Gaming machine

Abstract

To make it difficult to perform improper nail adjustments.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a game board on which multiple nails are attached, and a transparent resin member that is provided with a space with the game board as a game area through which game balls can flow down. The multiple nails include predetermined nails adjacent to both an advantageous path that is relatively advantageous to a player and a disadvantageous path that is relatively disadvantageous to a player among multiple flow paths through which game balls flow down. The transparent resin member includes a specific resin member arranged in the vicinity of the predetermined nail. The specific resin member has an edge. The distance between the predetermined nail and the edge is longer in the direction of narrowing the disadvantageous path than in the direction of narrowing the advantageous path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 25

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In a gaming machine, pins arranged on the game board may bend due to collisions of game balls or the like, or pin adjustments may be made for business reasons in the hall. In pin adjustment, for example, the head of the pin is bent in a predetermined direction by hitting it with a jig such as a hammer (see Patent Document 1 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, depending on the hall, when making pin adjustments, there may be cases where the pin adjustments are extremely disadvantageous to the player, leading to a decrease in the player's gaming motivation.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it difficult to make inappropriate pin adjustments.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The gaming machine according to the present invention comprises a game board to which a plurality of nails are attached, and a transparent resin member from which a space is provided between the game board and the game area through which game balls can flow down. The plurality of nails include predetermined nails adjacent to both advantageous paths, which are relatively advantageous to the player, and disadvantageous paths, which are relatively disadvantageous to the player, among a plurality of flow paths, which are designated as paths through which game balls flow down. The transparent resin member includes a specific resin member positioned near the predetermined nails. The specific resin member has an edge, and the distance between the predetermined nails and the edge is longer in the direction that narrows the disadvantageous path than in the direction that narrows the advantageous path. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to make improper nail adjustments difficult. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the exterior of a gaming machine. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a gaming machine with the front frame open. [Figure 3] This is a front view of the game board. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the game board. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the main display unit and the fourth symbol display unit. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the control configuration of a gaming machine. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing the control configuration of a gaming machine. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates an example of a variation in the game's presentation. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the main processing on the primary control side. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart illustrating the timer interrupt processing on the main control side. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the main processing on the frame control side. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart illustrating the timer interrupt processing on the frame control side. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart showing the main process on the performance control side. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process on the performance control side. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing a part of the right game area and the protective cover. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing the state where the bent nail interferes with the hole of the protective cover. [Figure 17] It is a diagram for explaining the distance between the edge of the nail and the hole. [Figure 18] It is a diagram for explaining the distance between the edge of the nail and the hole. [Figure 19] It is a diagram for explaining the distance between the edge of the nail and the hole. [Figure 20] It is a diagram for explaining the distance between the edge of the nail and the hole. [Figure 21] It is a diagram for explaining the distance between the edge of the nail and the hole. [[ID=Z8]] [Figure 22] It is a diagram for explaining the distance between the edge of the nail and the hole. [Figure 23] It is a diagram for explaining the distance between the edge of the nail and the hole in the first modification example. [Figure 24] It is a diagram for explaining the distance between the edge of the nail and the hole in the first modification example. [Figure 25] It is a diagram for explaining the distance between the edge of the nail and the hole in the second modification example. [Figure 26] It is a diagram for explaining the distance between the edge of the nail and the hole in the second modification example. [Figure 27] It is a diagram for explaining the distance between the edge of the nail and the hole in the third modification example. [Figure 28] It is a diagram for explaining the distance between the edge of the nail and the hole in the fourth modification example. [Figure 29] It is a diagram for explaining the first contact mode between the nail and the adjustment suppression part. [Figure 30]This diagram illustrates the second contact configuration between the nail and the adjustment / restraining part. [Figure 31] This diagram illustrates the third contact pattern between the nail and the adjustment / restraining part. [Figure 32] This diagram shows an example of attaching a sealing member to cover a hole. [Figure 33] This is a diagram illustrating the adhesive application area on a sealing component. [Figure 34] This is a diagram illustrating the relief holes provided near the movable part. [Figure 35] This is a diagram illustrating the access holes provided in the protective cover. [Figure 36] This diagram shows the right-hand game area, with the movable piece of the second special electric mechanism disassembled. [Figure 37] This figure shows an example of a design feature provided in response to a movable piece. [Figure 38] This figure shows another example of a design provided in response to a movable piece. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order with reference to the attached drawings. <1. Structure of a gaming machine> <2. Control Configuration of Gaming Machines> [2.1 Main Control Board] [2.2 Frame control board] [2.3 Power Supply Board] [2.4 Performance control board, etc.] <3. Overview of Operation> [3.1 Game Status] [3.2 Special Symbol Variation Display Game] [3.3 Big Win Game] [3.4 Regular Symbol Variation Display Game] [3.5 An example of staging] <4. Processing on the main control board> [4.1 Main Control Side Main Processing] [4.2 Main Control Timer Interrupt Processing] <5. Processing of the frame control board> [5.1 Frame control side main processing] [5.2 Timer interrupt processing on the frame control side] <6. Processing of the Performance Control Board> [6.1 Main Processing on the Performance Control Side] [6.2 Timer interrupt processing on the performance control side] <7. Configuration of the protective cover> <8. Variations regarding protective covers and nails> [8.1 First Variation] [8.2 Second Variation] [8.3 Third Variation] [8.4 Fourth Variation] <9. Contact pattern between the nail and the adjustment / suppression part> <10. Others> <11. Arrangement of rotating members> <12. Summary>

[0010] <1. Structure of a gaming machine> The overall structure of the gaming machine 1 as an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment when the front frame 7 is opened. In the following, the direction to the right from the perspective of a player facing directly towards the gaming machine 1 will be defined as the right direction of the gaming machine 1, and the direction to the left from the perspective of a player facing directly towards the gaming machine 1 will be defined as the left direction of the gaming machine 1. Furthermore, the direction directly upward will be defined as the upward direction of the gaming machine 1, and the direction directly downward will be defined as the downward direction of the gaming machine 1. In addition, the direction from the gaming machine 1 toward the player facing directly towards it will be defined as the front direction of the gaming machine 1, and the direction from the player facing directly towards the gaming machine 1 toward the gaming machine 1 will be defined as the rear direction of the gaming machine 1. The left-right direction of the gaming machine 1 means the same as the width direction of the gaming machine 1.

[0011] Gaming machine 1 is a so-called smart pachinko machine that uses game balls sealed inside to circulate and play games.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the gaming machine 1 comprises a wooden outer frame 3, an inner frame 5 attached to the outer frame 3 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge mechanism 4, and a front frame 7 attached to the inner frame 5 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge mechanism 4. The hinge mechanisms 4 are provided at the upper left and lower left ends of the gaming machine 1. The inner frame 5 is formed in the shape of a picture frame and holds the game board 9 inside.

[0013] The front frame 7 has a transparent glass 11 held in the center, and side units 13 are provided so as to surround all or part of the transparent glass 11. The side unit 13 is designed with a decorative shape that matches the theme of the gaming machine 1, and may also be equipped with LEDs, movable parts, and other performance elements inside, thereby conveying the atmosphere of the game to the player. The side unit 13 is interchangeably attached to the front frame 7.

[0014] A key cylinder 15 for unlocking the door is provided at the right end of the front frame 7. Inserting a key into this key cylinder 15 and operating it in one direction releases the lock on the front frame 7 to the inner frame 5, allowing the front frame 7 to be opened forward. Operating it in the other direction releases the lock on the inner frame 5 to the outer frame 3, allowing the inner frame 5 to be opened forward.

[0015] An operation panel 17 is located on the lower side of the front frame 7. To the right of the operation panel 17 is a handle device 19 for launching game balls from the launching device 31. Below the handle device 19, a support platform 20 is provided for the player to rest their wrist on.

[0016] To the left of the control panel 17 are a game ball count display 21 and a counting switch 23. The game ball count display 21 consists of a 6-digit 7-segment LED and displays the number of game balls managed by the gaming machine 1 (the number of game balls held by the player; hereinafter referred to as the managed game ball count). The counting switch 23 receives input from the player to transfer the managed game ball count to the game value medium (card) of the game ball dispensing device.

[0017] Furthermore, the control panel 17 is equipped with operation buttons 25 that can be operated by the player. The operation buttons 25 include a performance button 25a, a directional key 25b, a brightness change button 25c, and a volume change button 25d. The effect button 25a becomes operable (input accepted) during a predetermined input acceptance period, and changes in the effect can be brought about by performing a predetermined operation (pressing, repeatedly pressing, holding, etc.). In addition, the effect button 25a also serves as an operator to instruct the confirmation of the item selected by the directional key 25b. The directional keys 25b are controls used by players, hall staff, and other users to select various items, indicate directions, and perform other actions. The brightness change button 25c is an operator for adjusting the brightness of the performance LED 27, which is controlled to have various lighting patterns and light colors. It consists of a plus button to increase the brightness of the performance LED 27 and a minus button to decrease the brightness of the performance LED 27. The volume control button 25d is a control for adjusting the volume of sound output from the speaker 29, and consists of a plus button to increase the volume and a minus button to decrease the volume.

[0018] Below the control panel 17, a display panel 26 is provided. Inside the display panel 26, multiple display LEDs 27 are provided, and by controlling the lighting of these display LEDs 27, the display panel 26 as a whole lights up and displays in various lighting patterns and colors.

[0019] The LEDs 27 used for effects are controlled by the effect control board 120 and are installed in various locations other than within the effect panel 26. For example, the LEDs 27 used for effects are installed around the gaming machine 1, such as around the front frame 7, inside the side unit 13, inside the game board 9, etc.

[0020] Furthermore, multiple speakers 29 that output sound are provided around the gaming machine 1, for example, around the periphery of the front frame 7. Multiple speakers 29 are used to enable stereo sound reproduction and multi-channel sound reproduction for sounds related to the performance.

[0021] The inner frame 5 is provided with a circulation mechanism 30, including a launching device 31 and a lifting device 33, located below the game board 9. The circulation mechanism 30 circulates the game balls within the game machine 1. The launching device 31 launches the game balls toward the game area 37 with a force corresponding to the amount (rotation angle) of the player's operation on the handle 19a of the handle device 19. The lifting device 33 transports the game balls discharged from the game area 37 to the launching device 31. Furthermore, the lifting device 33 incorporates a polishing device that polishes the game balls while they are being lifted.

[0022] Next, the configuration of the game board 9 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a front view of the game board 9. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of section AA in Figure 3.

[0023] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the game board 9 is provided with an outer rail 35 and an inner rail 36 for guiding the launched game balls. The outer rail 35 extends in an arc shape from the lower left end in the left-right direction, passing through the upper center end in the left-right direction and extending to the upper right end. The roughly circular area surrounded by the outer rail 35 is formed as the game area 37, and the area outside the roughly circular area is formed as the non-game area. The game area 37 is a space formed between the game board 9 and the transparent glass 11, and is an area in which game balls can flow down.

[0024] The inner rail 36 extends in an arc shape from slightly below the left end to the upper left end in the left-right direction, along the outer rail 35. The area sandwiched between the outer rail 35 and the inner rail 36 is formed as the game ball guide path 35a. The game ball guide path 35a is the path through which the game balls launched from the launching device 31 travel, guiding the game balls launched from the launching device 31 to the game area 37.

[0025] The game area 37 is divided into a left game area 37a and a right game area 37b by a center ornament 39 located in the center. The center ornament 39 has a center vertex 39a that protrudes upward to divide the left game area 37a and the right game area 37b. Note that the center vertex 39a may be formed at a position shifted to the right or left of the center, rather than being in the exact center in the left-right direction. Game balls launched by the launching device 31 with a predetermined launch intensity below that which does not exceed the center vertex 39a will flow down the left game area 37a, while game balls launched with a predetermined launch intensity or greater than that which exceeds the center vertex 39a will flow down the right game area 37b.

[0026] The game area 37 is provided with a stopper 38 that is continuous with the upper right end of the outer rail 35. The stopper 38 is positioned along the outer rail 35, causing the game balls launched by the launching device 31 with a predetermined launching force or higher to collide with the stopper 38 and guide them to the right game area 37b.

[0027] Furthermore, a backflow prevention member 40 is provided at the upper left end of the inner rail 36. The backflow prevention member 40 is biased counterclockwise by a spring (not shown) so as to block the game ball guide path 35a, and is also capable of rotating clockwise around the upper left end of the inner rail 36 as a pivot point by game balls entering the game area 37 from the game ball guide path 35a. In this way, the backflow prevention member 40 prevents game balls that have entered the game area 37 from flowing back into the game ball guide path 35a.

[0028] A special symbol 1 start port 41 is provided at the lower center of the game board 9. The special symbol 1 start port 41 is a prize entry port related to the starting conditions for the variable display operation of the first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as special symbol 1, and sometimes abbreviated as special symbol 1) on the main display unit 63, and is configured as a fixed start port.

[0029] A special symbol 2 start opening 43 is provided on the right side of the game board 9. The special symbol 2 start opening 43 is a prize entry point related to the starting conditions for the variable display operation of the second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as special symbol 2, and sometimes abbreviated as special symbol 2) on the main display unit 63, and is configured as a variable start opening whose opening and closing is controlled by the ordinary electric mechanism 45.

[0030] The standard electric mechanism 45 can be switched between an open state, which allows game balls to enter the special symbol 2 start opening 43, and a closed state, which makes it difficult or impossible for game balls to enter the special symbol 2 start opening 43, by operating the movable piece 45a.

[0031] In the right game area 37b, approximately in the vertical center and upstream of the special symbol 2 start opening 43, there is a normal symbol start opening 47 through which game balls can pass. This normal symbol start opening 47 is a gate related to the variable display operation of the normal symbols in the main display unit 63.

[0032] Below the regular symbol start opening 47 in the right game area 37b, a large prize opening 49 is provided. The large prize opening 49 is opened and closed by a special electric mechanism 51. The large prize opening 49 may also be located above the special symbol 2 start opening 43. The special electric mechanism 51 can be switched between an open state, which allows game balls to enter the large prize opening 49, and a closed state, which makes it difficult or impossible for game balls to enter the large prize opening 49, by operating the movable piece 51a.

[0033] In this embodiment, the gaming machine 1 is provided with two large prize slots 49. Furthermore, two special electric mechanisms 51 are provided, corresponding to the large prize slots 49.

[0034] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, two large prize slots 49 are provided below the normal symbol start slot 47, separated vertically. In the following explanation, of the two large prize slots 49, the one located below will be referred to as the first large prize slot 49A, and the large prize slot 49 located vertically between the normal symbol start slot 47 and the first large prize slot 49A will be referred to as the second large prize slot 49B.

[0035] Furthermore, among the special electric mechanisms 51, the special electric mechanism 51 provided in accordance with the first large prize opening 49A is designated as the first special electric mechanism 51A. The first special electric mechanism 51A can be switched between an open state, which allows game balls to enter the first large prize opening 49A, and a closed state, which makes it difficult or impossible for game balls to enter the first large prize opening 49A, by operating the movable piece 51Aa.

[0036] Furthermore, among the special electric mechanisms 51, the special electric mechanism 51 provided in accordance with the second large prize opening 49B is designated as the second special electric mechanism 51B. The second special electric mechanism 51B can be switched between an open state, which allows game balls to enter the second large prize opening 49B, and a closed state, which makes it difficult or impossible for game balls to enter the second large prize opening 49B, by operating the movable piece 51Ba.

[0037] In addition, multiple prize entry points 53 are provided on the left and right lower sides of the game area 37. Furthermore, an outlet 55 is provided on the lower center side of the game area 37, and game balls that do not enter any of the prize entry points are discharged from the game area 37 through the outlet 55. Note that multiple outlets 55 may be provided. For example, in the example shown in Figure 3, an outlet 55 is also provided below the special symbol 2 start outlet 43.

[0038] Nails 52 are placed at various points in the game area 37. The placement of the nails 52 is on or along the path of the game balls to affect the ease with which the balls enter the various prize-winning openings and starting openings.

[0039] Some of the nails 52 may be arranged in a predetermined position as a group of nails 54 consisting of multiple nails 52 (see, for example, Figure 4).

[0040] A protective cover 300 is attached to at least a portion of the right game area 37b, for example, from the front. The protective cover 300 is, for example, formed of a transparent resin material in at least a portion thereof, and is configured so that the flow path of the game balls can be seen through the transparent portion.

[0041] The protective cover 300 is formed as a nail protection section 302, a portion of which protects the nail 52.

[0042] The nail protection section 302 has a hole 304 in which a part of the nail 52 is located. The specific configuration of the protective cover 300 will be described later. Note that the parts shown by dashed lines in Figure 3, other than the movable mechanism 61, are parts that can be seen by the player through the transparent protective cover 300.

[0043] Furthermore, while the special symbol 1 starting gate 41 is only accessible to game balls that have flowed down the left game area 37a, it may also be accessible to game balls that have flowed down the right game area 37b. Furthermore, while only game balls that have flowed down the right game area 37b can enter or pass through the special symbol 2 starting opening 43, the regular symbol starting opening 47, and the big prize opening 49, game balls that have flowed down the left game area 37a may also enter or pass through.

[0044] In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball enters one of the various prize slots located in the game area 37, the number of prize balls set for the prize slot into which the game ball entered (for example, 3 balls for the special symbol 1 starting slot 41, 1 ball for the special symbol 2 starting slot 43, 15 balls for the large prize slot 49, and 5 balls for the prize slot 53) is dispensed.

[0045] Furthermore, an LCD unit (liquid crystal display device) 57 and an illumination panel 59 are provided in the area surrounded by the center ornament 39 in the center of the game board 9. The LCD unit 57, in accordance with the control of the performance control board 120 described later, displays, for example, three decorative patterns 201a to 201c (see Figure 8) in a variable and stopped manner, and displays various images (still images and moving images) for performances. The decorative symbols 201 come in multiple variations, including different numbers and symbols. The combination of the three decorative symbols 201a to 201c that are displayed indicates the result of the jackpot lottery, which will be described later.

[0046] The illumination panel 59 is made of a plate-shaped transparent synthetic resin material and is positioned opposite the LCD unit 57, on the player side (front side) than the LCD unit 57. The illumination panel 59 has predetermined patterns such as letters, figures, symbols, and designs formed on its front or back surface by embossing. When light is not incident on the illumination panel 59 from the side, the patterns are not visible or are difficult to see, but when light is incident on the side, the patterns emit diffused light and become visible to the player.

[0047] A space is formed between the LCD unit 57 and the illumination panel 59, and one or more movable components 61 are arranged within this space. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate one of the multiple movable components 61. The movable mechanism 61 is positioned in front of the LCD unit 57 and is retracted to a position where it is not normally visible to the player, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 3. Then, as shown by the solid line in Figure 3, the movable mechanism 61 is driven by the movable motor 61a (see Figure 7) during the display of the decorative symbols 201 (during the display of special symbols 1 and 2), etc., and moves to the front of the LCD unit 57, thereby giving the player a sense of anticipation for a big win.

[0048] A main display unit 63, which is a dot matrix display, is provided in the non-game area at the lower left of the game board 9. In addition, a fourth symbol display unit 65, which is a dot matrix display, is provided in the non-game area at the lower right of the game board 9.

[0049] Figure 5 illustrates the main display unit 63 and the fourth symbol display unit 65. The main display unit 63 is controlled by the main control board 100 and displays (notifies) information regarding the progress of the game by lighting, flashing, and extinguishing LEDs. In the following, the lighting, flashing, and extinguishing of LEDs will be collectively referred to as lighting display. As shown in Figure 5(a), the main display unit 63 includes a special symbol 1 display unit 63a that displays the variable display operation (lighting display) of special symbol 1, a special symbol 2 display unit 63b that displays the variable display operation of special symbol 2, and a normal symbol display unit 63c that displays the variable display operation of normal symbols. In addition, the main display unit 63 includes a special symbol 1 reserved number display unit 63d that displays the number of reserved special symbol 1, a special symbol 2 reserved number display unit 63e that displays the number of reserved special symbol 2, a normal symbol reserved number display unit 63f that displays the number of reserved normal symbols, a round display unit 63g that displays the prescribed number of rounds (maximum number of rounds) related to a jackpot, a game state display unit 63h that displays the game state (time reduction state, high probability state), and a right-hand shooting display unit 63i that prompts the player to shoot to the right. Right-handed play refers to the player operating the handle 19a to launch the game ball towards the right-hand play area 37b. The right-handed play indicator 63i is a display that informs the player that launching the game ball towards the right-hand play area 37b is more advantageous than launching it towards the left-hand play area 37a.

[0050] The fourth symbol display unit 65 is controlled by the performance control board 120 and notifies information regarding the progress of the game by lighting up LEDs. As shown in Figure 5(b), the fourth symbol display unit 65 is equipped with a special symbol 1 display unit 65a that displays the variation of special symbol 1, and a special symbol 2 display unit 65b that displays the variation of special symbol 2. The fourth symbol display unit 65 is also equipped with a special symbol 1 reserved number display unit 65c that displays the number of reserved special symbol 1, a special symbol 2 reserved number display unit 65d that displays the number of reserved special symbol 2, and a right-hand play display unit 65e that prompts the player to play to the right.

[0051] <2. Control Configuration of Gaming Machines> Figures 6 and 7 are block diagrams showing the control configuration of the gaming machine 1. The control configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be explained with reference to the block diagrams in Figures 6 and 7. The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is composed of a main control board 100 that comprehensively controls the progress of the game (game operation control), a frame control board 110 that comprehensively controls the management of the number of game balls (prize balls) and the management of game balls (launching, circulation), an effect control board 120 that receives effect control commands from the main control board 100 and comprehensively controls the execution of effects by the effect means, a power supply board 130 that generates and supplies the necessary power voltage to the gaming machine 1 from an external power supply, a game ball dispensing device connection terminal board 140 that is connected to a game ball dispensing device, a decorative relay board 150 on which components related to the effect means are provided or connected, a front frame relay board 160, an upper decorative board 170, and a decorative board 180.

[0052] [2.1 Main Control Board] The main control board 100 comprises a main control unit 101 and a system reset circuit 103. The main control unit 101 is a microprocessor equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RWM (Read / Write Memory). The ROM stores control programs for controlling game operations, as well as various data necessary for game operation control. The RWM functions as a work area and buffer memory. The CPU controls game operations by executing the control programs stored in the ROM.

[0053] The system reset circuit 103 detects power-on, power-off, power-related abnormalities, etc., and outputs a system reset signal to reset the main control unit 101. Although not shown in the diagram, the main control unit 101 also includes a CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) for implementing periodic interrupts, pulse output generation functions at regular intervals (bitrate generator), and time measurement functions; an interrupt controller circuit that performs interrupt enable / disable functions such as timer interrupts that provide interrupt signals; a watchdog timer (WDT) circuit for monitoring abnormal operation of the control program; an Intrusion Prevention Attack (IAT) circuit for monitoring whether the program is executing correctly within a preset address range; and a counter circuit (random number generation circuit) for generating random numbers within a certain range (hardware random values) in hardware.

[0054] The counter circuit described above includes a random number generation circuit that generates random numbers and a sampling circuit that samples random values ​​from the random number generation circuit at predetermined timings, and functions as a 16-bit counter as a whole. The main control unit 101 sends instructions to the sampling circuit according to the processing state to obtain the value indicated by the random number generation circuit as a random number for jackpot determination (0 to 65535), and uses the random number for jackpot determination in the jackpot lottery. The random number for jackpot determination is obtained by adding a software random value, which is generated by appropriate software processing, and a hardware random value, in order to prevent cheating such as targeting specific jackpots.

[0055] The main control board 100 is connected to the following switches: a special symbol 1 start-up switch 41a for detecting the entry of a game ball into the special symbol 1 start-up slot 41; a special symbol 2 start-up slot 43a for detecting the entry of a game ball into the special symbol 2 start-up slot 43; a normal symbol start-up slot switch 47a for detecting the passage of a game ball into the normal symbol start-up slot 47; a prize slot switch 53a for detecting the entry of a game ball into the prize slot 53; and a large prize slot switch 49a for detecting the entry of a game ball into the large prize slot 49. The detection signals output from these switches are input to the main control unit 101. Therefore, the main control unit 101 can determine which prize slot a game ball has entered (passed through) based on the detection signals from each switch. In this embodiment, the gaming machine 1 is provided with a large prize slot switch 49a corresponding to the first large prize slot 49A and the second large prize slot 49B, respectively.

[0056] Furthermore, the main control board 100 is connected to a large prize opening solenoid 51b that operates a special electric mechanism 51 (movable piece 51a) that opens and closes the large prize opening 49, and a regular electric mechanism solenoid 45b that operates a regular electric mechanism 45 (movable piece 45a) that opens and closes the special symbol 2 start opening 43. The main control unit 101 outputs control signals to control these solenoids. In this embodiment, the main control board 100 of the gaming machine 1 is connected to a large prize solenoid 51b corresponding to the first large prize opening 49A and the second large prize opening 49B, respectively.

[0057] The game board 9 is also equipped with a magnetic sensor 67 for detecting magnetism, a radio wave sensor 69 for detecting radio waves, and a vibration sensor 71 for detecting vibrations, and these sensors are connected to the main control board 100. Signals from these sensors are input to the main control unit 101.

[0058] Furthermore, the main control board 100 is connected to the main display unit 63. The main control unit 101 outputs a control signal to illuminate the main display unit 63.

[0059] The main control board 100 is connected to the frame control board 110 so that they can communicate with each other. The main control board 100 (main control unit 101) mainly transmits control commands containing information about prize balls and launch control signals indicating whether or not to launch game balls to the frame control board 110. The main control board 100 also receives from the frame control board 110 a door open signal indicating the opening of the front frame 7, an RWM clear signal to clear the RWM, a power supply abnormality signal indicating a power supply abnormality, and a frame communication confirmation signal to confirm communication. Furthermore, the main control board 100 receives drive power (DC35VA, DC12VA, DC5VA, backup power) from the frame control board 110.

[0060] The main control board 100 transmits various performance control commands, including information related to the special symbol variation display game and error information, to the performance control board 120. However, in order to prevent fraudulent activities such as cheating, the main control board 100 only transmits signals to the performance control board 120 and is configured as a one-way communication system in which it cannot receive signals from the performance control board 120.

[0061] [2.2 Frame control board] The frame control board 110 includes a frame control unit 111, an RWM clear switch 112a, a game ball count clear switch 112b, a ball removal switch 112c, an error release switch 112d, a performance indicator 113, a system reset circuit 114, a power supply abnormality signal generation circuit 115, a launch control circuit 116, and a backup power supply generation circuit 117.

[0062] The frame control unit 111 is a microprocessor equipped with a CPU, ROM, and RWM. The ROM stores control programs for managing the number of game balls, controlling the launching device 31 and the lifting device 33, and various other data necessary for these controls. The RWM functions as a work area and buffer memory. The CPU manages the number of game balls and controls the launching device 31 and the lifting device 33 by executing the control programs stored in the ROM.

[0063] The RWM clear switch 112a, the game ball count clear switch 112b, the ball removal switch 112c, and the error clear switch 112d are push-button type switches. If the RWM clear switch 112a is pressed when the power is turned on, the frame control unit 111 clears the RWM and transmits an RWM clear signal to the main control board 100. Upon receiving the RWM clear signal, the main control unit 101 clears a predetermined area of ​​the RWM.

[0064] If the game ball count clear switch 112b was pressed when the power was turned on, the frame control unit 111 clears the game ball count it manages. As a result of the game ball count being cleared, 0 will be displayed on the game ball count display unit 21.

[0065] If the ball removal switch 112c is pressed when the power is turned on, the frame control unit 111 performs a ball removal process to eject the game balls sealed inside the game machine 1 to the outside. Specifically, the frame control unit 111 drives the lifting motor 33a on the condition that it has detected game balls with the lifting inlet switch 33f, which will be described later.

[0066] The frame control unit 111 clears the specific error that occurred when the error clear switch 112d is pressed when a specific error occurs.

[0067] If the ball removal switch 112c is pressed when the power is turned on, the frame control unit 111 performs a process to discharge the game balls sealed inside the game machine 1 to the outside. Specifically, the frame control unit 111 drives the lifting motor 33a on the condition that it has detected game balls with the lifting inlet switch 33f, which will be described later.

[0068] The frame control unit 111 clears the specific error that occurred when the error clear switch 112d is pressed when a specific error occurs.

[0069] The performance indicator 113 is composed of, for example, a 6-digit 8-segment (7 segments + 1 dot) display. The performance indicator 113 is controlled by the frame control unit 111 and displays game performance information calculated based on game results over a predetermined period (for example, every 6000 games). Game performance information includes the continuous prize ratio, prize ratio, and base. The continuous prize ratio is the proportion of the total number of prize balls that are awarded for entering the large prize slot 49. The prize ratio is the proportion of the total number of prize balls that are awarded for entering the special symbol 2 start slot 43 and the prize balls that are awarded for entering the large prize slot 49. The base is the proportion of the total number of prize balls that are awarded for the total number of game balls shot. Furthermore, the performance display unit 113 can switch and display game performance information for each predetermined period (each interval).

[0070] The system reset circuit 114 detects power-on, power-off, power-related abnormalities, etc., and outputs a system reset signal to reset the frame control unit 111.

[0071] The power supply abnormality signal generation circuit 115 monitors the voltage drop of the drive power supply (5V DC voltage (DC5VA), 12V DC voltage (DC12VA)) supplied from the power supply board 130, and outputs a power supply abnormality signal to the main control unit 101 when the voltage falls below a predetermined threshold. The power supply abnormality signal generation circuit 115 may also be configured to monitor the voltage drop of the 24V AC voltage (AC24V).

[0072] The launch control circuit 116 controls the launch of game balls from the launch device 31 by driving and controlling the launch device 31 (ball feeding solenoid 31a, launch solenoid 31b).

[0073] The backup power generation circuit 117 generates a backup power supply (VBB) that is supplied to the RWMs of the main control unit 101 and the frame control unit 111 when the power supply is interrupted. When the RWMs of the main control unit 101 and the frame control unit 111 receive the backup power supply (VBB), they are able to retain (back up) the stored data for a certain period of time even when a power outage occurs.

[0074] A door open sensor 73, which is provided on the inner frame 5, is connected to the frame control board 110. When the door open sensor 73 detects that the front frame 7 has been opened relative to the inner frame 5, or that the inner frame 5 has been opened relative to the outer frame 3, it outputs a door open signal to the main control board 100 via the frame control board 110.

[0075] The circulation mechanism 30 provided in the inner frame 5 includes a lifting motor 33a, an out ball switch 33b, a foul ball switch 33c, an over-position detection switch 33d, an under-position detection switch 33e, a lifting inlet switch 33f, a lifting outlet switch 33g, and a lifting position detection switch 33h, all of which are connected to the frame control board 110.

[0076] The circulation mechanism 30 includes a pre-lift path to which game balls discharged from the game area 37 are guided, a lift path to which game balls that have passed through the pre-lift path are lifted, and a post-lift path to which game balls lifted in the lift path are guided to the launching device 31. In the circulation mechanism 30, game balls discharged from the game area 37 are guided through the pre-lifting path to the lowest end of the lifting path. Once guided to the lowest end of the lifting path, the game balls are lifted upward within the lifting path by the lifting device 33. After reaching the uppermost end of the lifting path, the game balls are sent to the post-lifting path and then guided through the post-lifting path to the launching device 31.

[0077] The lifting motor 33a is controlled by the frame control unit 111 and rotates a lifting part, which is for example a spiral member, located within the lifting path. The rotated lifting part guides game balls that have reached the downstream end of the pre-lifting path into the lifting path and lifts game balls that have accumulated within the lifting path upward. It also sends game balls from the uppermost end of the lifting path to the post-lifting path.

[0078] The out ball switch 33b, foul ball switch 33c, excessive position detection switch 33d, under-position detection switch 33e, lifting inlet switch 33f, and lifting outlet switch 33g are switches that detect game balls, and when a game ball is detected, a detection signal is output to the frame control board 110 (frame control unit 111).

[0079] The out ball switch 33b is located upstream of the pre-lift path and detects game balls (out balls) that have been ejected from the game area 37 and guided into the pre-lift path. The foul ball switch 33c is located in the foul ball confluence path, which is connected between the positions where the out ball switch 33b and the excessive position detection switch 33d are located in the pre-lift path. It detects game balls launched from the launcher 31 that do not reach the game area 37 and are returned to the pre-lift path via the foul ball confluence path.

[0080] The over-position detection switch 33d and the under-position detection switch 33e are positioned downstream of the out-ball switch 33b on the pre-lift path and separated by a predetermined distance, and are used to detect game balls that remain in the pre-lift path. The over-position detection switch 33d is located upstream of the under-position detection switch 33e on the pre-lift path. Furthermore, if the over-position detection switch 33d does not detect any game balls when the power is turned on, and the under-position detection switch 33e does detect game balls, that is, if there are game balls at the position where the under-position detection switch 33e is located, and there are no game balls at the position where the over-position detection switch 33d is located, the frame control unit 111 determines that the correct number of game balls are sealed inside the game machine 1. On the other hand, if the under-position detection switch 33e does not detect game balls when the power is turned on, the frame control unit 111 determines that there are too few game balls sealed inside the game machine 1. Also, if the over-position detection switch 33d detects game balls when the power is turned on, the frame control unit 111 determines that there are too many game balls sealed inside the game machine 1. In other words, in these cases, the frame control unit 111 determines that the normal number of game balls are not sealed inside the game machine 1. In this case, the frame control unit 111 sends a signal to the main control unit 101 indicating that the normal number of game balls are not sealed inside, and the main control unit 101 sends a performance control command to the performance control unit 121 indicating that the normal number of game balls are not sealed inside. The performance control unit 121 then notifies hall staff, etc., that the normal number of game balls are not sealed inside by displaying it on the LCD unit 57, etc.

[0081] The lifting inlet switch 33f is located near the downstream end of the pre-lifting path and detects game balls that are accumulating near the downstream end of the pre-lifting path. The lifting exit switch 33g is located in the middle of the lifting path and detects game balls that are stuck at that location. The frame control unit 111 rotates the lifting motor 33a when a game ball is detected at the lifting inlet switch 33f (meaning game balls are accumulated in the pre-game path) and no game ball is detected at the lifting outlet switch 33g (meaning no predetermined number of game balls are accumulated in the post-lift path).

[0082] The frame control unit 111 then stops the lifting motor 33a when a game ball is detected by the lifting outlet switch 33g, that is, when a predetermined number of game balls are accumulated in the lifting path.

[0083] The lifting position detection switch 33h detects the rotation angle of the lifting motor 33a. The frame control unit 111 rotates the lifting motor 33a based on the rotation angle detected by the lifting position detection switch 33h.

[0084] The launching device 31 includes a ball feeding solenoid 31a, a launching solenoid 31b, and a subtraction port switch 31c. The ball feeding solenoid 31a, based on control by the frame control unit 111, sends the game ball located at the downstream end of the lifted path to the launch position in the launching device 31. The launch solenoid 31b, based on the control by the frame control unit 111, launches the game ball that has been sent to the launch position by the ball feeding solenoid 31a toward the game area 37. The subtraction port switch 31c is located at the downstream end of the lifting path and detects the game ball being sent to the launch position in the launching device 31 by the ball feeding solenoid 31a. When a game ball is detected by the subtraction input switch 31c, the frame control unit 111 subtracts 1 from the number of managed game balls. Also, when a game ball launched from the launching device 31 is detected by the foul ball switch 33c as being guided to the pre-lift path via the foul ball confluence path without reaching the game area 37, the frame control unit 111 adds 1 to the number of managed game balls to restore the subtracted value. Furthermore, when the frame control unit 111 receives a control command indicating the number of prize balls from the main control board 100 (main control unit 101), it adds the number of prize balls indicated in the command to the total number of game balls managed.

[0085] Furthermore, when the counting switch 23 provided on the front frame 7 is operated by the player, the frame control unit 111 transfers the number of managed game balls to the valuable medium of the game ball dispensing device via the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board 140. Specifically, if the counting switch 23 is operated for a shorter time than a predetermined time, a signal is output to the game ball dispensing device that subtracts 1 from the managed game ball count and adds 1 to the number of game balls recorded on the valuable medium. As a result, the game ball dispensing device adds 1 to the number of game balls recorded on the valuable medium. Furthermore, if the counting switch 23 is operated for a longer period than predetermined, a signal is periodically output to the game ball dispensing device that subtracts 250 from the managed game ball count and adds 250 to the number of game balls recorded on the valuable medium. As a result, the game ball dispensing device adds 250 to the number of game balls recorded on the valuable medium each time it receives a signal. Furthermore, when the frame control unit 111 receives a loan notification from the game ball dispensing device to lend out game balls based on the number of game balls or monetary information stored in the valuable medium, it adds the number of game balls corresponding to the loan notification to the managed number of game balls. In this case, the number of game balls or monetary information recorded in the valuable medium will be reduced by the value corresponding to the number of game balls corresponding to the loan notification.

[0086] The handle device 19 provided on the front frame 7 is equipped with a touch sensor 19b, a firing stop switch 19c, and a firing intensity VR 19d, and these sensors are connected to the frame control board 110. The frame control board 110 can receive detection signals from the touch sensor 19b, the firing stop switch 19c, and the firing intensity VR 19d.

[0087] The touch sensor 19b detects when the player is touching the handle 19a. The firing stop switch 19c is a push-button type switch. The firing intensity VR19d detects the amount of movement (rotation angle) of the handle 19a.

[0088] The launch control circuit 116 launches game balls from the launching device 31 by controlling the supply of power to the ball feeding solenoid 31a and the launching solenoid 31b based on the launch control signals output from the main control unit 101 and the frame control unit 111. Specifically, the launch control signal that permits launching is output from the main control unit 101 and the frame control unit 111, the touch sensor 19b detects that the player is touching the handle 19a, and the launch stop switch 19c is not operated, at which point the launching operation of the launching device 31 to launch game balls is permitted. The launch control circuit 116 then controls the launch solenoid 31b so that the game ball is launched with a launch intensity corresponding to the input amount detected by the launch intensity VR19d.

[0089] Furthermore, a game ball count indicator 21 is connected to the frame control board 110. The frame control board 110 transmits control signals to the game ball count indicator 21 to illuminate and display the managed game ball count.

[0090] Furthermore, the front frame 7 is equipped with a radio wave sensor 75 that detects radio waves at a position opposite the foul ball switch 33c, and the radio wave sensor 75 is connected to the frame control board 110. The radio wave sensor 75 is equipped with a coil and detects radio waves based on the induced magnetic field applied to the coil. The radio wave sensor 75 mainly detects unauthorized radio waves directed at the foul ball switch 33c and outputs a detection signal to the frame control board 110.

[0091] [2.3 Power Supply Board] The power supply board 130 receives an external AC input power supply (AC24V) and generates DC voltages that serve as the drive power supply for each component based on the input AC input power supply (AC24V). The power supply board 130 generates 35V DC voltage (DC35VA, DC35VB), 12V DC voltage (DC12VA, DC12VB), and 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) from the AC input power supply.

[0092] The generated 35V DC voltage (DC35VA), 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), and 5V DC voltage (DC5VA), along with the externally input AC power supply (AC24V), are supplied to the frame control board 110. Furthermore, the 35V DC voltage (DC35VA), 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), and 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) supplied to the frame control board 110 are also supplied to the main control board 100 along with the backup power generated by the frame control board 110. Furthermore, the generated 35V DC voltage (DC35VB) and 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) are supplied to the performance control board 120. In addition, the generated 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is also supplied to the front frame relay board 160.

[0093] [2.4 Performance control board, etc.] The performance control board 120 is connected to the decorative relay board 150, the front frame relay board 160, and the LCD unit 57, and the upper decorative board 170 is connected via the front frame relay board 160. The decorative relay board 150 is connected to a movable motor 61a for driving the movable mechanism 61, a movable position detection switch 61b for detecting the position of the movable mechanism 61, a fourth symbol display 65, and a decorative board 180. Furthermore, the decorative relay board 150 is equipped with a motor driver 61c for driving the movable motor 61a and an LED driver 27a for controlling the lighting of the display LEDs 27.

[0094] The front frame relay board 160 is located below the hinge mechanism 4 side of the front frame 7, and is positioned so that the connector is exposed on the rear side (towards the game board 9) (see Figure 2). The front frame relay board 160 is connected to a speaker 29, operation buttons 25, a vibration device 77 that provides vibration to the player, and a decorative board 180. The front frame relay board 160 is also equipped with a power generation circuit 151 that generates a 5V DC voltage (DC5VB) from a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB). The 5V DC voltage (DC5VB) generated by the power generation circuit 151 is supplied to the upper decorative board 170 along with the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB).

[0095] The upper decorative circuit board 170 is located in the upper center of the front frame 7, and is positioned so that the connector is exposed on the rear side (towards the game board 9) (see Figure 2). The upper decorative circuit board 170 is connected to a movable body motor 61a, a movable body position detection switch 61b, a wind device 79, and a decorative circuit board 180. The wind device 79 is driven by the performance control unit 121 and blows wind towards the player.

[0096] The decorative circuit board 180 mainly consists of one on which the performance LEDs 27 are arranged, and another on which the performance LEDs 27 and LED drivers 27a are arranged, and different decorative circuit boards 180 may be connected in a continuous sequence. Note that the number and connection relationship of the decorative circuit boards 180 are merely examples, and other configurations are also possible.

[0097] The performance control board 120 includes a performance control unit 121, a sound ROM 123, a sound IC 125, a VDP circuit 127, and a power supply generation circuit 129.

[0098] The performance control unit 121 is a microprocessor equipped with a CPU, ROM, and RWM. The ROM stores control programs for the performance means and various data necessary for controlling the performance operations. The RWM functions as a work area and buffer memory. The CPU controls the performance means by loading the control programs stored in the ROM into the RWM and executing them.

[0099] The performance control unit 121 performs calculation processing for various performance operations and controls each performance means based on the performance control program and performance control commands received from the main control board 100. The performance means are devices that perform performances to notify or suggest whether or not a favorable state will occur for the player during the game, and include performance LEDs 27, speakers 29, LCD units 57, illumination panels 59, movable parts 61, vibration devices 77, and wind devices 79.

[0100] The performance control unit 121 receives performance control commands from the main control board 100 and determines a performance scenario based on the performance control commands. The performance control unit 121 then controls the performance means to execute the performance based on the determined performance scenario.

[0101] For example, the performance control unit 121 instructs the motor driver 61c to move the movable prop 61 based on the performance scenario, and instructs the LED driver 27a to light up the performance LED 27 based on the performance scenario. In addition, the LED driver 27a provided on the decorative relay board 150 instructs the fourth symbol display 65 to light up in addition to the performance LED 27. Furthermore, the performance control unit 121 drives the vibration device 77 to generate vibrations based on the performance scenario, and drives the wind device 79 to blow air based on the performance scenario.

[0102] The sound ROM 123 stores sound data such as background music and sound effects. The sound IC 125 reads the sound data corresponding to the determined performance scenario from the sound ROM 123 and outputs it to the speaker 29. As a result, the speaker 29 emits background music and sound effects corresponding to the determined performance scenario.

[0103] The VDP circuit 127 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor), an image ROM, and VRAM (Video RAM). The VDP controls all aspects of video output processing, including image unpacking and image rendering. The image ROM stores the image data that the VDP uses for image processing. VRAM is an image memory area that temporarily stores image data expanded by VDP. The VDP circuit 127 generates various image data based on the performance scenario and outputs it to the LCD unit 57. As a result, various performance images are displayed on the LCD unit 57.

[0104] The power generation circuit 129 generates a 5V DC voltage (DC5VB) from a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB).

[0105] <3. Overview of Operation> Next, we will explain the general operation of the gaming machine 1, which is realized by the control configuration described above (Figures 6 and 7).

[0106] [3.1 Game Status] In the gaming machine 1, in addition to the special game state for winning big, multiple types of game states can be set. To facilitate understanding of this embodiment, the various game states will be explained first.

[0107] Gaming machine 1 operates in one of two game states, which is a combination of either a low probability state or a high probability state, and either a non-shortened time state or a shortened time state. However, if gaming machine 1 is a mixed type of type 1 and type 2, then there is no low probability state or high probability state. In other words, the game state is either a non-shortened time state or a shortened time state.

[0108] A low-probability state is a state where the probability of winning the jackpot lottery is relatively low, while a high-probability state is a state where the probability of winning the jackpot lottery is relatively high. In the non-shortened time state, it is relatively difficult for game balls to enter the special symbol 2 start slot 43, while in the shortened time state, it is relatively easy for game balls to enter the special symbol 2 start slot 43. For example, in the shortened time state, the opening time of the special symbol 2 start slot 43 when a regular symbol win is achieved is set to be longer than in the non-shortened time state. However, if it is easier for game balls to enter the special symbol 2 start slot 43 in the shortened time state than in the non-shortened time state, then in the shortened time state, for example, the probability of winning the regular symbol win lottery may be increased, or the variation time of the regular symbols may be shortened. In this embodiment, "normal state" refers to the low probability state and the non-time-saving state (non-time-saving state in the case of the Type 1 and Type 2 mixed gaming machine 1), and corresponds to the initial state.

[0109] [3.2 Special Symbol Variation Display Game] In game machine 1, the special symbol 1 variation display game is executed based on the entry (winning) of a game ball into the special symbol 1 start slot 41. In the Special Symbol 1 Variable Display Game, random numbers used in the Special Symbol 1 Variable Display Game (random numbers for jackpot determination, random numbers for special symbol determination, and random numbers for variable pattern) are acquired based on the entry of a game ball into the Special Symbol 1 Start Port 41. Based on the acquired random numbers, the main control unit 101 performs a jackpot lottery, a symbol lottery, and a variable pattern lottery. In the jackpot lottery, either a jackpot or a loss is determined by lottery based on the jackpot determination random number. In the symbol lottery, the final stopping symbol (jackpot symbol, losing symbol) is determined by lottery based on the result of the jackpot lottery and the special symbol determination random number. In the variable pattern lottery, the variable pattern that defines the variable time of the special symbol is determined by lottery based on the results of the jackpot lottery and the symbol lottery, and the variable pattern random number. In the Special Symbol 1 Variable Display Game, after the variable display of Special Symbol 1 begins on the Special Symbol 1 display unit 63a, and after the variable time based on the result of the variable pattern lottery has elapsed, the stopped symbol determined by the symbol lottery is stopped and displayed on the Special Symbol 1 display unit 63a.

[0110] In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball passes through the special symbol 1 start port 41, that is, when a detection signal is input from the special symbol 1 start port switch 41a, a random number used in the special symbol 1 variable display game is acquired, and this random number is stored as hold data in the special symbol 1 hold memory area of ​​the RWM up to the maximum number of hold memory (for example, a maximum of 4).

[0111] Furthermore, in the game machine 1, the special symbol 2 variation display game is executed based on the entry (winning) of a game ball into the special symbol 2 start slot 43. In the special symbol 2 variation display game, similar to the special symbol 1 variation display game, the main control unit 101 performs a jackpot lottery, a symbol lottery, and a variation pattern lottery based on the acquired random number. After the special symbol 2 variation display starts on the special symbol 2 display unit 63b, and after the variation time based on the result of the variation pattern lottery has elapsed, the stop symbol determined by the symbol lottery is stopped and displayed on the special symbol 2 display unit 63b.

[0112] Furthermore, if the gaming machine 1 is a mixed type 1 and type 2 gaming machine 1, a jackpot lottery and a minor jackpot lottery for the minor jackpot game are performed in the special symbol 2 variation display game using a random number for jackpot determination. In the special symbol 2 variation display game, after the variation time based on the result of the variation pattern lottery has elapsed, the stopped symbols determined by the symbol lottery are stopped and displayed on the special symbol 2 display 63b.

[0113] In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball passes through the special symbol 2 start port 43, that is, when a detection signal is input from the special symbol 2 start port switch 43a, a random number related to the special symbol 2 variable display game is acquired, and this random number is stored as hold data in the special symbol 2 hold memory area of ​​the RWM up to the maximum number of hold memory (for example, a maximum of 4).

[0114] When explaining the Special Symbol 1 Variation Display Game and the Special Symbol 2 Variation Display Game without distinguishing between them, they will simply be referred to as the Special Symbol Variation Display Game.

[0115] [3.3 Big Win Game] If a player wins a jackpot in the jackpot lottery and the jackpot symbol is displayed on either the special symbol 1 display 63a or the special symbol 2 display 63b, a jackpot game that is more advantageous to the player than the special symbol variation display game will then be played based on the jackpot symbol. The jackpot symbol is determined by a symbol lottery based on a random number for special symbol determination and the game state when a jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery, and is associated with a predetermined number of rounds.

[0116] In a jackpot game, after a predetermined pre-opening interval (opening time) has elapsed, the large prize slot 49 (for example, the second large prize slot 49B) opens, and then a predetermined time (maximum opening time) has elapsed, or the number of game balls that have entered the large prize slot 49 reaches the maximum number of winning balls, at which point the large prize slot 49 closes. This "round game" is repeated for a predetermined number of rounds (the number of rounds based on the jackpot symbol). After the predetermined number of rounds is completed, the jackpot game ends after a predetermined post-opening interval (ending time) has elapsed.

[0117] If a jackpot is won, the game state at the time of the jackpot, the game state after the jackpot ends, the number of probability-increasing rounds, and the number of time-saving rounds (only the number of time-saving rounds in Type 1 and Type 2 mixed game machines) are determined according to the game state at the time of the jackpot and the winning symbols that were determined. The "probability variation count" refers to the number of times a special symbol variation display game is played, which allows the high-probability state to continue after a big win. If the high-probability state is set after a big win, and the special symbol variation display game count for the probability variation count ends without winning another big win, the game state will transition to the low-probability state. The "Short Time Count" refers to the number of times a special symbol variation display game can be played after a big win, allowing the Short Time state to continue. If the Short Time state is set after a big win, and the Special Symbol Variation Display Game for the Short Time Count ends without a big win, the game state will transition to a non-Short Time state.

[0118] Furthermore, if the gaming machine 1 is a mixed type of type 1 and type 2, in the special symbol 2 variation display game, not only the big win lottery but also the small win lottery for the small win game will be conducted. If you win the minor prize draw, a minor prize game will begin in which the large prize slot 49 will remain open until the number of game balls that have entered the slot reaches the maximum number of balls that have been awarded. The mini-win games include a "fall-out" mini-win game where a state advantageous to the player (for example, a time-saving game state) ends, and a "jackpot-attached" mini-win game where a jackpot game begins after the mini-win game.

[0119] In a game with a small prize that includes a big prize, after a predetermined opening time has elapsed, for example, the first large prize slot 49A is opened intermittently, and the game ends when the total opening time reaches a predetermined time or when the number of game balls that have entered the first large prize slot 49A reaches the maximum number of prizes. Within the first major prize slot 49A, there is a specific area (the so-called V area), and when a game ball passes through this specific area during a game with a minor prize that includes a jackpot, the jackpot game that follows the minor prize game begins. In the big win game following a minor win, a predetermined number of rounds of gameplay are played. Each round of gameplay involves keeping the second large prize slot 49B open for a predetermined period of time. The game ends when the total opening time reaches the predetermined time or when the number of game balls that have entered the second large prize slot 49B reaches the maximum number of winning balls.

[0120] In this case, the minor win is announced to the player as the first round of play for convenience, and the first round of play in the subsequent big win is announced to the player as the second round of play. Then, after a predetermined number of rounds have been played and a set interval time (ending time) has elapsed, the big win game that followed the small win game ends. In the following explanation, the term "jackpot" includes both jackpots and minor wins unless otherwise specified.

[0121] In the aforementioned fall-out mini-bonus game, the movable piece 51Ba of the second special electric mechanism 51B is moved to an open state that allows game balls to enter the second large prize opening 49B, after which the state advantageous to the player (for example, the time-saving game state) ends and the game returns to the normal state. In addition, in the fall-out mini-bonus game, the number of game balls that enter the second large prize opening 49B and the predetermined number of rounds may be less than in the mini-bonus game with a big win. In other words, in the fall-out mini-bonus game, the number of game balls the player can obtain may be less than in the mini-bonus game with a big win.

[0122] [3.4 Regular Symbol Variation Display Game] In game machine 1, a game of displaying the changing symbols is executed based on the fact that a game ball has passed through the regular symbol starting opening 47. In the regular symbol variation display game, a random number (random number for determining regular symbol wins) is obtained based on the passage of the game ball through the regular symbol start opening 47, and the main control unit 101 performs a lottery for regular symbol wins. Based on the lottery result of the regular symbol win lottery, the regular symbols are displayed in a variation on the regular symbol display unit 63c, and after a predetermined variation time has elapsed, the lottery result is displayed as stopped. In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball passes through the regular symbol start opening 47, that is, when a detection signal is input from the regular symbol gate detection sensor 26a, a random number related to the regular symbol variation display game (a random number for determining a regular symbol win) is acquired, and this random number is stored as hold data in the regular symbol hold storage area of ​​the RWM up to the maximum number of hold storage units (for example, up to 4).

[0123] If a regular symbol win is achieved in the regular symbol win lottery and the regular symbol is displayed on the regular symbol indicator 63c in the "regular symbol win" manner, then the regular electric opening game is performed. In the regular electric opening game, the regular electric mechanism solenoid 45b is activated, causing the regular electric mechanism 45 to open, and the special symbol 2 start opening 43 is opened, making it easier for game balls to flow in. In the regular electric opening game, the operation of opening the special symbol 2 start opening 43 is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, once) until a predetermined time (for example, 5.7s) has elapsed or the number of game balls that have entered the special symbol 2 start opening 43 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 6 balls).

[0124] [3.5 An example of staging] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a variation effect. The effect control board 120 receives effect control commands from the main control board 100 and controls the execution of the effect by the effect means. For example, in the special symbol variation display game, the variation effect is performed in synchronization with the special symbol variation display game based on the control of the effect control board 120.

[0125] In the variation animation, for example, three decorative symbols 201 (left decorative symbol 201a, middle decorative symbol 201b, right decorative symbol 201c) are displayed by scrolling in the center of the LCD unit 57, and a predetermined sound effect is output from the speaker 29.

[0126] Furthermore, the lower part of the LCD unit 57 is provided with a hold display area 205 that displays hold displays 203 (203a to 203d) corresponding to the number of hold data stored for the special symbol variation display game currently in progress, and a display area 209 for displaying the hold display corresponding to the special symbol variation display game currently in progress as the hold display 207.

[0127] Multiple display patterns are provided for the hold display 203 and the hold display 207. When a game ball enters the special symbol 1 start port 41 or the special symbol 2 start port 43, the display pattern to be displayed on the hold display 203 and the hold display 207 is determined by the performance control unit 121 based on the results of the jackpot lottery, symbol lottery, and variation pattern lottery that are performed in advance by the main control unit 101. The hold display area 205 and the hold display area 209 display the hold display 203 and the hold display 207 according to the display pattern determined by the performance control unit 121. The display patterns include, for example, default (white), blue, green, red, and gold, each with a different display color. Multiple display patterns may differ not only in color but also in shape. Furthermore, the display pattern may change from the time it is first displayed in the hold display area 205 until it is hidden in the display area 209. The display pattern of the hold display 207 that is finally displayed in the display area 209 indicates the probability of a big win.

[0128] As shown in Figure 8(a), assume that the previous special symbol variation display game has ended, and the symbols "1" are displayed as the left decorative symbol 201a, "2" as the middle decorative symbol 201b, and "3" as the right decorative symbol 201c. Also assume that the four hold displays 203a to 203d were displayed in the hold display area 205.

[0129] Subsequently, the performance control unit 121 determines the performance scenario and the decorative symbol 201 to be stopped for the next special symbol variation display game. When the special symbol variation display game starts, as shown in Figure 8(b), the variation display of decorative symbols 201a to 201c begins (in the figure, the variation display of decorative symbol 201 is indicated by a white arrow), and the hold display 203 is shifted in the hold display area 205. The hold display 203a that was displayed on the far left in the hold display area 205 is then displayed as the hold display 207 in the display area 209.

[0130] As shown in Figure 8(c), after the left and right decorative symbols 201a and 201c temporarily stop on, for example, the same "7" symbol (after entering a so-called "reach" state), as shown in Figure 8(d), when a predetermined development image (indicated as "BATTLE" in the figure) is displayed on the LCD unit 57, the hold indicator 203 and the hold indicator 207 are hidden, and the decorative symbols 201a to 201c are displayed, for example, in the upper right corner in a small size.

[0131] Then, as shown in Figure 8(e), the player is notified that they have won a jackpot when, for example, the decorative symbols 201a to 201c stop and display as the same "7" symbol. If the player has not won a jackpot, the decorative symbols 201a to 201c will not stop and display together, and the player is notified that they have lost.

[0132] After the decorative symbols 201a to 201c stop and are displayed as the same symbol, a jackpot animation is executed when a jackpot game begins. As shown in Figure 8(f), the LCD unit 57 displays an image related to the jackpot game (indicated as "jackpot" in the figure), and a right-hand shooting image 210 prompting the player to shoot to the right is displayed in the right-hand shooting display area 211 in the upper right of the LCD unit 57. As a result, the player will shoot to the right.

[0133] <4. Processing on the main control board> Next, the processing performed by the main control unit 101 of this embodiment will be described. The processing performed by the main control unit 101 mainly consists of the main processing (main control side main processing: Figure 9) and the timer interrupt processing (main control side timer interrupt processing: Figure 10) which is started by a scheduled interrupt.

[0134] [4.1 Main Control Side Main Processing] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the main processing on the primary control side. When power is supplied from the power supply board 130 and the main control side main processing starts, in step S101 the main control unit 101 sets the internal registers of the CPU.

[0135] In step S102, the main control unit 101 determines whether the power supply abnormality signal, which indicates a power supply abnormality, is ON (abnormal). If the power supply abnormality signal is ON (Yes in step S102), the process returns to step S102. If the power supply abnormality signal is not ON (normal) (No in step S102), the main control unit 101 allows access to the RWM in step S103.

[0136] In step S104, the main control unit 101 determines whether the input signal (RWM clear signal) from the RWM clear switch 112a is ON. The input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a is ON when the RWM clear switch 112a is pressed, and OFF when the RWM clear switch 112a is not pressed. If the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a is not ON (No in step S104), in step S105 the main control unit 101 determines whether the backup flag is ON. The backup flag is a flag that indicates whether the backup process was performed in the power check / backup process described later in step S201, and is turned ON if the backup process was performed.

[0137] If the backup flag is ON (Yes in step S105), in step S106 the main control unit 101 performs backup recovery processing and moves the process to step S108. Backup recovery processing is a recovery process that allows the game to be resumed after power is turned on, based on the game information backed up to the RWM when the power was cut off. Furthermore, during the backup restoration process, performance control commands corresponding to the backup restoration are sent to the performance control board 120.

[0138] On the other hand, if the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a is ON (Yes in step S104), or if the backup flag is not ON (No in step S105), the main control unit 101 executes the RWM clear recovery process in step S107 and moves the process to step S108. This RWM clear recovery process initializes the values ​​in a predetermined area (usage area) including the work area in RWM, and sends a performance control command to the performance control board 120 indicating that the RWM clear recovery has been completed.

[0139] In step S108, the main control unit 101 performs startup initialization processing necessary for starting game operation, such as initializing the values ​​of registers in each part, including the main control unit 101. The startup initialization processing includes sending a performance control command to the performance control board 120 to instruct the start of the game, sending a command indicating the number of reserved special symbols 1 and 2, and turning on the launch control signal to the frame control board 110.

[0140] The main control unit 101 sets the system to an interrupt-disabled state in step S109, and then executes a random number update process in the following step S110. In this random number update process, various random numbers used in the special symbol variation display game and the normal symbol variation display game are updated, and the system is set to an interrupt-enabled state in step S111 before returning to step S109.

[0141] In this way, the processes in steps S109 to S111 are repeated in an infinite loop. The main control unit 101 repeatedly executes these processes in steps S109 to S111, except when it is performing timer interrupt processing which is executed intermittently.

[0142] [4.2 Main Control Timer Interrupt Processing] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the main control side timer interrupt processing. The main control timer interrupt processing is triggered by an interrupt from the CTC at regular intervals (4ms) and is executed by interrupting the main control processing during execution.

[0143] As shown in Figure 10, when a timer interrupt occurs, the main control unit 101 executes the power check and backup process in step S201. In this power check and backup process, the power level supplied from the power supply board 130 is mainly monitored, and if an abnormality such as a power outage occurs, backup processing is performed to store predetermined game information at the time of the power outage in the RWM so that gameplay can be resumed without problems when the power is restored. When the backup process is performed, the main control unit 101 turns on the backup flag.

[0144] In step S202, the main control unit 101 executes a timer management process to manage the timers used for controlling the game operation. Here, the values ​​of various timers used for controlling the game operation of the gaming machine 1 are updated (subtracted).

[0145] In step S203, the main control unit 101 executes input management processing. In the input management processing, input data is created based on input information (ON / OFF signals and rising edge states (ON edge, OFF edge)) output from various sensors and switches, and the value of the prize counter is updated based on the created input data. The input information here includes, for example, ON / OFF information of detection signals (winning detection information) output from detection switches such as the special symbol 1 start switch 41a, special symbol 2 start switch 43a, normal symbol start switch 47a, big prize slot switch 49a, and prize slot switch 53a, as well as ON / OFF information of detection signals output from the magnetic sensor 67, radio wave sensor 69, and vibration sensor 71, and status signals from the frame control board 110 (ON / OFF information of the door open sensor 73, radio wave sensor 75, etc.). This allows monitoring of whether a game ball has been detected at each prize slot with each interrupt. Furthermore, a "prize counter" is a counter installed in conjunction with each prize slot, which counts the number of game balls that have entered the prize slot (number of prize balls).

[0146] In step S204, the main control unit 101 executes timer interrupt-based random number management processing to periodically update the random numbers related to each variable display game. Here, in order to make the count value of the random number counter random, it updates the random numbers (adding +1 with each interrupt) for the random numbers used for special symbol determination and the random numbers used for regular symbol hit determination, and changes the starting value of the random number counter each time the random number counter completes a cycle. Note that the random numbers used for jackpot determination are generated by the random number generation circuit and are therefore not updated here.

[0147] In step S205, the main control unit 101 performs error management processing. In the error management processing, it monitors whether or not an error has occurred based on input data from various sensors and status signals from the frame control board 110. If an error occurs, the main control unit 101 sends an error command corresponding to the type of error that occurred as a performance control command to the performance control board 120 as part of the error processing. When the performance control board 120 receives this error command, it executes an error notification according to the type of error. Furthermore, if the error that was occurring is resolved, the main control unit 101 sends an error clear command to the performance control board 120. When the performance control board 120 receives this error clear command, it terminates the error notification that was being executed.

[0148] In step S206, the main control unit 101 executes the normal symbol management process. The normal symbol management process performs the necessary operations to execute the normal symbol variation display game, such as acquiring and storing data for the normal symbols, conducting a normal symbol lottery in the normal symbol variation display game, and determining the variation time for displaying the normal symbols on the normal symbol display unit 63c based on the lottery results.

[0149] In step S207, the main control unit 101 executes the normal electric mechanism management process. The normal electric mechanism management process performs the necessary processing to execute the normal electric opening game, such as controlling the opening and closing of the normal electric mechanism solenoid 45b.

[0150] In step S208, the main control unit 101 executes special symbol management processing. In special symbol management processing, the main processing performed is necessary to execute the special symbol variation display game, including acquiring and storing the held data for special symbol 1 and special symbol 2, conducting big win lotteries, small win lotteries and symbol lotteries in the special symbol variation display game, and conducting lotteries for special symbol variation patterns based on the lottery results. The main control unit 101 then transmits the results of the big win lottery and the small win lottery, the current game state, and a variation pattern specification command including the variation pattern to the performance control board 120 as performance control commands. Furthermore, the main control unit 101 transmits a decorative symbol specification command to the performance control board 120 as a performance control command, which includes the symbol type (whether it is special symbol 1 or 2) and the stopped symbol (symbol lottery result).

[0151] In step S209, the main control unit 101 executes special electric prize management processing. In special electric prize management processing, the necessary processing is performed to execute a jackpot game. Furthermore, if the gaming machine 1 is a mixed type of type 1 and type 2, the special electric prize management processing also performs the necessary processing to execute not only a jackpot game but also a minor jackpot game.

[0152] In step S210, the main control unit 101 performs right-hand shooting notification information management processing. In right-hand shooting notification information management processing, processing is performed to provide a right-hand shooting notification in situations where right-hand shooting is advantageous, such as when the special symbol 2 start opening 43 or the big prize opening 49 is opened.

[0153] In step S211, the main control unit 101 executes LED management processing. In LED management processing, it controls the output of control signals to the main display unit 63. Control signals are generated based on decisions made in normal symbol management processing (step S206), special symbol management processing (step S208), right-hand hit notification information management processing (step S210), etc., and are output to the main display unit 63 in this LED management processing. This enables a series of variable display operations (variable display and stop display) of special symbols and normal symbols on the main display unit 63, as well as the display of the number of reserved symbols.

[0154] In step S212, the main control unit 101 performs solenoid management processing. In solenoid management processing, it checks the control signals for the ordinary electric mechanism solenoid 45b generated in the ordinary electric mechanism management processing (step S207), and also checks the control signals for the big prize opening solenoid 51b generated in the special electric mechanism management processing (step S209). Based on these signals, the operation / stopping of the ordinary electric mechanism solenoid 45b and the big prize opening solenoid 51b is controlled, causing the special symbol 2 start opening switch 43a to open or close, or the big prize opening 49 to open or close.

[0155] In step S213, the main control unit 101 determines whether it has reached the communication cycle (for example, an interval of 108 ms) for communicating with the frame control board 110. If it is not the communication cycle for communicating with the frame control board 110 (No in step S213), the main control unit 101 terminates the main control side timer interrupt processing. When it is time for communication with the frame control board 110 (Yes in step S213), in step S214 the main control unit 101 performs a received data acquisition process to receive signals (door open signal, power abnormality signal, etc.) transmitted from the frame control board 110.

[0156] In step S215, the main control unit 101 outputs a control command to the frame control board 110 corresponding to the gaming machine information ((hall computer / fraud monitoring information)) of the gaming machine 1, and terminates the main control side timer interrupt processing. The gaming machine information includes, for example, information on the occurrence of a jackpot game, information on the start of execution of a symbol variation display game, information on the number of winnings and the number of prize balls, and error information.

[0157] Once the timer interrupt processing described above is complete, the main control unit 101 repeats steps S109 to S111 until the next timer interrupt occurs.

[0158] <5. Processing of the frame control board> Next, the processing performed by the frame control unit 111 of this embodiment will be described. The processing of the frame control unit 111 mainly consists of a main processing (frame control side main processing: Figure 11) and a timer interrupt processing (frame control side timer interrupt processing: Figure 12) that is started by a scheduled interrupt.

[0159] [5.1 Frame control side main processing] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the main processing on the frame control side. When power is supplied from the power supply board 130 and the frame control side main processing starts, in step S301 the frame control unit 111 sets the CPU's internal registers.

[0160] In step S302, the frame control unit 111 determines whether the power supply abnormality signal, which indicates a power supply abnormality, is ON. If the power supply abnormality signal is ON (Yes in step S302), the process returns to step S302. If the power supply abnormality signal is not ON (is OFF) (No in step S302), the frame control unit 111 allows access to the RWM in step S303.

[0161] In step S304, the frame control unit 111 determines whether the input signal from the game ball count clear switch 112b is ON (the game ball count clear switch 112b is pressed). If the input signal from the game ball count clear switch 112b is not ON (No in step S304), in step S305 the frame control unit 111 calculates a checksum for the area related to the game ball count in RWM and determines whether the checksum is normal.

[0162] If the input signal from the game ball count clear switch 112b is ON (Yes in step S304), and if the checksum is not normal (No in step S305), in step S306 the frame control unit 111 executes a game ball count clear process to initialize the value of the area related to the game ball count in RWM. On the other hand, if the input signal from the game ball count clear switch 112b is not ON (No in step S304) and the checksum is normal (Yes in step S305), the frame control unit 111 moves to step S307 without performing the game ball count clearing process.

[0163] In step S307, the frame control unit 111 determines whether the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a is ON (the RWM clear switch 112a is pressed). If the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a is not ON (No in step S307), in step S308 the frame control unit 111 calculates a checksum for the area related to the gaming machine information in the RWM and determines whether the checksum is normal.

[0164] If the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a is ON (Yes in step S307), and if the checksum is not normal (No in step S308), in step S309 the frame control unit 111 performs an RWM clear process to initialize the values ​​in the area related to the gaming machine information in the RWM. On the other hand, if the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a is not ON (No in step S307) and the checksum is normal (Yes in step S308), the frame control unit 111 proceeds to step S310 without performing the RWM clear process.

[0165] In step S310, the frame control unit 111 performs startup initialization processes such as initializing the work area that does not require backup, setting the WDT and timer interrupts, and performing the ball removal process if the ball removal switch 112c was pressed.

[0166] The frame control unit 111 sets the system to an interrupt-disabled state in step S311 and performs a power outage abnormality check in step S312.

[0167] In step S313, the frame control unit 111 performs a launch stop control process that switches the launch control signal ON or OFF based on predetermined conditions and outputs the launch control signal to the launch control circuit 116.

[0168] In step S314, the frame control unit 111 receives a control command if there is one to be transmitted from the main control board 100, and performs main control board communication processing to transmit a signal to the main control board 100 if there is one to be transmitted to the main control board 100.

[0169] In step S315, the frame control unit 111 performs game machine information management processing to manage game machine information based on control commands transmitted from the main control board 100. In the game machine information management processing, the frame control unit 111 updates, for example, the number of managed game balls. Here, the frame control unit 111 adds the number of game balls in accordance with the control commands related to the number of prize balls transmitted from the main control board 100, subtracts the number of game balls in accordance with the detection of game balls by the subtraction input switch 31c, and adds the number of game balls in accordance with the detection of game balls by the foul ball switch 33c.

[0170] In step S316, the frame control unit 111 performs SC board communication processing to communicate with the SC board of the game ball dispensing device. During SC board communication processing, the frame control unit 111 updates, for example, the number of managed game balls. Here, the frame control unit 111 adds to the number of game balls in response to a dispensing notification from the game ball dispensing device and subtracts from the number of game balls in response to an operation of the counting switch 23.

[0171] In step S317, the frame control unit 111 performs a game ball count display control process that generates a control signal to illuminate the game ball count indicator 21 to display the managed game ball count updated in steps S315 and S316.

[0172] The frame control unit 111 performs error clearing within the area in step S318, performs game ball circulation management processing to appropriately control the lifting device 33 in step S319, performs error clearing outside the area in step S320, and performs fraud detection processing in step S321.

[0173] In step S322, the frame control unit 111 calculates values ​​for calculating game performance information to be displayed on the performance indicator 113 (such as the number of game balls shot, the total number of prize balls, the number of prize balls awarded for entering the large prize slot 49, the sum of the number of prize balls awarded for entering the special symbol 2 start slot 43 and the number of prize balls awarded for entering the large prize slot 49), and performs performance information management processing to calculate game performance information based on the calculated values.

[0174] In step S323, the frame control unit 111 performs performance indicator control processing to generate a control signal for lighting up the performance indicator 113 to display the game performance information calculated in step S322. In step S324, the frame control unit 111 enables the interrupt and returns processing to step S311.

[0175] Therefore, the frame control unit 111 will repeatedly execute the processes from steps S311 to S324.

[0176] [5.2 Timer interrupt processing on the frame control side] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt processing on the frame control side. The frame control timer interrupt processing is triggered by an interrupt from the CTC at regular intervals (1ms) and is executed by interrupting the frame control main processing.

[0177] As shown in Figure 12, when a timer interrupt occurs, the frame control unit 111 saves the register in step S401. In step S402, the frame control unit 111 performs counter management processing, incrementing the values ​​of the counters that count the first period (2ms) and the second period (4ms) by 1, and decrementing the timer every 1ms.

[0178] In step S403, the frame control unit 111 performs a lifting motor management process to control the drive of the lifting motor 33a.

[0179] In step S404, the frame control unit 111 determines whether it is the first period (2ms) based on the value of the counter that counts the first period. If it is not the first cycle (2ms) (No in step S404), the frame control unit 111 skips steps S405 to S411 and moves on to step S412. If it is the first cycle (Yes in step S404), in step S405 the frame control unit 111 sets the control signals (game ball count display segment data, game ball count display common data) generated in step S317 into the SPI communication buffer and performs game ball count display LED control processing to update the common counter.

[0180] In step S406, the frame control unit 111 performs a one-byte timer subtraction process to subtract a timer that consists of one byte.

[0181] In step S407, the frame control unit 111 performs a switch detection process to detect the state of each switch connected to the frame control unit 111. In step S408, the frame control unit 111 monitors the ball feeding solenoid 31a and the foul ball switch 33c and performs a subtraction mechanism control process to update the counter related to the number of managed game balls.

[0182] In step S409, the frame control unit 111 sets the control signals (performance display segment data, performance display common data) generated in step S323 into the SPI communication buffer and performs performance indicator LED control processing to update the common counter.

[0183] In step S410, the frame control unit 111 detects the state of each switch provided on the lifting device 33 and performs a game ball circulation switch detection process to update various timers related to the circulation of game balls.

[0184] In step S411, the frame control unit 111 executes an out-of-bounds error monitoring and management process to monitor for out-of-bounds errors.

[0185] The processing described in steps S405 to S411 is executed in the first cycle (every 2ms).

[0186] In step S412, the frame control unit 111 determines whether it is the second period (4ms) based on the value of the counter that counts the second period. If it is not the second cycle (No in step S412), the frame control unit 111 skips steps S413 to S415 and moves on to step S416. If it is the second cycle (Yes in step S412), in step S413 the frame control unit 111 performs a test signal output process to output a test signal.

[0187] In step S414, the frame control unit 111 performs a two-byte timer subtraction process to subtract from a timer consisting of two bytes.

[0188] In step S415, the frame control unit 111 performs a performance indicator display setting process to switch the section displayed on the performance indicator 113.

[0189] The processing described in steps S412 to S415 is executed in the second cycle (every 4ms).

[0190] In step S416, the frame control unit 111 outputs data from the output port. In step S417, the frame control unit 111 performs SPI communication. In SPI communication, for example, the control signals set in step S405 (game ball count display segment data and game ball count display common data, described later) are serially output to the game ball count indicator 21. The frame control unit 111 also serially outputs the control signals set in step S409 (performance display segment data and performance display common data, described later) to the performance indicator 113. As a result, the game ball count indicator 21 and the performance indicator 113 light up to display the game ball count and game performance information based on the transmitted control signals.

[0191] In step S418, the frame control unit 111 resets the register and terminates the frame control timer interrupt processing.

[0192] Once the timer interrupt processing described above is complete, the frame control unit 111 repeats steps S311 to S324 (see Figure 11) until the next timer interrupt occurs.

[0193] <6. Processing of the Performance Control Board> Next, the processing performed by the performance control board 120 of this embodiment will be described. The processing of the performance control board 120 mainly consists of a main process (performance control side main process: Figure 13) and a timer interrupt process (performance control side timer interrupt process: Figure 14) that is started by a scheduled interrupt.

[0194] [6.1 Main Processing on the Performance Control Side] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the main processing on the performance control side. First, in step S501, the performance control unit 121 performs the necessary initial setup processing before the start of game operation. Here, the initial setup processing includes, for example, setting command reception interrupts, restoring the starting point of the movable mechanism 61, initial setting of the CTC, enabling timer interrupts, and initial setting of register values ​​inside the CPU, including various parts of the microcomputer.

[0195] Once the above initial setup process is complete, the main loop process from steps S504 to S511 is performed at predetermined intervals (16ms), and otherwise the random number update process for the animation software in step S503 is repeatedly performed.

[0196] In step S502, the performance control unit 121 refers to the main loop update counter to determine whether the main loop update cycle (counter value > 15), which triggers the execution of the main loop process, has arrived. The main loop update counter is a counter that is incremented during the performance control-side timer interrupt process, which is executed every 1ms and will be described later. In this embodiment, the main loop process is performed every 16ms, and in the determination process in step S502, the value of the main loop update counter is determined. If the value is greater than "15" (Yes in step S502), the timing for executing the main loop process is determined, and the processes in steps S504 to S511 are executed. Otherwise, until the main loop update cycle arrives (No in step S502), in step S503, various random numbers for performance lottery, which are used to determine the performance scenario, are updated.

[0197] If the main loop update cycle is reached (Yes in step S502), the performance control unit 121 clears the main loop update counter in step S504 and executes the demo / power saving mode process in step S505. In the demo / power saving mode process, the performance during the demo (waiting for customers) and the setting process necessary for power saving mode are executed.

[0198] In step S506, the performance control unit 121 executes performance switch input processing. In the performance switch input processing, the operation status of the operation button 25 is monitored, and if an operation is detected, performance control processing corresponding to that operation is executed.

[0199] In step S507, the performance control unit 121 performs command analysis. During the command analysis, it monitors whether a performance control command is stored in the command reception buffer. If a performance control command is stored, it reads the command and executes the performance processing corresponding to the read performance control command. When a performance control command is transmitted from the main control board 100, it is stored in the RWM's command reception buffer.

[0200] For example, if a variable pattern specification command and a decorative pattern specification command are received and stored in the receive buffer, the performance control unit 121 determines a performance scenario based on the information contained in the commands during command analysis processing, and stores the data of that performance scenario (performance scenario data) in the scenario setting area of ​​the RWM. The performance scenario specifies a time schedule that determines when and for how long one or more types of performances should appear.

[0201] In step S508, the performance control unit 121 executes a scenario update process. In this scenario update process, the contents of the timers necessary for executing the performance scenario are updated, and the process of advancing the performance scenario is executed based on the timer values. A typical example of the above timer is the performance scenario timer, which manages the time schedule related to the timing of performance occurrences. For example, within the period in which the decorative symbol 201 is displayed in a variable state, which is substantially the same period as the period in which the special symbol is displayed in a variable state, this timer manages the time schedule of what kind of performance to present, for what duration, and by what means to present it, on that time axis. The performance scenario timer is also used in the LED drive data update process (step S510) and the movable mechanism operation update process (not shown), which will be described later.

[0202] In step S509, the performance control unit 121 performs sound output processing. In sound output processing, data such as phrases and volume are output to the audio IC 125 based on the performance scenario data and the performance scenario timer, and sound effects are produced from the speaker 29 through the audio IC 125. This realizes sound effects that conform to the performance scenario.

[0203] In step S510, the performance control unit 121 executes an LED drive data update process. In the LED drive data update process, a control signal (LED data) is created to light up the performance LED 27 based on the performance scenario data and the performance scenario timer. Furthermore, the performance control unit 121 creates control signals (LED data) to light up the fourth symbol display 65 based on performance control commands (commands such as the number of special symbols and regular symbols to be held, and commands for right-hand shooting notification) transmitted from the main control board 100 and the performance scenario timer.

[0204] In step S511, the performance control unit 121 executes LED output processing. In this LED output processing, the control signal (LED data) created in the LED drive data update processing is output to the LED driver 27a, and the fourth symbol display 65 and the performance LEDs 27 are lit up through the LED driver 27a.

[0205] [6.2 Timer interrupt processing on the performance control side] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt processing on the performance control side. The timer interrupt processing on the performance control side is triggered by an interrupt from the CTC at regular intervals (1ms) and is executed by interrupting the execution of the main processing on the performance control side.

[0206] In step S601, the performance control unit 121 saves the contents of the register to the stack area, and then in step S602, it executes a button input state update process. In this button input state update process, the input state of the operation detection signal from the operation button 25 is monitored, and if it is confirmed that an operation detection signal has been received, the detection information is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RWM.

[0207] In step S603, the performance control unit 121 executes a movable mechanism operation update process. This movable mechanism operation update process creates motor control data for the movable motor 61a that operates the movable mechanism 61, based on the performance scenario data and the performance scenario timer.

[0208] In step S604, the effect control unit 121 performs SOL·MOT output processing. In this SOL·MOT output processing, the motor control data of the movable object actuator motor 61a created in the movable object actuator operation update processing is output to the motor driver 61c. The motor driver 61c outputs a control signal based on the motor control data to the movable object actuator motor 61a of the movable object actuator 61 to be operated and controls its operation. Thereby, the movable object effect by the movable object actuator 61 along the effect scenario is realized.

[0209] In step S605, the effect control unit 121 performs LCD command transmission processing. In this LCD command transmission processing, when there is an LCD command created in the scenario update processing (step S508), the LCD command is transmitted to the VDP circuit 127 to execute image display control for the LCD unit 57. Thereby, an image along the effect scenario is displayed.

[0210] In step S606, the effect control unit 121 executes RTC information acquisition processing. In this RTC information acquisition processing, the date and time information (RTC information) measured by the RTC is acquired. This RTC information is used when presenting an effect based on the RTC information.

[0211] In step S607, the effect control unit 121 increments the main loop update counter. This main loop update counter is reset in step S504 during the above-mentioned main processing on the effect control side and is incremented here.

[0212] In step S608, the effect control unit 121 restores the content of the register that was saved, ends the timer interrupt processing, and executes the main processing on the effect control side until the next timer interrupt occurs.

[0213] <7. Configuration of the protection cover> A configuration example of the protection cover 300 will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 15 shows the relationship between the nail protection section 302 (shown by the dashed line in Figure 15), which is part of the protective cover 300, and the nail 52. In Figure 15, the parts shown by the dashed lines are parts that are visible to the player through the transparent protective cover 300.

[0214] The nail protection section 302 of the protective cover 300 is provided, for example, to prevent excessive deformation (bending) of the nails 52 due to load. The nail protection section 302 shown in Figure 15 protects multiple nails 52 that determine whether the game balls flowing down go towards the special symbol 2 start opening 43 side or towards the out opening 55 side.

[0215] The multiple pins 52 that determine whether the ball flows down towards the special symbol 2 start opening 43 or towards the out opening 55 are located, as shown in Figure 3, for example, downstream of the first major prize opening 49A and the first special electric mechanism 51A, and upstream of the special symbol 2 start opening 43 and the normal electric mechanism 45. These multiple pins 52 are arranged to guide the game balls that have flowed down through the closed first special electric mechanism 51A to either the normal electric mechanism 45 or the out opening 55. The game balls, via the closed first special electric mechanism 51A, that is, the balls that have rolled on the movable piece 51Aa of the first special electric mechanism 51A, are guided to either the ordinary electric mechanism 45 or the out opening 55, while in contact with or without contact with some of the multiple nails 52 (specifically the four nails 52 shown in Figures 15 and 17, etc.) located to the left of the first large prize opening 49A and to the right of the special symbol 2 start opening 43.

[0216] The protection of the nails 52 and the nail group 54 by the nail protection part 302 is achieved when a nail 52 deforms in at least one predetermined direction, a portion of the nail 52 comes into contact with the edge of the hole 304, preventing further deformation (see Figure 16).

[0217] The four nails 52 illustrated in Figure 15 consist of a first nail 52A, a second nail 52B, a third nail 52C, and a fourth nail 52D.

[0218] The first nail 52A is the nail 52 located in the upper right of the four nails 52. The second nail 52B is the nail 52 located to the lower left of the first nail 52A, and the third nail 52C is the nail 52 located further to the lower left of the second nail 52B.

[0219] Furthermore, the fourth nail 52D is the nail 52 located to the left of the first nail 52A.

[0220] The game balls, having rolled along the movable piece 51Aa of the closed first special electric mechanism 51A, pass from top to bottom between the first nail 52A and the fourth nail 52D, and are then distributed to the right and left flow paths of the second nail 52B.

[0221] The downflow path to the right of the second nail 52B is the path through which the game balls mainly flow down to the out opening 55 and is designated as the unfavorable path R1. On the other hand, the downflow path to the left of the second nail 52B is a relatively favorable path through which the balls can enter the special symbol 2 starting opening 43 and the prize opening 53 located below it, and is designated as the favorable path R2.

[0222] Specifically, the advantageous path R2 further branches into advantageous path R2a, which leads the game ball to the special symbol 2 starting opening 43 when the normal electric mechanism 45 is in the open state downstream, and advantageous path R2b, which leads the game ball to the prize winning opening 53 when the normal electric mechanism 45 is in the closed state.

[0223] As shown in Figure 15, the holes 304 in the nail protection portion 302 of the protective cover 300 are provided separately, with a relatively advantageous flow path in between. Specifically, the first hole 304A provided for the first nail 52A, second nail 52B, and third nail 52C located in the lower right of the advantageous path R2 that extends from the upper right to the lower left at the position of the nail protection section 302, and the second hole 304B provided for the fourth nail 52D located in the upper left of the advantageous path R2, are different holes 304.

[0224] In the example shown in Figure 15, one first hole 304A) is provided for the first nail 52A, the second nail 52B, and the third nail 52C, and one second hole 304B is provided for the fourth nail 52D.

[0225] Figure 16 also shows an example of the relationship between each nail 52 and the hole 304.

[0226] As shown in the figure, the nail 52 is positioned such that it interferes with the edge 304a of the hole 304 when bent in a predetermined direction. Specifically, when the protective cover 300 has a front surface 300a and a back surface 300b, at least a portion of the head 52a of the nail 52 is located between the front surface 300a and the back surface 300b in the front-to-back direction, and the entire head 52a is located further back than the front surface 300a.

[0227] By positioning at least a portion of the head 52a of the nail 52 between the surface 300a and the back surface 300b, when the nail 52 is bent in a predetermined direction, the head 52a interferes with the edge 304a (inner circumferential surface) of the hole 304, thereby suppressing further bending in that direction.

[0228] Furthermore, by configuring the nail 52 so that the entire head 52a of the nail 52, that is, the entire nail 52, does not protrude from the surface 300a toward the front, it becomes difficult to bring a jig or the like into contact with the head 52a when the front frame 7 is open, thus making it difficult to make extreme nail adjustments that are disadvantageous to the player.

[0229] A predetermined direction in which the head 52a of the nail 52 interferes with the edge 304a of the hole 304 will be explained with reference to Figure 17.

[0230] The second nail 52B is a nail 52 that is provided adjacent to both the unfavorable path R1 and the favorable path R2.

[0231] The second nail 52B is bent in a direction Dr1 toward the first nail 52A, which is located on the opposite side of the unfavorable path R1, thereby narrowing the unfavorable path R1 and making it easier for the game ball to branch off toward the favorable path R2. Further, the second pin 52B is bent in the direction Dr2 approaching the fourth pin 52D located on the opposite side across the advantageous path R2, so that the advantageous path R2 can be narrowed and the game ball can be easily branched toward the disadvantageous path R1.

[0232] That is, the second pin 52B is adjusted in a direction that is advantageous to the player when bent in the direction Dr1, and is adjusted in a direction that is disadvantageous to the player when bent in the direction Dr2.

[0233] Here, based on the relationship between the second pin 52B and the first hole 304A, a direction in which the second pin 52B can be easily adjusted and a direction in which it is difficult to adjust are provided. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the edge 304a of the first hole 304A is located in the direction Dr2 of the second pin 52B, and the adjustment amount of the second pin 52B is limited. On the other hand, no edge 304a is located between the second pin 52B and the first pin 52A in the direction Dr1, and the adjustment amount can be increased.

[0234] That is, the second pin 52B, which is the pin 52 adjacent to both the disadvantageous path R1 and the advantageous path R2 and is located at the branch point of both downstream paths, is made easy for the player to adjust the pin in the advantageous direction and difficult for the player to adjust the pin in the disadvantageous direction.

[0235] Also, the distance between the second pin 52B and the edge 304a in the direction Dr1 is longer than the distance between the second pin 52B and the edge 304a in the direction Dr2. By forming the first hole 304A of the pin protection portion 302 so as to satisfy such conditions, it is possible to make it easier for the player to perform the advantageous pin adjustment than the disadvantageous pin adjustment.

[0236] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 18, when the reverse direction to the direction Dr2, which is the direction of narrowing the advantageous path R2, is defined as the direction Dr3, the adjustment of the second pin 52B in the direction Dr2 is a disadvantageous pin adjustment for the player, and the adjustment in the direction Dr3 is an advantageous pin adjustment for the player.

[0237] Furthermore, in the gaming machine 1, the distance of the second nail 52B to the edge 304a in direction Dr3 is longer than the distance to the edge 304a in direction Dr2. By forming the first hole 304A of the nail protection part 302 in such a way as to satisfy these conditions, it becomes easier to make nail adjustments that are advantageous to the player rather than disadvantageous.

[0238] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19, when direction Dr4 is the opposite direction to direction Dr1, which narrows the unfavorable path R1, adjusting the second nail 52B toward direction Dr4 is an unfavorable nail adjustment for the player, while adjusting it toward direction Dr1 is an advantageous nail adjustment for the player.

[0239] Furthermore, in the gaming machine 1, the distance of the second nail 52B from the edge 304a in direction Dr1 is longer than the distance from the edge 304a in direction Dr4. By forming the first hole 304A of the nail protection part 302 in such a way as to satisfy these conditions, it becomes easier to make nail adjustments that are advantageous to the player rather than disadvantageous.

[0240] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 20, if we define direction Dr5 as the direction of the center of the game ball relative to 52B at the moment the game ball collides with 52B, and direction Dr6 as the opposite direction of direction Dr5, then adjusting the second nail 52B toward direction Dr5 is an unfavorable nail adjustment for the player, while adjusting it toward direction Dr6 is an advantageous nail adjustment for the player.

[0241] Furthermore, in the gaming machine 1, the distance of the second nail 52B to the edge 304a in direction Dr6 is longer than the distance to the edge 304a in direction Dr5. In other words, if, in the hole 304A shown in Figure 20, the portion of the edge 304a located in direction Dr5 relative to the second nail 52B is designated as the first edge 304a1, and the portion located in direction Dr6 is designated as the second edge 304a2, then the distance between the second nail 52B and the second edge 304a2 is longer than the distance between the second nail 52B and the first edge 304a1. By forming the first hole 304A of the nail protection part 302 in a manner that satisfies these conditions, it becomes easier to make nail adjustments that are advantageous to the player rather than disadvantageous.

[0242] Furthermore, it is anticipated that the second nail 52B will gradually bend in direction Dr6 as many game balls continue to collide with it. However, by making the distance from the edge 304a longer in direction Dr6 than in direction Dr5, damage to the edge 304a of the hole 304 of the protective cover 300 due to the bending of the second nail 52B can be prevented.

[0243] Furthermore, the protective cover 300 or nail protection part 302 can be rephrased as a nail adjustment suppression member that suppresses adjustment of the nails 52 in a specific direction (a direction unfavorable to the player). Such a nail adjustment suppression member does not directly affect the flow path of the game balls itself, but rather indirectly affects them by adjusting the amount of adjustment of the nails 52.

[0244] Furthermore, the nail adjustment suppression member does not change the aforementioned base (payout performance) of the gaming machine 1 even when its position is adjusted, and is clearly different from resin parts such as windmills installed near the nails 52.

[0245] Furthermore, if the large prize-winning opening 49, which accounts for the majority of the prize balls dispensed from the gaming machine 1, is located in the right gaming area 37b, it is desirable that the nail adjustment suppression member be provided for the nails 52 located in the right gaming area 37b. This makes it possible to effectively suppress inappropriate pin adjustments that would drastically reduce the number of prize balls received even after winning a jackpot.

[0246] Furthermore, if the prize ball slot, which accounts for the majority of the prize balls dispensed from the gaming machine 1, is located in the left gaming area 37a, it is preferable to install the nail adjustment suppression member in the left gaming area 37a.

[0247] In the example shown in Figure 17, etc., it is possible to adjust the first nail 52A and the fourth nail 52D to be advantageous or disadvantageous to the player. For example, in the case of the first nail 52A, as shown in Figure 21, if we define direction Dr7 as the direction that widens the unfavorable path R1 and direction Dr8 as the opposite direction, then adjusting the first nail 52A toward direction Dr7 is an unfavorable nail adjustment for the player, while adjusting it toward direction Dr8 is an advantageous nail adjustment for the player.

[0248] Furthermore, in the gaming machine 1, the distance of the first nail 52A to the edge 304a in direction Dr8 is longer than the distance to the edge 304a in direction Dr7. By forming the first hole 304A of the nail protection part 302 in such a way as to satisfy these conditions, it becomes easier to make nail adjustments that are advantageous to the player rather than disadvantageous.

[0249] Furthermore, for example, in the case of the fourth nail 52D, as shown in Figure 22, if we define direction Dr9 as the direction that narrows the advantageous path R2 and direction Dr10 as the opposite direction, then adjusting the fourth nail 52D toward direction Dr9 is an unfavorable nail adjustment for the player, while adjusting it toward direction Dr10 is an advantageous nail adjustment for the player.

[0250] Furthermore, in the gaming machine 1, the distance of the fourth nail 52D to the edge 304a of the second hole 304B in direction Dr10 is longer than the distance to the edge 304a of the second hole 304B in direction Dr9. By forming the second hole 304B of the nail protection part 302 in such a way as to satisfy these conditions, it becomes easier to make nail adjustments that are advantageous to the player rather than disadvantageous.

[0251] As shown in Figures 17 to 22, the holes 304 may be provided one per nail 52, or one per group of nails 54 consisting of multiple nails 52. For example, the first hole 304A is a hole 304 provided for the group of nails 54, and the second hole 304B is a hole 304 provided for one nail 52.

[0252] Furthermore, the center of the second hole 304B provided for one nail 52 is offset from the center of the corresponding fourth nail 52D. In other words, the second hole 304B allows for variable adjustment of the fourth nail 52D in each direction.

[0253] <8. Variations regarding protective covers and nails> A modified example of the relationship between the protective cover 300 and the nail 52 will be explained. [8.1 First Variation] The first variation is an example concerning a nail 52 located directly above various prize-winning openings and a protective cover 300 that protects it.

[0254] The protective cover 300 shown in Figure 23 is positioned to cover the periphery of at least six nails 52E, 52F, 52G, 52H, 52J, and 52K, with the head 52a of each nail 52 surrounded by the edge 304a of the hole 304.

[0255] Each nail 52 is a nail that can affect the flow path of the game balls as they flow down toward the special symbol 2 start opening 43, the normal symbol start opening 47, the big prize opening 49, and the prize opening 53. In this modified example, the nail 52 provided toward the prize opening 53 will be described as a representative example. In Figure 23, the prize opening 53 is visible through the transparent protective cover 300 and is indicated by a dashed line.

[0256] The four nails 52E, 52F, 52G, and 52H are located above the prize entry opening 53. Furthermore, nails 52E and 52F are positioned on the left side of the flow path leading to the prize entry opening 53. A single hole 304C is provided for nails 52E and 52F.

[0257] The nails 52G and 52H are positioned on the right side of the flow path. A single hole 304D is provided for both nails 52G and 52H.

[0258] Nail 52J is positioned between nail 52F and the prize entry opening 53. Nail 52K is positioned between nail 52H and the prize entry opening 53. One hole 304E is provided for nail 52J. One hole 304F is also provided for nail 52K.

[0259] Nails 52J and 52K are positioned symmetrically on the left and right sides directly above the prize entry opening 53, and the game ball can enter the prize entry opening 53 by passing between nails 52J and 52K. In other words, the flow path between nails 52J and 52K is designated as the advantageous path R2.

[0260] The distance between nails 52H and 52K is greater than the diameter of the game ball, allowing game balls that deviate from the advantageous path R2 to flow down to the right. Game balls that pass between nails 52H and 52K are guided to an unillustrated out-out opening 55 located below. In other words, the flow path between nails 52H and 52K is considered the disadvantageous path R1.

[0261] In this modified example, nail 52K is provided as a nail 52 adjacent to both the unfavorable path R1 and the favorable path R2, and the base (payout performance) can be changed by adjusting nail 52K.

[0262] In nail 52K, the distance from the edge 304a of the hole 304F in direction Dr11, which narrows the advantageous path R1, is longer than the distance from the edge 304a of the hole 304F in direction Dr11, which narrows the advantageous path R2. By forming the hole 304F of the nail protection part 302 in such a way that satisfies these conditions, it becomes easier to make nail adjustments that are advantageous to the player rather than disadvantageous.

[0263] Furthermore, in the case of nail 52J, the distance from the edge 304a of the hole 304E in direction Dr14, which widens the advantageous path R2, is longer than the distance from the edge 304a of the hole 304E in direction Dr13, which narrows the advantageous path R2. By forming the hole 304E of the nail protection part 302 in such a way that satisfies these conditions, it becomes easier to make nail adjustments that are advantageous to the player rather than disadvantageous.

[0264] Furthermore, when a portion of the edge portion 304a in the holes 304E and 304F is designated as the third edge portion 304a3 and the other portion as the fourth edge portion 304a4, the nail 52 is positioned offset from the center of the hole 304, so that at least one of the third edge portion 304a3 and the fourth edge portion 304a4 can be contacted during nail adjustment. Specifically, when the portion of the edge 304a of the hole 304E located in direction Dr13 in Figure 23 is designated as the third edge 304a3, and the portion located in direction Dr14 is designated as the fourth edge 304a4, at least the third edge 304a3 is made contact with the nail 52 during nail adjustment. Furthermore, at the edge 304a of the hole 304F, the portion located in direction Dr11 in Figure 23 can be designated as the third edge 304a3, and the portion located in direction Dr12 can be designated as the fourth edge 304a4. This makes it easier to adjust the pin settings to favor the player rather than to adjust them to be unfavorable.

[0265] Furthermore, for nails 52F, 52J, and 52K, as shown in Figure 24, the distance from each edge 304a is longer in direction Dr16 than in direction Dr15. Here, direction Dr15 is defined as the direction of the center of the game ball as seen from the nail 52 when the game ball collides with the nail 52, and direction Dr16 is defined as the opposite direction of direction Dr15. In other words, if, in the hole 304 shown in Figure 24, the portion of the edge 304a located in direction Dr15 relative to the nail 52 is designated as the first edge 304a1, and the portion located in direction Dr16 is designated as the second edge 304a2, then the distance between the nail 52 and the second edge 304a2 is longer than the distance between the nail 52 and the first edge 304a1. This prevents damage to the edge 304a of the hole 304 in the protective cover 300 due to the bending of the nail 52 caused by the collision of the game ball with the nail 52.

[0266] In Figure 24, since the nail 52 is positioned offset from the center of the hole 304, at least the first edge 304a1, which is close to the nail 52, may be able to make contact with the nail 52 during nail adjustment. The second edge 304a2 may be unable to make contact with the nail 52 during nail adjustment. This makes it possible to achieve both the effect of making it difficult to adjust the pins in a way that is disadvantageous to the player, and the effect of preventing damage to the edge portion 304a due to the bending of the pins 52.

[0267] Although not shown in Figure 24, the same applies to nails 52E, 52G, and 52H.

[0268] Furthermore, it is desirable that the two nails 52, nails 52J and 52K in the example of Figure 23, which are symmetrically positioned with respect to the flow path immediately before the ball enters the prize-winning opening 53, etc., each have separate holes 304. As a result, extreme nail adjustments that make it extremely difficult for balls to enter the prize slots 53, etc., become impossible because the heads 52a of the nails 52 interfere with the edges 304a of the corresponding holes 304. This configuration makes it possible to suppress pin adjustments that would impair the gameplay of the gaming machine 1.

[0269] Furthermore, if there is a flow path that is roughly vertical and a flow path that branches off from it in a roughly horizontal direction, it is desirable that the protective cover 300 has a portion where the holes 304 are not provided at the branching point.

[0270] In the example shown in Figure 23, the branching point of the unfavorable path R1 and the favorable path R2, and the predetermined sections after the branching point in both the unfavorable path R1 and the favorable path R2, are areas where the protective cover 300 does not have holes 304 (the area enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 23).

[0271] The branching point in the flow path is where the game balls, upon impact with the nails 52, are scattered into one of the flow paths by bouncing in irregular directions. Therefore, at the branching point, it is conceivable that the game balls may bounce forward (towards the player), potentially colliding with the transparent glass 11.

[0272] As in this configuration, by arranging the portion of the protective cover 300 without the holes 304 at the branching point of the flow path and its surrounding area, the portion without the holes 304 is located between the game board 9 and the transparent glass 11. This prevents the game ball from colliding with the transparent glass 11, thereby suppressing scratches and damage to the transparent glass 11. Furthermore, noise can be suppressed by avoiding collisions between the game balls and the transparent glass 11.

[0273] Furthermore, nails 52J and 52K are provided with a single hole 304 relative to nail 52. Nails 52J and 52K are positioned offset from the center of their respective holes 304. In other words, nails 52J and 52K allow for variable adjustment of nail 52 in each direction.

[0274] Furthermore, each nail 52E and 52F is provided with a hole 304. The nails 52E and 52F are positioned offset in the short direction relative to the center line parallel to the longitudinal direction of the hole 304 (shown as a dashed line in Figure 24). This allows the adjustment amount of nail 52 to be varied in each direction.

[0275] In Figures 23 and 24, examples are shown in which one nail 52 is symmetrically arranged along the flow path immediately before the ball enters the prize-winning opening 53, etc. However, the group of nails 54 may also be arranged symmetrically along the flow path. Even when the nail group 54 is arranged symmetrically on both sides of the flow path immediately before the prize entry opening 53, it is desirable that one hole 304 be provided for the nail group 54 on one side of the flow path, and another hole 304 be provided for the nail group 54 on the other side.

[0276] As a result, extreme nail adjustments that make it extremely difficult for balls to enter the prize slots 53, etc., become impossible because the heads 52a of the nails 52 interfere with the edges 304a of the corresponding holes 304.

[0277] [8.2 Second Variation] The second variation is an example in which the nails 52 and the holes 304 in the protective cover 300 correspond one-to-one. The arrangement of the nails 52 is the same as shown in Figure 17, etc.

[0278] As shown in Figure 25, the nail protection portion 302 of the protective cover 300 is provided with a hole 304G surrounding the first nail 52A, a hole 304H surrounding the second nail 52B, a hole 304J surrounding the third nail 52C, and a hole 304K surrounding the fourth nail 52D.

[0279] By providing a one-to-one correspondence between the nail 52 and the hole 304 in this manner, the room for adjustment of the nail 52 can be reduced.

[0280] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 25, in the second nail 52B, the distance from the edge 304a of the hole 304H in direction Dr17, which narrows the unfavorable path R1, is longer than the distance from the edge 304a of the hole 304H in direction Dr18, which narrows the favorable path R2. By forming the hole 304H of the nail protection part 302 in such a way that satisfies these conditions, it becomes easier to make nail adjustments that are favorable to the player rather than unfavorable.

[0281] Furthermore, in the first nail 52A, the distance from the edge 304a of the hole 304G in direction Dr19, which narrows the unfavorable path R1, is longer than the distance from the edge 304a of the hole 304G in direction Dr20, which widens the unfavorable path R1. By forming the hole 304G of the nail protection part 302 in such a way that satisfies these conditions, it becomes easier to make nail adjustments that are advantageous to the player rather than disadvantageous.

[0282] Furthermore, in the fourth nail 52D, the distance from the edge 304a of the hole 304K in direction Dr22, which widens the advantageous path R2, is longer than the distance from the edge 304a of the hole 304K in direction Dr21, which narrows the advantageous path R2. By forming the hole 304K of the nail protection part 302 in such a way that satisfies these conditions, it becomes easier to make nail adjustments that are advantageous to the player rather than disadvantageous.

[0283] Furthermore, in the modified version of the gaming machine 1, as shown in Figure 26, the distance from each edge 304a is longer in the direction Dr24, which is the direction in which the nail 52 bends due to the collision of the game ball, than in the opposite direction Dr23. In other words, in the hole 304G (304H, 304K) shown in Figure 26, if the portion of the edge 304a located in direction Dr23 relative to the nail 52 is designated as the first edge 304a1 and the portion located in direction Dr24 is designated as the second edge 304a2, then the distance between the nail 52 and the second edge 304a2 is longer than the distance between the nail 52 and the first edge 304a1. This prevents the edge 304a of the hole 304 in the protective cover 300 from being damaged by deformation of the nail 52 caused by the collision of the game ball.

[0284] [8.3 Third Variation] The third variation is an example in which one hole 304 is provided for each group of nails 54 formed by adjacent nails 52 that do not cross the flow path.

[0285] As shown in Figure 27, the game balls flow down between the nails 52 arranged vertically on the left side and the nails 52 arranged vertically on the right side. At this time, the game ball may change its trajectory by colliding with any of the nails 52, and may deviate from its downward path that continues in a nearly vertical direction by passing between the nails 52 located on the right side.

[0286] The game ball that passes through the gap between the nails 52 on the right side is guided to an out-out opening 55 (not shown) located below it. Therefore, the flow path that passes through the gap between the nails 52 on the right side is designated as the unfavorable path R1. On the right side, the nails 52 are arranged vertically, and there are two locations where the game ball can pass through from left to right. The upper flow path is designated as the unfavorable path R1a, and the lower flow path is designated as the unfavorable path R1b.

[0287] Furthermore, the path that flows almost straight downward without branching into unfavorable paths R1a or R1b is considered the favorable path R2, which is relatively more advantageous than the unfavorable path R1.

[0288] In this modified example, the nails 52 protected by the nail protection section 302 are provided without crossing the flow path. Specifically, a series of nails 52 arranged vertically on the left side of the favorable path R2 constitute a nail group 54B that is provided without crossing the flow path, and one hole 304L is provided for the nail group 54B.

[0289] On the other hand, a series of nails 52 arranged vertically to the right of the advantageous path R2 have an unfavorable path R1 between them. Therefore, the nail group 54C consisting of two nails 52 located above the unfavorable path R1a, the nail group 54D consisting of two nails 52 located between the unfavorable path R1a and the unfavorable path R1b, and the nail group 54E consisting of three nails 52 located below the unfavorable path R1b each have corresponding holes 304.

[0290] Specifically, a hole 304M is provided corresponding to nail group 54C, a hole 304N is provided corresponding to nail group 54D, and a hole 304P is provided corresponding to nail group 54E.

[0291] In this way, by not providing a hole 304 that crosses the flow path, and instead providing a hole 304 for each group of nails 54 separated by the flow path, it is possible to suppress inappropriate nail adjustments that would significantly narrow the flow path.

[0292] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 27, by providing a single hole 304 that surrounds the group of nails 54 separated by the flow path, the number of steps required to form the hole 304 can be minimized.

[0293] The uppermost of the two nails 52 belonging to nail group 54D, and the uppermost of the three nails 52 belonging to nail group 54E, are considered to have different adjustment ranges in the direction of narrowing the unfavorable path R1 and the direction of narrowing the favorable path R2.

[0294] Specifically, as shown in Figure 27, the distance between the nail 52 and the edge 304a of the hole 304 is longer in the direction Dr25, which narrows the unfavorable path R1, than in the direction Dr26, which narrows the favorable path R2. Therefore, it becomes easier to make nail adjustments that are favorable to the player than those that are unfavorable.

[0295] Furthermore, if each nail 52 belonging to nail group 54B is adjusted to move closer to the advantageous path R2, the game ball will be more likely to collide with it, and the game ball will be more likely to jump to the right. The game ball that jumps to the right is more likely to move to the disadvantageous path R1a or disadvantageous path R1b. In other words, each nail 52 belonging to nail group 54B can be adjusted in the direction Dr27, which is closer to the advantageous path R2, potentially resulting in an adjustment that is disadvantageous to the player.

[0296] In the modified example shown in Figure 27, for each nail 52 belonging to the nail group 54B, the distance from the edge 304a of the hole 304L is longer in the direction Dr28, which widens the advantageous path R2, than in the direction Dr27, which narrows the advantageous path R2. Therefore, it becomes easier to make nail adjustments that are advantageous to the player rather than disadvantageous.

[0297] In addition, a prize entry point 53, etc., may be provided below the advantageous path R2 in Figure 27, and slightly below the nail groups 54B and 54E. In this case, the nail groups 54B and 54E are positioned directly above the prize-winning opening 53, separated to the left and right, as the nail groups 54 that determine whether or not the ball enters the prize-winning opening 53.

[0298] In response to these nail groups 54B and 54E, that is, by providing separate holes 304L and 304P for the nail groups 54B and 54E, which are arranged separately on the left and right sides of the path to the prize entry opening 53, it becomes difficult to make extreme adjustments that would make it extremely difficult for the ball to enter the prize entry opening 53.

[0299] [8.4 Fourth Variation] A fourth variation is an example in which a structure arranged around the nail 52 is used as a substitute for the protective cover 300. An example is shown in Figure 28.

[0300] In this modified example, a structure 306 made of resin material is placed around the nail 52 that is subject to adjustment. The structure 306 is different from the protective cover 300 in the other examples described above. The aforementioned protective cover 300 is attached from the front to each component placed in the game area 37 in order to protect each component, including decorative components placed in the game area 37 for various purposes and partition components provided to separate the game area 37 from other areas.

[0301] On the other hand, in this modified example, the structure 306 is a decorative member placed in the game area 37 or a member used to partition the game area 37.

[0302] In other words, in this modified example, a part of the structure 306 is used to limit the adjustment range of the nail 52.

[0303] Specifically, the front surface portion 306a of the structure 306 extends in a predetermined direction to form a restricting portion 308. The restricting portion 308 is provided such that a space is formed between it and the game board 9 that allows game balls to enter. In other words, game balls are able to flow down between the restricting portion 308 and the game board 9.

[0304] The regulating section 308 is positioned to surround a portion of the periphery of a predetermined nail 52. In the example shown in Figure 28, it is positioned to surround the two nails 52 located directly above the normal symbol start opening 47, both below and to the left and right. Here, the nail 52 located to the upper left of the normal symbol start opening 47 is referred to as nail 52L, and the nail 52 located to the upper right is referred to as nail 52M.

[0305] The game ball can enter the regular symbol starting opening 47 if it flows down between nails 52L and 52M, and this path is designated as the advantageous path R2.

[0306] Furthermore, the flow path to the left of nail 52L is considered an unfavorable path R1c, where the ball flows downward without entering the normal symbol starting opening 47. Similarly, the flow path to the right of nail 52M is also considered an unfavorable path R1d, where the ball flows downward without entering the normal symbol starting opening 47.

[0307] Nails 52L and 52M are positioned such that the distance from the edge 308a of the restricting portion 308 in the structure 306 is greater in the direction Dr30, which widens the advantageous path R2 and narrows the disadvantageous path R1, than in the direction Dr29, which narrows the advantageous path R2. Therefore, the positional relationship between nails 52L and 52M and structure 306 is such that it is easier to make adjustments that widen the advantageous path R2 for the player than to make adjustments that narrow the advantageous path R2 for the player.

[0308] In the following explanation, the hole 304 of the protective cover 300 and the restricting portion 308 of the structure 306 will be collectively referred to as the "adjustment and suppression portion 310".

[0309] <9. Contact pattern between the nail and the adjustment / suppression part> Several patterns are possible for the contact between the nail 52 and the adjustment suppression part 310.

[0310] The first contact pattern is one in which the side surface of the head portion 52a contacts the edge of the adjustment suppression portion 310, as shown in Figure 29. This contact pattern is referred to as "head portion side contact pattern Pt1".

[0311] The second contact pattern, as shown in Figure 30, is one in which the tip of the head portion 52a and the edge of the adjustment suppression portion 310 come into contact. This contact pattern is referred to as "top portion contact pattern Pt2".

[0312] The third contact pattern, as shown in Figure 31, is one in which no part of the nail 52 contacts the adjustment suppression unit 310. This pattern is referred to as "non-contact pattern Pt3".

[0313] The head-side contact configuration Pt1 is a positional relationship between the nail 52 and the adjustment suppression part 310 that minimizes the adjustment range, and is suitable as a contact pattern when adjusting, for example, in the direction of narrowing the advantageous path R2 or widening the disadvantageous path R1.

[0314] The non-contact configuration Pt3 has a positional relationship between the nail 52 and the adjustment suppression unit 310 that provides the most adjustment range, and is suitable as a contact pattern when adjusting, for example, in the direction of widening the advantageous path R2 or narrowing the disadvantageous path R1.

[0315] Furthermore, in the head-side contact configuration Pt1, the side portion of the head 52a comes into contact with the edge of the adjustment suppression portion 310, resulting in a larger contact area between the head 52a and the edge of the adjustment suppression portion 310 compared to the head-top contact configuration Pt2 and non-contact configuration Pt3. Moreover, since the adjustment suppression portion 310 is made of resin while the nail 52 is made of metal, when the edge of the adjustment suppression portion 310 and the head 52a come into contact, the edge side of the adjustment suppression portion 310 is likely to be damaged, leaving traces indicating that contact occurred. Therefore, in the head-side contact configuration Pt1, compared to the head-top contact configuration Pt2 and non-contact configuration Pt3, traces indicating that the side portion of the head 52a has come into contact with the edge of the adjustment suppression portion 310 are more likely to remain. That is, even if the nail 52 is readjusted to a position where the side portion of the head 52a does not come into contact with the edge of the adjustment suppression portion 310, traces indicating that the side portion of the head 52a came into contact with the edge of the adjustment suppression portion 310 remain, indicating that the nail has been adjusted.

[0316] The top contact configuration Pt2 has a positional relationship between the nail 52 and the adjustment suppression part 310 where the adjustment range is intermediate. For example, it is suitable as a contact pattern for suppressing excessive bending of the nail 52 when the nail 52 is bent due to a collision with a game ball.

[0317] Furthermore, if there is a desire to leave some room for adjustment with respect to the nail 52, but if the adjustment is too large, preventing the game ball from passing through one of the flow paths, the contact pattern of the top contact configuration Pt2 may be adopted.

[0318] <10. Others> In the protective cover 300 described above, a sealing member 312 may be attached to cover the hole 304 (see Figure 32). The sealing member 312 is attached to the sealing member 312 around the hole 304, for example, by applying adhesive to the area excluding the hole 304, thereby sealing the hole 304. Specifically, as shown in Figure 33, adhesive is applied to the shaded area of ​​the sealing member 312.

[0319] Furthermore, by not applying adhesive to the portion of the sealing member 312 corresponding to the hole 304, it is prevented that the sealing member 312 will adhere to the nail 52. In addition, it is anticipated that the game ball will collide with the nail 52 at the hole 304 and bounce forward (towards the player), and by not applying adhesive to the portion of the sealing member 312 corresponding to the hole 304, it is also possible to prevent the sealing member 312 from adhering to the game ball.

[0320] In addition, in the gaming machine 1, the nails 52 can be adjusted by peeling the sealing member 312 from the protective cover 300. Therefore, when the sealing member 312 is peeled from the protective cover 300, the machine may be configured so that traces of the peeled sealing member 312 remain on the protective cover 300, on the sealing member 312, or both. For example, if the sealing member 312 is peeled off, a portion of it can remain on the protective cover 300, thereby creating a deterrent against the act of peeling off the sealing member 312.

[0321] The sealing member 312 is preferably attached to cover a hole 304 provided in a nail 52 located near a specific prize ball opening (for example, a large prize opening 49) when the prize ball opening that accounts for the majority of the number of prize balls dispensed from the gaming machine 1 is designated as a specific prize ball opening. This makes it difficult to make inappropriate adjustments to the pins that would drastically alter the base payout performance.

[0322] Furthermore, if the adjustment of the nail 52 provided in accordance with the hole 304 is suppressed by the sealing member 312, it is not necessary to adjust the position of the nail 52 and the position of the hole 304 so that the nail 52 interferes with the edge 304a of the hole 304 when bent. In other words, it is sufficient to provide the nail 52 so that its head 52a does not protrude forward of the surface 300a of the protective cover 300.

[0323] Furthermore, in gaming machines 1 where the number of time-saving rounds can be set to more than a predetermined number (for example, 100 times or more), or in gaming machines 1 where high-probability regular drawing can be performed continuously for more than a predetermined number of times, it is conceivable that the seal member 312 may not be attached. For example, in gaming machines 1, there is a possibility that the nails 52 may be bent during the manufacturing process or during transportation of gaming machines 1. In such cases, if attaching the sealing member 312 makes it difficult to adjust the nails 52, it will have a significant impact on the base (payout performance) of the gaming machine 1, making it impossible to use the gaming machine 1.

[0324] Therefore, in the above-mentioned specific gaming machine 1, even if a configuration (protective cover 300) is adopted that reduces the range of nail adjustment for the nails 52 near the specific prize ball opening, it is preferable not to attach the sealing member 312.

[0325] Game ball jams and other issues may occur on the game area 37 of the game machine 1. In the protective cover 300 of the gaming machine 1, a relief hole 314 is formed to relieve jamming of game balls. If a sealing member 312 is attached to the protective cover 300, it is preferable that a corresponding hole 316 is provided in the sealing member 312 at a position corresponding to the relief hole 314.

[0326] The relief holes 314 may be provided, for example, near a movable part that affects the flow path of the game balls. In the example shown in Figure 34, multiple relief holes 314 are provided near the movable piece 51Aa of the first special electric mechanism 51A.

[0327] The relief hole 314 shown in Figure 34 is provided to relieve jams in game balls that get caught between the movable piece 51Aa and the protective cover 300 due to the movement of the movable piece 51Aa.

[0328] If a jam occurs in the gaming machine 1, hall staff can open the front frame 7 forward to expose the protective cover 300, and insert a long, slender rod-shaped tool into the relief hole 314 formed in the protective cover 300 to directly move the gaming balls and resolve the jam.

[0329] Furthermore, since the sealing member 312 attached to the protective cover 300 is also provided with corresponding holes 316 at positions corresponding to the relief holes 314, jams of game balls can be resolved without removing the sealing member 312. In addition, the provision of corresponding holes 316 in the sealing member 312 allows air trapped between the sealing member 312 and the protective cover 300 to be released through the corresponding holes 316 when the sealing member 312 is attached to the protective cover 300, enabling the sealing member 312 to be attached neatly.

[0330] The relief holes 314 in the protective cover 300 and the corresponding holes 316 in the sealing member 312 are preferably provided near the movable members arranged on the game area 37, thereby effectively resolving jams that occur when game balls become trapped between members due to movement by the movable parts.

[0331] Furthermore, the release holes 314 in the protective cover 300 and the corresponding holes 316 in the sealing member 312 are larger in diameter than the heads 52a of the nails 52. This allows nails 52 that have come off the game board 9 or nails 52 that have broken due to collision with game balls to be discharged outside the game area 37 through the release holes 314 and corresponding holes 316.

[0332] The game board 9 may have screw holes 318 for mounting the game board 9 and screw holes 318 for attaching components to the game board 9 (see Figure 35). Screws 320 are attached to the screw holes 318.

[0333] The protective cover 300 has a work hole 322 so that the screw 320 can be installed into the screw hole 318 even when the protective cover 300 is attached to the game board 9. Specifically, with the front frame 7 open, the worker inserts the screw 320 and a tool such as a screwdriver into the work hole 322 formed in the protective cover 300, and then inserts the screw 320 into the screw hole 318.

[0334] Here, it is desirable that the diameter of the work hole 322 formed in the protective cover 300 be smaller than the diameter of the game ball. This prevents the game ball from getting stuck in the work hole 322, which would make it impossible to insert a screw 320 and a tool such as a screwdriver into the work hole 322 formed in the protective cover 300 when the front frame 7 is open.

[0335] <11. Arrangement of rotating members> As described above, the movable piece 51Ba of the second special electric mechanism 51B is opened and closed during the fall-out mini-win game among the mini-win games. Here, the position of the movable piece 51Ba in the closed state is called the "closed position Pc", and the position of the movable piece 51Ba in the open state is called the "open position Po".

[0336] If the player becomes aware of the movement of the movable piece 51Ba of the second special electric mechanism 51B from the closed position Pc to the open position Po at a predetermined timing, the player will realize that the advantageous state for the player has ended before the lottery result is explicitly presented to the player. This leads to a decrease in the playability of the gaming machine 1 and a decrease in the player's motivation to play.

[0337] In this gaming machine 1, the shape and arrangement of the movable piece 51Ba of the second special electric mechanism 51B in its closed state are designed to blend in with the surrounding structures, printed materials, and decorative elements, making it difficult for players to focus their attention on the movable piece 51Ba of the second special electric mechanism 51B.

[0338] Figure 36 shows an example of the configuration of the movable piece 51Ba of the second special electric device 51B. The movable piece 51Ba of the second special electric mechanism 51B is attached to the game board 9 from the front.

[0339] The portion of the game board 9 to which the movable piece 51Ba of the second special electric mechanism 51B is attached is fitted with a design 324 formed along the outer shape of the movable piece 51Ba when it is in the closed position Pc. This design 324 is, for example, in line with the theme of the game machine 1, and is positioned so as to blend seamlessly with the design 324, making it difficult for the player's gaze to be drawn to the movable piece 51Ba.

[0340] More specifically, the movable piece 51Ba positioned on the front side of the design 324 is formed, for example, as colorless and transparent. In contrast to the movable piece 51Ba, the design 324 is colored, so that the player can see the design 324 behind it through the colorless or transparent movable piece 51Ba. Therefore, even if the player's gaze is directed towards the movable piece 51Ba, it is more likely to be directed towards the colored design 324 located behind the colorless and transparent movable piece 51Ba, thereby making it difficult to recognize the movable piece 51Ba.

[0341] Furthermore, when the movable piece 51Ba moves from the closed position Pc to the open position Po, the outer shape of the movable piece 51Ba and the outer shape of the design 324 are misaligned, thereby preventing a situation in which the player is completely unaware of the movable piece 51Ba in the open position Po. In other words, when the player's gaze is directed towards the movable piece 51Ba, it is possible to recognize the movement of the movable piece 51Ba from the closed position Pc to the open position Po.

[0342] In summary, when the movable piece 51Ba is in the closed position Pc, it is difficult for the player's gaze to be directed towards the movable piece 51Ba, thus preventing the lottery result from being revealed before the result is explicitly displayed. Furthermore, when the movable piece 51Ba is in the open position Po, the player can easily recognize the movable piece 51Ba, so that when the player's gaze is directed towards it, the player can recognize the movement of the movable piece 51Ba, and it is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged by noticing the timing to receive a prize ball.

[0343] In other words, by providing the movable piece 51Ba and the design 324 on the gaming machine 1 as described above, it is possible to achieve both a first effect, which is to prevent the result from being recognized before the result is explicitly presented to the player, and a second effect, which is contrary to the first effect, which is to suppress the occurrence of disadvantages due to the player being unable to recognize the movable state of the movable piece 51Ba at all.

[0344] The design 324 may be formed as colorless, transparent, and having an uneven surface. In that case, a solenoid mechanism or link mechanism for moving the movable piece 51Ba may be arranged as a colored part on the back side of the game board 9 where the colorless, transparent design 324 is formed. This makes it possible to attract the player's attention to the colored solenoid and linkage mechanisms.

[0345] In the example shown in Figure 36, the design 324 is applied to the game board 9 in a manner that matches the outer shape of the movable piece 51Ba in the closed position. However, the design is not limited to this, and the design 324 may also be applied to the game board 9 in a manner that matches the outer shape of the movable piece 51Ba in the open position. Furthermore, both the design 324 that matches the outer shape of the movable piece 51Ba in the closed position and the design 324 that matches the outer shape of the movable piece 51Ba in the open position may be applied to the game board 9.

[0346] For example, the game board 9 of the gaming machine 1 is provided with a star-shaped design 324 having five protrusions, as shown in Figure 37. The movable piece 51Ba, which is made of colorless and transparent material, is positioned so as to overlap one of the protrusions of the star-shaped design 324 when in the closed position Pc. When in the open position Po, the movable piece 51Ba (dotted line in the figure) is positioned so as to overlap another protrusion of the design 324.

[0347] In this case, by changing the color of each protrusion in the star-shaped design 324, it may be possible to distinguish between the movable piece 51Ba in the closed position Pc and the movable piece 51Ba in the open position Po.

[0348] This makes it easier to focus on the design 324 rather than the movable piece 51Ba, thereby achieving the first effect described above. Furthermore, by changing the color of the background design 324 according to the position of the movable piece 51Ba, it becomes possible to achieve the second effect described above, which allows the player to grasp the position of the movable piece 51Ba.

[0349] Furthermore, if a star-shaped design 324 is provided on the game board 9, and the movable piece 51Ba is positioned to overlap different protrusions of the star shape, the movable piece 51Ba will pass through the space between the protrusions of the star shape as it moves from the closed position Pc to the open position Po.

[0350] As the movable piece 51Ba moves between the portion with the design (the convex portion) and the portion without the design (the portion between the convex portions), the player can perceive the movement of the movable piece 51Ba (the second effect described above).

[0351] Therefore, in this case, the convex portion corresponding to the closed position Pc and the convex portion corresponding to the open position Po in the star-shaped design 324 may be formed with the same color.

[0352] Another example of design 324 is shown in Figure 38. The design 324 shown in Figure 38 is similarly provided for all of the movable pieces 51Ba located in the closed position Pc, the movable piece 51Ba located in the open position Po (indicated by a dashed line in the figure), and the movable piece 51Ba located in between. In the example shown in Figure 38, the design 324, which resembles an hourglass, is provided on the game board 9. The dashed lines in Figure 38 indicate the parts of the design 324 that are visible to the player through the transparent movable piece 51Ba.

[0353] Furthermore, for example, by forming the movable piece 51Ba in a colorless and transparent state and the design 324 in a colored state, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to recognize the movable piece 51Ba (first effect).

[0354] Furthermore, when the movable piece 51Ba is in the closed position Pc, its left side is adjacent to one side of the design 324 (in a state where it is aligned with it), and when it is in the open position Po, its right side is adjacent to one side of the design 324 (in a state where it is aligned with it). Therefore, the player can recognize the movement of the movable piece 51Ba (second effect).

[0355] In addition, the movable piece 51Ba in each figure may be formed from a material of the same color as the design 324, rather than being made of a colorless and transparent material. Furthermore, the movable piece 51Ba may have decorations (such as indentations and protrusions) similar to those of the design 324.

[0356] Furthermore, if the protective cover 300 described above is positioned between the movable piece 51Ba and the transparent glass 11, the design 324 may be formed on the protective cover 300 rather than the game board 9. In that case, the protective cover 300 is made of a transparent material and has a design 324 formed by irregularities, for example, the movable piece 51Ba in the closed position Pc may be visible through the design 324, and the movable piece 51Ba in the open position Po may be visible without the design 324.

[0357] This makes it difficult for the player to recognize the movable piece 51Ba in the closed position Pc (first effect). Furthermore, by allowing the player to clearly recognize the movable piece 51Ba in the open position Po, the disadvantages caused by not being able to recognize the movable state of the movable piece 51Ba at all can be suppressed (second effect).

[0358] <12. Summary> The following describes an example configuration of gaming machine 1. Gaming machine 1 may have the following configuration (configuration 1-1). (Composition 1-1) The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment comprises a game area 37 through which game balls flow, a game board 9 on which a plurality of nails 52, including predetermined nails, are attached, and a resin member (protective cover 300) positioned near the predetermined nails. In the gaming machine 1, the predetermined nails are arranged in the right gaming area 37b, which is located to the right of the center of the gaming board 9 when viewed from the front, as part of the gaming area 37. The resin member has a hole 304 formed so as to surround the side of the head 52a of the predetermined nail, and the hole 304 has a first edge (first edge 304a1) and a second edge (second edge 304a2), and is configured such that the distance between the predetermined nail and the second edge (second edge 304a2) is longer than the distance between the predetermined nail and the first edge (first edge 304a1). The specified nails include not only the nail 52 but also the nail group 54. Furthermore, the resin member may be the adjustment suppression part 310 described above. If too much room is left for adjustment when adjusting the pins, it becomes possible to make adjustments that are significantly disadvantageous to the players. On the other hand, during gameplay of the gaming machine 1, game balls are launched intermittently into the game area 37, causing the game balls to continuously collide with the nails 52. At this time, the collision of the game balls makes the nails 52 more likely to bend in a predetermined direction, but if the adjustment range in that direction is too small, the bending due to the collision may not be tolerated, and the nails 52 may break. Thus, preventing improper adjustment of the nails 52 and preventing nail breakage are conflicting requirements and therefore difficult to achieve. In this configuration, a resin member (protective cover 300) is placed around a predetermined nail, and when the nail 52 is bent, the head 52a of the nail 52 interferes with the edge 304a of the resin member, making further nail adjustment impossible and making it difficult to make nail adjustments that are significantly disadvantageous to the player. Furthermore, with respect to the designated nails, by increasing the distance between the nail and the edge of the resin component in the direction in which it is bent by the collision of the game ball (the collision direction), it is possible to prevent the nail from breaking due to the collision of the game ball. This makes it possible to suitably achieve the aforementioned conflicting requirements in the gaming machine 1. The game area 37 is provided as a left game area 37a located on the left side when viewed from the front, and a right game area 37b located on the right side, and the predetermined pins (pins 52) are placed in the right game area 37b. Depending on their placement, the nails 52 can be categorized as those from which game balls collide with various directions, or those from which they primarily collide with specific directions. For example, in the right game area 37b, the area from which game balls can flow is narrow, making it easier for game balls to flow along predetermined paths, and thus the direction in which game balls collide with each nail 52 is limited. By making the distance between the edge 304a of the resin member (protective cover 300) and the nail 52 in the direction of collision of the game ball longer, the above-mentioned effects can be suitably obtained. Furthermore, the resin member (protective cover 300) has a hole 304 formed so as to surround the side of the head 52a of the designated nail (nail 52), and the edge of the hole 304 is provided as an edge portion 304a. By providing the hole 304 so as to surround the designated nail, it becomes difficult to make improper nail adjustments to the designated nail regardless of the direction.

[0359] The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment may also include the following (configuration 1-2) in addition to (configuration 1-1). (Composition 1-2) The resin component (protective cover 300) is provided with one hole 304 corresponding to one predetermined nail, and the hole 304 is positioned so as to be offset from the center of the predetermined nail. For example, when arranging a predetermined nail so that its center aligns with the center of the hole 304, the distance between the predetermined nail and the edge 304a is determined in the direction in which the predetermined nail is most likely to be bent, and the diameter of the hole 304 is determined by applying this determined distance in all directions. In contrast, by positioning the predetermined nail at a location offset from the center of the hole 304 such that the distance from the edge 304a is relatively longer in the direction in which the predetermined nail is easily bent, the diameter of the hole 304 can be reduced. Therefore, it becomes more difficult to make improper adjustments to the nails in relation to the designated nails. Furthermore, the relationship between a predetermined nail and the hole 304 is not limited to a one-to-one correspondence; a one-to-one correspondence between a group of nails 52 (a nail group 54) and the hole 304 is also possible. For example, each nail 52 belonging to the nail group 54 may be positioned at a location offset from the center line of the hole 304. This allows for a smaller hole size. In this configuration, there is also a one-to-one correspondence between a given nail and a hole 304. This makes it possible to reduce the diameter and size of the hole 304 compared to the case where one hole 304 is provided for multiple nails 52.

[0360] Gaming machine 1 may adopt the following configuration (2-1). (Composition 2-1) The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment includes prize entry openings (special symbol 2 start opening 43, normal symbol start opening 47, large prize entry opening 49, prize entry opening 53, etc.) into which a predetermined prize ball can be obtained when a game ball enters, a nail 52 located on the downstream side of the prize entry path, which is the flow path through which the game ball enters the prize entry opening, and a specific resin member (protective cover 300) provided near the nail 52 and having a hole 304 corresponding to the nail 52 formed therein, and the nail 52 is a first nail (for example, nail 52J in Figure 23) provided on one side of the flow path and The hole 304 includes a second nail (e.g., nail 52K in Figure 23) located on the other side of the flow path, and the hole 304 includes a first hole (e.g., hole 304E in Figure 23) corresponding to the first nail and a second hole (e.g., hole 304F in Figure 23) corresponding to the second nail, and the hole 304 (e.g., holes 304E, 304F) has a first edge and a second edge, and at least one of the first edge and the second edge is configured to be contactable by the corresponding nail 52 bent in a predetermined direction. Here, the first edge refers to, for example, the third edge 304a3 shown in Figure 23 or the first edge 304a1 shown in Figure 24. The second edge refers to, for example, the fourth edge 304a4 shown in Figure 23 or the second edge 304a2 shown in Figure 24. In this configuration, the nails 52 in question are those located directly in front of the prize entry point, such as pairs of nails 52 or groups of nails 54 arranged separately on the left and right or top and bottom of the flow path. By providing separate holes 304 for each of these pairs of nails 52 or groups of nails 54, it becomes impossible to make adjustments that would make it extremely difficult for the ball to enter the prize entry point, that is, to make the distance between pairs of nails 52 extremely close. This makes it difficult to adjust the pins in a way that is significantly disadvantageous to the player. Furthermore, it helps prevent a decline in the player's motivation to play. Furthermore, groups of nails 54 may be provided on one side and the other side of the path to a predetermined prize entry point, and corresponding holes 304 may be provided for each group of nails 54.

[0361] Gaming machine 1 may adopt the following configuration (3-1). (Composition 3-1) The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment comprises a game board 9 to which a plurality of nails 52 are attached, and a transparent resin member that has a space between it and the game board 9 as a game area 37 to which game balls can flow down. The plurality of nails 52 include predetermined nails (nails 52) adjacent to both the advantageous path R2, which is a flow path that is relatively advantageous to the player, and the disadvantageous path R1, which is a flow path that is relatively disadvantageous to the player, among a plurality of flow paths that are designated as paths for the flow of game balls. The resin member includes specific resin members (protective cover 300, structure 306) arranged near the predetermined nails. The specific resin members have edges 304a (308a), and the distance between the predetermined nails and the edges 304a (308a) is longer in the direction that narrows the disadvantageous path R1 than in the direction that narrows the advantageous path R2. If too much adjustment is left in place when adjusting the pins, it becomes possible to make adjustments that are significantly disadvantageous to the player. On the other hand, adjustments that are advantageous to the player are suitable for stimulating the desire to play and improving the operation of the gaming machine 1. According to this configuration, a specific resin member is provided around a predetermined nail, and when the nail 52 is adjusted, it interferes with the specific resin member, thereby suppressing excessive nail adjustment. Furthermore, regarding the direction of adjustment during nail adjustment, a large adjustment range is left in directions advantageous to the player, while the adjustment range is reduced in directions disadvantageous to the player, making it impossible to perform inappropriate nail adjustments that would impose excessive disadvantages on the player. Furthermore, a pin 52 adjacent to both the advantageous path R2 and the disadvantageous path R1 may be defined as, for example, a pin 52 that can be contacted by a game ball flowing down the advantageous path R2, and also a pin 52 that can be contacted by a game ball flowing down the disadvantageous path R1.

[0362] Gaming machine 1 may adopt the following configuration (4-1). (Composition 4-1) The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment comprises a gaming board 9 to which a plurality of nails 52 are attached, and a rotating member (movable piece 51Ba) having a shaft portion (shaft portion of movable piece 51Ba), which is capable of rotating around the shaft portion as the pivot point, and is positioned so as to overlap in a front view with a design 324 provided at a predetermined position on the gaming board 9. The rotating member takes between a harmonious state in which it is in harmony with the design 324 and a non-harmonious state in which it is not in harmony with the design 324, depending on the rotation. A harmonious state refers to a state in which the elements are arranged in a manner consistent with the design 324. For example, it is a state in which at least a portion of the lines forming the rotating member and the lines forming the design 324 coincide, and the rotating member is relatively inconspicuous. For example, it can be said that the design 324 tends to attract more attention than the rotating member. On the other hand, a non-harmonious state refers to a state in which the elements are arranged in a manner that does not blend into the design 324. For example, this is a state in which the lines forming the rotating member and the lines forming the design 324 do not coincide, and the rotating member is recognizable separately from the design 324. For example, this can be described as a state in which the rotating member tends to attract more attention than the design 324. For example, if a rotating member is a member that rotates according to the lottery result, by providing a harmonized state for the rotating member, specifically by setting it to a harmonized state when it is not moving, it is possible to make it less likely for the player's eyes to go to the rotating member, and to prevent the result from being recognized before the explicit lottery result is presented (first effect). Furthermore, by providing a non-harmonized state for the rotating member, specifically, by making the rotating member non-harmonized when it rotates, it becomes possible to make the rotating member more noticeable when it rotates, and if the player is looking at the rotating member, they will be able to recognize the rotation of the rotating member. This suppresses the disadvantage caused by not being able to recognize the movable state of the rotating member at all (second effect). In other words, by providing both a fused state and a non-fused state for the rotating member, it becomes possible to suitably obtain both the first and second effects, which are contradictory. Furthermore, by having the lines forming the rotating member and the lines of the design 324 coincide, it becomes easier to recognize the rotating member as part of the design 324, thereby suppressing the tendency for attention to be drawn to the rotating member. This makes it difficult to notice the presence of the rotating member, effectively preventing the result from being recognized before the player is explicitly presented with the lottery result. Furthermore, the state in which the lines forming the rotating member and the lines forming the design 324 substantially coincide does not only refer to the case where the two lines overlap in a front view, but also to a state where they are arranged substantially parallel to each other. And the state in which the lines forming the rotating member and the lines forming the design 324 do not coincide does not refer to a state where the two lines are not parallel to each other.

[0363] The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment may also include the following (configuration 4-2) in addition to (configuration 4-1). (Composition 4-2) The rotating member (movable piece 51Ba) is movable between a first position (e.g., closed position Pc) and a second position (e.g., open position Po) by rotation. The state in the first position is considered a harmonious state, and the state in the second position is considered a non-harmonious state. This makes it possible to suppress the tendency for attention to be drawn to the rotating member when it is in the first position. Furthermore, when positioned in the second location, the rotating member can be easily recognized, and the disadvantages caused by not knowing the movable state of the rotating member can be mitigated.

[0364] The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment may also include the following (configuration 4-3) in addition to (configuration 4-1) and (configuration 4-2). (Composition 4-3) The rotating member (movable piece 51Ba) is movable between a first position (e.g., closed position Pc) and a second position (e.g., open position Po) by rotation. Both the state in the first position and the state in the second position are considered a harmonious state, while the state in an intermediate position between the first and second positions is considered a non-harmonious state. When the rotating member is stopped in the first or second position, it is possible to suppress the attention being drawn to the rotating member. Furthermore, during the movement from the first position to the second position, or from the second position to the first position, by providing a timing at which the rotating member can be clearly recognized, it is possible to make the player aware that the rotating member has rotated, thereby suppressing the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0365] The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment may also include the following (configuration 4-4) in addition to (configuration 4-1), (configuration 4-2), and (configuration 4-3). (Composition 4-4) The rotating member (movable piece 51Ba) has at least a portion of its color other than the shaft portion that is different from the color of the shaft portion. As a result, in the harmonized state, it becomes more difficult for the player to recognize the movable parts other than the shaft, thereby achieving the first effect described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0366] 1. Gaming machine 9 Game board 11 Transparent glass 37 Gaming Area 37a Left gaming area 37b Right game area 43 Special Pattern 2 Start Gate 47 Standard Pattern Starter 49 Grand Prize Winners 49A First Grand Prize Entrance 49B Second Grand Prize Winning Entrance 52, 52E, 52F, 52G, 52H, 52J, 52K, 52L, 52M nails 52A First nail 52B Second Nail 52C Third Nail 52D The fourth nail 52a head 53 Prize Winners 54 Nail group 55 Outlet 300 protective cover 300a surface 300b back side 302 Nail protection part 304, 304C, 304D, 304E, 304F, 304G, 304H, 304J, 304K, 304L, 304M, 304N, 304P Hole 304A First hole 304B Second hole 304a Edge 304a1 First edge (first edge) 304a2 Second edge (second edge) 304a3 Third edge (first edge) 304a4 Fourth edge (second edge) 306 Structures 306a Front section 308 Regulatory Department 308a Edge 310 Adjustment suppressor 324 Design PC closed position Po open position R1 Unfavorable route R2, R2a, R2b favorable paths

Claims

[Claim 1] A game board with multiple nails attached, A transparent resin member is provided with a space between it and the game board, which serves as a game area through which game balls can flow down, The plurality of nails include predetermined nails adjacent to both the advantageous path, which is a flow path that is relatively advantageous to the player, and the disadvantageous path, which is a flow path that is relatively disadvantageous to the player, among the plurality of flow paths that are designated as paths through which the game balls flow. The transparent resin member includes a specific resin member placed near the predetermined nail, The aforementioned specific resin member has an edge, The distance between the predetermined nail and the edge is made longer in the direction that narrows the unfavorable path than in the direction that narrows the favorable path. The predetermined nail is designed so that it cannot contact the edge if it is bent in at least one direction that narrows the unfavorable path. Gaming machine.

Images