corresponding to the maximum flight distance of the ball. When a ball is launched with a force exceeding a predetermined amount, it hits the return rubber H69, and its momentum is attenuated as it bounces back towards the center.

[0077] In the lower left side of the game area (lower left side in Figure 6), there are two first symbol display devices H37A and H37B, which are equipped with multiple LEDs and a 7-segment display as light-emitting means. The first symbol display devices H37A and H37B display information according to the various controls performed by the main control device H110 (see Figure 10), and mainly display the game status of the pachinko machine H10. In this embodiment, the first symbol display devices H37A and H37B are configured to be used differently depending on whether the ball enters the first prize slot H64 or the second prize slot H640. Specifically, when the ball enters the first prize slot H64, the first symbol display device H37A is activated, while when the ball enters the second prize slot H640, the first symbol display device H37B is activated.

[0078] Furthermore, the first symbol display devices H37A and H37B use LEDs to indicate whether the pachinko machine H10 is in a probability variation mode, a time reduction mode, or a normal mode, whether or not it is in a variation state, whether the stopped symbol corresponds to a probability variation jackpot, a normal jackpot, or a losing symbol, and the number of reserved balls. In addition, a 7-segment display device is used to show the number of rounds during a jackpot and to display errors. Multiple LEDs are configured so that each LED emits a different color (for example, red, green, and blue), and by combining these colors, various game states of the pachinko machine H10 can be indicated with a small number of LEDs.

[0079] In this pachinko machine H10, a lottery is held when a ball enters the first prize slot H64 or the second prize slot H640. In this lottery, pachinko machine H10 determines whether or not it is a jackpot (jackpot lottery), and if it is determined to be a jackpot, it also determines the type of jackpot. The types of jackpots that can be determined here are 15R probability variation jackpot, 4R probability variation jackpot, and 15R normal jackpot. The first symbol display devices H37A and H37B not only show whether or not the lottery result is a jackpot as the stopped symbols after the spin ends, but also show symbols corresponding to the type of jackpot if it is a jackpot.

[0080] Here, "15R probability variation jackpot" refers to a probability variation jackpot where the game transitions to a high-probability state after a jackpot with a maximum of 15 rounds, and "4R probability variation jackpot" refers to a probability variation jackpot where the game transitions to a high-probability state after a jackpot with a maximum of 4 rounds. Furthermore, "15R normal jackpot" refers to a jackpot where the game transitions to a low-probability state after a jackpot with a maximum of 15 rounds, and enters a time-saving state for a predetermined number of spins (for example, 100 spins).

[0081] Furthermore, the number of rounds for a big win is not limited to 15R and 4R; it may be changed to other numbers depending on the model of the Pachinko Machine H10, and it may also have two or more types of round counts. Also, the predetermined number of spins during the time-saving state is not limited to 100 spins; for example, it may be set to 1 spin or 1000 spins.

[0082] Furthermore, "high probability state" refers to the state in which the probability of subsequent jackpots is increased as an added value after a jackpot has ended, also known as the probability variation state (probability variation state), or in other words, the state of play in which it is easy to transition to a special game state. In this embodiment, the high probability state (probability variation state) includes the state of play in which the probability of hitting the second symbol, as described later, is increased and it is easy for the ball to enter the second prize slot H640. "Low probability state" refers to the time when it is not a probability variation state, and the jackpot probability is in the normal state, that is, the jackpot probability is lower than when it is a probability variation state. Furthermore, the time-saving state (time-saving state) within the "low probability state" refers to the state of play in which the jackpot probability is in the normal state, and the jackpot probability remains the same, but only the probability of hitting the second symbol is increased, making it easy for the ball to enter the second prize slot H640. On the other hand, in the case of the Pachinko machine H10, "normal mode" refers to a state of play that is neither a probability variation mode nor a time-saving mode (a state in which neither the probability of hitting a jackpot nor the probability of hitting the second symbol has increased).

[0083] During the bonus round or time-saving mode, not only is the probability of hitting the second symbol increased, but the time that the electric mechanism H640a attached to the second prize slot H640 is open is also changed, and it is set to a longer time compared to normal mode. When the electric mechanism H640a is open (open state), it is easier for balls to enter the second prize slot H640 compared to when the electric mechanism H640a is closed (closed state). Therefore, during the bonus round or time-saving mode, it is easier for balls to enter the second prize slot H640, and the number of times the jackpot lottery is held can be increased.

[0084] Furthermore, during the probability variation or time reduction mode, instead of changing the opening time of the electric mechanism H640a associated with the second prize slot H640, it is also acceptable to change the opening time and, in addition, increase the number of times the electric mechanism H640a opens per win compared to normal mode. Alternatively, during the probability variation or time reduction mode, the probability of winning with the second symbol may not be changed, but at least one of the opening time of the electric mechanism H640a associated with the second prize slot H640 and the number of times the electric mechanism H640a opens per win may be changed. Alternatively, during the probability variation or time reduction mode, the opening time of the electric mechanism H640a associated with the second prize slot H640 and the number of times the electric mechanism H640a opens per win may not be changed, and only the probability of winning with the second symbol may be increased compared to normal mode.

[0085] The game area is equipped with multiple general prize slots H63 from which 5 to 15 balls are dispensed as prize balls when a ball enters. A variable display unit H80 is also provided in the central part of the game area. The variable display unit H80 is equipped with a third symbol display device H81, which is composed of a liquid crystal display (hereinafter simply abbreviated as "display device") that displays the changing pattern of the third symbol in synchronization with the changing pattern of the first symbol display devices H37A and H37B, triggered by a ball entering the first prize slot H64 and the second prize slot H640 (start prize), and a second symbol display device (not shown) composed of LEDs that displays the changing pattern of the second symbol, triggered by a ball passing through the through gate H67. A center frame H86 is also provided on the variable display unit H80 so as to surround the outer periphery of the third symbol display device H81.

[0086] The center frame H86 is a component that prevents balls flowing down the game area from flowing through the central opening of the base plate H60 towards the third symbol display device H81, and is formed by protruding from the front side (direction of arrow F) of the base plate H60. In addition, a warp passage (not shown) is formed in part of the center frame H86 to receive balls flowing down the game area and to allow them to pass around the third symbol display device H81 and be discharged from the first prize entry opening H64 side. In this embodiment, the warp passage is configured so that balls pass on the front side of the base plate H60, but it is also possible to form the warp passage so that balls pass on the rear side of the base plate H60.

[0087] The third symbol display device H81 consists of a large 9-inch liquid crystal display, and its display content is controlled by the display control device H114 (see Figure 10), so that, for example, three rows of symbols—top, middle, and bottom—are displayed. Note that the third symbol display device H81 may be composed of a size other than 9 inches, or it may be composed of two or more liquid crystal displays arranged side by side.

[0088] Each row of symbols in the third symbol display device H81 is composed of multiple symbols (third symbols), and these third symbols scroll horizontally for each row of symbols, so that the third symbols are displayed variably on the display screen of the third symbol display device H81. In this embodiment, the third symbol display device H81 displays decorative information in accordance with the display of the first symbol display devices H37A and H37B, which display the game state in accordance with the control of the main control device H110 (see Figure 10). Alternatively, the third symbol display device H81 may be configured using, for example, reels instead of a display device.

[0089] The second symbol display device performs a variable display by alternately lighting up the "○" symbol and the "×" symbol (second symbol (not shown)) for a predetermined time each time a ball passes through the through gate H67. In the pachinko machine H10, when it is detected that a ball has passed through the through gate H67, a winning lottery is held. If the winning lottery is successful, the second symbol display device will stop displaying the "○" symbol after the variable display of the second symbol. If the winning lottery is unsuccessful, the second symbol display device will stop displaying the "×" symbol after the variable display of the third symbol. The second symbol display device may display the symbol using a part of the third symbol display device H81, or it may display the symbol on both the third symbol display device H81 and another display device. In this embodiment, the symbol is displayed using a part of the third symbol display device H81.

[0090] The pachinko machine H10 is configured such that when the variable display on the second symbol display device stops at a predetermined symbol (in this embodiment, the symbol "○"), the electric mechanism H640a attached to the second prize entry opening H640 becomes operational (opens) for a predetermined time.

[0091] The time required for the second symbol to change is set to be shorter during the bonus round or time-saving mode than during the normal game state. As a result, during the bonus round and time-saving mode, the second symbol changes in a shorter time, allowing for more win draws than during normal gameplay. Therefore, the chances of winning increase, giving the player more opportunities to open the electric mechanism H640a of the second prize slot H640. Thus, during the bonus round and time-saving mode, it is possible to make it easier for balls to enter the second prize slot H640.

[0092] Furthermore, if, during a bonus round or time-saving mode, the probability of winning is increased, or if the opening time or number of times the electric mechanism H640a opens per win is increased, or if other methods are used to make it easier for balls to enter the second prize slot H640 during a bonus round or time-saving mode, the time required for the second symbol to change may be kept constant regardless of the game state. On the other hand, if the time required for the second symbol to change is set shorter during a bonus round or time-saving mode than during normal play, the probability of winning may be kept constant regardless of the game state, and the opening time and number of times the electric mechanism H640a opens per win may also be kept constant regardless of the game state.

[0093] The through gate H67 is installed on the game board H13 in the left and right areas of the variable display unit H80, and is configured to allow some of the balls launched onto the game board H13 to pass through it. When a ball passes through the through gate H67, a lottery for the second symbol win is held. After the lottery, the second symbol display device performs a variable display. If the result of the lottery is a win, the symbol "○" is displayed as the stopping symbol on the variable display. If the result of the lottery is a loss, the symbol "×" is displayed as the stopping symbol on the variable display.

[0094] The number of times a ball passes through the through gate H67 is limited to a maximum of four times in total. The number of balls held is displayed by the first symbol display devices H37A and H37B described above, and is also indicated by the illumination of the second symbol hold lamp (not shown). In this embodiment, the second symbol hold lamp is configured to be displayed using a part of the third symbol display device H81, but it may also be indicated by illumination on a separate display device from the third symbol display device H81. For example, four LEDs that light up as a ball passes through the through gate H67 may be arranged below the third symbol display device H81 to indicate this.

[0095] Furthermore, the maximum number of balls held for passing through the through gate H67 is not limited to 4, but may be set to 3 or less, or 5 or more (for example, 8). Also, the number of through gates H67 installed is not limited to 2, but may be 1, for example. Also, the installation position of the through gate H67 is not limited to the left or right of the variable display unit H80, but may be below the variable display unit H80, for example. Also, since the number of held balls is indicated by the first symbol display devices H37A and H37B, the second symbol hold lamp may not be illuminated to indicate this.

[0096] Below the variable display unit H80 is a first prize slot H64 into which a ball can enter. When a ball enters this first prize slot H64, a first prize slot switch (not shown) located on the back side of the game board H13 is turned on. This activation of the first prize slot switch triggers a jackpot lottery in the main control unit H110 (see Figure 10), and the result of the lottery is displayed on the first symbol display device H37A.

[0097] On the other hand, below the front view of the first prize slot H64, there is a second prize slot H640 into which a ball can enter. When a ball enters this second prize slot H640, a second prize slot switch (not shown) located on the back side of the game board H13 is turned on. This activation of the second prize slot switch triggers a jackpot lottery in the main control device H110 (see Figure 10), and the result of the lottery is displayed on the first symbol display device H37B.

[0098] Furthermore, the first prize slot H64 and the second prize slot H640 are also prize slots from which five balls are dispensed as prize balls when a ball enters them. In this embodiment, the number of prize balls dispensed when a ball enters the first prize slot H64 and the number of prize balls dispensed when a ball enters the second prize slot H640 are set to be the same. However, the number of prize balls dispensed when a ball enters the first prize slot H64 and the number of prize balls dispensed when a ball enters the second prize slot H640 may be set to be different numbers. For example, the number of prize balls dispensed when a ball enters the first prize slot H64 may be set to three, and the number of prize balls dispensed when a ball enters the second prize slot H640 may be set to five.

[0099] The second prize slot H640 is equipped with an electric mechanism H640a. This electric mechanism H640a is configured to open and close, and normally, the electric mechanism H640a is in a closed state (reduced state), making it difficult for balls to enter the second prize slot H640. On the other hand, if the second symbol is displayed on the second symbol display device as a result of the second symbol change display triggered by the ball passing through gate H67, the electric mechanism H640a opens (expands), making it easier for balls to enter the second prize slot H640.

[0100] In this embodiment, wing members (electric mechanism H640a) that open and close are provided on both the left and right (arrows LR direction) sides of the second prize opening H640, and when the electric mechanism H640a is open, balls can enter the second prize opening H640 from both the left and right sides. However, a wall may be formed to block the flow path on one side in the left-right direction, so that balls can enter the second prize opening H640 only from the other side. In this case, wing members (electric mechanism H640a) that open and close are provided only on the other side of the second prize opening H640.

[0101] Furthermore, the electric mechanism H640a is not limited to rotating vane members, but may also be a sliding displacement mechanism that moves between a position that opens and closes the second prize entry opening H640. For example, the electric mechanism H640a may be a sliding displacement mechanism that moves vertically (arrow UD direction) or horizontally (arrow FB direction).

[0102] As mentioned above, during the bonus round and time-saving mode, the probability of hitting the second symbol is higher than during normal play, and the time it takes for the second symbol to change is also shorter. As a result, the "○" symbol is more likely to be displayed during the second symbol change, and the number of times the electric mechanism H640a opens (expands) increases. Furthermore, during the bonus round and time-saving mode, the time for which the electric mechanism H640a is open is also longer than during normal play. Therefore, during the bonus round and time-saving mode, it is possible to create conditions that make it easier for balls to enter the second prize slot H640 compared to normal play.

[0103] In this embodiment, the pachinko machine H10 has a symmetrical game board H13 configuration. Therefore, players can either launch the ball so that it passes to the right of the variable display unit H80 (in the direction of arrow R) (so-called "right-handed shooting") to aim for the first prize pocket H64, or launch the ball so that it passes to the left of the variable display unit H80 (in the direction of arrow L) (so-called "left-handed shooting") to aim for the second prize pocket H640. As a result, the pachinko machine H10 of this embodiment does not require players to change their ball-launching method between "left-handed shooting" and "right-handed shooting" depending on the game state of the pachinko machine H10 (whether it is in a probability variation mode, a time reduction mode, or normal mode). Thus, the hassle of changing the ball-launching method can be eliminated.

[0104] Furthermore, it is also possible to configure the system so that the probability of hitting a jackpot remains the same whether the system is in a low-probability state or a high-probability state (the probability of hitting a jackpot in a low-probability state is the same as the probability of hitting a jackpot in a high-probability state). In this case, it is preferable to configure the system so that the probability of hitting a 15R probability-changing jackpot is set higher when the ball enters the second prize slot H640 than when the ball enters the first prize slot H64, and to configure the system so that the first prize slot H64 is located in the "left-handed" flow path and the second prize slot H640 is located in the "right-handed" flow path (making the configuration of the game board H13 asymmetrical).

[0105] With this configuration, under normal circumstances, the electric mechanism attached to the second prize slot H640 is often closed, making it difficult to enter the second prize slot H640. Therefore, it is more advantageous for the player to aim for the first prize slot H64, which does not have an electric mechanism, by shooting the ball so that it passes to the left of the variable display unit H80 (arrow L direction) ("left-handed shooting"), thereby increasing the chances of winning the jackpot by entering the first prize slot H64.

[0106] On the other hand, during the probability variation mode or the time reduction mode, passing the ball through the through gate H67 makes it easier for the electric mechanism H640a attached to the second prize entry point H640 to open, making it easier for the ball to enter the second prize entry point H640. Therefore, it is advantageous for the player to aim for the second prize entry point H640 by shooting the ball so that it passes to the right of the variable display unit H80 (arrow R direction) ("right shot"), passing through the through gate H67 to open the electric mechanism and aiming for a 15R probability variation jackpot by entering the second prize entry point H640.

[0107] Therefore, depending on the game state of the Pachinko machine H10 (whether it is in a bonus round, a time-saving mode, or normal mode), the player can be instructed to change the way they shoot the balls, either "left-handed" or "right-handed," thereby maintaining the player's enjoyment.

[0108] Below the first prize slot H64 is a variable prize slot H65 (see Figure 6), and a specific prize slot H65a is provided in its approximate center. In the pachinko machine H10, when a jackpot is won due to a ball entering the first prize slot H64 or the second prize slot H640, after a predetermined time (variation time) has elapsed, the first symbol display device H37A or the first symbol display device H37B is lit up to show the jackpot stop symbol, and the stop symbol corresponding to that jackpot is displayed on the third symbol display device H81 to indicate that a jackpot has occurred. After that, the game state transitions to a special game state (jackpot) in which balls are more likely to enter. In this special game state, the specific prize slot H65a, which is normally closed, is opened for a predetermined time (for example, until 30 seconds have elapsed, or until 10 balls have entered).

[0109] This specific prize slot H65a closes after a predetermined time has elapsed, and after closing, it opens again for a predetermined time. This opening and closing operation of the specific prize slot H65a can be repeated up to, for example, 15 times (15 rounds). This state in which the opening and closing operation is performed is a form of special game state that is advantageous to the player, and the player receives a larger payout of prize balls than usual as a grant of game value.

[0110] Furthermore, the special game state is not limited to the configuration described above. A large opening that opens and closes separately from the specific prize entry point H65a may be provided in the game area, and when the LED corresponding to a jackpot lights up on the first symbol display devices H37A and H37B, the specific prize entry point H65a will be opened for a predetermined time, and when a ball enters the specific prize entry point H65a while it is open, the large opening provided separately from the specific prize entry point H65a will be opened for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times, forming a special game state. In addition, the specific prize entry point H65a is not limited to one, and one or more (for example, three) may be provided, and the placement is not limited to the lower right side of the first prize entry point H64 or the lower left side of the first prize entry point H64, but may be, for example, to the left of the variable display device unit H80.

[0111] An attachment space K1 is provided in the lower right corner of the game board H13 for attaching certificates, identification labels, etc. Certificates attached to the attachment space K1 can be viewed through the glass unit H16 of the front frame H14.

[0112] The game board H13 is provided with an outlet H71. Balls that flow down the game area and do not enter any of the prize-winning slots H63, H64, H65a, or H640 are guided through the outlet H71 to a ball discharge path (not shown). The outlet H71 is located below the specific prize-winning slot H65a (towards the direction of arrow D).

[0113] Furthermore, the game board H13 has numerous nails planted in it to appropriately disperse and adjust the direction of the ball's descent, and various components (mechanisms) such as a windmill (not shown) are also arranged thereon. In addition, a part of the center frame H86, which is arranged in the central opening of the base plate H60 in a manner that surrounds the third symbol display device H81, has its rear side (arrow B direction) extended to the game area on the upper side (arrow U direction), and this extended area has multiple protrusions that project toward the front side (arrow F direction). As the ball flows down the game area of ​​the game board H13, it collides with numerous nails, the protrusions of the center frame H86, the windmill, etc., so that the direction of the ball's descent is appropriately dispersed.

[0114] In this embodiment, the extension of a portion of the center frame H86 is set to the upward direction (arrow U direction), but it may also be extended to the right (arrow R direction) or left (arrow L direction), and the extended portion may be configured to include not only a protruding portion but also a through gate H67 and various prize entry points H63, H64, H65a, and H640. Furthermore, the center frame H86 may be configured without any extended or protruding portions.

[0115] The windmill is formed to be rotatable around an axis in the front-to-back direction (arrow FB direction). The windmill is formed with a disc member that is circular in shape around the axis of rotation when viewed from the front and positioned at a distance of one ball from the front of the base plate H60, and a plurality of ball contact parts (three in this embodiment) that protrude from a part of the disc member toward the base plate H60 side (arrow B direction side) and are distributed at a predetermined angle (120 degrees in this embodiment) along the direction of rotation of the windmill. The windmill is formed so that when a ball flowing down the game board H13 hits a ball contact part, it rotates due to the impact and guides the contacted ball in multiple (two or more) directions.

[0116] Furthermore, the entire windmill is made of a light-transmitting resin material. This makes it easier for the player to see the direction in which the ball flows after contacting the ball contact area, while making it difficult for the player to perceive the direction of rotation of the windmill.

[0117] Furthermore, the game board H13 does not necessarily need to have a windmill on the base plate H60; it may be configured without a windmill. It is also possible to configure the game by placing windmills in the warp passages (not shown) of the center frame H86 or in the passages (not shown) through which balls that enter each prize pocket H63, H64, H65a, and H640 pass, thereby changing the ball's path. Moreover, the windmill may be made of a partially opaque resin material or entirely of an opaque metal material such as aluminum, and its shape, color, and material can be anything as long as it can guide the ball in multiple directions when it comes into contact with it. For example, the windmill may be configured to distribute the balls alternately in different directions one ball at a time.

[0118] As shown in Figure 2, the rear side of the pachinko machine H10 mainly consists of control board units H90 and H91 and a back pack unit H94. Control board unit H90 is a unit that includes the main board (main control device H110), the sound lamp control board (sound lamp control device H113), and the display control board (display control device H114). Control board unit H91 is a unit that includes the payout control board (payout control device H111), the launch control board (launch control device H112), the power supply board (power supply unit H115), and the card unit connection board H116.

[0119] The back pack unit H94 is a unitized unit consisting of the back pack H92, which forms the protective cover, and the dispensing unit H93. In addition, each control board is equipped with an MPU (Microcontroller Unit) as a single chip to manage each control, ports for communication with various devices, a random number generator used during various lotteries, and a clock pulse generation circuit used for time counting and synchronization, as needed.

[0120] The main control unit H110, the sound lamp control unit H113, the display control unit H114, the payout control unit H111, the launch control unit H112, the power supply unit H115, and the card unit connection board H116 are each housed in board boxes H100 to H104. Each board box H100 to H104 comprises a box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected to each other, and each control unit and each board is housed within them.

[0121] Furthermore, the circuit board box H100 (main control device H110) and the circuit board box H102 (dispensing control device H111 and launch control device H112) are indestructibly connected (connected by a crimping structure) to the box base and box cover by a sealing unit (not shown). In addition, a sealing sticker (not shown) is attached to the connection between the box base and the box cover, spanning both the box base and the box cover. This sealing sticker is made of a brittle material, and if an attempt is made to peel off the sealing sticker to open the circuit board boxes H100 and H102, or if an attempt is made to forcibly open the circuit board boxes H100 and H102, the sticker will be cut on the box base side and the box cover side. Therefore, by checking the sealing unit or sealing sticker, it is possible to determine whether the circuit board boxes H100 and H102 have been opened.

[0122] The dispensing unit H93 comprises a tank H130 located at the top of the back pack unit H94 and opening upwards, a tank rail H131 connected below the tank H130 and gently sloping downstream, a case rail H132 connected vertically downstream of the tank rail H131, and a dispensing device H133 provided at the downstream end of the case rail H132, which dispenses balls using a predetermined electrical configuration of the dispensing motor H216 (see Figure 10). Balls supplied from the island equipment of the gaming hall are continuously replenished to the tank H130, and the required number of balls are dispensed as needed by the dispensing device H133. A vibrator H134 is attached to the tank rail H131 to add vibration to the tank rail H131, and the vibration of this vibrator H134 prevents balls from getting stuck in the tank rail H131. Furthermore, the vibrator H134 can be attached not only to the tank rail H131, but also to other rail sections (passages). For example, it may be installed in the ball delivery passage (dish passage forming member H160) that delivers balls to the upper tray H17 or lower tray H50, or in the ball delivery passage (launch position ball delivery unit H170) that delivers balls from the upper tray H17 to the ball launcher H117a.

[0123] Furthermore, the payout control device H111 is equipped with a state reset switch H120, the launch control device H112 is equipped with a variable resistor operating knob H121, and the power supply device H115 is equipped with a RAM erase switch H122. The state reset switch H120 is operated to resolve ball jams (return to normal state) when payout errors occur, such as ball jams in the payout motor H216 (see Figure 10). The operating knob H121 is operated by the store to adjust the volume of sound emitted from the speaker (sound output device H226). The RAM erase switch H122 is operated when the power is turned on to return the pachinko machine H10 to its initial state.

[0124] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine H10 will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine H10.

[0125] The main control unit H110 is equipped with an MPU (microprocessor) H201, which is a single-chip microcontroller that acts as an arithmetic unit. The MPU H201 contains a ROM (semiconductor memory) H202 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU H201, a RAM (random access memory) H203 that temporarily stores various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM H202, and various other circuits such as interrupt circuits, timer circuits, and data transmission / reception circuits. The main control unit H110 uses the MPU H201 to execute the main processes of the pachinko machine H10, such as the jackpot lottery, the setting of displays on the first symbol display devices H37A and H37B and the third symbol display device H81, and the lottery of display results on the second symbol display device.

[0126] Furthermore, in order to instruct the operation of sub-control devices such as the payout control device H111 and the sound lamp control device H113, various commands are transmitted from the main control device H110 to the sub-control devices via the data transmission circuit. However, these commands are transmitted only in one direction from the main control device H110 to the sub-control devices.

[0127] RAMH203 has a stack area that stores various areas, counters, flags, the contents of the internal registers of MPUH201, and the return address of the control program executed by MPUH201, as well as a work area (work region) that stores various flags, counters, I / O values, etc. Furthermore, RAMH203 is configured to retain (back up) data even after the power to the pachinko machine H10 is cut off by a backup voltage supplied from the power supply unit H115, and all data stored in RAMH203 is backed up.

[0128] When the power supply is cut off due to a power outage or other reason, the stack pointer and the values ​​of each register at the time of the power outage (including the time of the power outage; the same applies hereinafter) are stored in RAMH203. On the other hand, when the power is turned on (including when the power is turned on after the power outage is resolved; the same applies hereinafter), the state of the pachinko machine H10 is restored to the state it was in before the power outage based on the information stored in RAMH203. Writing to RAMH203 is performed by the main process (not shown) when the power is cut off, and the restoration of each value written to RAMH203 is performed in the startup process (not shown) when the power is turned on. The NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of MPUH201 is configured to receive the power outage signal HSG1 from the power outage monitoring circuit H252 when the power supply is cut off due to a power outage or other reason. When the power outage signal HSG1 is input to MPUH201, the NMI interrupt process (not shown) as a power outage process is immediately executed.

[0129] The MPUH201 of the main control unit H110 is connected to the input / output port H205 via the bus line H204, which consists of an address bus and a data bus. The solenoid H209, which includes the payout control unit H111, the sound lamp control unit H113, the first symbol display units H37A and H37B, the second symbol display unit, the second symbol hold lamp, the large opening solenoid for opening and closing the opening / closing plate of the specific prize winning slot H65a on the front side and a solenoid for driving the electric mechanism, is connected to the input / output port H205. The MPUH201 transmits various commands and control signals to these devices via the input / output port H205.

[0130] Furthermore, the solenoid H209 may include not only a solenoid for driving the large opening solenoid and the electric mechanism, but also a drive source (drive motor) for the mechanism device installed on the game board H13, a drive motor (not shown) for the ball launching unit H112a, and a drive motor (not shown) for driving the payout device H133 for sending balls to the upper tray H17.

[0131] The input / output port H205 is connected to various switches H208, which consist of a group of sensors including a switch group (not shown) and a sensor that detects when a ball has passed through the through gate H67 (through gate H67), a prize detection sensor (not shown) that detects when a ball has entered each prize winning slot H63, H64, H65a, H640, a vibration detection sensor (not shown) that detects when vibration is input to the pachinko machine H10, and a magnetic force detection sensor that detects when a magnet or the like is brought close to the game area of ​​the game board H13, as well as the RAM erase switch circuit H253, which will be described later and is located on the power supply unit H115. The MPUH201 performs various processes based on the signals output from the various switches H208 and the RAM erase signal HSG2 output from the RAM erase switch circuit H253.

[0132] Furthermore, the various switches H208 may also be configured to include the frame buttons H22 in the voice lamp control device H113 (operation button members H181 of the operation unit H180 and the select button H191, up button H192, down button H193, left button H194, right button H195 of the function adjustment operation unit H190).

[0133] The payout control device H111 drives the payout motor H216 to control the payout of prize balls and loaned balls. The arithmetic unit MPUH211 has ROMH212 which stores control programs and fixed value data executed by MPUH211, and RAMH213 which is used as work memory, etc.

[0134] The RAMH213 of the payout control device H111, like the RAMH203 of the main control device H110, has a stack area where the contents of the internal registers of the MPUH211 and the return address of the control program executed by the MPUH211 are stored, and a work area (work region) where various flags, counters, I / O values, etc. are stored. The RAMH213 is configured to retain (back up) data even after the power to the pachinko machine H10 is cut off by a backup voltage supplied from the power supply device H115, and all data stored in the RAMH213 is backed up. In addition, similar to the MPUH201 of the main control device H110, the NMI terminal of the MPUH211 is configured to receive a power outage signal HSG1 from the power outage monitoring circuit H252 when the power is cut off due to a power outage, etc. When the power outage signal HSG1 is input to the MPUH211, an NMI interrupt process (not shown) as a power outage process is immediately executed.

[0135] The MPUH211 of the payout control device H111 is connected to the input / output port H215 via the bus line H214, which consists of an address bus and a data bus. The main control device H110, the payout motor H216, the launch control device H112, and others are connected to the input / output port H215, respectively. Although not shown in the diagram, the payout control device H111 is also connected to a prize ball detection switch for detecting the prize balls that have been dispensed. Note that this prize ball detection switch is connected to the payout control device H111 but not to the main control device H110.

[0136] The launch control device H112 controls the ball launching unit H112a so that the launch force of the ball corresponds to the amount of rotation of the operating handle H51 when the main control device H110 issues an instruction to launch a ball.

[0137] The rotating body H112a2 of the ball launching unit H112a is permitted to be driven when predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, the touch sensor H51a detects that the player is touching the operation handle H51. On the condition that the launch stop switch H51b for stopping the launch of the ball is off (not operated), the driving force is transmitted from the drive motor corresponding to the rotation operation amount (rotation position) of the operation handle H51, and the rotating body H112a2 is rotated at a speed corresponding to the operation amount of the operation handle H51. As a result, the ball is launched from the ball launching unit H112a with a strength corresponding to the operation amount of the operation handle H51 between the inner rail H61 and the outer rail H62 facing each other.

[0138] The voice lamp control device H113 controls the output of voice from a voice output device (such as a speaker not shown) H226, the output of lighting and extinguishing from a lamp display device (such as the electric decoration parts H29 to H33) H227, and the setting of the display mode of the third symbol display device H81 performed by the display control device H114 such as a variable effect (variable display) or a preview effect. The MPU H221, which is an arithmetic device, has a ROM H222 that stores a control program, fixed value data, etc. executed by the MPU H221, and a RAM H223 used as a work memory, etc.

[0139] An input / output port H225 is connected to the MPU H221 of the voice lamp control device H113 via a bus line H224 composed of an address bus and a data bus. The main control device H110, the display control device H114, the voice output device H226, the lamp display device H227, other devices H228, the button member H181, etc. are respectively connected to the input / output port H225.

[0140] Note that the other devices H228 may include not only the drive source of the accessory device disposed on the game board H13, but also the drive motor (not shown) of the ball launching unit H112a and the electric accessory H640a of the second winning port H640.

[0141] The audio lamp control device H113 determines the display mode of the third graphic display device H81 based on various commands (variation pattern commands, stop type commands, etc.) received from the main control device H110, and notifies the display control device H114 of the determined display mode using commands (display variation pattern commands, display stop type commands, etc.).

[0142] Furthermore, the sound lamp control device H113 monitors input from the button component H181, and when the button component H181 is operated by the player, it instructs the display control device H114 to change the stage displayed on the third symbol display device H81 or to change the content of the super reach animation. If the stage is changed, it sends a back image change command, including information about the changed stage, to the display control device H114 in order to display a back image corresponding to the changed stage on the third symbol display device H81. Here, the back image is the image displayed on the back of the third symbol, which is the main image displayed on the third symbol display device H81. The display control device H114 displays various images on the third symbol display device H81 in accordance with the command sent from the sound lamp control device H113.

[0143] Furthermore, the audio lamp control device H113 monitors input from the function adjustment operation unit H190 (select button H191, up button H192, down button H193, left button H194, right button H195), and when the player operates the function adjustment operation unit H190, it instructs the display control device H114 to change the volume of the speaker (audio output device H226), change the brightness of the third symbol display device H81, or change the brightness of the illuminated parts H29-H33. When the volume or brightness is changed, the degree of adjustment is temporarily displayed as a number or volume in front of the main display shown on the third symbol display device H81.

[0144] In Figure 10, the operation button members H181 of the operation unit H180 and the select button H191, up button H192, down button H193, left button H194, and right button H195 of the function adjustment operation unit H190 are collectively shown as frame button H22.

[0145] Furthermore, the audio lamp control device H113 receives a command (display command) from the display control device H114 that represents the display content of the third symbol display device H81. Based on the display command received from the display control device H114, the audio lamp control device H113 outputs sound corresponding to the display content of the third symbol display device H81 from the audio output device H226, and also controls the lighting and extinguishing of the lamp display device H227 in accordance with that display content.

[0146] The display control device H114 is connected to the sound lamp control device H113 and the third symbol display device H81. Based on commands received from the sound lamp control device H113, it controls the display of the third symbol on the third symbol display device H81, such as the variation effect of the third symbol. The display control device H114 also sends display commands to the sound lamp control device H113 as needed to notify the display content of the third symbol display device H81. The sound lamp control device H113 outputs sound from the sound output device H226 in accordance with the display content indicated by this display command, thereby synchronizing the display of the third symbol display device H81 with the sound output from the sound output device H226.

[0147] Alternatively, the various switches H208 connected to the input / output port H205 of the main control unit H110 may be configured to be connected to the input / output port H225 of the sound lamp control unit H113, and the MPUH221 may perform various processes based on the signals output from the various switches H208. In addition, various switches may be connected to the input / output port H225 of the sound lamp control unit H113 separately from the various switches H208 connected to the input / output port H205 of the main control unit H110. In this case, it is preferable to configure a group of sensors, such as position detection sensors for the special features devices mainly installed on the game board H13, as the various switches.

[0148] The power supply unit H115 includes a power supply unit H251 for supplying power to various parts of the pachinko machine H10, a power outage monitoring circuit H252 for monitoring power interruptions due to power outages, etc., and a RAM erase switch circuit H253 equipped with a RAM erase switch H122 (see Figure 10). The power supply unit H251 is a device that supplies the necessary operating voltage to each control device H110 to H114, etc., through a power supply path not shown. In summary, the power supply unit H251 takes in a 24-volt AC voltage supplied from an external source and generates a 12-volt voltage for driving various switches such as various switches H208, solenoids such as solenoid H209, motors, etc., a 5-volt voltage for logic, and a backup voltage for RAM backup, and supplies these 12-volt, 5-volt, and backup voltages to each control device H110 to H114, etc., as necessary voltages.

[0149] The power outage monitoring circuit H252 is a circuit that outputs a power outage signal HSG1 to the NMI terminals of MPUH201 on the main control unit H110 and MPUH211 on the payout control unit H111 when the power supply is interrupted due to a power outage or the like. The power outage monitoring circuit H252 monitors the DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit H251, and determines that a power outage (power interruption, power cutoff) has occurred when this voltage falls below 22 volts, and outputs the power outage signal HSG1 to the main control unit H110 and the payout control unit H111. Upon output of the power outage signal HSG1, the main control unit H110 and the payout control unit H111 recognize the occurrence of a power outage and execute NMI interrupt processing. The power supply unit H251 is configured to maintain the output of the control system's drive voltage of 5 volts at a normal value for a sufficient amount of time for the execution of NMI interrupt processing, even after the DC stable voltage of 24 volts falls below 22 volts. Therefore, the main control unit H110 and the payout control unit H111 can successfully execute and complete the NMI interrupt processing (not shown).

[0150] The RAM erase switch circuit H253 is a circuit that outputs a RAM erase signal HSG2 to the main control unit H110 to clear the backup data when the RAM erase switch H122 (see Figure 10) is pressed. When the main control unit H110 receives the RAM erase signal HSG2 when the pachinko machine H10 is powered on, it clears the backup data and also sends a payout initialization command to the payout control unit H111 to clear the backup data.

[0151] Next, referring to Figures 11 to 71, an embodiment of the present invention in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko game machine (hereinafter simply referred to as "pachinko machine") K10 will be described as a second embodiment. Figure 11 is a front view of the pachinko machine K10 in the second embodiment, and Figure 12 is a front view of the game board K13 of the pachinko machine K10.

[0152] In the following explanation, the front of the page will be referred to as the front (front) side and the back of the page as the rear (back) side, with respect to the pachinko machine K10 in the state shown in Figure 11. Also, the top of the pachinko machine K10 in the state shown in Figure 11 will be referred to as the up (up) side, the bottom as the down (down) side, the right side as the right (right) side, and the left side as the left (left) side. Furthermore, the arrows UD, LR, and FB in the figures (see, for example, Figure 12) indicate the vertical, horizontal, and front-to-back directions of the pachinko machine K10, respectively.

[0153] Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for parts identical to those in the embodiments described above, and their descriptions are omitted. In addition, similar reference numerals are assigned to parts that have common functions, such as pachinko machine H10 in the first embodiment being pachinko machine K10 in this embodiment.

[0154] In other words, in this embodiment, the pachinko machine K10 comprises at least a front frame K14 (corresponding to the front frame H14 of the first embodiment), a base plate K60 (corresponding to the base plate H60 of the first embodiment), an inner rail K61 (corresponding to the inner rail H61 of the first embodiment), an outer rail K62 (corresponding to the outer rail H62 of the first embodiment), a general prize opening K63 (corresponding to the general prize opening H63 of the first embodiment), a first prize opening K64 (corresponding to the first prize opening H64 of the first embodiment), and a second prize opening K640 (corresponding to the second prize opening H640 of the first embodiment). The device includes an electric mechanism K640a (corresponding to the electric mechanism H640a of the first embodiment), a first variable prize winning device K65 (corresponding to the variable prize winning device H65 of the first embodiment), a first specific prize winning opening K65a (corresponding to the specific prize winning opening H65a of the first embodiment), a through gate K67 (corresponding to the through gate H67 of the first embodiment), a ball return prevention member K68 (corresponding to the ball return prevention member H68 of the first embodiment), a return rubber K69 (corresponding to the return rubber H69 of the first embodiment), and an out opening K71 (corresponding to the out opening H71 of the first embodiment).

[0155] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pachinko machine K10 includes at least an outer edge member K73 (corresponding to the outer edge member H73 of the first embodiment), a variable display unit K80 (corresponding to the variable display unit H80 of the first embodiment), a third symbol display device K81 (corresponding to the third symbol display device H81 of the first embodiment), and a center frame K86 (corresponding to the center frame H86 of the first embodiment).

[0156] As shown in Figure 12, the game board K13 is constructed by assembling numerous nails (not shown) for guiding the balls, a windmill KWF, rails K61 and K62, a general prize slot K63, a first prize slot K64, a second prize slot K640, a first variable prize device K65, a second variable prize device K650, a through gate K67, a variable display unit K80, etc., onto a base plate K60 that is cut into a roughly square shape when viewed from the front, and its periphery is attached to the back side (or front side) of the inner frame H12 (see Figure 11).

[0157] The base plate K60 is formed from a wooden board. The general prize slot K63, the first prize slot K64, the second prize slot K640, and the variable display unit K80 are installed in through holes formed in the base plate K60 by router processing and are fixed to the front side of the game board K13 with tapping screws or the like. The base plate K60 may also be made of a light-transmitting resin material. In this case, it becomes possible for the player to see the various structures installed on the back side of the base plate K60 from the front side.

[0158] The central front portion of the game board K13 can be viewed from the front side of the inner frame H12 through the glass unit H16 (see Figure 11) installed in the front frame K14. The configuration of the game board K13 will be described below, mainly with reference to Figure 12.

[0159] An outer rail K62, formed by bending a strip of metal plate into a roughly arc shape, is installed on the front of the game board K13. Inside the outer rail K62, an arc-shaped inner rail K61, also formed from a strip of metal plate, is installed. The outer perimeter of the front of the game board K13 is surrounded by the inner rail K61 and the outer rail K62, and the front and back are surrounded by the game board K13 and the glass unit H16 (see Figure 11), thus forming a game area on the front of the game board K13 where the game is played by the movement of balls. The game area is the area on the front of the game board K13 that is demarcated by the two rails K61 and K62 and the resin outer edge member K73 that connects the rails (an area where prize slots are located and the launched balls flow down).

[0160] The two rails K61 and K62 are provided to guide the balls launched from the ball launching unit H112a (see Figure 10) to the top of the game board K13. A ball return prevention member K68 is attached to the tip of the inner rail K61 (upper left in Figure 12) to prevent the balls that have been guided to the top of the game board K13 from returning to the ball guidance passage. A return rubber K69 is attached to the tip of the outer rail K62 (upper right in Figure 12) at a position corresponding to the maximum flight distance of the ball. Balls launched with a force exceeding a predetermined amount will hit the return rubber K69, have their force reduced, and be bounced back towards the center.

[0161] In the lower left side of the game area when viewed from the front (lower left side in Figure 12), there are two first symbol display devices H37A and H37B, which are equipped with multiple LEDs and a 7-segment display as light-emitting means. The functions of the first symbol display devices H37A and H37B were explained in the first embodiment, so their explanation is omitted here.

[0162] In this pachinko machine K10, a lottery is held when a ball enters the first prize slot K64 or the second prize slot K640. In this lottery, pachinko machine K10 determines whether or not it is a jackpot (jackpot lottery), and if it is determined to be a jackpot, it also determines the type of jackpot. The types of jackpots that can be determined here are a 15R regular jackpot with time reduction, a 4R regular jackpot with time reduction, and a 15R regular jackpot without time reduction. The first symbol display devices H37A and H37B not only show whether or not the result of the lottery is a jackpot as the stopping symbols after the spin ends, but also show symbols corresponding to the type of jackpot if it is a jackpot.

[0163] In this pachinko machine K10, during the time-saving mode, not only is the probability of hitting the second symbol increased, but the time for which the electric mechanism K640a attached to the second prize slot K640 is open is also changed, and it is set to a longer time compared to normal mode. When the electric mechanism K640a is open (open state), it is easier for balls to enter the second prize slot K640 compared to when the electric mechanism K640a is closed (closed state). Therefore, during the time-saving mode, it is easier for balls to enter the second prize slot K640, and the number of times the jackpot lottery is held can be increased.

[0164] The state change of the electric mechanism K640a between open and closed is caused by the opening and closing operation of an opening / closing plate that can slide and displace back and forth. When the electric mechanism K640a is in the open state, the opening / closing plate extends forward beyond the front of the base plate K60, allowing the game ball to roll on the upper surface of the opening / closing plate, and the rolling game ball can enter the second prize opening K640. When the electric mechanism K640a is in the closed state, the opening / closing plate is retracted behind the front of the base plate K60, making it impossible to bridge the game ball to the second prize opening K640, thus making it difficult for the game ball to enter the second prize opening K640.

[0165] Furthermore, as an example of how the change in state between the open and closed states of the electric mechanism K640a is caused by the opening and closing operation of an opening / closing plate that can slide and displace back and forth, the second prize opening K640 may be positioned below the electric mechanism K640a, and the opening / closing plate may be retracted to the rear when the electric mechanism K640a is in the open state, and extended forward when the electric mechanism K640a is in the closed state. That is, when the electric mechanism K640a is in the open state, the opening / closing plate is retracted to the rear of the front of the base plate K60, allowing game balls to enter the second prize opening K640, and when the electric mechanism K640a is in the closed state, the opening / closing plate may be configured to block the space between the game area and the second prize opening K640, making it difficult for balls to enter the second prize opening K640 (they are directed to the left).

[0166] Furthermore, the change in state between the open and closed states of the electric mechanism K640a may be caused by the opening and closing operation of an opening / closing plate, which has a rotating shaft at its lower end and rotates to tilt or stand up towards the game area. In this case, when the electric mechanism K640a is in the open state, game balls picked up on the upper surface of the opening / closing plate are easily guided to the second prize opening K640, and when the electric mechanism K640a is in the closed state, the opening / closing plate blocks the space between the game area and the second prize opening K640, making it difficult for balls to enter the second prize opening K640.

[0167] The game area is equipped with multiple general prize slots K63 from which 5 to 15 balls are dispensed as prize balls when a ball enters. A variable display unit K80 is also positioned in a location visible through the central part of the game area (behind the window on the base plate K60). The variable display unit K80 includes a third symbol display device K81, which is composed of a liquid crystal display (hereinafter simply abbreviated as "display device") that displays the variation of the third symbol in synchronization with the variation display on the first symbol display devices H37A and H37B, triggered by a ball entering the first prize slot K64 and the second prize slot K640 (start prize), and a second symbol display device (not shown) composed of LEDs that displays the variation of the second symbol triggered by a ball passing through the through gate K67. A center frame K86 is also provided on the base plate K60 so as to surround the third symbol display device K81 when viewed from the front.

[0168] The third symbol display device K81 is composed of a large liquid crystal display ranging from 9 inches to 19 inches in size. The display content is controlled by the display control device H114 (see Figure 10), so that, for example, three rows of symbols—top, middle, and bottom—are displayed. Each row of symbols consists of multiple symbols (third symbols), and these third symbols scroll horizontally for each row of symbols, so that the third symbols are variably displayed on the display screen of the third symbol display device K81. In this embodiment, the third symbol display device K81 displays decorative information in accordance with the display of the first symbol display devices H37A and H37B, while the display of the game state in accordance with the control of the main control device H110 (see Figure 10) is performed by the first symbol display devices H37A and H37B.

[0169] The second symbol display device performs a variable display by alternately lighting up the "○" symbol and the "×" symbol (the second symbol (not shown)) for a predetermined time each time a ball passes through the through gate K67. In the pachinko machine K10, when it is detected that a ball has passed through the through gate K67, a winning lottery is held. If the winning lottery is successful, the second symbol display device will stop displaying the "○" symbol after the variable display of the second symbol. If the winning lottery is unsuccessful, the second symbol display device will stop displaying the "×" symbol after the variable display of the third symbol.

[0170] The pachinko machine K10 is configured such that when the variable display on the second symbol display device stops at a predetermined symbol (in this embodiment, the symbol "○"), the electric mechanism K640a attached to the second prize entry opening K640 becomes operational (opens) for a predetermined time.

[0171] The time required for the second symbol to change is set to be shorter during the time-saving mode than during the normal game state. As a result, during the time-saving mode, the second symbol changes in a shorter time, allowing for more win draws than during normal gameplay. Therefore, the chances of winning increase, giving the player more opportunities to open the electric mechanism K640a of the second prize slot K640. Thus, during the time-saving mode, it becomes easier for balls to enter the second prize slot K640.

[0172] Furthermore, if, during the shortened play time, the probability of winning is increased, or if the opening time and number of times the electric mechanism K640a opens per win are increased, or if other methods are used to make it easier for balls to enter the second prize slot K640 during the shortened play time, then the time required for the second symbol to change display may be kept constant regardless of the play state. On the other hand, if the time required for the second symbol to change display is set shorter during the shortened play time than during normal play, then the probability of winning may be kept constant regardless of the play state, and the opening time and number of times the electric mechanism K640a opens per win may also be kept constant regardless of the play state.

[0173] The through gate K67 is installed on the game board K13 in the area to the right of the variable display unit K80, and is configured to allow some of the balls launched onto the game board K13 to pass through it. When a ball passes through the through gate K67, a lottery for the second symbol win is held. After the lottery, the second symbol display device performs a variable display. If the result of the lottery is a win, the symbol "○" is displayed as the stopping symbol on the variable display. If the result of the lottery is a loss, the symbol "×" is displayed as the stopping symbol on the variable display.

[0174] The number of times a ball passes through the through gate K67 is limited to a maximum of four times in total. The number of balls held is displayed by the first symbol display devices H37A and H37B mentioned above, and is also indicated by the illumination of the second symbol hold lamps (not shown). Four second symbol hold lamps are provided, corresponding to the maximum number of balls held, and are arranged symmetrically below the third symbol display device K81.

[0175] Furthermore, the display of the second symbol variation may be performed by switching the illumination and de-illumination of multiple lamps in the second symbol display device, as in this embodiment, or by using a part of the first symbol display devices H37A, H37B and the third symbol display device K81. Similarly, the illumination of the second symbol hold lamp may be performed by a part of the third symbol display device K81.

[0176] Furthermore, the maximum number of balls held for passing through gate K67 is not limited to 4, but may be set to 3 or less, or 5 or more (for example, 8). Also, the number of through gate K67 units assembled is not limited to one, but may be, for example, two.

[0177] Furthermore, the installation position of the through gate K67 is not limited to the right side of the variable display unit K80; for example, it may be to the left or right, or below, the variable display unit K80. Also, when the number of reserved balls is indicated by the first symbol display devices H37A and H37B, the second symbol reserved lamp may not be illuminated to indicate this.

[0178] Below the variable display unit K80 is a first prize slot K64 into which a ball can enter. When a ball enters this first prize slot K64, a first prize slot switch (not shown) located on the back side of the game board K13 is turned on. This activation of the first prize slot switch triggers a jackpot lottery in the main control unit H110 (see Figure 10), and the result of the lottery is displayed on the first symbol display device H37A.

[0179] On the other hand, a second prize slot K640 into which a ball can enter is located on the lower left side of the through gate K67 when viewed from the front. When a ball enters this second prize slot K640, a second prize slot switch (not shown) located on the back side of the game board K13 is turned on. This activation of the second prize slot switch triggers a jackpot lottery in the main control device H110 (see Figure 10), and the result of the lottery is displayed on the first symbol display device H37B. Note that the placement of the second prize slot K640 is not limited to this. For example, it could be located below the first prize slot K64 when viewed from the front, or to the left of the center of the game area (for example, to the lower left of the first prize slot K64 when viewed from the front).

[0180] Furthermore, the first prize slot K64 and the second prize slot K640 are also prize slots from which five balls are dispensed as prize balls when a ball enters them. In this embodiment, the number of prize balls dispensed when a ball enters the first prize slot K64 and the number of prize balls dispensed when a ball enters the second prize slot K640 are the same. However, the number of prize balls dispensed when a ball enters the first prize slot K64 and the number of prize balls dispensed when a ball enters the second prize slot K640 may be set to different numbers. For example, the number of prize balls dispensed when a ball enters the first prize slot K64 may be set to 3, and the number of prize balls dispensed when a ball enters the second prize slot K640 may be set to 5. In this case, the relative order of the number of prize balls may be reversed.

[0181] The second prize slot K640 is equipped with an electric mechanism K640a. This electric mechanism K640a is configured to open and close, and normally it is in a closed state (retracted state), making it difficult for balls to enter the second prize slot K640. On the other hand, if the second symbol is displayed on the second symbol display device as a result of the second symbol changing display triggered by the ball passing through gate K67, the electric mechanism K640a opens (extended state), making it easier for balls to enter the second prize slot K640.

[0182] As mentioned above, during the time-saving mode, the probability of hitting the second symbol is higher than during normal play, and the time required for the second symbol's variation display is also shorter. This makes it easier for the "○" symbol to appear during the variation display of the second symbol, increasing the number of times the electric mechanism K640a is in the open (extended) state. Furthermore, during the time-saving mode, the electric mechanism K640a is open for a longer period than during normal play. Therefore, during the probability-changing mode and the time-saving mode, it is possible to create conditions that make it easier for balls to enter the second prize entry point K640 compared to normal play.

[0183] Here, the probability of hitting the jackpot is the same (approximately 1 / 319) whether the ball enters the first prize slot K64 or the second prize slot K640. However, the probability of selecting a 15R regular jackpot with a time-saving feature is set higher when the ball enters the second prize slot K640 than when the ball enters the first prize slot K640. On the other hand, the first prize slot K64 does not have an electric mechanism K640a like the second prize slot K640, and the ball is always able to enter it.

[0184] Therefore, under normal circumstances, the electric mechanism K640a associated with the second prize slot K640 is often closed, making it difficult to enter the second prize slot K640. For this reason, it is more advantageous for the player to aim for the first prize slot K64, which does not have the electric mechanism K640a, by shooting the ball so that it passes to the left of the variable display unit K80 (so-called "left-handed shooting"), thereby increasing the chances of winning the jackpot by entering the first prize slot K64.

[0185] On the other hand, during the time-saving mode, passing the ball through the through gate K67 makes it easier for the electric mechanism K640a attached to the second prize entry point K640 to open, making it easier for the ball to enter the second prize entry point K640. Therefore, it is advantageous for the player to aim for a 15R regular jackpot with time-saving mode by shooting the ball so that it passes to the right of the variable display device 80 towards the second prize entry point K640 (so-called "right-handed shooting"), passing through the through gate K67 to open the electric mechanism K640a, and entering the second prize entry point K640.

[0186] Unlike the pachinko machine K10 in this embodiment, if the game board K13 is symmetrical, players can aim for the first prize slot K64 with "right-handed" shots or the second prize slot K640 with "left-handed" shots. In this case, the player is freed from the inconvenience of having to change their shooting technique.

[0187] On the other hand, in the pachinko machine K10 of this embodiment, it is configured so that the first prize entry point K64 cannot be targeted when shooting to the right, and balls shot with a left-handed motion do not pass through the through gate K67. Therefore, the pachinko machine K10 of this embodiment can require the player to change the way they shoot the balls between "left-handed" and "right-handed" depending on the game state of the pachinko machine K10 (whether it is in a time-saving mode or normal mode). Thus, by adding a gameplay feature that allows players to change the way they shoot the balls, it is possible to prevent the game from becoming slow.

[0188] To the right of the first prize slot K64 is the second variable prize slot K650 (see Figure 12), and downstream of it is the second specific prize slot K650a. In the pachinko machine K10, when a jackpot is won due to a ball entering either the first prize slot K64 or the second prize slot K640, after a predetermined time (variation time) has elapsed, the first symbol display device H37A or the first symbol display device H37B is lit up to show the jackpot stop symbol, and the stop symbol corresponding to that jackpot is displayed on the third symbol display device K81 to indicate that a jackpot has occurred. After that, the game state transitions to a special game state (jackpot) in which balls are more likely to enter. In this special game state, the second specific prize slot K650a, which is normally closed, is opened for a predetermined time (for example, until 30 seconds have elapsed, or until 10 balls have entered).

[0189] This second special prize slot K650a closes after a predetermined time has elapsed, and after closing, it opens again for a predetermined time. This opening and closing operation of the second special prize slot K650a can be repeated up to, for example, 15 times (15 rounds). This state in which the opening and closing operation is performed is a form of special game state that is advantageous to the player, and the player receives a larger payout of prize balls than usual as a grant of game value.

[0190] If the drawn jackpot is a regular jackpot with a time-saving feature, the game ball can be entered into the second prize slot K640 by playing right-handed during the time-saving feature after the jackpot game ends. In this embodiment, the number of time-saving features granted is 3, and when a game ball enters the second prize slot K640, a minor win occurs with a probability of approximately 1 / 2, and the LED corresponding to the minor win lights up on the first symbol display devices H37A and H37B. This minor win causes the first specific prize slot K65a, located upstream of the second specific prize slot K650a, to open for a predetermined time, and when a ball enters the first specific prize slot K65a while it is open and passes through a specific area K65c downstream of the specific prize slot K65a, the game state transitions to a special game state (jackpot).

[0191] Thus, in this pachinko machine K10, when a game ball enters the second prize entry point K640 during right-handed play, there is approximately a 1 / 2 probability of transitioning to a special game state. This probability is significantly higher than the jackpot probability in left-handed play (approximately 1 / 319), thus increasing the player's interest in the right-handed game state.

[0192] Furthermore, the number of specific prize slots K65a and K650a is not limited; one or more (for example, three) may be provided. Also, the placement is not limited to the right of the first prize slot K64; for example, it may be below and to the right of the first prize slot K64, below and to the left of the first prize slot K64, to the left or right of the variable display unit K80, or above it.

[0193] The game board K13 is provided with an outlet K71. Balls that flow down the game area and do not enter any of the winning slots K63, K64, K65a, K640, or K650a are guided through the outlet K71 to a ball discharge path (not shown).

[0194] The K13 game board has numerous nails embedded in it to appropriately distribute and adjust the direction in which the balls fall, and it is also equipped with various components (mechanisms) such as windmills.

[0195] In this embodiment, the other devices H228 (see Figure 10) include the drive solenoid KSOL41 and drive motors KMT41a, KMT41b, KMT51, KMT61, KMT71, KMT81, KMT82, etc.

[0196] In this embodiment as well, the other device H228 (see Figure 10) may include not only the drive source for the aforementioned mechanism device, but also the drive motor (not shown) for the ball launching unit H112a, the drive source for the electric mechanism K640a of the second prize winning slot K640, etc. (drive solenoids K247 and K253, etc.).

[0197] Furthermore, the various switches H208 in this embodiment (see Figure 10) include detection sensors K413, K418, K556a, K556b, K556c, K565, K711e, K716, K858, etc.

[0198] Next, the structure of the game board K13 and the operating unit K300 will be described. Figure 13 is a disassembled front perspective view of the game board K13 and the operating unit A200. Figure 12 will be referred to as appropriate in the explanation of Figure 13.

[0199] The operating unit K300 is positioned on the rear side of the game board K13, and various light-emitting means and various operating units are arranged inside, but details will be described later. With the support plate portion K313 of the operating unit K300 supported across the surface of the game board K13, the game board K13 and the operating unit K300 are fixed together by screwing fastening screws into the base plate K60 of the game board K13, thereby improving the overall rigidity of the game board K13 and the operating unit K300.

[0200] The base plate K60 is formed in a plate shape from a light-transmitting resin material, and is configured to make it easy for the player to see the various structures arranged on the back side of the base plate K60 from the front. This allows the structures arranged on the back side to be seen and used for various effects, regardless of the shape or arrangement of the base plate K60. If there are parts that you do not want the player to see, you can deal with this by attaching a sticker material with low light transmittance (or light opacity).

[0201] Figure 14 is a disassembled front perspective view of the game board K13. In Figure 14, the decorative cover K220 is shown disassembled from the prize winning unit K200. Also, as with Figure 12, the illustration of the ball guiding pins is omitted, and in addition, the illustration of the windmill KWF (see Figure 12) is also omitted.

[0202] Figure 15 is an exploded front perspective view of the prize winning unit K200, and Figure 16 is an exploded rear perspective view of the prize winning unit K200. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the prize winning unit K200 comprises a base member K201 fastened and fixed to the front surface of the base plate K60, a decorative cover K220 disposed on the front side of the base member K201 and forming a ball flow path together with the base member K201, a first electric mechanism K240 having an electric mechanism K640a that moves back and forth from the rear side of the base member K201, and a second electric mechanism K250 as a second variable prize winning device K650 disposed on the rear side of the base member K201 below the first electric mechanism K240 and having a movable plate K251 that moves back and forth from the rear side of the base member K201.

[0203] The base member K201 comprises a plate-shaped body K202 in which a light-diffusing shape is formed on the inside of the protruding edge portion formed in a ridge shape on the back side, a guide opening K203 drilled in the plate-shaped body K202, a plurality of deceleration protrusions K204 projecting to the front side to decelerate a sphere flowing down the front side of the guide opening K203, a guide opening K205 drilled in the plate-shaped body K202 below the guide opening K203, a protruding portion K206 projecting to the front side along the lower edge of the guide opening K205, and a plurality of deceleration protrusions recessed in the plate-shaped body K202 above the guide opening K205. The device comprises a fast recess K207, an elongated projection K208 formed in the left-right direction as a long ridge at a position below the guide opening K203 and above the guide opening K205, an extension K209 extending to the rear side along the upper edge of the guide opening K205, a plurality of ball guide portions K210 formed below the guide opening K205 to guide a ball to the rear side, and an illuminated circuit board K211 fastened and fixed to the rear side of the plate-shaped body K202, having a plurality of light-emitting parts K212 such as LEDs that can irradiate light to the area where the light-diffusing shape is formed on the plate-shaped body K202.

[0204] The decorative cover K220 comprises a plate-shaped body K221 that, together with the plate-shaped body K202 of the base member K201, demarcates the front and rear of the sphere's flow path; an extended forming portion K222 that extends from the plate-shaped body K221 toward the rear and forms the sphere's flow path; a branching forming portion K223 that protrudes toward the rear from the plate-shaped body K221 within the area bordered by the extended forming portion K222 and branches the flow path; and a guide opening K20 of the base member K201 that protrudes toward the rear from the plate-shaped body K221 within the area bordered by the extended forming portion K222. The device comprises an inclined forming section K224 on its rear surface which has an inclined surface that guides the sphere toward 3, a plurality of deceleration protrusions K225 which are formed projecting from the plate-shaped body K221 toward the rear side corresponding to the forward position of the deceleration recess K207 of the base member K201, and an illuminated circuit board K227 which has a plurality of light-emitting parts K228 such as LEDs that can irradiate light to a portion below the area bordered by the extended forming section K222, and is fastened and fixed to the decorative cover K220 at a sufficient distance from the plate-shaped body K221 by forming a substantially flush surface with the extended tip of the extended forming section K222.

[0205] The first electric mechanism K240 comprises a second prize opening K640, an electric mechanism K640a that is positioned in an extended state (open state) and forward through a guide opening K203 and can guide the ball toward the second prize opening K640, a support box member K246 that supports the electric mechanism K640a from below and has a drive solenoid K247 for driving the electric mechanism K640a disposed inside, and an upper cover member K248 that guides the upper surface of the electric mechanism K640a so that the electric mechanism K640a can be displaced in the front-rear direction and forms the ceiling of the path to the second prize opening K640.

[0206] The electric component K640a is formed from a colored (red in this embodiment) opaque resin material and comprises a first forming surface K241 that slopes downward toward the left, a second forming surface K242 connected to the downstream end of the first forming surface K241 and slopes downward toward the rear, and a third forming surface K243 on the second forming surface K242 on the opposite side (left side) relative to the first forming surface K241, with the left front portion as its apex and sloping downward toward the right and rear.

[0207] The second motorized component K250 comprises a movable plate K251 that can move forward and backward in the front-rear direction through a guide opening K205, and a support box member K252 that supports the movable plate K251 from below, with a drive solenoid K253 for driving the movable plate K251 disposed inside.

[0208] The movable plate K251 is made of a colored (red in this embodiment) opaque resin material. When the drive solenoid K253 is de-energized, the movable plate K251 is in an extended state (closed state) where it extends forward, preventing balls from entering the second specific prize opening K650a. When the drive solenoid K253 is energized, the movable plate K251 is in a retracted state (open state) where it retracts backward, allowing balls to enter the second specific prize opening K650a.

[0209] When the movable plate K251 is in the extended position, if the weight of the sphere acts in a direction that would cause the movable plate K251 to tilt, the protruding portion K206 comes into contact with the lower surface of the movable plate K251, thereby preventing it from tilting.

[0210] Furthermore, since an extension portion K209 is provided above the rear end of the movable plate K251, the extension portion K209 comes into contact with the upper surface of the movable plate K251, thereby preventing the movable plate K251 from tilting. In this way, tilting of the movable plate K251 can be prevented by contact at multiple points.

[0211] Figure 17 is a partially enlarged front view of the game board K13 at section Z01m in Figure 12, and Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the game board K13 along the line X02m-X02m in Figure 17. In Figure 17, the inner shape of the decorative cover K220 is illustrated by dashed lines.

[0212] As shown in Figure 17, the branching forming section K223 is positioned to guide the ball that has reached the upper surface toward the right end of the electric mechanism K640a. In addition, the inclined forming section K224 has a portion that protrudes to the right, which inclins downward to the right when viewed from the front, corresponding to the third forming surface K243 of the first electric mechanism K240.

[0213] As a result, when the electric component K640a of the first electric component K240 is in an extended state, if a ball collides with the upper surface of the electric component K640a and causes a vertical bouncing displacement of the electric component K640a, the collision between the third forming surface K243 and the inclined forming part K224 can be made a surface collision. Compared to when the load at the time of collision occurs at a point, the load received by the third forming surface K243 can be distributed, making it easier to avoid damage to the electric component K640a.

[0214] Figure 17 shows the large design K221a and the small design K221b applied to the front side of the plate-shaped main body K221 of the decorative cover K220. In this embodiment, the same red as the electric component K640a and the movable plate K251 is selected as the border color for the large design K221a, and the parts other than the border are basically colorless and transparent, and in particular the position where it overlaps with the illuminated circuit board K227 front and back is applied opaquely in white, while the small design K221b is formed as a colored (white in this embodiment) opaque decoration. Correspondingly, the large design K221a is shown with a red shading, while the small design K221b is shown without shading.

[0215] The miniature design K221b is designed as an arrowhead shape (a bracket shape with its apex on the lower left side) that indicates the direction along the flow path of the ball rolling on the upper surface of the electric mechanism K640a, and functions to suggest the flow path of the ball to the player who sees the miniature design K221b.

[0216] In this way, by matching the color of the large design K221a, which serves as decoration for the decorative cover K220, with the color of the electric mechanism K640a and the movable plate K251, it becomes possible to make the electric mechanism K640a and the movable plate K251 visible to the player as part of the decoration.

[0217] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 17, the inclination direction of the electric component K640a and the movable plate K251 (a downward inclination towards the left) is aligned with the inclination of the large design K221a. Therefore, the electric component K640a and the movable plate K251 and the large design K221a can be viewed together as a "single decorative pattern". In this case, the difference in appearance due to the different arrangements of the electric component K640a and the movable plate K251 can be used to change the perceived "single decorative pattern".

[0218] As shown in Figure 17, the plate-shaped body K221 is colorless and transparent in front of the ball's guide path (path along the top surface) by the electric mechanism K640a or the movable plate K251, providing good visibility. Therefore, the visibility of the ball guided by the electric mechanism K640a or the movable plate K251 can be improved.

[0219] Furthermore, the area in front of the ball's guide path (the path along the top surface) by the electric mechanism K640a or the movable plate K251 is made of a large design K221a of the plate-shaped body K221, which is colored (red in this embodiment) and transparent, thus reducing visibility compared to colorless and transparent. This allows the player's gaze to be guided to the ball's guide path (the path along the top surface) by the electric mechanism K640a or the movable plate K251, which has good visibility, making it easier to identify the ball when it is being guided by the electric mechanism K640a or the movable plate K251.

[0220] In Figure 18, the arrangement of the electric component K640a (retracted state) and the movable plate K251 (extended state) in the de-energized state of the first electric component K240 and the second electric component K250 is shown by solid lines, while the arrangement of the electric component K640a (extended state) and the movable plate K251 (retracted state) in the energized state of the first electric component K240 and the second electric component K250 is shown by dashed lines.

[0221] In the energized state (extended state), the upper surface of the electric mechanism K640a functions as the surface on which the balls flow. That is, the balls guided through the guide opening K203 to the second prize entry opening K640 (see Figure 15) roll along the upper surface of the electric mechanism K640a in the extended state, as shown by dashed lines in Figure 18.

[0222] Therefore, the light from the light-emitting part K212, shown in Figure 18, which is positioned below the electric mechanism K640a and above the movable plate K251 and emits light visible to the player when viewing the electric mechanism K640a from a diagonally downward direction KDR21, can be prevented from being obscured by the ball rolling around the electric mechanism K640a and not reaching the player's eyes.

[0223] In other words, the light from the light-emitting unit K212 shown in Figure 18 passes below the electric mechanism K640a and reaches the player's eyes, thus preventing the visibility of the light from the light-emitting unit K212 from changing depending on whether or not there is a ball rolling on the upper surface of the electric mechanism K640a.

[0224] Furthermore, the light from the light-emitting unit K212 acts to brightly illuminate the motorized mechanism K640a itself, thereby making the motorized mechanism K640a brighter. Since the light from the light-emitting unit K212 is not blocked by the ball rolling on the motorized mechanism K640a before it reaches the motorized mechanism K640a, it is possible to prevent the brightness (appearance) of the motorized mechanism K640a from changing regardless of whether or not there is a ball on it. In this way, the motorized mechanism K640a can be brightened regardless of whether or not there is a ball on it, and the visibility of the ball rolling on the motorized mechanism K640a can be improved.

[0225] In this case, the degree to which the electric component K640a is brightened can be increased in areas with smaller plate thickness dimensions, such as the formed area of ​​the first forming surface K241. Therefore, the brightness of the electric component K640a can be increased so that the formed area of ​​the first forming surface K241 is brighter than the formed area of ​​the third forming surface K243.

[0226] This allows the player's gaze to be directed upstream rather than downstream along the flow path of the balls rolling on the electric mechanism K640a, drawing their attention to the branching of the balls in the branching formation section K223.

[0227] This allows the player to be aware of the existence of balls that flow to the left on the upper surface of the branching forming section K223 and can be guided to the upper surface of the electric mechanism K640a, and the existence of balls that flow to the right on the upper surface of the branching forming section K223 and flow downstream without being guided to the electric mechanism K640a. As a result, it becomes easier to prevent situations where the player mistakenly believes that there is a malfunction in the game machine, such as balls leaking out of the game area or balls not being launched properly, because fewer balls are guided to the second prize opening K640 (see Figure 15) than the number of balls launched, and stops playing.

[0228] As shown in Figure 18, the movable plate K251 of the second electric component K250 has left and right edges that protrude downward in the front-rear direction, and the tips of these protrusions are supported from below by the protruding portion K206 of the base member K201, thereby preventing the movable plate K251 from changing its forward tilting posture when extended.

[0229] Furthermore, an extension portion K209 is formed on the upper side of the movable plate K251, which restricts the change in posture when the movable plate K251 changes its posture in the forward tilting direction. In other words, in this embodiment, a shaped portion for suppressing the change in posture of the movable plate K251 is formed on the base member K201, but not on the decorative cover K220.

[0230] This configuration suppresses changes in the posture of the movable plate K251 while narrowing the area in which uneven shapes are formed on the decorative cover K220. This improves the visibility of the flow path when viewing the sphere's flow path through the decorative cover K220.

[0231] Furthermore, the shape of the lower surface of the extension K209 is curved to totally reflect light coming from the front or diagonally upward. This prevents the rear part of the movable plate K251, which extends behind the plate-shaped main body K202 to which the base end of the extension K209 is located, from being seen by the player, and instead draws attention primarily to the portion of the movable plate K251 that protrudes in front of the plate-shaped main body K202.

[0232] In this embodiment, the structure beneath the extension K209 is concealed by the design of its shape, but this is not necessarily the only option. For example, the extension K209 may be configured to prevent light transmission by attaching mirror tape or light-shielding tape to its surface.

[0233] Furthermore, when viewing the vicinity of the movable plate K251 in the front-rear direction (view KDR22), the deceleration recess K207 is formed so that the upper surface of the movable plate K251 in its extended state can be viewed through the upper edge K207a of the deceleration recess K207. That is, the upper edge K207a functions like a mirror, allowing the upper edge K207a to be viewed in the color of the movable plate K251 (red in this embodiment).

[0234] On the other hand, when the movable plate K251 is retracted, the tip of the movable plate K251 is retracted behind the upper edge K207a, so the upper edge K207a functions like a mirror, and the upper edge K207a can be seen by the color of the area near the upper surface of the protruding portion K206 (in this embodiment, it is colorless and transparent, the same as the upper edge K207a).

[0235] In other words, the visible appearance (color) of the upper edge K207a can be changed depending on whether the movable plate K251 is in an extended state (visible as red) or in a retracted state (visible as colorless and transparent). This makes it possible to greatly increase the degree of change in the visible appearance around the movable plate K251 when the state of the movable plate K251 changes.

[0236] The upper edge portion K207a is formed in a line shape that is approximately parallel to the upper surface of the movable plate K251 in the central and right-side deceleration recess K207. Therefore, the upper edge portion K207a, which extends parallel to the direction of the ball's flow, is visible in the same red color as the movable plate K251, slightly above the ball rolling on the upper surface of the movable plate K251. This allows the player to perceive the direction of the ball's flow as it rolls on the upper surface of the movable plate K251 by the upper edge portion K207a, which is located at a different position from the movable plate K251.

[0237] Furthermore, the upper edge K207a is formed in the left-side deceleration recess K207 as a line that slopes downward to the left toward the flow path (the flow path to the left of the movable plate K251) through which the ball guided after being guided to the left side of the upper surface of the movable plate K251. As a result, the upper edge K207a extending along the direction of flow of the ball as it passes the left end of the movable plate K251 is visible in the same red color as the movable plate K251. This allows the player to understand the direction of flow of the ball after it has passed the upper surface of the movable plate K251 to the left, using the upper edge K207a, which is located in a different position from the movable plate K251.

[0238] The upper edge portion K207a will be described further with reference to Figures 17 and 18. The deceleration recess K207 in which the upper edge portion K207a is formed is designed so that its vertical width is longer than the diameter of the sphere, allowing the sphere to enter.

[0239] Therefore, when a player is viewing the vicinity of the movable plate K251 with their directional gaze KDR22, even if a ball rolls across the upper surface of the movable plate K251, the ball will not obscure the upper edge K207a. Consequently, above and below the ball rolling across the upper surface of the movable plate K251, the movable plate K251 and the upper edge K207a, which slopes downward to the left in the same way as the movable plate K251, allow the player to see two red line-shaped decorations.

[0240] Here, when the upper edge K207a acts as a mirror for the directional view KDR22 to make the movable plate K251 visible, the path of light passes through the deceleration recess K207. Therefore, even if there is a sphere flowing down on the movable plate K251, as long as the sphere does not enter the deceleration recess K207, the visibility of the upper edge K207a is not affected.

[0241] Furthermore, even when the ball enters the deceleration recess K207, the ball is spherical, while the recessed end of the deceleration recess K207 is flat. Therefore, the deceleration recess K207 is not filled by the ball, and light that travels without being obstructed by the ball is reflected by the upper edge K207a and reaches the player's eyes.

[0242] Therefore, even when a sphere flows down the movable plate K251, the change in the visible appearance of the upper edge K207a can be minimized. In other words, the state in which the upper edge K207a is visible in red can be achieved whether or not a sphere is present on the movable plate K251.

[0243] As shown in Figure 17, in this embodiment, the upper edge K207a and the movable plate K251 are arranged along the inside of the border of the large design K221a of the decorative cover K220, and the color of the border of the large design K221a of the decorative cover K220 and the color of the movable plate K251 are the same.

[0244] Therefore, when the movable plate K251 is in the extended position, the upper edge K207a acts to partially thicken the border of the large design K221a, and when the movable plate K251 is in the retracted position, the upper edge K207a is visible as transparent, so that the border of the large design K221a appears uniform.

[0245] When the visible outline of the large design K221a is partially thicker, it corresponds to the protruding state of the movable plate K251, and when the visible outline of the large design K221a is uniformly thick, it corresponds to the retracted state of the movable plate K251. Therefore, players can understand the state of the movable plate K251 by visually observing the thickness of the outline of the large design K221a.

[0246] A deceleration projection K225 of the decorative cover K220 is located on the front side of the path of the ball rolling on the movable plate K251. Unlike the deceleration recess K207, the vertical width of the deceleration projection K225 is smaller than the diameter of the ball (smaller than the radius of the ball). This prevents the ball from being obscured (made difficult to see) by the deceleration projection K225 when it rolls on the movable plate K251, thus preventing the player from being able to determine the ball's position.

[0247] Figures 19, 20, 21, and 22 are perspective views of the prize-winning unit K200 in a downward-looking view of KDR21. In Figures 19, 20, 21, and 22, in order to explain the difference in how the large design K221a and small design K221b of the decorative cover K220 are perceived due to the difference in the arrangement of the electric mechanism K640a and the movable plate K251, the outer shape of the plate-shaped body K221 of the decorative cover K220 is shown with dashed lines, and the positions of the large design 221a and small design K221b are shown. The arrangement of the branching forming part K223, the inclined forming part K224, and the deceleration projection K225, which are shaped parts that protrude to the back side, is also shown with dashed lines.

[0248] Furthermore, in Figures 19, 20, 21, and 22, a common shading is applied to the border of the large red design K221a, the motorized component K640a, and the movable plate K251. Note that the details of the flow path of the ball guided to the prize unit K200 are omitted from the illustration; therefore, please refer to Figure 17 as appropriate for details of the flow path.

[0249] In Figure 19, the electric component K640a of the first electric component K240 is in a retracted state (de-energized state), and the movable plate K251 of the second electric component K250 is in an extended state (de-energized state). This state mainly corresponds to the normal state.

[0250] The state illustrated in Figure 19 is one in which the ball flowing down the prize-winning unit K200 is neither guided to the second prize-winning opening K640 (see Figure 15) nor to the second specific prize-winning opening K650a (see Figure 17).

[0251] In this state, the large design K221a appears to have the movable plate K251 entering the upper and lower central part inside the border, giving the player the impression that the shape of the large design K221a itself has been cut.

[0252] Therefore, the case where the shape of the large design K221a itself appears as if it has been cut corresponds to the state in which the ball is not guided into the second prize entry opening K640 and the second specific prize entry opening K650a. Thus, the player can predict how the ball will flow down after entering the prize entry unit K200 based on the way the large design K221a is viewed. As a result, the player's fatigue can be reduced compared to the case in which it is necessary to visually inspect the ball itself in order to understand (predict) how the ball will flow down after entering the prize entry unit K200.

[0253] In Figure 20, the first motorized mechanism K240 has the motorized mechanism K640a extended (energized), and the second motorized mechanism K250 has the movable plate K251 extended (deenergized). This state corresponds to a state that frequently occurs mainly in the time-saving state and the probability variation state.

[0254] The state illustrated in Figure 20 is one in which a ball flowing down the prize-winning unit K200 can be guided to the second prize-winning opening K640 (see Figure 15), but cannot be guided to the second specific prize-winning opening K650a (see Figure 17).

[0255] In this state, the small design K221b appears as a single accent decoration with the red background color of the electric component K640a, which is visible as encroaching on the border of the large design K221a. In this case, the white small design K221b can be made to stand out compared to the case where the background color is colorless, as shown in Figure 19.

[0256] Therefore, the appearance of the small design K221b as a single accent decoration with the red background color of the electric mechanism K640a corresponds to the state in which a ball can be guided into the second prize opening K640. Thus, the player can predict whether a ball that has entered the prize unit K200 can enter the second prize opening K640 based on the appearance of the small design K221b. As a result, the player's fatigue can be reduced compared to when it is necessary to visually inspect the ball itself in order to understand (predict) the flow of a ball that has entered the prize unit K200.

[0257] Here, if the small design K221b applied to the decorative cover K220 is made easily identifiable, the decoration may interfere with the view of the sphere itself. Conversely, if a light decoration is used to make the view of the sphere's flow more visible, the decoration may be difficult to see and have little visual effect. Another option is to use light guide panels that illuminate the shape, but these are expensive and have limitations in placement due to design constraints such as the need for a certain thickness, so they are not a panacea.

[0258] In contrast, in this embodiment, instead of concluding the design with the decoration on the front of the decorative cover K220, the motorized component K640a is configured to influence the appearance of the small design K221b, thereby achieving both a visually appealing decoration and easy visibility of the sphere.

[0259] In other words, by making the small design K221b inconspicuous on its own, when the electric mechanism K640a is in the retracted position, the small design K221b is made inconspicuous, drawing attention to the ball itself flowing down the back of the decorative cover K220. On the other hand, when the electric mechanism K640a is in the extended position, the small design K221b itself is made conspicuous, improving its decorative effect as a way to create anticipation for the ball to enter the second prize opening K640.

[0260] When the miniature design K221b is to be made to stand out against the backdrop of the electric component K640a, there is a concern that the appearance of the miniature design K221b may change if a ball enters the space between the miniature design K221b and the electric component K640a.

[0261] Considering that the front-to-back width of the flow path formed by the plate-shaped body K202 of the base member K201 and the plate-shaped body K221 of the decorative cover K220 (see Figure 15) is sufficiently longer than the diameter of the ball (approximately 19 mm), and that the pachinko machine K10 is generally tilted to the rear by a few degrees (approximately 1 degree), it is highly likely that the ball rolling on the upper surface of the electric mechanism K640a will flow down while in contact with the plate-shaped body K202 of the base member K201 which is located at the rear, thus reducing the possibility that the ball, which is the premise for entering between the small design K221b and the electric mechanism K640a, will be biased towards the decorative cover K220 (flowing down towards the front).

[0262] Therefore, it is possible to make it less likely for a ball to enter the space between the small design K221b and the electric mechanism K640a, and thus it is possible to easily prevent changes in the appearance of the small design K221b when a ball is rolling on the electric mechanism K640a.

[0263] In Figure 21, the electric component K640a is in a retracted state (de-energized state) in the first electric component K240, and the movable plate K251 is in a retracted state (energized state) in the second electric component K250. This state mainly corresponds to the state during round play in the special game state.

[0264] The state illustrated in Figure 21 is one in which a ball flowing down the prize-winning unit K200 is not guided to the second prize-winning opening K640 (see Figure 15), but can be guided to the second specific prize-winning opening K650a (see Figure 17).

[0265] In the retracted state, the movable plate K251 is fully retracted so that its tip extends behind the guide opening K205 (see Figure 18), making it invisible from the direction view DR21. Furthermore, due to the total internal reflection effect of the extension K209 (see Figure 18) that covers the upper side of the retracted movable plate K251, it is impossible to see the movable plate K251 through the extension K209, so the movable plate K251 can be completely hidden in the state shown in Figure 21.

[0266] In the state shown in Figure 21, the electric mechanism K640a does not constitute the background color of the small design K221b, and the movable plate K251 is not visible inside the border of the large design K221a. Therefore, the shape of the large design K221a itself can be impressively perceived by the player.

[0267] Therefore, the state in which the shape of the large design K221a itself is visible without being cut corresponds to the state in which the ball can be guided into the second specific prize entry opening K650a. As a result, the player can predict how the ball will flow down after entering the prize entry unit K200 based on how the large design K221a is viewed. Therefore, compared to the case in which it is necessary to visually inspect the ball itself in order to understand (predict) how the ball will flow down after entering the prize entry unit K200, the degree of fatigue for the player can be reduced.

[0268] In this embodiment, the configuration allows for the determination of the state change based on whether the movable plate K251 is visible inside the border of the large design K221a in the directional view DR21, while in the directional view DR22, as described above in Figure 17, the configuration allows for the determination of the state change based on whether the thickness of the border of the large design K221a partially changes when the upper edge K207a is visible in red.

[0269] Thus, in this embodiment, while the movable plate K251 is the common element causing the change in appearance, multiple objects whose appearance changes are provided. Therefore, even if the direction in which the player views the prize winning unit K200 changes during gameplay, the objective of allowing the player to predict how the ball that has entered the prize winning unit K200 will flow down based on the viewing characteristics of the large design K221a can be achieved.

[0270] In Figure 22, the first electric mechanism K240 has the electric mechanism K640a extended (energized), and the second electric mechanism K250 has the movable plate K251 retracted (energized). This state mainly corresponds to the state during a round of special gameplay when the second symbol is drawn as a winner and the electric mechanism K640a is activated.

[0271] The state illustrated in Figure 22 is one in which a ball flowing down the prize-winning unit K200 can be guided to the second prize-winning opening K640 (see Figure 15) or to the second specific prize-winning opening K650a (see Figure 17).

[0272] In this state, the small design K221b appears as a single accent decoration with the red background color of the electric component K640a, which is visible as encroaching on the border of the large design K221a. In this case, the white small design K221b can be made to stand out compared to the case where the background color is colorless, as shown in Figure 19.

[0273] Therefore, the appearance of the small design K221b as a single accent decoration with the red background color of the electric mechanism K640a corresponds to the state in which a ball can be guided into the second prize opening K640. Thus, the player can predict whether a ball that has entered the prize unit K200 can enter the second prize opening K640 based on the appearance of the small design K221b. As a result, the player's fatigue can be reduced compared to when it is necessary to visually inspect the ball itself in order to understand (predict) the flow of a ball that has entered the prize unit K200.

[0274] On the other hand, in the special game state, the excitation time of the electric mechanism K640a is made extremely short, so it is configured in such a way that it is unlikely for a ball to actually enter the second prize pocket K640. Therefore, it is possible to use the electric mechanism K640a to perform an effect that only changes the appearance of the small design K221b (making it unlikely for a prize ball to be awarded by a ball entering the second prize pocket K640).

[0275] Figure 23 is a rear perspective view of the game board K13, and Figure 24 is an exploded rear perspective view of the game board K13. As shown in Figure 23, the base plate K60 has an opening K60w formed in a shape that allows the center frame K86 to be fitted inside. The base plate K60 has sufficient thickness for strength in the area where the game area is formed, whose outer edge is demarcated by the inner rail K61 and the outer rail K62 (see Figure 12), and has recesses K60a to K60d outside the area where the game area is formed, in which the thickness is reduced by being recessed from the rear side.

[0276] The opening K60w is formed to support the center frame K86 across its front-to-back width, and is designed to maintain the same shape even if the position of the base plate K60 differs in the thickness direction (front-to-back direction). This allows for stable support of the center frame K86.

[0277] The first recessed area K60a on the upper left side is located behind a resin shielding member K74 which is positioned on the upper left side of the outer rail K62 (see Figure 12), and the first recessed area K60a is concealed by the shielding member K74.

[0278] The second recessed area K60b on the upper right side is located behind the outer edge member K73 (see Figure 12) and in the area above the outer edge member K73, and the second recessed area K60b is concealed by the outer edge member K73.

[0279] The third recess K60c on the lower left side is located on the lower left side of the outer rail K62 (see Figure 12) and is positioned behind the resin shielding member K75, which houses the first pattern display devices H37A and H37B. The third recess K60c is concealed by the shielding member K75.

[0280] As shown in Figure 24, the game board K13 includes left and right elongated front gutter members K91 fastened and fixed to the rear side of the lower part of the base plate K60, a rear gutter member K92 fastened and fixed to the rear side of the front gutter member K91 and together with the front gutter member K91 to form a gutter for the balls to flow down, an illuminated circuit board K93 fastened and fixed to the rear side of the rear gutter member K92 and on which LEDs that emit light to the front are arranged, a prevention member K94 fastened and fixed to the rear gutter member K92 so as to sandwich the illuminated circuit board K93 in order to prevent the removal of the illuminated circuit board K93, an auxiliary member K95 together with the prevention member K94 to form a gutter for the balls to flow down, and a closing member K96 which has the function of closing unnecessary openings that occur in the rear gutter member K92 due to manufacturing conditions and also functions as a support part for bundling electrical wiring with cable ties.

[0281] Light from the illuminated circuit board K93 is directed towards the general prize entry point K63, which is located on the lower left side of the game area. In other words, by lighting up the LEDs on the illuminated circuit board K93, the general prize entry point K63 can be made brightly visible, and the player's attention to the general prize entry point K63 can be changed by turning the LEDs on or off on the illuminated circuit board K93.

[0282] The fourth forming recess K60d on the lower right side is positioned below the lower edge of the outer rail K62 and includes the area behind the lower end forming portion K73a (see Figure 14) of the outer edge member K73, and at least a portion of the fourth forming recess K60d is obscured by the lower end forming portion K73a.

[0283] The left side portions of the front gutter member K91 and the rear gutter member K92 are positioned behind the fourth recess K60d, and the area behind the fourth recess K60d is configured to allow a sphere to flow down.

[0284] Figure 25 is an exploded front perspective view of the operating unit K300. Figure 13 will be referenced as appropriate in the explanation of Figure 25. The operating unit K300 comprises an upper decorative member K330, which is elongated horizontally and positioned above the display area of ​​the third pattern display device K81 in a front view; a left decorative member K350, which is elongated vertically and positioned to the left of the display area of ​​the third pattern display device K81 in a front view; a front-layer movable device K400 to which the upper decorative member K330 and the left-layer decorative member K350 are fastened and fixed to the front; a rear-layer movable device K800 positioned behind the front-layer movable device K400; and a rear case K310 to which the front-layer movable device K400 and the rear-layer movable device K800 are housed and fastened.

[0285] The rear case K310 is formed in a box shape with the front side open, separated from the bottom wall K311 and the outer wall K312 which is erected from the outer edge of the bottom wall K311. The rear case K310 is formed in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the front, by forming a rectangular opening K311a in the center of the bottom wall K311. The opening K311a is formed to a size that corresponds to the outer shape (outer edge) of the display area of ​​the third pattern display device K81 (i.e., it is possible to demarcate the display area of ​​the third pattern display device K81 when viewed from the front).

[0286] The rear case K310 is provided with a support plate K313 that extends from the front end of the outer wall K312 as a flat plate that runs along the back of the game board K13 (for example, arranged parallel to it), and is supported by the game board K13 across its surface in the assembled state (see Figure 12).

[0287] With the support plate K313 supported across the surface of the game board K13, the game board K13 and the operating unit K300 can be integrally fixed by screwing fastening screws into the base plate K60 of the game board K13, thereby improving the overall rigidity of the game board K13 and the operating unit K300.

[0288] The front-layer movable device K400 comprises a first movable device K401 which is configured as a long left-right length and is movable up and down from an upper end position as an initial position, and a second movable device K701 which is configured to be movable up and down at the left-right center position below the first movable device K401.

[0289] The upper decorative member K330 has a light-emitting substrate inside, and the light emitted from the light-emitting substrate shines on the translucent decorative part to create a light-emitting effect, while being formed to a size that can conceal the first movable device K401 in its initial position.

[0290] The left decorative member K350 has a light-emitting substrate inside, and the light emitted from the light-emitting substrate shines on the translucent decorative part to create a light-emitting effect, while being sized to conceal the drive force transmission mechanism on the left side of the first movable device K401.

[0291] Because the rear-side movable device K800 is positioned further back (rear side) in the rear case K310 than the front-side movable device K400, it is positioned closer to the variable display unit K80 than the front-side movable device K400.

[0292] The rear-layer movable device K800 includes a third movable device K801 that operates to expose or hide the display area of ​​the third pattern display device K81 by sliding plate-shaped members, which are arranged in layers front to back, in the left-right direction.

[0293] The rear-layer movable device K800 is fastened and fixed to the bottom wall portion K311 of the rear case K310, and the front-layer movable device K400 is fastened and fixed to the bottom wall portion K311 of the rear case K310 via fastening portions that pass outside the rear-layer movable device K800, and is also fastened and fixed to the non-movable portion of the rear-layer movable device K800. First, an overview of the operation control of the operating unit K300 will be explained with an example.

[0294] Figures 26 to 32 are front views of the operating unit K300, illustrating an example of operation control of the operating unit K300. Figure 26 illustrates the case where the first movable device K401, the second movable device K701, and the third movable device K801 are in a performance standby state. Specifically, in Figure 26, the first movable device K401 is hidden by the upper decorative member K330, and the third movable device K801 is hidden by the front-layer movable device K400, so the first movable device K401 and the third movable device K801 cannot be seen from the front.

[0295] Figure 27 illustrates a case where the second movable device K701 is lowered to a lowered position from the performance standby position, causing the first movable device K401 to fall into the empty space, thus putting the first movable device K401 into the dropped position, and the third movable device K801 to be in the performance standby position.

[0296] Since the positions of the first movable device K401 and the second movable device K701 are not offset front to back (they overlap when viewed from above), and the second movable device K701 would collide with the first movable device K401 after it falls if it remained in the performance standby state, the drive control is set so that the second movable device K701 is first positioned in a lowered position before the first movable device K401 falls.

[0297] Since the first movable device K401 is configured such that at least the rearmost component (the main body K541 of the long device K540) is opaque, the display by the third symbol display device K81 is hidden in the portion that overlaps with the first movable device K401. Therefore, in the state shown in Figure 27, the player cannot fully see the display in the display area of ​​the third symbol display device K81 from a frontal view.

[0298] Figure 28 illustrates the case where the first movable device K401 and the second movable device K701 are in a standby state for performance, and the third movable device K801 is in a blocked state, blocking the front side of the third symbol display device K81.

[0299] The third movable device K801 has plate-like portions K811, K821, and K831 that are formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and these portions are made to be light-transmitting, with the degree of light transmission varying in different areas. As a result, as shown in Figure 28, when the entire display area of ​​the third pattern display device K81 is covered by the plate-like portions K811, K821, and K831, it is possible to create a portion where the display of the third pattern display device K81 is easily visible, and a portion where the display of the third pattern display device K81 is hidden by the plate-like portions K811, K821, and K831, and the surface decoration of the plate-like portions K811, K821, and K831 is easily visible.

[0300] Figure 29 illustrates a case where, after the first movable device K401 maintains its vertical position in the dropped position, the moving device K560 slides to the left, the second movable device K701, which was in the lowered position, changes to the performance standby position, and the third movable device K801 is in the closed position.

[0301] The movable device K560 is slid left and right to a position where it does not interfere with the second movable device K701 (see Figure 29). Then, the second movable device K701 is moved to narrow the distance between the movable device K560 and the second movable device K701, and the second movable device K701 is moved closer to the center of the front view of the operating unit K300, making the first movable device K401 and the second movable device K701 easier for the player to see.

[0302] As shown in Figure 29, the displacement trajectories of the first movable device K401 and the third movable device K801 partially overlap in a front view, but they are offset front to back (they do not overlap in a top view). Therefore, the first movable device K401 and the third movable device K801 do not collide with each other (they do not interfere with each other) during operation. For this reason, as shown in Figure 29, when the first movable device K401 is changed from the performance standby state to the drop position state, the third movable device K801 can be changed from the performance standby state to the closed state.

[0303] In this way, it is possible to control the first movable device K401, the second movable device K701, and the third movable device K801 from their respective standby states, thereby achieving a sense of unity in their operation while avoiding collisions between the movable devices K401, K701, and K801.

[0304] In the state shown in Figure 29, it is possible to perform a performance that gives meaning by having the decorations painted on the left side of the third movable device K801, the decorations painted on the moving device K560 of the first movable device K401, the decorations painted on the second movable device K701, and the decorations painted on the decorative cover K220 of the prize winning unit K200 be viewed in sequence (the decorations painted on the third movable device K801 are not shown in this figure. Details will be described later).

[0305] Figure 30 illustrates the case where the first movable device K401 and the third movable device K801 are in the performance standby state, and the second movable device K701 is in the raised position. In the performance standby state, the second movable device K701 is mostly obscured by the lower part of the center frame K86, resulting in poor visibility (see Figure 12). However, in the raised position, more than half of the second movable device K701 is positioned above the lower part of the center frame K86, improving its visibility.

[0306] Figure 31 shows a case where the second movable device K701 and the third movable device K801 are in a performance standby state, and only the right side of the first movable device K401 has fallen to an intermediate position, resulting in a one-sided fall state. Figure 32 shows a case where the movement device K560 of the first movable device K401 has been displaced to the rightmost end of its range of motion from the state in Figure 31.

[0307] In the first movable device K401, when a change occurs between the performance standby state and the one-sided dropping state, the position of the moving device K560 is maintained towards the center in the left-right direction. This prevents the left-right balance of the first movable device K401 from being disrupted during vertical displacement.

[0308] In the one-sided drop state illustrated in Figure 32, the mobile device K560 tilts downward and to the right, causing the design on the front of the mobile device K560 to tilt and resulting in an unsightly appearance. In contrast, in this embodiment, the design on the front of the mobile device K560 is controlled to continue rotating from the performance standby state to the one-sided drop state and then back to the performance standby state. This prevents the design on the front of the mobile device K560 from tilting and becoming unsightly.

[0309] In this embodiment, the rotation of the design on the front side of the moving device K560 is clockwise (forward rotation to the right) when the moving device K560 moves to the right when viewed from the front, and counterclockwise (forward rotation to the left) when the moving device K560 moves to the left when viewed from the front. This allows the player to perceive the left-right movement and rotation of the moving device K560 in relation to each other, resulting in a unified action presentation.

[0310] As shown in Figures 26 to 32, the visible range of the display on the third symbol display device K81, located behind each movable device K401, K701, and K801, changes according to the state of each device. Specifically, when all of the movable devices K401, K701, and K801 are in the performance standby state, the range (area and position) in which the display on the third symbol display device K81 is easily visible is maximized (see Figure 26). The hidden range (area and position) of the display area of ​​the third symbol display device K81 changes according to the state of the movable devices K401, K701, and K801 as they move from the performance standby state.

[0311] The extent to which the display area of ​​the third symbol display device K81 is obscured (area and position) also differs depending on the degree of change in the state of each movable device K401, K701, and K801 from the performance standby state. Furthermore, even when the same movable device (for example, the first movable device K401) is operating, the amount of movement and the area and position of the first movable device K401 that overlaps with the display area of ​​the third symbol display device K81 differ between the state shown in Figure 27 and the state shown in Figure 32, resulting in a different extent to which the display area of ​​the third symbol display device K81 is obscured (area and position).

[0312] In other words, the third symbol display device K81 is designed to allow the display effects to be seen in the area not obscured by each movable device K401, K701, and K801 (including the area where the display can be seen by looking through the movable devices K401, K701, and K801). However, since the area obscured by each movable device K401, K701, and K801 (excluding the area where the display can be seen by looking through the movable devices K401, K701, and K801) changes in multiple ways, it is possible to increase the variety of display effects in the area not obscured by each movable device K401, K701, and K801, thereby improving the effect of the display effects.

[0313] Next, the first movable device K401 will be described with reference to Figures 33 to 54. Figure 33 is a front exploded perspective view of the front-layer movable device K400, and Figure 34 is a rear exploded perspective view of the front-layer movable device K400.

[0314] The first movable device K401, which constitutes the portion of the front movable device K400 excluding the second movable device K701, comprises a pair of support members K410, which are composed of substantially symmetrical members and fastened to the rear case K310; a pair of rotating members K430, which are rotatably supported on the lower side of the support members K410; a pair of drive motors KMT41a and KMT41b, which generate a driving force to rotate the rotating members K430; and a lifting device K500, which is configured to move up and down in accordance with the rotation state of the rotating members K430.

[0315] Furthermore, the first movable device K401 includes a pair of left and right front cover members K440 that are fastened and fixed to the support member K410 so as to cover the front opening of the support member K410, a switching device K460 that is fastened and fixed from the front to the right front cover member K440 to switch the operating mode of the lifting device K500, and a pair of left and right state changing devices K470 that change between an allowable state that permits the lifting device K500 to descend and a preventive state that prevents the lifting device K500 from descending, in accordance with the rotation state of the rotating member K430.

[0316] Furthermore, the first movable device K401 includes a decorative member K402 made of light-transmitting resin that is fastened and fixed from the front to the lower part of the left front cover member K440, an illuminated circuit board K403 on which light-emitting means such as LEDs are arranged to irradiate light onto the decorative member K402, a decorative member K404 made of light-transmitting resin that is fastened and fixed from the front to the lower part of the right front cover member K440, an illuminated circuit board K405 on which light-emitting means such as LEDs are arranged to irradiate light onto the decorative member K404, and an upper cover member K406 that closes the gap between the support member K410 and the front cover member K440 and the second movable device K701 from above in the assembled state of the front layer movable device K400 (see Figure 25).

[0317] Details of the front cover member K440 will now be described. The front cover member K440 comprises a plate-shaped body K441 formed in a substantially L-shape, a guide slot K442 drilled in the plate-shaped body K441 as an elongated hole extending in the vertical direction to guide the lifting device K500 up and down, an absorbing member K443 made of resin disposed near the lower end of the guide slot K442 and capable of absorbing the impact when the lifting device K500 is lowered, a protruding portion K444 projecting from the back of the plate-shaped body K441 toward the rotating member K430, and a connecting member K445 disposed in front of the guide slot K442 and connected to the fastening portion K533 of the lifting device K500 which has passed the guide slot K444 to the front.

[0318] Figure 35 is an exploded front perspective view of the first movable device K401, and Figure 36 is an exploded rear perspective view of the first movable device K401. In Figures 35 and 36, the support member K410, the rotating member K430, and the state changing device K470 of the first movable device K401 are shown, while the front cover member K440 and the switching device K460 are not shown.

[0319] As shown in Figures 35 and 36, the support member K410 comprises a main body K411 formed in a roughly L-shape when viewed from the front, a support part K412 that protrudes cylindrically from the front side of the lower part of the main body K411 and rotatably supports the rotating member K430, a detection sensor K413 disposed on the left and right outer side of the support part K412 to detect the posture of the rotating member K430, a support part K414 that protrudes cylindrically from the front side of the lower end of the main body K411 and rotatably supports the lower rotating member K471 of the state change device K470, and an elongated hole that extends vertically to guide the lifting device K500. The device comprises a guide slot K415, a rack K416 with gear teeth formed along the guide slot K415, a guide projection K417 formed vertically on the rear side of the main body K411 to guide the vertical movement of the interlocking member K473 of the state change device K470, a detection sensor K418 disposed on the front side of the upper end of the main body K411 capable of detecting whether or not the lifting device K500 is positioned in the performance standby state, and a coil spring K419 whose upper end is suspended from the main body K411 and whose lower end is hooked onto the hook-shaped part K515 of the lifting device K500.

[0320] Furthermore, the support member K410 includes a metal rod K421 extending vertically to guide the lifting operation of the lifting device K500, a support receiving portion K422 into which the lower end of the metal rod K421 is inserted, a fixed member K423 fastened to the lifting device K500 at a position that sandwiches the metal rod K421 between the lifting device K500 and the metal rod K421 in order to guide the lifting device K500 along the metal rod K421, and an auxiliary member K424 as a retainer to prevent the upper end of the metal rod K421 from coming out upward and forward from the main body portion K411 of the support member K410.

[0321] In this embodiment, the plate-shaped main bo...

Claims

[Claim 1] A displacement means configured to be displaceable at least downward, The abutment means has a contact portion configured to be able to contact a part of the displacement means, and the contact portion is configured to be able to be displaced at least between a visible position that is visible from a first position in front of the gaming machine and a non-visible position that is not visible from the first position, The system comprises a power transmission means configured to be in contact with a predetermined portion of the displacement means and to be displaced so as to be able to displace the displacement means toward a predetermined position, It is possible to configure a first situation in which the displacement means is displaced downward while the power transmission means is separated from the predetermined part of the displacement means, and a second situation in which the displacement means is displaced downward while the power transmission means is in contact with the predetermined part of the displacement means. When the contact means is displaced from the visible position to the non-visible position, the displacement means changes from a non-contact state where a part of the displacement means does not contact the contact portion of the contact means to a contact state where it does contact the contact portion, and in the contact state, a part of the displacement means slides along the outer edge of the contact portion, so that the displacement means can be displaced toward a specific position. The power transmission means is in contact with the predetermined portion of the displacement means, and the displacement means is further provided with a biasing means that can bias the displacement means. The displacement means is positioned at the predetermined position and the contact means is positioned at the viewing position, In a situation where a part of the displacement means slides along the outer edge of the contact portion and the displacement means is displaced toward the specific position, a part of the displacement means different from the part of the displacement means is configured to be displaced further forward of the game machine than the contact portion. A gaming machine characterized in that, when the contact means is displaced from the visible position to the non-visible position, the time required from when the distance between a part of the displacement means and the contact portion of the contact means begins to decrease until the contact state is reached can be changed.

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