JP5879724B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a slot machine that is installed in a gaming hall and allows a player to play a game.

In the gaming machine installed in the game hall, as the game progresses, various effect images are displayed on the display screen, or effect music is output from the speaker, thereby enhancing the excitement of the game. For example, in a pachinko machine, a lottery is performed when a game ball enters the entrance, but various effect images and music are displayed after the game ball enters the entrance and before the lottery result is notified. By outputting, the excitement of the lottery is raised. In addition, when the lottery result is notified, the production image and music are output. The excitement of games is greatly excited (for example, Patent Document 1).

Also, the display of the effect image and the output of the music are not performed by the player operating the so-called effect button provided on the game machine, instead of the display of the effect image or the output of the music automatically. A gaming machine that starts or switches between effect images and music has also been devised. In this way, when the player presses the production button, the production image and music at the time of winning are output, and the player operates the production button with the expectation that it will be notified that the lottery has been won. It is possible to raise the sense of expectation and further excite the fun of gaming.

JP 2004-81853 A

Today, however, these production buttons have become commonplace, and it has become difficult to sufficiently enhance the fun of games. In other words, if it becomes common to operate the effect buttons, the player will not have great expectations when operating the effect buttons, and as a result, the interest of the game cannot be sufficiently enhanced.

The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems of conventional gaming machines, and a gaming machine equipped with an effect button that can improve the interest of the game even when the effect button comes around. It aims at realizing.

In order to solve at least a part of the problems described above, the gaming machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
A gaming machine that performs various effects as the game progresses,
A pressing member provided with a pressing surface that can be pressed by the player on at least a part of the surface;
A panel member provided between the pressing member and the player in a state in which the pressing surface is exposed from the exposed portion, the transparent member having an exposed portion where the pressing surface is exposed;
A shielding member made of a light-shielding member, provided between at least a part of an adjacent region which is a surface region adjacent to the pressing surface of the pressing member and the panel member;
As the game progresses, shielding member moving means for moving the shielding member from between the panel member and the adjacent region in a direction that intersects the pressing direction of the pressing surface and that is along the panel member. When,
A pressing detection means for detecting pressing of the pressing surface;
A press trigger effect executing means for executing a press trigger effect as one effect of the various effects triggered by pressing of the pressing surface;
It is a summary to provide.

In view of the point that the pressing surface is widened for the player, the adjacent region of the pressing member may be adjacent to the surface region provided with the pressing surface as viewed from the player. It does not have to be physically adjacent. For example, even if there are dents, steps, or joints between the pressing surface, if it is an area that can be seen adjacent to the player, make the area visible so that the pressing surface has spread. Impression can be given to the player. Therefore, such a region also corresponds to the “adjacent region” of the present invention.

The shielding member may be moved in any case, but when a gaming state advantageous to the player occurs (when it is determined that an advantageous gaming state will occur, or the probability of occurrence is It is more preferable to move to a case where the probability exceeds a predetermined probability. Since the player tends to recall that a state advantageous to himself / herself occurs due to the pressing surface appearing to be widened, the player presses the pressing member with great expectation. Thereby, it becomes possible to improve the effect of the game by improving the effect of the press opportunity effect.

Of course, on the contrary, the shielding member is moved when a gaming state advantageous to the player does not occur (when it is determined that an advantageous gaming state does not occur or when the probability of occurrence falls below a predetermined probability). It is good also as what makes it. Alternatively, it may be moved regardless of whether or not a gaming state advantageous to the player occurs, or it may be determined at random whether or not to move. Regardless of the case of moving the shielding member, the player can be surprised by the fact that the pressing surface appears to widen, so that the interest of the game can be improved.

Note that the pressing member does not necessarily have to be integrally formed as a whole, and the pressing member may be formed by combining individually formed members. For example, the region where the pressing surface is provided and the adjacent region may be formed on separate members, and these members may be combined to form the pressing member. Even in such a case, if the adjacent area becomes visible, there is no change in the appearance that the pressing surface is expanded, so that it is possible to attract the player's interest and improve the interest of the game.

  It is possible to realize a gaming machine with a production button that can improve the fun of gaming.

It is a front view of the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed the structure of the game board 20 with which the ball ball game machine 10 of the present Example was equipped. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that the game ball switched from the state in which a game ball | bowl is easy to enter a 2nd operation port, and the state in which it is hard to enter a ball by driving the electrically-driven accessory 41 provided in the vicinity of the 2nd operation port. It is explanatory drawing which showed the detailed structure of the segment type display apparatus 70 with which the ball game machine 10 of the present Example was equipped. It is explanatory drawing which showed the structure of the back side of the ball game machine 10 provided with the apparatus for controlling the game performed on the game board 20 mentioned above. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated a mode that the effect image is displayed in the effect display apparatus 30. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control device of the ball game machine 10. FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the structure of the production button 600 of 1st Example. It is sectional drawing which looked at the production button 600 from the horizontal direction. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that the production button 600 of 1st Example changes the visual recognition shape of the button member 602. FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing an effect button 1600 of a first modified example including a spherical button member 1602. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the effect button 700 of the 2nd modification which provided the area | region which can see the inner side of the upper surface panel 610 also in the state which closed the shielding board 620. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that the shape of the exposed part 602s was made circular, and the area | region which the shielding board 820 surrounds was formed in the rectangle. It is explanatory drawing which showed the production | generation button 2600 of the 4th modification which provided the star-shaped shielding board. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated a mode that it uses combining the shielding board 622a and the shielding board 622b which have been arrange | positioned under the 1st shielding board 620a and the 2nd shielding board 620b, and the 2nd shielding board 620b. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that it arrange | positioned in the octagon shape which surrounds the exposed part 602s, overlapping the eight shielding plates 3622. FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the structure of the production button 5600 of 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that the visual recognition size of the button member 5602 was changed using the production button 5600 of 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed the production button 6600 of the 1st modification which used the transparent member for the button member 6602. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which showed the production | generation button 7600 of the 2nd modification which provided the transparent part 7610t inside the semi-translucent part 7610h. It is explanatory drawing which showed the production button 8600 of the 3rd modification which changes the visual recognition size and visual recognition shape of the button member 6602 using the shielding board 8620 and LED array 6640 together. It is explanatory drawing which showed the production button 8600 of the 3rd modification which changes the visual recognition size and visual recognition shape of the button member 6602 using the shielding board 8620 and LED array 6640 together.

Hereinafter, in order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, examples will be described in the following order.
A. Configuration of the ball game machine:
A-1. Front side configuration:
A-2. Game board configuration:
A-3. Back side configuration:
B. Overview of the game:
C. Control unit configuration:
C-1. Main controller configuration:
C-2. Peripheral device configuration:
D. Production button of the first embodiment:
E. Modification of the first embodiment:
E-1. First modification:
E-2. Second modification:
E-3. Third modification:
E-4. Fourth modification:
E-5. Fifth modification:
F. Production buttons of the second embodiment:
G. Modification of the second embodiment:
G-1. First modification:
G-2. Second modification:
G-3. Third modification:

A. Configuration of the ball game machine:
A-1. Front side configuration:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, the front side of the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment is a resin front panel 15 constituting the front surface of the ball game machine 10 or a board surface portion provided at the center of the front panel 15. 12 and an upper plate 13 provided slightly below the front panel 15. A glass plate is fitted into the board surface portion 12 from the back side of the front panel 15, and it is possible to visually recognize the game board installed on the back side of the front panel 15 through the glass plate. In FIG. 1, the detailed configuration of the game board is not shown.

The upper plate 13 is composed of a concave portion formed in a dish shape and a wall surface surrounding the concave portion.
It is possible to hold a game ball inside 3. The upper plate 13 is a ball game machine 10.
It is connected to a launching unit provided in the inside, and it is possible to supply a game ball to the launch unit by throwing a game ball into the upper plate 13. Below the upper plate 13 is a lower plate 16.
By operating a lever provided in the vicinity of the upper plate 13, the upper plate 13
And the lower plate 16 can communicate with each other. As will be described later, since the game balls may be paid out to the upper plate 13 with the game, the game balls may not fit in the upper plate 13, but the lower plate 16 is provided in this way. By making the upper plate 13 and the lower plate 16 communicate with each other, it is possible to discharge to the lower plate 16 the game balls that can no longer fit in the upper plate 13.

An effect button 600 is provided on the right side of the upper plate 13 toward the bullet ball game machine 10 at a position almost in front of the player (a position substantially in the center of the front of the ball ball game machine 10). The effect button 600 is configured so that it can be pressed downward from the gaming machine.
Various effects are executed by pressing 0. The effect button 600 will be described in detail later.

At the lower right of the upper plate 13, a launching handle 11 for launching a game ball onto the game board is provided. The launch handle 11 is connected to the launch unit described above, and the game ball can be launched onto the game board by operating the launch handle 11 with the game ball supplied from the upper plate 13 to the launch unit. is there. The firing handle 11 is provided with a sensor 11s (not shown), and it is determined whether or not the player is touching the firing handle 11.
It is possible to detect by s. Then, by controlling the launch from the launch unit in accordance with the detection result of the sensor 11s, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being launched without the player touching the launch handle 11. .

Above the front panel 15, two speakers 14 are provided on the left and right, and it is possible to output effect sounds, melody and other effect sounds in accordance with the game played in the ball game machine 10. These speakers 14 are attached from the back side to the front side of the front panel 15, and it is possible to efficiently deliver the production sound to the player who plays the game toward the front panel 15.

Further, a key portion 17 that can be locked and unlocked using a cylinder lock is provided at the end of the front panel 15 (the right end in FIG. 1). Panel 15
Can be fixed to the main body of the ball game machine 10. Moreover, if the key part 17 is unlocked, the front panel 15 can be separated from the main body of the ball game machine 10, and in this way,
It is possible to access various devices provided on the back surface of the front panel 15 and devices on the main body side. The front panel 15 is pivotally supported by the main body of the ball game machine 10, and the front panel 15 can be separated from the main body by rotating the front panel 15 with respect to the main body of the ball game machine 10. Is possible.

A ball ball machine 4 is provided next to the ball ball game machine 10, and a player of the ball ball game machine 10 lends by inserting a bill or a prepaid card into the ball ball machine 4 when playing the game. A game ball can be borrowed from the ball machine 4. A nozzle 52 is provided between the rental ball machine 4 and the upper plate 13, and a game ball lent from the rental ball machine 4 can be thrown into the upper plate 13 through the nozzle 52. As described above, when a game ball is thrown into the upper plate 13, the game ball is supplied to the launch unit. Therefore, the player borrows the game ball from the rental ball machine 4 and operates the launch handle 11 to thereby play the game board. It becomes possible to play a game by launching a game ball to 20.

A-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of the game board 20 provided in the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment. As described above, such a game board 20 is attached to the board surface portion 12 (see FIG. 1) of the front panel 15 from the back side of the glass plate. As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 20 includes
Rail 2 provided substantially perpendicular to the base plate 29 in the vicinity of the outer edge of the base plate 29 serving as a base
1, and a game area 28 to which a nail 22, a windmill 23, and the like are attached is formed inside the rail 21. The game ball fired by the launch unit is the rail 21
Is led to the game area 28 and flows down in the game area 28 while changing the traveling direction by the nail 22 or the windmill 23. In the game area 28, the through operation port 24 and the operation port 25 are provided.
And entrance holes (entrance entrances) such as the small winning opening 26 are provided, and when the flowing down gaming balls enter these operating openings and small winning entrances, the winning balls are paid out. Or a lottery lottery, which will be described later, is performed.

Among these entrances, the through operation port 24 is a gate-type operation port through which the entered game ball can pass, and the game ball that enters the through operation port 24 is discharged from the game area 28. Without passing through the through operation port 24, the game board 20 continues to flow down. The through operation port 24 is provided with a sensor 24s for detecting a ball entry, and the control device of the ball game machine 10 reads the detection state of the sensor 24s so that the ball enters the through operation port 24. It is possible to grasp that. When there is a ball entering the through operating port 24, the ball game machine 1
The control device of 0 executes various processes such as paying out a prize ball for entering the through operation port 24 to the upper plate 13 or performing lottery upon entering the through operation port 24.

On the other hand, the small winning opening 26 is a type of winning opening that takes in the game ball that has entered the game ball and discharges it to the back side of the game board 20. This small winning opening 26 is also the above-described through operation opening 2.
4, a sensor 26 s is provided, and the control device reads a detection state of the sensor 26 s to detect a ball entering the small prize opening 26 and obtains a prize ball for the ball entering the small prize opening 26. It is possible to pay out.

In addition, the operation port 25 (the first operation port 25a and the second operation port 2 of the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment is used.
5b) is an operating port of a type that discharges the entered game ball to the back side of the game board 20 in the same manner as the small prize opening 26. These operating ports 25 are also equipped with sensors (25as, 25bs),
By reading the detection state of the sensor, it is possible to detect balls entering the first working port 25a and the second working port 25b. An electric accessory 41 is provided in the vicinity of the second operating port 25b. By driving the electric accessory 41, a state in which a game ball can easily enter the second operating port 25b, It is possible to switch to a state where it is difficult to sphere. This point will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3 shows a state in which the game ball is switched between a state where it is easy to enter the second operation port and a state where it is difficult to enter the game by driving the electric accessory 41 provided in the vicinity of the second operation port. It is explanatory drawing. As shown in FIG. 3 (a), the electric accessory 41 is assembled to the operating port unit 40 having the first operating port 25 a provided at the upper portion, and the second 2 working port 2
5b is provided. The electric accessory 41 is connected to a drive mechanism provided in the working port unit 40, and the electric accessory 41 can be driven by the drive mechanism.

FIG. 3B shows a state in which the electric accessory 41 is driven to increase the interval between the electric accessory 41 and the electric accessory 41. As shown in the figure, when the electric combination 41 is driven, the space between the left and right electric combinations 41 is greatly expanded. In this state, the upper surface of the electric accessory 41 is inclined toward the second working port 25b. Therefore, as shown by an arrow in the drawing, the game ball received on the upper surface of the electric accessory 41 Can be guided in the direction of the second working port 25b. In this way, it is possible to realize a state in which a game ball can easily enter the second operating port 25b as compared to a state in which the space between the left and right electric actors 41 is not widely opened (see FIG. 3A). Can do. In addition, if the electric combination 41 is driven and the left and right electric combinations 41 are returned to their original positions (see FIG. 3A), the game ball can be made difficult to enter again. Thus, by driving the electric accessory 41, the second
It is possible to easily switch between a state in which a game ball can easily enter the operation port 25b and a state in which it is difficult to enter.

In the present embodiment, the interval between the electric accessories 41 is widened so that a game ball can easily enter (FIG. 3 (
b)) is referred to as the open state of the electric accessory 41, and the state where the interval between the electric actors 41 is narrow and the game balls are difficult to enter (see FIG. 3A) is the closed state of the electric accessory 41. Shall be called. Here, from the viewpoint of changing the ease of entering the second operating port 25b by driving the electric accessory 41, the closed state of the electric accessory 41 makes it impossible to enter a game ball. It is not always necessary that the second working port 25b is closed, and it is only necessary that the entry is more difficult than the open state of the electric accessory 41.

In addition, when a game ball enters the first operation port 25a and the second operation port 25b, the ball game machine 10 according to the present embodiment pays out a prize ball or performs a “big hit lottery” to obtain a lottery result. Perform various operations according to the response. These points will be described later.

A large entrance 60, which is a large entrance, is provided below the operation unit 40 on the game board 20, as shown in FIG. The large entrance 60 has a drive mechanism,
By tilting the plate member provided in front of the opening to the front of the game board 20, from the closed state where the opening is closed and entering is impossible, the opening is opened and the entering is possible. It is possible to switch. In the open state of the large entrance 60, a large number of game balls can easily enter because the opening is wide, so it is difficult for the player to open the large entrance 60. It is possible to create an advantageous gaming state. In the bullet ball game machine 10 according to the present embodiment, “15” prize balls are paid out for entering the large entrance 60.

At the lowermost part of the game area 28, an out port 50 is provided for collecting game balls that have not entered any of the small winning port 26, the operating port 25, the large ball port 60, and the like. The game ball that has entered the out-port is discharged from the game board 20 and collected by a ball collection device provided in the bullet ball game machine 10. In addition, a prize ball is not paid out for a game ball that has reached the out port 50. Since the out port 50 is provided below the other operation ports and the winning ball port, the player can enter any of the operating ports or the winning port before the game ball reaches the out port 50. Play as you wish. This makes it possible to attract the player's consciousness to the game.

A segment type display device 70 capable of displaying a predetermined symbol is provided on the right end of the right side of the game board 20. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are provided in the segment type display device 70, and the symbols can be displayed by causing the LEDs to emit light. In addition, the plurality of LEDs can individually emit light. For this reason, as shown in the following FIG. 4, various characters and numbers can be displayed by appropriately combining the LEDs to emit light. Is possible.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a detailed configuration of the segment type display device 70 provided in the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4 (a), the segment type display device 70 of the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment is composed of a left display unit 72, a central display unit 74, and a right display unit 76.
Each display unit has seven LEDs arranged in the shape of the number “8” (LEDs 72a to 72g in the left display unit 72) and a dot-shaped LED arranged in the lower right. (LED72p in the left display part) is comprised. As described above, these LEDs can be individually turned on or off, and characters or numbers can be expressed by combining LEDs that are turned on or off. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4B, the number “2” is displayed on the left display unit by turning on the hatched LED of the left display unit 72.

Moreover, not only numbers but also characters can be displayed. For example, in the example of FIG. 4B, the letter “H” of the alphabet is displayed on the central display portion 74, and the letter “L” is displayed on the right display portion 76. By combining LEDs that are turned on or off in this way, it is possible to display letters and numbers. Of course, displayable characters and numbers are not limited to the example of FIG. 4B, and various characters and numbers, and symbols such as “−” can be displayed. Further, in the example of FIG. 4B, numbers are displayed on the left display portion 72 and the center display portion 74 is displayed.
Although the characters are displayed on the right display unit 76, on the contrary, numbers can be displayed on the central display unit 74 and the right display unit 76, and the alphabet is displayed on the left display unit 72. It is also possible to display.

In addition, it is also possible to light each LED of the segment type display device 70 in a combination that does not form letters or numbers. For example, if LED72a and LED72e are turned on,
It is possible to display an aspect that cannot be called a number or a letter. If such a display that cannot be called letters or numbers is performed, it is difficult for the player to immediately understand the meaning of the display. For this reason, the player has the expectation that a gaming state advantageous to the player, such as “big hit gaming state” and “probability change state” described later, has occurred, or an advantageous gaming state has occurred. It is possible to improve the interest of the game by improving the player's feeling of uplift when notifying the player of the occurrence of an advantageous gaming state by avoiding being easily detected by the player. is there.

Each LED of the segment type display device 70 is connected to a main control device 100 which will be described later. The main control device 100 turns on or off each LED of the segment type display device 70, thereby various characters, numbers and symbols. Etc. can be displayed. Also,
By switching the LEDs to be lit one after another, it is possible to display the characters and numbers on the segment type display device 70 while changing them one after another (variable display of symbols). In the ball and ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, such a variation display of the symbol is started when the ball enters the operation port 25 as an opportunity.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a segment type display device 80 for through is provided below the segment type display device 70. Similarly to the segment display device 70, the through-segment display device 80 includes a plurality of LEDs, and each LED can be individually turned on or off. Moreover, it is also possible to perform a variable display of the symbols by switching the LEDs to be lit one after another. In the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, such a variation display of the symbols on the through segment type display device 80 is performed in response to the ball entering the through operation port 24.

As shown in FIG. 2, an effect display device 30 including a liquid crystal display device is provided in the center of the game area 28, and various effect images are displayed on the effect display device 30 according to the progress of the game. By displaying, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the game of the ball game machine 10. The effect display device 30 is controlled by a display control device 300 provided on the back side of the ball game machine 10, and the ball game machine 10 transmits a predetermined command to the display control device 300 according to the progress of the game. By doing so, it is possible to display various effect images according to the progress of the game.

Above the effect display device 30, an effect accessory 35 is provided. The stage actor 35 is provided with a light source therein and can emit light, and can be rotated by a driving device provided on the back side of the game board 20. And, it is possible to enhance the fun of the game by emitting light while rotating in conjunction with the effect image displayed on the effect display device 30, or by emitting light suddenly or rotating independently of the effect image. It is possible. Further, although detailed illustration is omitted, various lamps in addition to the directing action 35 are used for the game board 20 and the front panel 15.
It is possible to increase the game by lighting each lamp as the game progresses. The effect display device 30, the effect actor 35, and various lamps are also controlled by a device group provided on the back side of the ball game machine 10.

A-3. Back side configuration:
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the back side of the ball game machine 10 provided with a device for controlling the game performed on the game board 20 described above. As shown, the ball game machine 10
On the back side, there are various main control devices 100 that control the game, sub-control devices 200 that control various effects accompanying the game, and various liquid crystal display devices of the effect display device 30 according to instructions from the sub-control device 200. A display control device 300 for displaying an image is provided.
The main control device 100 is equipped with an MPU 102 including a RAM 140, a ROM 110, and the like, and the MPU 102, the RAM 140, the ROM 110, and the like cooperate to control a game. The sub control device 200 is also provided with an MPU like the main control device 100, and controls the effects accompanying the game while the MPU and the RAM and ROM in the MPU cooperate. The configurations of the main control device 100, the sub control device 200, and the display control device 300 will be described in detail later.

The main control device 100 and the sub control device 200 are mounted on the back side of the ball game machine 10 in a state of being housed in a transparent plastic case. The plastic case has a structure in which two case members surround the electronic circuit of the main control device 100 from both sides, and the case members are coupled to each other. The plastic case is removed to access the electronic circuit. For this purpose, it is necessary to destroy the joint portion of the case member and the case member itself. In general, gaming machines installed in gaming halls are crafted on gaming machines to operate the gaming machines to pay out prize balls, or illegally acquire prize balls by operating malfunctioning gaming machines, etc. However, if the main control device is covered with the plastic case in this way, when the main control device 100 is crafted, the joint portion of the case member is broken, It can be found that the work itself has been done by destroying the member itself. As a result, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of damage in advance even if an illegal act is received.

On the back side of the ball and ball game machine 10, there is a directing agent driving device 350 for driving the directing agent 35.
In addition, a power supply device 240 for supplying power to each device such as the main control device 100 and the sub control device 200 is also provided. In addition, a game ball tank 400 that receives supply of game balls from an island facility provided in the game hall is provided on the upper part on the back side. The game ball tank 400 is connected to a payout device (not shown) for paying out prize balls, and the game ball tank 40 is driven by driving the payout device by a payout control device 410 (not shown).
It is possible to pay out the game balls in 0 to the upper plate 13 of the ball game machine 10.

In addition, on the back side of the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, an external output terminal 9 to which a cable can be connected is provided.
10 is provided. In general, a gaming hall is equipped with a computer (hall computer) for collecting information on each gaming machine installed in the hall. In the ball game machine 10 of this embodiment, a cable from such a hall computer is connected to the outside. By connecting to the output terminal 910, it is possible to transmit various types of information related to games played in the ball game machine 10 to the hall computer. For example, a signal indicating that a game ball has been fired from the launch unit, a signal indicating that a game ball has been discharged from the out port 50, a signal indicating that a prize ball has been paid out, or a prize ball that has been paid out It is possible to transmit information indicating the number of By collecting this information, the hall computer can grasp the number of game balls thrown into the bullet ball gaming machine 10 of this embodiment by the player and the number of game balls acquired by the player. Yes, by extension, it becomes possible to grasp the profit status of the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment.

The external output terminal 910 outputs a signal indicating that a game ball has entered the through operation port 24 or the operation port 25 described above, or the segment type display device 70 described above (FIG. 4).
It is also possible to output a signal indicating that the variable display of the symbol has started, a signal indicating that the variable display is being performed, or a signal indicating that the variable display has ended. .

As shown in FIG. 5, the bullet ball game machine 10 has a frame plate 90 via a hinge portion 904.
2 is attached, and by fixing this frame plate 902 to the island equipment of the game hall, it is possible to install the ball game machine 10 in the game hall. Further, even when the ball game machine 10 is installed in the game hall, it is possible to access each device on the back side by rotating the ball game machine 10 in the front direction around the hinge portion 904. It is.

B. Overview of the game:
In the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, the progress of the game is controlled using each of the above-described configurations. Before describing the details of such control, an outline of the game performed in the ball game machine 10 will be described. Keep it.

First, when a player inserts a game ball into the upper plate 13 and operates the firing handle 11, the upper plate 13
The game balls supplied to the launch unit from each other are launched into the game area 28 of the game board 20 one by one. The launch unit is configured such that the speed at which the game ball is fired changes in accordance with the rotation angle of the launch handle 11, and the player can adjust the rotation angle of the launch handle 11 to
It is possible to aim at the position where the game ball is fired.

The game ball launched into the game area 28 flows down on the board surface of the game board 20 while the traveling direction is changed by the nail 22 or the windmill 23 or the like. At this time, the game ball flows down over time while being blocked by the nail 22 or the windmill 23, so that the player can enjoy the movement of the game ball by following the movement of the game ball, It is possible to enjoy the entertainment of the game by watching the game ball while expecting the game ball to enter the operation opening 25, the small prize opening 26, or the like.

When the game ball flowing down on the board surface of the game board 20 enters the through operation port 24, the variable display of symbols is started on the above-described through-segment display device 80 (see FIG. 2).
Such variable display of symbols is continued until a predetermined time (variable display time) has elapsed since the start of variable display, and when the variable display time has elapsed, the symbols are displayed in a stopped state. When a predetermined winning symbol is displayed during the stop display of the symbol, the winning symbol is won.

In the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, when the through symbol is hit, the electric accessory 41 of the operating port unit 40 described above is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) (FIG. 3).
(See (b)). As described above, since the game ball can easily enter the second operation port 25b in the opened state of the electric accessory 41, the player enters the game ball into the second operation port 25b for this predetermined time. It is an advantageous state that is easy to make. If the player is given an advantageous state due to the ball entering the through operation port 24 in this way, the player sets the launch position of the game ball with the aim of entering the game ball into the through operation port 24. Since the movement of the game ball is followed while expecting that the adjusted or launched game ball enters the through operation port 24, it is possible to enhance the interest of the game. In this embodiment, when the through symbol is hit, the second operating port 25b is thus formed.
Since the entry into the ball is supported by the electric accessory 41, the winning of the through symbol is referred to as “support winning”.

As described above, in the through-segment display device 80, the symbol variation display continues for a predetermined time. For this reason, another game ball may enter the through operation port 24 while the symbol variation display is being performed. In this case, in the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, the game ball is stored as a hold (holding of the through operation port), and after the symbol change display ends,
The variable display for the amount that has been put on hold is displayed. Further, the number of holds that can be stored is not limited to one, and a plurality of holds can be stored. In addition, in the ball ball game machine 10 of a present Example, it demonstrates as what can accumulate | store four reservations at maximum.

In the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to check the number of holding of the through operation port by a display lamp 82 (see FIG. 2) provided on the game board 20. As shown in FIG. 2, four display lamps 82 are provided below the effect display device 30, and the number of the lit display lamps 82 among the four display lamps 82 is the through operation port. Corresponds to the number of holds. For example, when there is no hold, none of the display lamps 82 is lit. When one hold is stored, one of the display lamps 82 is lit, and when two holds are stored, two display lamps 82 are lit. Similarly, in a state where three holds are stored, three display lamps 82 are lit, and four holds are held.
In the stored state, the four display lamps 82 are lit. Also, the ball game machine 1 of this embodiment
At 0, the display lamp 82 is turned on sequentially from the leftmost display lamp 82 as the number of hold increases, and the display lamp 82 is turned off sequentially from the right side as the hold is consumed. This makes it possible for the player to intuitively understand how the hold increases or decreases, and the player can more enjoy the game by reducing the labor of the player to grasp the game situation.

A game ball flowing down the game board 20 is moved to the operating port 25 (the first operating port 25a or the second operating port 25).
When the player enters the ball b), the variable display of symbols is started on the segment type display device 70 (see FIG. 4). Similar to the above-described symbol variation display on the through-segment display device 80, the symbol variation display on the segment type display device 70 is continued for a predetermined time, and then the symbol is stopped. Is displayed. At this time, when the symbol is stopped and displayed with a predetermined winning symbol, it becomes a “hit” and the ball game machine 10 shifts to the “hit game state”. In the “hit game state”, the large entrance 60 provided in the game board 20 is opened, and the player easily enters the launched entrance into the large entrance 60 and obtains a large number of prize balls. It becomes possible to do. Thus, since the jackpot gaming state is a very advantageous state for the player, the player usually plays the game aiming at the occurrence of the jackpot gaming state.

Whether or not the symbol of the segment type display device 70 stops at the winning symbol (whether or not the jackpot gaming state occurs) is determined by a jackpot lottery performed in the main control device 100 of the ball game machine 10. . This jackpot lottery will be described later. Further, when a game ball enters the operation port 25, a series of games from a symbol change display to a stop display is performed, and thus this series of games can be regarded as one unit of the game. From this,
In this embodiment, a series of games from entering the operation port to displaying a symbol stop is called “one game round”.

When the big hit game state is started and the large entrance 60 is opened, the large entrance 60 is used until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number of game balls enter the large entrance 60. Will remain open. When the predetermined time elapses or a predetermined number of game balls enter the large entrance 60, the large entrance 60 returns to the closed state. The game from the opening to closing of the big entrance 60 is called “round game” or simply “round”. In the jackpot gaming state, such a round is repeated a predetermined number of times, and then the jackpot gaming state is ended.

The large entrance 60 is provided with a sensor 60s, which can detect the entrance of game balls one by one. Therefore, a predetermined number of game balls can be obtained by counting the number of detected game balls. It is possible to detect that has entered the large entrance 60. Here, depending on the position and detection timing of the sensor 60s, even if the large entrance 60 is closed at the timing when a predetermined number of entrances are detected,
At that timing, there may be cases where more than a predetermined number of game balls have already entered. In such a case, the player can win more prize balls than usual. Therefore, if the detection timing of the sensor 60s and the position of the sensor 60s are adjusted so that occasional occurrence of more game balls than the predetermined number occurs in this way (for example, the position of the sensor 60s is determined as the game board). The player is placed a few game balls away from the surface of the game 20), and the player wishes to enter as many game balls as possible, and enters the ball until the big entrance 60 closes. Attention will be paid to the trend of the mouth 60. Thereby, it becomes possible to attract a player's interest more strongly by a round game. The sensor 60 indicates that a predetermined number of game balls have entered.
When the large entrance 60 is closed after detection at s, before the predetermined number of game balls enter the large entrance 6
Because 0 never closes, there is only a small number of game balls, but the big entrance 6
There is no fear that the player will be dissatisfied with 0 being closed, which is preferable.

On the other hand, when closing the large entrance 60 after a predetermined time has elapsed, the player tries to enter more game balls into the large entrance 60 before the large entrance 60 closes. The shooting handle 11 is operated to aim at the game ball toward the large entrance 60. As a result, it is possible to enhance the interest of the game in which the game ball is launched at a target location. Also,
In the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, the large entrance 60 is provided inside the game board 20 rather than the windmill 23 (see FIG. 2). , It is easy to enter the large entrance 60. Therefore, the player plays the game while expecting the course of the game ball to be directed inward by the windmill 23, and as a result, attracts the player's attention to the windmill 23 and improves the interest of the windmill 23. Can do.

Also, in the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, a plurality of types of “big hit gaming states” with different numbers of rounds and the like can be generated. Transition to gaming state. Here, in order to facilitate understanding of the following description, these various types of jackpot gaming states will be described.

The “2R jackpot gaming state (or simply 2R jackpot)” is a jackpot gaming state in which the above-described round is repeated twice. In this jackpot gaming state, when the round is repeated twice, the jackpot gaming state is terminated, so that the jackpot gaming state can be quickly terminated. In the ball and ball game machine 10, it is possible to improve the interest of the game by changing the game state one after another. It is possible. In addition, it is possible to give the player an impression that the game progresses at a good tempo, and to improve the exhilaration of the game.

In the bullet ball gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, as will be described later, it is possible to change the occurrence probability of the jackpot after the jackpot gaming state has occurred. In this embodiment, a state in which the probability of occurrence of a jackpot is changed to a high probability (a state in which a jackpot is likely to be won) is referred to as a “probability variation state” or a “probability variation state”, and a state that has not been changed to a high probability is referred to as “non-probability”. It shall be called “probability variation state” or “non-probability variation state”. Also, jackpots with a transition to a probabilistic state are called “probable jackpots”, and other jackpots are called “normal jackpots”.

Here, in the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, the “explicit probability variation 2R jackpot gaming state (or simply explicit probability variation 2R jackpot)” and “implicit probability variation 2R jackpot gaming state (or simply explicit probability variation 2R jackpot)”. Two types of 2R jackpot gaming states can be executed. Each of these jackpot game states is a jackpot with a transition to the probability change state while the round is repeated twice, but whether or not the player can easily recognize the transition to the probability change state is different. As will be described in detail later, for example, when an “explicit probability change 2R jackpot gaming state” occurs, the electric accessory 41 (see FIG. 3) has been opened and closed at a low frequency until then. By starting to open and close frequently, the player can recognize that the probability change state has occurred. On the other hand, in the “implicit probability change 2R jackpot game state”, such a change does not occur in the operation of the electric player 41, and therefore it is difficult for the player to easily recognize that the probability change state has occurred. It has become. For this reason, in the “implicit probability change 2R jackpot game state”, it is possible to generate a probability change state without noticing the player, and as a result, the player is surprised that the probability change state has occurred. It is possible to increase the interest of the game by giving the player a sense of expectation that the probability change state may have occurred.

The “15R jackpot gaming state (or simply 15R jackpot)” is a jackpot gaming state in which the round described above is repeated 15 times. In this state, the player can play many round games, so that a large number of prize balls can be obtained. For this reason, 1 player
There is a tendency that a 5R jackpot gaming state is desired to be generated. Therefore, by allowing the 15R jackpot gaming state to be generated in the ball game machine 10, the player's expectation for the 15R jackpot is held and the player's interest Can be attracted to the ball game machine 10.

In addition, the 15R jackpot gaming state may have a plurality of modes of 15R jackpot gaming state as in the 2R jackpot gaming state. In the ball game machine 10 of this embodiment,
As such 15R jackpot, “normal 15R jackpot gaming state (or just normal 15R
"R jackpot)" and "Probability 15R jackpot gaming state (or just probability 15R jackpot)"
The two types of jackpot gaming states can be executed. Among these, in the “probability change 15R jackpot”, the jackpot occurrence probability is changed to a high probability at a predetermined timing after the jackpot gaming state occurs (for example, when the jackpot gaming state ends). In this way, "Probability 15
When the “R jackpot” occurs, after the jackpot game, it becomes easy to win the jackpot, which is very advantageous for the player. Also, since the probability of jackpot occurrence is high, it is possible to win a jackpot by lottery lottery with a smaller number of times than usual. Therefore, by allowing the probability variation 15R jackpot to be generated, the player is expected to be able to acquire a large number of game balls in a short time by generating a plurality of jackpot gaming states in a short period of time, It is possible to attract the player strongly to the game. In addition, when the probability change 15R jackpot actually occurs, the player's feeling of achievement is greatly enhanced, so that it is possible to further enhance the interest of the game.

On the other hand, in the “normal 15R jackpot gaming state”, the transition to the probability change state is not performed after the jackpot gaming state ends. In addition, when the 15R big hit gaming state is in the probability variation state, the probability variation state is shifted to the non-probability variation state. In this way, even if the probability variation state advantageous to the player is ended by changing from the probability variation state to the non-probability variation state, it is possible to prevent the player from being greatly disappointed by the occurrence of the jackpot gaming state. it can. Thereby, it becomes possible to shift from the probability variation state to the non-probability variation state without greatly impairing the player's interest.

As described above, when these jackpot gaming states occur, the large entrance 60 is opened and a game ball can enter, and the manner of opening and closing the large entrance 60 at this time is described above. It may be different depending on the type of jackpot. For example, in the case of an implicit probability variation 2R jackpot, the large entrance 60 may be opened for a short time (for example, 0.2 seconds). In this way, even if the big entrance 60 is opened and closed, it is difficult for the player to notice that the big entrance 60 has been opened and closed. The risk of recognition can be reduced. Therefore, as described above, if the probability change state is changed after the occurrence of the implicit probability change 2R jackpot, the player can be surely given a surprise that the probability change state has been reached. Alternatively, a plurality of opening / closing modes can be executed for one jackpot type. For example, in the case of a big 15R jackpot, it is determined by lottery whether to execute a round with a short opening time 15 times or a mode in which a round with a longer opening time is repeated 15 times. Also good. In such a case, the player waits for the start of the jackpot gaming state while paying attention to the manner in which the big entrance 60 starts to open and close, so that the player can feel secure about the game by winning the jackpot. Can be avoided.

Also, in the case of the explicit probability variation 2R jackpot, similarly to the non-explicit probability variation 2R jackpot, the large entrance 60
May be opened only for a short time. Then, in the case of the explicit probability change 2R big hit, after the large entrance 60 performs an opening / closing operation, the electric accessory 41 may transition to a gaming state in which the opening / closing operation is frequently performed. In this way, the occurrence of the probability variation state is not noticed by opening / closing the large entrance 60, but the player can be noticed by the operation of the electric accessory 41. As described above, since the electric accessory 41 may be opened and closed due to the entry into the through operation port 24, the player can remove the electric combination 41 due to the entry into the through operation port 24. It is difficult to immediately identify whether the electric accessory 41 has been opened or closed due to the occurrence of a jackpot. Therefore, it is possible to make the player have the expectation that the explicit probability change 2R jackpot has occurred, and to attract the player's interest to the electric accessory 41. As a result,
It is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

On the other hand, in the case of a normal 15R jackpot or a probability variation 15R jackpot, the big entrance 60 may be opened over a longer time than the 2R jackpot (for example, about 30 seconds). In this way, the player can fully recognize that the big entrance 60 has been opened, and visually recognize that the game ball enters the big entrance 60, so that the uplifting feeling caused by the occurrence of the big hit Can be enjoyed more. In addition, since the state where the game ball enters the large entrance 60 can be visually confirmed, it is possible to further enjoy the game in which the shooting handle 11 is operated so that the game ball enters the large entrance 60. It becomes possible.

In this embodiment, the operation state (game state) in which the large entrance 60 repeatedly opens and closes is referred to as “open / close mode”. Further, the above-described mode in which the large entrance 60 is opened only for a short time is called “low-frequency entry mode” because the game ball is difficult to enter, and the large entrance 60 is longer than the low-frequency entry mode. The above-described mode that opens over time is referred to as “high-frequency entry mode” because game balls are easier to enter than in the low-frequency entry mode.

The operation state (game state) in which the electric accessory 41 repeatedly opens and closes is the second operating port 25b.
Since it is prompting the player to enter the ball, it will be called “support mode”. Further, similarly to the large entrance 60, the electric accessory 41 is less likely to enter the game ball if the time during which the electric accessory 41 is open is shortened. Conversely, the time during which the electric accessory 41 is open. If the length is made longer, it becomes easier for game balls to enter. Therefore, it is possible to change the ease of entering the second operating port 25b by changing the opening time of the electric accessory 41. In the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, two types of support modes with different opening times of the electric accessory 41 can be executed, and the electric accessory 41 is in an open state among the two types of support modes. The support mode in which the time for maintaining the power (opening time) is shorter than the other support mode is called “low support mode”, and the support mode in which the opening time of the electric accessory 41 is longer than the other support mode is “high support mode” Shall be called.

In such a support mode, it is possible to change the ease of entering the second operating port 25b by changing the number of times the electric accessory 41 is released per unit time. For this reason, when a plurality of types of support modes are provided, the number of times of opening / closing the electric accessory 41 per unit time may be varied between the support modes. In the ball game machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the number of times of opening / closing the electric accessory 41 per unit time is higher in the high support mode than in the low support mode. It is easier to enter the operation port 25b than in the low support mode.

Further, when the support mode is started after the end of the jackpot gaming state, the type of support mode to be started may be made different according to the type of jackpot. Alternatively, depending on the type of jackpot, the support mode may not be started. In some cases, a jackpot is won during the execution of the support mode. In such a case, the type of the support mode may be changed after the jackpot gaming state ends. By so doing, it is possible to cause a change in the operation mode of the electric accessory 41 due to the occurrence of the jackpot gaming state. In the ball ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, the case of “normal 15R jackpot”, the case of “probability 15R jackpot” or “
In the case of “explicitly probable 2R jackpot”, the high support mode shall be started (if these jackpots are won during the low support mode, the support mode will be switched to the high support mode). ”, The high support mode is not started (if the non-explicit probability variable 2R jackpot is won during the low support mode, the low support mode is continued without switching the support mode to the high support mode). .

As described above, in the ball game machine 10 according to the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the operation port 25, the segment type display device 70 performs the change display and stop display of the symbol, and the symbol is a predetermined hit symbol. If it is stopped and displayed, it shifts to the jackpot gaming state. At the time of the variable display and stop display of the symbols, various images and symbols are displayed not only on the segment type display device 70 but also on the liquid crystal display device of the effect display device 30.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view illustrating a state in which the effect image is displayed on the effect display device 30. As shown in FIG. 6 (a), in the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, the character design 32 with numbers is displayed on the effect display device 30. The character design 32 is divided into three stages in the vertical direction of the effect display device 30 (refer to the respective stages indicated as “upper stage”, “middle stage”, and “lower stage” in the figure) and are arranged in a horizontal row at each stage. A sub-symbol 34 is drawn between the character symbol 32 and the character symbol 32 at each stage. When the variable display of symbols is performed on the segment type display device 70, the character symbols 32 and the sub symbols 34 at each stage move in the horizontal direction of the effect display device 30 while maintaining the state of being arranged in a horizontal row. The state is displayed.

As described above, in the segment type display device 70, when a predetermined variation time has elapsed after the symbol variation display is started, the symbol is stopped and displayed. At this time, also in the effect display device 30, the character symbol 32 and the sub symbol 34 that have moved in the horizontal direction are stopped, and the character symbol 32 and the sub symbol 34 are stopped and displayed. Here, in the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, the stop display mode of the character symbol 32 and the sub symbol 34 is changed to the segment type display device 70.
It is possible to correspond to the pattern stop display mode at. For example, when a symbol corresponding to the jackpot is stopped and displayed on the segment type display device 70, the character display 32 with the same number is arranged in a line in the effect display device 30 in correspondence with this. Is stopped and displayed.

FIG. 6B illustrates a state in which the character symbols 32 with the same numerals are stopped and displayed in a line in the vertical direction. As shown in the figure, the character symbol 32 with the numeral “3” is displayed side by side on the line indicated as “L1” in the figure. If the character symbols 32 with the same numbers are displayed side by side in this way, it is possible to make the player easily recognize that a jackpot has occurred.

Further, when the character symbol 32 is stopped and displayed, the upper, middle, and lower stages may be stopped simultaneously, but the respective stages may be stopped at different timings. For example, the upper and lower stages are stopped and displayed first, and the middle stage is finally stopped and displayed. At this time, if the same character design 32 is stopped in a row in the upper row and the lower row, the player is expected that the same character design 32 stops in the middle row and a jackpot state is generated. It is possible to increase the interest of the game. In this embodiment, the display mode in which the symbols of the two stages are aligned and stopped and displayed is called reach display, and the effect using the reach display is called reach effect.

Further, in FIG. 6B, an example in which the same character design 32 is arranged on the line indicated as “L1” is illustrated, but the manner in which the character design 32 is arranged in a line is not limited to this mode, and various modes are available. Is possible. That is, in the effect display device 30 of the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, FIG.
The same character symbol 32 can be stopped and displayed side by side on any one of the five lines “L1” to “L5” shown in b). In this way, if it is aligned on any of a plurality of lines, if it corresponds to the occurrence of jackpot gaming state,
Since the player can have the expectation that the same symbol will be lined up on any one of the many lines, it is possible to further improve the player's expectation and enhance the interest of the game. is there.

Further, when the character symbol 32 is stopped and displayed, the character symbol 32 may be stopped and displayed in a different manner depending on the type of jackpot. For example, in a jackpot (probability jackpot) that shifts to a probability change state such as a probability change 15R jackpot, the character symbols 32 to which odd numbers such as “1” and “3” are attached are stopped and displayed in a line, and a normal 15R jackpot etc. In the jackpot that shifts to the non-probable change state, the character symbols 32 with even numbers such as “2” and “4” may be displayed in a line and stopped. In this way, the player can be made to recognize by the effect display device 30 that the jackpot is to shift to the probability change state or the jackpot to be changed to the non-probability change state.

On the contrary, in the case of the implicit probability variation 2R jackpot, the character symbols 32 may not be aligned in a line. In this way, the player displays that the jackpot has been generated by the effect display device 3.
By avoiding the possibility of being known by 0, it is possible to more surely give a surprise that a big hit gaming state has occurred before and a surprise that it has shifted to a probable state soon.

The effect display device 30 is provided near the center of the game board 20 and is large in size, so that it is easily caught by the player. For this reason, it is normal for a player to play a game while looking at the effect display device 30. Therefore, it is possible to effectively produce an effect by using the effect display device 30. In addition, since the effect display device 30 has a large area and can display a fine image by increasing the number of pixels of the liquid crystal display device, it is possible to display a high-quality image. If such a high-quality image is displayed, the effect of the production can be further enhanced.

Further, when a game ball enters the operation port 25, not only the effect display on the effect display device 30 and the variable display of the symbols on the segment type display device 70, but also a prize ball may be paid out. In this way, when the game ball enters the operation port 25, not only does the change display of the symbol start and the possibility of shifting to the big hit state occurs, but the player can also obtain a prize ball, so the player can operate the operation port 2
The game will be played with a strong desire to enter 5th. For this reason, it is possible to make the player pay more attention to whether or not a game ball enters the operation port 25, and it is possible to further enhance the interest of the game. Furthermore, since the player can play the game for as long as the awarded ball, the player can be attracted to the game for a longer time. In the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, “3” prize balls are paid out for entering the first operating port 25a.
It is assumed that “4” prize balls are paid out for entering the second operating port 25b.

When a game ball enters the operation port 25 while the effect display device 30 or the segment type display device 70 displays the variation of the symbol, the game ball enters as in the case of the through operation port 24. Is stored as hold (holding of the operating port), and after the variable display of the symbol is finished, the variable display for the hold is performed. In the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, the number of the first operating port 25a can be confirmed by the display lamp 83a (see FIG. 2) provided on the game board 20, and similarly,
It is possible to confirm the number of reserved second operating ports 25b by the display lamp 83b. As shown in FIG. 2, four display lamps 83a and four display lamps 83b are provided, and the number of the display lamps that are lit corresponds to the number of holdings of the respective operation ports. doing. That is, when there is no hold, all the display lamps are turned off, and when there is one hold, one of the display lamps is turned on. Similarly, when there are two holds, two display lamps are lit, three display lamps are present when three holds are present, and four display lamps are present when four holds are present, Each is lit.

In the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, the display lamps are lit in order from the leftmost display lamp as the number of holds increases, and the display lamps are sequentially displayed from the right as the hold is consumed. Turns off. Thereby, it is possible to make the player easily understand how the hold increases or decreases. Since the number of lottery wins increases as the number of holds increases, players tend to desire a state with a large number of holds, so it is easy to see how the number of holds increases and decreases in this way, It is possible to make the game more enjoyable to the player with the increase and decrease of the game.

In addition, in the bullet ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, it is also possible to display such a reserved number on the effect display device 30. That is, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), by displaying the design symbol in a part of the effect display device 30 (the first working port holding display area and the second working port holding display area), The number of holds can be displayed using the effect display device 30. Here, the “first operation port hold display area” in the figure is an area for displaying the number of hold of the first operation port 25a, and as shown, the first area a1 and the second area a2. , A third area a3, and a fourth area a4. And the 1st operation port 25
By displaying the same number of design symbols as the number of holdings a in order from the left of the display area, the number of holdings of the first working port 25a can be displayed.

For example, if the number of reserves of the first operating port 25a is “2”, the design symbol is displayed in two areas (first area a1 and second area a2) from the left of the first operating port holding display area correspondingly. Is displayed, it is possible to display that the number of reservations of the first operating port 25a is “2”. Similarly for the second working port hold display area, the first area b1, the second area b2, the third area b
3. It consists of four display areas of the 4th area b4, and displays the number of reservations of the 2nd operation mouth 25b by displaying in the display area the design symbol of the number corresponding to the number of reservation of the 2nd operation mouth. Is possible.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 20 is also provided with a small prize opening 26. When a game ball enters the small winning opening 26, the ball game machine 10 of this embodiment pays out a predetermined number of game balls to the upper plate 13 as a prize ball. In this way, if the winning ball is paid out when entering the small winning opening 26, even if the big winning lottery is not performed at the time of entering the small winning opening 26, the player can play the gaming ball into the small winning opening 26. There is a tendency to play games while expecting to enter. Therefore, by providing the small winning opening 26, it is possible to attract the player's interest to the game and increase the interest of the game without increasing the number of jackpot lotteries.

If the small prize opening 26 is provided below the game board 20 with respect to the operation opening 25, the operation opening 2
Even if the game ball does not enter 5, there is a possibility of entering the small prize opening 26, so that the player's interest is distracted by the game ball not entering the operation port 25. It can be avoided. This makes it possible to attract the player more strongly to the game.

On the other hand, when the game ball does not enter any of the entrances such as the through operation port 24 and the operation port 25, the game ball is collected at the out port 50 provided at the lower part of the game board 20. Game board 2
It is discharged out of zero. In this case, the player cannot obtain a prize ball. As described above, in the ball game machine 10, a player launches a game ball and the operation opening 25 or the small prize opening 26 on the game board 20.
A game to enter the game is performed, and as the game progresses, the prize ball is paid out or the game progresses while various effects are performed. Below, the detailed structure of the control apparatus which controls this game is demonstrated.

C. Control unit configuration:
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device of the ball game machine 10. As shown in the figure, the control device for the gaming machine includes a main control device 100, a sub control device 200, a display control device 300, and the like. The main control device 100 mainly plays a role of controlling the progress of the game, such as performing the above-mentioned jackpot lottery or shifting to the jackpot gaming state according to the result of the jackpot lottery. Further, the sub-control device 200 and the payout control device 410
By transmitting commands for instructing various operations to these devices, these devices are caused to execute various operations. In FIG. 7, the direction in which data and signals are input and output is indicated by black arrows.

C-1. Main control unit configuration:
The main control device 100 includes a one-chip type MPU 102 on which an arithmetic device 104, a ROM 110, a RAM 140, and the like are mounted. Inside the chip of the MPU 102, the arithmetic unit 104, the ROM 110, and the RAM 140 are mutually connected by a bus, and data can be transmitted and received between them. The MPU 102 uses such a bus connection to
A program can be read from the OM 110 and various instructions described in the read program can be executed in the arithmetic unit 104. In addition, arithmetic operations such as addition and subtraction can be performed using the arithmetic unit 104. The MPU 102 also stores a program register that temporarily stores the read program, a program counter that stores an address of an instruction being executed in the arithmetic device 104 (an address in the program), and an arithmetic operation performed by the arithmetic device 104. A working register or the like for storing various data to be used is also provided, and a program can be appropriately executed using these configurations.

Further, the MPU 102 has a timer interrupt function for generating an interrupt at a constant time interval for a program being executed. When an interrupt is generated by the timer interrupt function, the MPU 102 interrupts program execution and stores the value of the program counter in the stack memory in the MPU 102. Also, the value of each register such as a working register is also stored in the memory in the MPU 102. Then, the start address of the program to be executed by interruption is acquired from the program register of the MPU 102 and the program is executed. When the interrupted and executed program ends, the value of the program register stored in the stack memory in the MPU 102 is read and the MPU 102
The value of each register stored in the internal memory is returned to each register. And by starting execution of the original program from the address stored in the program register,
It is possible to resume the original program from the rest. In the ball game machine 10 of this embodiment,
Using such a timer interrupt function, processing for detecting a ball entering the through port 24, processing for detecting a ball entering the port 25, and the like are executed.

The ROM 110 is provided with a plurality of storage areas capable of storing various types of data. Among these, the program area 111 stores a program executed by the MPU 102. Various data necessary for program execution, such as the program start address, are also stored in the program area 111. The MPU 102 reads the programs and data from the program area 111 of the ROM 110 and executes the programs to control the ball game machine 10.

In the lottery table area 112 of the ROM 110, a “big hit lottery table” that is referred to when the main control device 100 performs a big hit lottery is stored. In the jackpot lottery table of the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, each numerical value from “0” to “599”,
The success / failure result of the jackpot lottery for each numerical value is associated, and by acquiring any numerical value from “0” to “599” from the jackpot random number counter and referring to the jackpot lottery table, the jackpot for the acquired numerical value It is possible to determine whether or not the lottery is successful.

The distribution table area 113 stores a “distribution table” that is referred to when a big hit occurs. As described above, in the ball ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to generate a plurality of types of jackpot gaming states, such as an implicit probability variation 2R jackpot and a normal 15R jackpot. For this reason, when a big hit occurs, by referring to the sorting table,
Which jackpot gaming state of these jackpot gaming states is to be executed is determined.

The stop mode table area 114 stores a “stop mode table” that is referred to when the symbols are stopped and displayed on the segment type display device 70. In the stop mode table,
Whether or not each LED of the segment type display device 70 is turned on is determined for each LED, and a predetermined stop pattern is displayed on the segment type display device 70 by turning on or off each LED according to the stop mode table. Is possible.

The variable display time table area 115 stores a “variable display time table” in which a time (variable display time) for displaying symbols in the segment type display device 70 is set. In this variation display time table, a plurality of variation display times having different lengths are set with numbers for identifying the variation times. When performing variable display of symbols, after determining the number of the variable display time, the variable display time of the symbol is determined by referring to the variable display time table and reading the variable display time corresponding to the number. .

The command information storage area 116 stores various commands that the main control device 100 transmits to the sub control device 200, the payout control device 410, and the like. In the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, these commands are binary data having a predetermined data length (number of bytes), and can therefore be stored on the ROM 110. ROM1 like this
If the main control device 100 transmits a command to the sub control device 200, the payout control device 410, etc., the stored command is read out and the sub control device 200 or the payout is sent out. What is necessary is just to transmit to the control apparatus 410. In this way, it is not necessary to generate a new command every time a command is transmitted, so that the command can be transmitted quickly.

The above-described classification of each storage area of the ROM 110 is classified by focusing on the contents to be stored, and it is not always necessary that these storage areas are actually divided on the ROM 110. Of course, it is also possible to actually configure the ROM 110 separately. For example, in the address space of the ROM 110, the addresses may be divided for each storage area, or each storage area may be assigned to a different bank using a so-called bank structure. If each storage area is actually divided on the ROM 110 in this way, the data stored in each storage area is collected in the ROM 11.
Since it is stored in 0, it becomes possible to read data from each storage area more quickly.

The RAM 140 of the main control device 100 is a random access memory capable of temporarily storing various data used for the progress of the game. RAM140 is also ROM
110 is connected to the arithmetic device 104 by a bus, and the MPU 102 is connected to the arithmetic device 104.
Is stored in the RAM 140 or the data in the RAM 140 is read out to obtain the arithmetic unit 10.
4 can be transferred. Further, the data is read from the ROM 110 and the RAM 14 is read.
It is also possible to store the data of the ROM 110 in the RAM 140 by writing the data to 0. Further, since the RAM 140 and the ROM 110 are connected by a bus, R
When storing the data of the OM 110 in the RAM 140, it is possible to directly write the data of the ROM 110 into the RAM 140 without using the arithmetic unit 104. In this way, ROM1
10 data can be written to the RAM 140 more quickly, and the ROM 11
It is possible to reduce the processing load on the arithmetic unit 104 when writing 0 data to the RAM 140.

Although not shown in FIG. 7, the main control device 100 is also provided with a backup device. This backup device is connected to the main control device 100 from the power supply device 240.
When the voltage falls below a predetermined voltage, it is determined that a power failure has occurred, and a power failure notification signal is transmitted to the main control device 100. When the main controller 100 receives the power failure notification signal, the main controller 100 performs a power failure process such as closing the large entrance 60, and MP.
The operation of U102 is stopped. At this time, a backup voltage is supplied to the RAM 140 from a backup capacitor. By doing so, the data stored in the RAM 140 can be held as it is even during a power failure. The backup capacitor has a large capacitance, and the RAM 140 does not require so much power as long as it only maintains the storage state. Thus, by supplying the voltage from the backup capacitor, the RAM 140 It is possible to keep the memory state for a long time. As a result, when recovering from a power failure, the operation can be resumed with the storage state of the RAM 140 restored to the original state.

The RAM 140 focuses on the contents of the data to be stored and the functions realized by the stored data, as shown in FIG. It can be understood that the electric accessory holding area 144, the command buffer 145, and the general-purpose area 146) are provided. The details of the processing using these storage areas will be described later, but each storage area will be briefly described for easy understanding.

The “counter area 141” includes a jackpot random number counter used for determining whether or not the jackpot lottery is successful, a jackpot type counter used when determining the jackpot type, and the like. In the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, the value of the jackpot random number counter is acquired and the RO
By referring to the jackpot lottery table stored in the lottery table area 112 of M110, it is possible to determine whether or not the jackpot lottery is successful. The jackpot type can be determined by acquiring the value of the jackpot type counter and referring to the sorting table stored in the sorting table area 113 of the ROM 110.

The “hold storage area 142” is a storage area for storing a ball entering the operation port 25 as a hold. That is, in the ball ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, when another game ball enters the operation opening 25 while the symbol type display device 70 is performing the variable display of the symbols, In order to store it as a hold, a value is acquired from a jackpot random number counter or a jackpot type counter and stored in the hold storage area 142. In the present embodiment, the first operating port 25a and the second operating port 2
Corresponding to the provision of the two operation ports 5b, the reservation storage area 142 is provided with two reservation storage areas of "first operation port reservation storage area" and "second operation port reservation storage area". It is possible to individually store the hold for each operating port.

The “flag area 143” is an area for holding various flags that are set to ON or OFF in response to a change in the game state accompanying the progress of the game or the occurrence of a jackpot. For example, as described above, in the ball game machine 10 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to shift to a plurality of types of jackpot gaming states such as a normal 15R jackpot and a probability variation 15R jackpot. A “normal 15R jackpot flag” and a “probability variable 15R jackpot flag” are provided in the flag area 143. When a jackpot occurs, a jackpot flag corresponding to the jackpot type is set (set to ON). Also,
When the jackpot gaming state ends, the corresponding jackpot flag is reset (set to OFF). Therefore, by referring to each jackpot flag, it is possible to determine whether or not the jackpot gaming state, or to determine which type of jackpot gaming state the jackpot gaming state.

“Electric accessory holding area 144” is an area for storing a ball entering the through operation port 24 as a holding. That is, as described above, when a game ball enters the through operation port 24, the change display of the symbol is performed on the through-segment display device 80, but the game ball is displayed while the change display of the symbol is being performed. When a ball enters the through operation port 24, the ball is stored as a hold. The electric accessory holding area 144 is a storage area for storing such holding. The numerical value read from the electric accessory release counter 141f is temporarily stored in the electric accessory holding area 144, and when the symbol change display is completed, the numerical value is read from the electric accessory holding area 144 and the symbol change display. Will be digested.

The “command buffer 145” temporarily stores commands to be transmitted to peripheral devices connected to the main control device 100 (such as the sub control device 200, the electric accessory driving unit 42, and the large entrance driving unit 62). It is a buffer area to keep. The main control device 100 of the ball game machine 10 stores various commands in the command buffer 145 according to the progress of the game, and outputs the commands to the sub-control device 200, the electric accessory driving unit 42, etc. at a predetermined timing. By
It is possible to control the operation of each of these devices.

The “general-purpose area 146” is a general-purpose storage area in which various data can be temporarily stored when the main control device 100 controls a game, and the calculation result of the calculation device 104 can be temporarily stored. It is. The MPU 102 of the main control device 100 can appropriately execute the processing by appropriately using the general-purpose area 146 when executing various programs for controlling the game.

As described above, the main control device 100 controls the progress of the game using each of these components. At this time, various processes are performed according to signals from various sensors (such as 11s) connected to the main control device 100 and the payout control device 410. In addition, various commands are transmitted from the main control device 100 to each device such as the sub-control device 200 and the electric accessory driving unit 42 connected to the main control device 100, so that the operation of each of these devices is controlled. Control.
Hereinafter, the configuration of these peripheral devices connected to the main control device 100 will be described.

C-2. Peripheral device configuration:
The sub control device 200 is a control device that receives a command transmitted from the main control device 100 and performs various controls according to the command, and mainly plays a role of controlling various effects associated with the game. Although not described in detail, the sub control device 200 includes an MPU, a ROM, and a RAM like the main control device 100, and various processes can be executed using these devices. In addition, a display control device 300 is connected to the sub-control device 200, and the display control device 300 displays various effect images and effect symbols on the effect display device 30 in accordance with instructions from the sub-control device 200. An effect using the display device 30 can be executed.

When the sub control device 200 receives a command from the main control device 100, the sub control device 200 analyzes the command, acquires various types of information included in the command, and performs various effects processing according to the acquired information. For example, when a command (variation start command) including information related to the symbol variation display time and symbol variation pattern of the segment type display device 70 is received, an instruction is sent to the display controller 300 to connect to the display controller 300. The effect symbol is variably displayed on the effect display device 30. At this time, since the command sent from the main control device 100 includes information on the variable display time of the symbols on the segment type display device 70, the sub-control device 200 uses the effect display device 30. It is possible to execute the effect symbol variation display in accordance with the symbol variation display on the segment type display device 70. In addition, in accordance with the symbol stop display on the segment type display device 70, the effect symbol variation display on the effect display device 30 can be stopped (determined display).

As described above, the bullet ball game machine 10 according to the present embodiment can achieve a reach effect, but for such reach effect, the sub control device 200 performs a predetermined process in response to a command from the main control device 100. It is realized by doing. That is, when receiving the change start command from the main control device 100, the sub control device 200 determines whether or not there is a time required for performing the reach effect based on the information regarding the change display time included in the change start command. To do. When it is determined that the reach effect can be executed, it is determined whether or not the reach effect is actually performed, and when the reach effect is performed, a predetermined command is transmitted to the display control device 300. A reach effect is executed by the effect display device 30. Not only such reach effects but also other various effects, the main control device 100 to the sub-control device 2
This is realized by sending a command to 00.

In addition, the effect button 600 described above is also connected to the sub-control device 200. The effect button 600 incorporates a push button type electric switch, and when the player presses the effect button 600, the connection state of the electric switch changes to indicate that the effect button 600 has been pressed. Can be detected. By using such an effect button 600, the bullet ball game machine 10 of this embodiment can start a special effect or change the contents of the effect when the effect button 600 is pressed.

For example, when the value acquired from the jackpot random number counter is a predetermined value, the main control device 100 notifies the sub control device 200 to that effect through a command. In response to this, the sub-control device 200 displays an image prompting the player to press the effect button 600.
Displayed at 0. Then, when it is detected that the effect button 600 has been pressed by the player, the effect image displayed on the effect display device 30 and the sound effect output to the speaker 14 are switched. For example, if the lottery result is a big hit, an image (moving image or still image) to be displayed on the effect display device 30
, Production images (videos and still images) that notify the winning of the jackpot from the images that were displayed so far
Switch to. Alternatively, if the result of the lottery is off, the effect image (moving image or still image) corresponding to the off is switched. In this way, the player presses the effect button 600 while having a sense of expectation that a jackpot may occur, and the player himself / herself presses the effect button 60.
Since the result of the lottery is revealed by pressing 0, it is possible to excite interest when notifying the lottery result.

Further, in the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, it is also possible to transmit a control signal from the sub-control device 200 to such an effect button 600. The effect button 600 of the bullet ball game machine 10 of this embodiment is provided with a mechanism that is driven by receiving this control signal, thereby making it possible to further enhance the interest of the effect using the effect button 600. This point will be described in detail later.

The display control device 300 is similar to the main control device 100 and the sub control device 200 in the MPU.
And a control circuit mounted with a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and various processes can be executed using each of these components. In addition, image data of various images displayed on the effect display device 30 is stored in advance. These image data are stored in a state where various kinds of encoding processing are performed, and this prevents a situation where the storage area for storing the image data becomes excessive. The display control device 300 decodes the encoded image data using an MPU or a decoding LSI, and outputs the decoded image data to the effect display device 30. By doing this, even if the image data is encoded,
It is possible to quickly display on the effect display device 30.

As shown in FIG. 7, not only the sub-control device 200 but also each sensor provided in the through operation port 24 and the operation port 25 is connected to the main control device 100. Each of the sensors provided at the entrance of the ball sends a signal to the main control device 100 when detecting the entrance of the game ball, and in response thereto, a latch circuit (not shown) provided in the main control device 100 By entering the latch state, the game ball is stored. MPU of main controller 100
102 reads out the state of the latch circuit to thereby enable the through operation port 24 and the operation port 25.
It is possible to detect a ball entering into.

The electric accessory driving unit 42 includes an actuator that opens and closes the electric accessory 41, a drive circuit that drives the actuator, and the like. The main control device 100 includes an electric accessory driving unit 4
It is possible to open and close the electric accessory 41 by transmitting a signal to 2 and operating the electric accessory driving unit 42. The large entrance opening driving unit 62 is also composed of an actuator for opening and closing the large entrance 60, a control circuit for driving the actuator, and the like, similar to the electric accessory driving unit 42. The large entrance 60 can be opened and closed by transmitting a signal to 62.

The above-described segment type display device 70 is also connected to the main control device 100. For this reason, the main control device 100 can output a signal to the segment type display device 70 and perform a variable display or a stop display on the segment type display device 70.

The payout control device 410 is a device for controlling the payout device connected to the game ball tank 400 (see FIG. 5) as described above, and the game ball is operated by operating the payout device via the payout control device 410. The game balls in the tank 400 are replaced with the upper plate 13 of the ball game machine 10 (see FIG. 1).
It is possible to pay out. The main control device 100 operates the payout device via the payout control device 410 to thereby win a prize ball for entering the operation port such as the through operation port 24 and the operation port 25, the small prize port 26, and the large input. The winning ball for paying into a winning opening such as the ball opening 60 is paid out. In addition, the payout device is provided with a counter that counts the number of game balls that have been paid out. The main control device 100 refers to this counter via the payout control device 410 and is determined for each entrance. It is possible to confirm that a predetermined number of game balls have been paid out. Further, the payout device is provided with an abnormality sensor for detecting an abnormality such as when the game ball tank 400 is empty or when the game ball is not paid out normally due to clogged passages for paying out the game balls. ing. The main control device 100 can also detect whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the payout state of the prize ball by examining the output signal of the abnormality sensor.

As shown in FIG. 7, an external output terminal 910 is also connected to the main control device 100. As described above, the external output terminal 910 is provided on the back side of the ball game machine 10, and the cable from the hall computer installed in the game hall is connected to the external output terminal 910.
Can be connected (see FIG. 5). If a signal is output from the main control device 100 to the external output terminal 910 with the cable from the hall computer connected to the external output terminal 910, various signals are transmitted to the hall computer via the external output terminal 910. Is possible.

Various signals can be output to the external output terminal 910. However, the bullet ball game machine 10 according to the present embodiment can transmit a “big hit signal” indicating that a big hit has occurred. Yes. In addition, various modes can be adopted as modes for outputting the jackpot signal, but simply, a pulse may be output when the jackpot lottery result is a jackpot. In this way, the hall computer can easily detect that the jackpot has occurred by detecting the pulse. Alternatively, instead of temporarily outputting a signal when a jackpot is generated, the signal may be continuously output while the jackpot occurs and the jackpot gaming state continues. For example, the voltage level is kept at a low level (“Low” state) while not in the jackpot gaming state, while the voltage level is kept at a high level (“High” state) while the jackpot gaming state is continued. In this way, the hall computer can detect that the jackpot has occurred by detecting a change in the voltage level. In addition, since the voltage level corresponds to the current gaming state (in this case, whether or not the jackpot gaming state), it is easy to determine whether or not the jackpot gaming state is still ongoing by examining the voltage level It is possible to detect.

In addition, the ball game machine 10 of this embodiment can output a predetermined signal even when the game balls in the game ball tank 400 are insufficient. In this way, the game hall can detect the shortage of game balls with the hall computer, and as a result, the ball game machine 10 can be operated normally by taking measures such as replenishment of game balls. It becomes.

Further, a signal indicating that the game ball has been paid out and a signal indicating that the game ball has been discharged from the out port 50 can be output. Various modes can be adopted for outputting these signals. For example, a pulse may be output each time a game ball is paid out or discharged from the out port 50. In such a case, a pulse may be output for each game ball, or a pulse may be output for each predetermined number of game balls (for example, every 10 balls). In any case, the hall computer can know the number of game balls paid out and the number of game balls discharged from the out port 50 by counting pulses. Alternatively, the number of game balls that have been fired may be grasped by a hall computer by outputting a pulse each time a game ball is fired. In this way, it is possible to grasp not only the number of game balls discharged from the out port 50 (so-called out number) but also the difference between the number of game balls fired and the out number (so-called safe number). .

In addition, it is possible to output a signal indicating that the front panel 15 (see FIG. 1) is opened. In order to output such a signal, a sensor or switch is provided between the front panel 15 and the main body, and the open / closed state of the front panel 15 may be detected by the sensor or switch. Alternatively, the opening / closing state of the front panel 15 may not be directly detected, but indirectly detected based on the state of the key portion 17. For example, a sensor is provided in the key unit 17 and the locked state of the key unit 17 is detected by the sensor. Normally, when the ball game machine 10 is installed in the game hall, the key portion 17
Is locked, it can be assumed that when the key portion 17 is unlocked, the front panel 15 is opened. Therefore, if a signal indicating the sensor state provided in the key portion 17 is output, the open / closed state of the front panel 15 can be detected by the hall computer. In addition, if the state of the key part 17 is detected in this way, even if the key part 17 is forgotten to be locked after the front panel 15 is closed, it can be detected by the hall computer that the key part 17 is not locked. . As a result, it is possible to avoid a risk of receiving an illegal act due to a lack of locking of the key portion 17.

These various signals may be output using different signal lines and terminals for each signal, or may be output by sharing the signal lines and terminals among a plurality of signals. Good. For example, if so-called serial communication is performed or a plurality of signals are collectively encoded into one signal, a signal line and a terminal can be shared between the plurality of signals. In this way, even when the number of signal lines and the number of terminals are limited, it is possible to output many types of signals.

The launch control device 500 is connected to a launch unit that launches a game ball. The launch control device 500 controls the launch unit so that the game ball is appropriately launched. In addition, a pulse signal having a predetermined period is transmitted from the main control device 100 to the launch control device 500, and by causing the launch unit to launch a game ball based on this pulse signal, the game ball is appropriately selected. It is possible to fire with a long time interval. Further, a touch sensor 11 s provided on the firing handle 11 is connected to the main control device 100, and it is possible for the main control device 100 to grasp whether or not the player is touching the firing handle 11. For this reason, in a state where the player is not touching the firing handle 11, the main control device 100 stops the pulse signal transmitted to the firing control device 500, so that the game ball is not touched by the player. Can be avoided.

Furthermore, a variable resistor provided on the firing handle 11 is also connected to the firing control device 500. The resistance value of the variable resistor changes according to the rotation angle of the launching handle 11, and therefore the launch control device 500 determines the strength of launching the game ball based on the resistance value of the variable resistor. By controlling, it is possible to launch a game ball with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the launch handle 11.

In the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, the progress of the game is controlled using the above-described components, and various effect images are displayed on the effect display device 30 as the game progresses, and the speaker 1
Output sound effects and music from 4. At this time, as described above, it is also possible to switch the effect mode when the effect button 600 is pressed. In the ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, the following configuration is adopted for the effect button 600, so that the interest of the effect using the effect button 600 can be further improved.

D. Production button of the first embodiment:
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the structure of the effect button 600 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8A, the effect button 600 of the first embodiment is provided with a disk-shaped button member 602. The button member 602 has a central portion protruding and exposed from the top panel 610, and the player can operate the effect button 600 by pressing down the exposed portion 602s (the white arrow in the figure). See).

Below the button member 602, an electrical switch 604 that switches between a connected state and a disconnected state in conjunction with the vertical movement of the button member 602 is provided on the lower panel 612. As described above, the electrical switch 604 is connected to the sub-control device 200, and therefore,
The sub-control device 200 can detect that the effect button 600 has been pressed and switch the effect image to be displayed on the effect display device 30, or can change the music or sound effect output from the speaker 14. Although illustration is omitted, a spring member is incorporated below the button member 602 and plays a role of urging the button member 602 upward (direction toward the upper panel 610).

The top panel 610 constitutes a part of the surface of the ball game machine 10 (see FIG. 1), and when viewed from the player, the top panel 610 hides the inside of the top panel 610. . Here, in the upper panel 610, the range in which the button member 602 is provided (
In FIG. 8 (a), a rough hatching is added (the range indicated as “610t”), which is formed of a transparent plastic material. Therefore, when viewed from above the upper panel 610 (player side), the inside of the upper panel 610 can be visually recognized in this range (transparent portion 610t).

Here, in the production button 600 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8B, the protruding portion of the button member 602 is surrounded between the lower side of the top panel 610 and the button member 602. In a state, a pair of shielding plates 620 (a first shielding plate 620a and a second shielding plate 620b) are provided. The first shielding plate 620a and the second shielding plate 620b are actuators (
Each of them can be moved in a direction along the top panel 610 (left-right direction in the figure).

These actuators are connected to the sub-control device 200, and the sub-control device 200.
By transmitting a control signal to the actuator, the first shielding plate 620a and the second shielding plate 620b can be moved in the left-right direction in the drawing. In the effect button 600 of the first embodiment, by using such a configuration, the button member 602 viewed from the player is used.
The shape (viewing shape) is changed as follows.

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are explanatory diagrams showing a state in which the effect button 600 of the first embodiment changes the visual shape of the button member 602. FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the effect button 600 viewed from the lateral direction. Note that the illustration of the electrical switch 604 and the lower panel 612 is omitted to avoid complication of the drawing. FIG. 9A shows a state where the first shielding plate 620a and the second shielding plate 620b are closed (the state shown in FIG. 8B). As shown in the drawing, in this state, the first shielding plate 620a and the second shielding plate 620b are connected to the top panel 61.
It is located between 0 and the button member 602. For this reason, when viewed from the upper side of the top panel 610 (player side), the inside of the top panel 610 can be seen through the transparent portion 610t.
The inner part of the button member 602 cannot be seen by being blocked by the first shielding plate 620a and the second shielding plate 620b. Therefore, the button member 602 is in a state where only the central exposed portion 602s is visible.

Here, when the first shielding plate 620a and the second shielding plate 620b are moved, the shielding plate is pulled out from between the top panel 610 and the button member 602, as shown in FIG. 9B. Eventually, it is completely pulled out from between the top panel 610 and the button member 602 (see FIG. 9C). Thus, the 1st shielding board 620a and the 2nd shielding board 6
When 20b is moved between the button member 602 and the top panel 610, the shape of the button member 602 seen from the player can be changed as follows.

FIG. 10 shows a state in which the effect button 600 when the first shielding plate 620a and the second shielding plate 620b move is viewed from the player side (upper side of the top panel 610). In FIG. 10, the top panel 610 is omitted in order to avoid complicated illustration.
FIG. 10A shows a state where the state shown in FIG. 9A is viewed from the player side (
A cross section taken along the broken line AA ′ in FIG. 10A corresponds to FIG. 9A). As described above, when the first shielding plate 620a and the second shielding plate 620b are not moved (the state shown in FIGS. 8 and 9A), the shielding plate surrounds the exposed portion 602s of the button member 602. Since the player and the button member 602 are blocked, only the exposed portion 602s can be seen by the player.

Here, when the first shielding plate 620a and the second shielding plate 620b are moved, FIG.
As shown in b), the portion hidden by the shielding plate 620 of the button member 602 gradually becomes visible (see the portion with rough hatching in the drawing). When the shielding plate 620 is completely moved between the top panel 610 and the button member 602 (the state shown in FIG. 9C), as shown in FIG. 10C, the button member 602 is displayed. The whole is visible.

In this way, the button member 602 (which initially appeared to be a small size for the player)
FIG. 10 (a)) looks as if it has been enlarged to a large size (FIG. 10 (c)).
)). Thereby, it is possible to surprise the player and improve the interest of the game.

Thus, in the ball ball game machine 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to change the size (viewing size) of the button member 602 viewed from the player. Usually, since it is difficult for a player to imagine that the size of the button member 602 changes, it is possible to give a great surprise to the player. Further, since the button member 602 becomes large, it is possible to remind the player that a gaming state advantageous to the player such as a jackpot gaming state occurs. Thereby, it becomes possible to greatly improve the interest of the game.

Further, in the production button 600 of the first embodiment, a part of the button member 602 is partly covered with the shielding plate 620.
The size of the button member 602 viewed from the player (viewing size) is increased by removing the shielding plate. In this way, even if the button member 602 is provided with a complicated mechanism to actually change the size, or two button members 602 having different sizes are provided to switch between them, the shielding plate can be provided. It is possible to give the player an impression as if the button member 602 has been enlarged using a simple mechanism that is merely moved. For this reason, it is possible to keep the configuration of the bullet ball game machine 10 simple while improving the interest of the game.

Further, when changing the visual shape of the button member 602, for example, the button member 602 is divided into a plurality of segments, a light source is prepared in each segment, and the visual shape is changed by controlling the light source to emit light. Conceivable. However, in such a case, since the button member is segmented, the player can predict that the production button will light for each segment, so it may be difficult to surprise the player. is there.
On the other hand, with the effect button 600 of the present embodiment, it is difficult for the player to predict that the visual shape of the button member 602 will change even if the player looks at the effect button 600. Thereby, it is possible to surely give a surprise to the player.

The above-described operation for changing the visual recognition size of the button member 602 can be performed in various cases, and may be performed in any case. In any case, since the visual recognition size of the button member 602 changes, it is possible to surprise the player and improve the interest of the game. For example, it is preferable to change the visual size of the button member 602 in the following case.

As described above, in the ball game machine 10, an effect that prompts the player to press the effect button (for example, an effect that displays an image prompting the effect display device 30 or that outputs a sound effect from the speaker 14) is displayed in a segmented manner. It can be executed during the variable display on the device 70. In such a case, the player is prompted to press the effect button 600 in both cases where a win is actually won (usually 15R jackpot, probable 15R jackpot, etc.) in the lottery accompanying the change display, and in other cases. It is also possible to produce an effect. In this way, the player can use the production button 600.
Since the production button 600 is pushed while expecting that a big hit will occur if the is pressed, it is possible to enhance the player's expectation and improve the interest of the game. Further, even when a big hit does not occur, it is possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous by expecting the player.

However, since there are cases where it is not only a big win but also a case where the player is out of play, there may be a case where the player does not expect his / her expectation even if an effect that prompts the user to press the effect button 600 is performed. In particular, the probability of jackpots is limited, so if you try to increase the frequency of these effects so that the game does not become monotonous, the number of cases that are not jackpots inevitably increases, and as a result, the player expects The tendency to disappear increases.

Therefore, if the visual recognition size of the button member 602 is increased in this way, the player can be surprised, so that even if the player is not expecting, a big hit occurs due to the player's interest. It is possible to have the expectation that it may be. Thereby, it becomes possible to improve the interest of the game.

In the effect button 600 of the first embodiment, the first shielding plate 620a and the second shielding plate 62 are used.
Although 0b opens and closes, the player opens and closes the inside of the top panel 610.
Thus, it is possible to avoid the risk of injury due to the opening / closing operation of the shielding plate 620 such as pinching a finger with the finger 20. Thus, even if a member (shielding plate 620) for hiding the button member 602 is provided and the opening / closing operation is performed, if it is performed inside the top panel 610, the risk of injury to the player can be avoided. Is possible. At this time, if a transparent portion 610t is provided on a part of the upper panel 610 so that the inside of the upper panel 610 can be seen, the upper panel 61
Even if the shielding plate 620 is opened and closed inside 0, the visual recognition size of the button member 602 is reduced.
It can be changed with the opening and closing of 20. Thereby, it is possible to achieve both the function of changing the visual size of the button member 602 by using the opening and closing of the shielding plate and the safety.

In addition, in the effect button 600 of the first embodiment, the viewing size of the button member 602 can be returned to the original size if the shielding plate 620 is moved to the original position. For this reason,
It is possible to easily increase or decrease the visual recognition size as the game progresses. Thereby, it is possible to attract the player's interest more strongly, and it is possible to further enhance the interest of the game.

E. Modification of the first embodiment:
Below, the modification of the production | presentation button 600 of 1st Example mentioned above is demonstrated. In addition,
Constituent elements similar to those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

E-1. First modification:
In the above-described embodiment, a part of the disk-shaped button member 602 protrudes and the top panel 610 is projected.
It was described as being exposed from. However, the button member is formed in a spherical shape,
A part of the spherical shape may be exposed from the top panel 610.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing an effect button 1600 of the first modified example provided with a spherical button member 1602. As shown in FIG. 11A, the effect button 60 of the first modification example.
In 0, the button member 1602 is formed in a hemispherical shape. A part of this spherical shape is exposed from the top panel 610, and the player can push the exposed portion 1602s (see the white arrow in the figure).

The effect button 1600 of the first modification also includes a pair of shielding plates 620 (a first shielding plate 620a and a second shielding plate 620b), and the exposed portion 1 of the button member 1602.
The exposed portion 160 of the button member 1602 is hidden by hiding the peripheral portion of 602s by the shielding plate 620.
It is possible to make the periphery of 2s invisible to the player.

As shown in FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C, when the shielding plate 620 is moved from this state, the peripheral portion of the exposed portion 1602s is placed on the player via the transparent portion 610t of the top panel 610. Become visible. As a result, as in the embodiment described above, it is as if the button member 1
It is possible to give the player a surprise as if the size of 602 has increased due to deformation and attract the player's interest.

In the effect button 1600 of the first modification, the exposed portion 1602s of the button member 1602 is used.
And the peripheral portion of the exposed portion 1602s are connected in a spherical shape, so that the boundary between the peripheral portion of the exposed portion 1602s and the exposed portion 1602s can be made inconspicuous when the shielding plate 620 is moved. . From the viewpoint of the player, this border is the outline of the button member 602 before the shielding plate 620 is moved. If the border is made inconspicuous, it seems as if the button member 602 is deformed and enlarged. It is possible to give a more positive impression. In addition, with the button member 1602 having such a shape, it is only necessary to form the member into a spherical shape, and it is not necessary to form the member into a complicated shape. Therefore, the manufacturing process of the gaming machine can be kept simple. Is preferred.

E-2. Second modification:
In the effect button 600 of the first embodiment described above, it has been described that the inside of the top panel 610 is not visible when the shielding plate 620 is closed. However, an area where the inside of the top panel 610 can be visually recognized even when the shielding plate 620 is closed may be provided.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an effect button 700 of the second modified example in which an area where the inside of the top panel 610 can be visually recognized even when the shielding plate 620 is closed. As shown in FIG. 12A, in the effect button 700 of the second modified example, the area surrounded by the first shielding plate 720a and the second shielding plate 720b is configured to be larger than the exposed portion 602s of the button member 602. (See the portion indicated by the arrow in FIG. 12 (a)). For this reason, as shown in FIG. 12B, the portion (the portion around the exposed portion 602 s) hidden by the shielding plate 720 and the exposed portion 602.
An area (see a portion hatched in FIG. 12B) that can visually recognize the inner side of the upper panel 610 even when the shielding plate 720 is closed is provided between s and s. .

If it carries out like this, in the state after moving the shielding board 720 (state which enlarged the visual recognition size of the button member 602), the original state (state before enlarging the visual recognition size of the button member 602)
Thus, the player hardly knows where the outline of the button member 602 was.
For this reason, it is possible to give the player an impression as if the button member 602 itself has become larger.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the shape of the exposed portion 602s of the button member 602 and the shielding plate 7
Although the shape surrounded by 20 is the same shape (circular shape in the example of FIG. 12), it may be a different shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the shape of the exposed portion 602s may be circular, while the area surrounded by the shielding plate 820 may be rectangular. In such a different shape, a portion having a different shape is not hidden by the shielding plate 820 even when the shielding plate 820 is closed, so that this portion can be visually recognized inside the top panel 610 (“B” in the figure). ”). In this way, the button member 602 can be formed without only knowing the contour position of the button member 602 before the shielding plate 820 is moved by simply forming the shape of the region surrounded by the shielding plate 820 and the shape of the exposed portion 602s. Since it is possible to easily give an enlarged impression, it is preferable.

E-3. Third modification:
In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the shielding plate 620 is moved until the button member 602 is completely visible. However, if the shielding plate 620 is moved, the button member 60 is moved.
2 can be changed, the shielding plate 620 is not necessarily moved to a position where the entire button member 602 can be seen, and may be moved halfway.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10B, the shielding plate 620 may be moved to a state where the shielding plate 620 hides the button member 602 by half. In the state of FIG. 10B, the player can be surprised as in the above-described embodiment because the button member 602 can be deformed to give the player the impression that it has spread in the vertical direction. It is possible to attract the player's interest.

In addition, the shielding plate 620 surrounds the exposed portion 602s of the button member 602 (FIG. 10 (
a)), and the shielding plate 620 hides the button member 602 by about half (FIG. 10B).
) And the state where the shielding plate 620 is sufficiently moved and the entire button member 602 is visible (FIG. 10).
(See (c)) may be changed according to the progress of the game in the ball game machine 10. For example, the state in which the entire button member 602 is visible is considered to attract the player's interest most strongly because the button member 602 looks the largest among the three states. Therefore, when the possibility of winning the jackpot lottery (expected value for jackpot) is high, the effect button 600 is changed to this state. If the expected value of jackpot is lower than that, but higher than normal, the effect button 600 is changed to a state where the shielding plate 620 hides the button member 602 by about half. In this way, the expected value of jackpot is set to the button member 60.
2 can be reflected in the visual recognition size of 2, so that the player can be surprised by changing the visual recognition size of the button member 602, and the player's interest can be more strongly attracted.

In addition, what is necessary is just to perform as follows when changing the visual recognition shape of the button member 602 according to jackpot expectation value. First, based on the command sent from the main controller 100,
The sub-control device 200 grasps whether or not the big hit lottery determination result. When the determination result is a win, the visual size of the button member 602 is increased. Here, even if the determination result is not winning, the visual size of the button member 602 is increased if a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, when the value of the jackpot random number counter is acquired in the main control device 100, if the value is a predetermined value, the visible size of the button member 602 is enlarged.

In this way, when the visual size of the button member 602 is enlarged, the probability that the jackpot is actually won (expected value of the big jackpot) increases the visual size of the button member 602 due to the fact that the jackpot has actually occurred. It is determined by the ratio of the probability of increasing the visual recognition size even if the determination result is not winning. For example, the value of the jackpot random number counter is “0” to “5”
The value up to “99” is assumed, and “7” of these corresponds to the jackpot. Also,
When “0” is acquired, the visual recognition size of the button member 602 is increased even if it is not a big hit. At this time, since the ratio between the probability of increasing the visual size of the button member 602 and the probability that it is not due to the fact that the jackpot has actually occurred is 1: 1, the jackpot expectation value is “1/2”. ("1" for "1 + 1"). In this case, if the shielding plate 620 is completely moved so that the entire button member 602 is visible (see FIG. 10C), the jackpot expectation when the button member 602 is in this state is expected. The value is half.

Even if the jackpot is not won, the expected value of the jackpot can be lowered if the probability of increasing the visual size of the button member 602 is increased. For example, in the above-described example, when the value of the jackpot random number counter is “0” to “3”, the visual recognition size of the button member 602 is increased even if the jackpot is not a jackpot. In this case, the probability that the visual size of the button member 602 is enlarged although it is not a big hit, and the big hit actually occurs and the button member 602 is generated.
The ratio to the probability that the visual size of the image is enlarged is 4: 1. As a result, the jackpot expectation value is "5
1 "(" 1 "for" 4 + 1 "). In such a case, if the shielding plate 620 is moved to a state where the button member 602 can be seen about half (see FIG. 10B), this state of the button member 602 is a state where the expected value of jackpot is 1/5. It becomes possible to make it correspond.

E-4. Fourth modification:
In the above-described embodiment, the description has been made assuming that the size (viewing size) of the button member 602 viewed from the player is changed. However, from the viewpoint of surprise the player, the shape (viewing shape) of the button member 602 viewed from the player may be changed.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an effect button 2600 of a fourth modified example in which a star-shaped shielding plate is provided in addition to the shielding plate 620 of the above-described embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14A, in the effect button 2600 of the fourth modified example, a pair of shielding plates different from the first shielding plate 620a and the second shielding plate 620b are provided below the shielding plate 620. (First shielding plate 2620a and second shielding plate 2620
b) is provided. The first shielding plate 2620a and the second shielding plate 2620b are also connected to the actuator similarly to the shielding plate 620, and can be moved in a direction along the top panel 610.

FIGS. 14B and 14C show a state in which the effect button 2600 of the fourth modified example is viewed from the upper side of the top panel 610 (player side). FIG. 14B shows the shielding plate 6.
20 is moved and the entire button member 602 is visible (a state corresponding to FIG. 14A).
The state in which the first shielding plate 2620a and the second shielding plate 2620b are moved in the direction of the button member 602 is shown. The inside of the first shielding plate 2620a and the second shielding plate 2620b (on the exposed portion 602s side of the button member 602) has a star shape. Therefore, the first shielding plate 2620a and the second shielding plate 2620b is an exposed portion 602 of the button member 602.
In the state surrounding s, the button member 602 looks like a star when viewed from the player. Thus, the shape (viewing shape) of the button member 602 viewed from the player is changed to the shielding plate by forming the shape of the shielding plate (the shape surrounding the exposed portion 602s of the button member 602) into a desired shape. It is possible to change to a desired shape using.

In addition, the production button 2600 of the fourth modified example includes the same shielding plate 620 as that of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, if the exposed portion 602s of the button member 602 is surrounded by the shielding plate 620, the above-described implementation is performed. As in the example, the visible shape of the button member 602 can be made circular (see FIG. 10A). Although it is not always necessary to provide a plurality of shielding plates as described above, if a plurality of shielding plates having different shapes surrounding the exposed portion 602 s are provided, the visual shape of the button member 602 varies depending on which shielding plate is used. It is possible to switch. In this way, it is possible to give a greater surprise to the player. Also,
Since the variation in the visual shape of the button member 602 can be increased, the button member 6
It is possible to reduce the possibility that the player will get used to the change in the visual shape of 02 and to increase the interest of the game more reliably.

E-5. Fifth modification:
When a plurality of shielding plates are provided, not only one of the plurality of shielding plates but also a combination of the plurality of shielding plates may be used.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view illustrating a state in which the first shielding plate 620a and the second shielding plate 620b are combined with the shielding plate 622a and the shielding plate 622b disposed below the second shielding plate 620b. In the example shown in FIG. 15A, a shielding plate 622a and a shielding plate 622b are provided below the second shielding plate 620b, and the first shielding plate 620a and the second shielding plate 620b provide the button member 602. The shielding plate 622a and the shielding plate 622b are moved in a state of covering about half. Then, as shown in FIG. 15B, the button member 602 is covered using the first shielding plate 620a and the second shielding plate 620b, and the two shielding plates 622a and the second shielding plate 622b. Can do. In the example of FIG. 15, the shielding plate 622
Since a and the shielding plate 622b cover both end portions (upper and lower sides in the figure) of the button member 602, it is possible to change the visible shape of the button member 602 to a shape in which the button member 602 extends in the horizontal direction as a result. It becomes.

If a plurality of shielding plates are used in combination as described above, the visual shape of the button member 602 can be switched variously according to the combination of the shielding plates, so that the player can increase the variation in the visual shape of the button member 602. It is possible to avoid the possibility of getting bored.
In addition, if a plurality of shielding plates are arranged so as to overlap between the button member 602 and the top panel 610, the configuration of the effect button 600 can be kept compact even if a plurality of shielding plates are provided. is there.

Further, a plurality of shielding plates may be overlapped so as to surround the exposed portion 602s of the button member 602 in a polygonal shape. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 16, eight shielding plates 3622 are arranged in an octagonal shape surrounding the exposed portion 602s while overlapping. When the shielding plate is arranged in this manner, it is possible to move the shielding plate while maintaining the polygonal shape even when the shielding plate is moved. For example, in the example of FIG. 16, when each shielding plate 3622 is moved, as shown in FIG. 16B, it is possible to move while keeping the octagonal shape.

In this way, the button member 60 can be obtained without greatly changing the visual shape of the button member 602.
Only the size of 2 can be changed. This makes it possible for the player to surely give the player an impression as if the button member 602 itself was deformed and enlarged. In addition, since the size of the polygon surrounding the exposed portion 602s can be controlled by adjusting the amount of movement of the shielding plate, the size of the button member 602 can be easily changed to a desired size. Therefore, it is possible to change to the desired size according to the progress of the game,
As a result, it is possible to further diversify the effects using the effect buttons 600 and further enhance the interest of the game.

F. Production button of the second embodiment:
In the effect button 600 of the first embodiment described above, the viewing size and the viewing shape of the button member 602 are changed by moving the shielding plate 620 that covers a part of the button member 602. However, it is also possible to change the visual shape and visual size of the button member using a different method. Below, the effect button of 2nd Example which changes the visual recognition shape and visual recognition size of a button member using the transmitted light from the inner side of an upper surface panel is demonstrated.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the effect button 5600 of the second embodiment. As shown in the drawing, the button member 5602 is also provided in the effect button 5600 of the second embodiment. A part of the button member 5602 is exposed to the surface from the hole of the top panel 5610,
The player can push down the exposed portion 5602s. An electric switch 5604 is provided below the button member 5602, and the connection state of the electric switch 5604 changes in conjunction with the upper and lower sides of the button member 5602. The electric switch 5604 is connected to the sub control device 200.
Therefore, the sub-control device 200 can detect that the electric switch 5604 has been pressed.

The top panel 5610 is a plastic panel that constitutes a part of the surface of the ball game machine 10 as with the effect buttons of the first embodiment described above. As described above, the button member 560
The second exposed portion 5602 s is exposed from a hole provided in the top panel 5610. Here, in the effect button 5600 of the second embodiment, a portion of the top panel 5610 that surrounds the exposed portion 5602s of the button member 5602 (hatched in the drawing is 5610h).
Is formed of a semi-translucent member. This semi-translucent portion 5610h is
While blocking most of the light from the outside (player side) of the top panel 5610, the top panel 5
610 has a property of transmitting light from the inside of 610 (the side where the button member 5602 is provided). Various members having such properties can be used for the semi-translucent portion 5610h. In this embodiment, an explanation will be given assuming that an acrylic half mirror (magic mirror) panel is used.

An LED array 5640 (5640a and 5640b) in which a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are arranged on the inner side of the top panel 5610 (the side on which the button member 5602 is provided).
Is provided. This LED array 5640 is connected to the sub-control device 200,
In response to a control signal from the sub-control device 200, it can be turned on or off. Using such a configuration, the visual size of the button member 5602 is changed as follows in the effect button 5600 of the second embodiment.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the visual recognition size of the button member 5602 is changed using the effect button 5600 of the second embodiment. FIG. 18A shows a state in which the LED array 5640 is turned off. When this state is viewed from the player side, as described above, the semi-transparent portion 5610h has the property of a half mirror, so that light from above the top panel 5610 is reflected by the semi-transparent portion 5610h. As a result, the button member 5602 inside the top panel 5610 cannot be visually recognized (see the solid line arrow in the figure). Therefore, the player can see only the exposed portion 5602 s of the button member 5602.

On the other hand, FIG. 18B shows a state where the LED array 5640 is lit. As shown in the drawing, when the LED array 5640 is turned on, the button member 5602 provided on the inner side of the upper panel 5610 is irradiated with light to illuminate the button member 5602. Then, light is scattered on the surface of the button member 5602, and part of the scattered light is directed to the semi-translucent portion 5610h. At this time, since the semi-transparent portion 5610h has a property of transmitting light from the inside of the top panel 5610 (opposite the player), the light from the button member 5602 passes through the semi-transparent portion 5610h to play the game. It reaches to the person. As a result, the button member 5602 inside the top panel 5610 can be visually recognized by the player. As a result, the exposed portion 5
The button member 5602 that can be viewed only in the portion 602s can be viewed up to the peripheral portion of the exposed portion 5602s, and as a result, it is possible to give the player the impression that the button member 5602 has become larger.

Thus, in the production button 5600 of the second embodiment, a semi-transmissive member (semi-transmissive portion 561).
0h), a part of the button member 5602 is hidden, and the button member 5602 is illuminated with light, and the light is transmitted through the semi-translucent member (semi-transmissive part 5610h).
The viewing shape (viewing size) of the button member 5602 is changed. As a result, it is possible to surprise the player and attract the player's interest to the game. In addition, since the light scattered on the surface of the button member 5602 is visually recognized, it is possible to give an impression as if the button member 5602 itself is emitting light. Thereby, it becomes possible to attract a player's interest more strongly.

From the viewpoint of emitting light from the button member 5602 side toward the upper side of the upper panel 5610, a light source may be incorporated in the button member 5602 itself. However, since the button member 5602 moves up and down, when a light source is provided on the button member 5602, it is necessary to firmly fix the light source so that the light source does not fall off. Further, since the button member 5602 may be roughly handled by the player, it is necessary to provide durability. For these reasons, if a light source is provided on the button member 5602 itself, a strong structure is inevitably required.

In this regard, in the effect button 5600 of the second embodiment, the light source (LED array 5640) is provided in a location (upper surface panel 5610) different from the button member 5602, and the light from the light source is scattered on the surface of the button member 5602. By doing so, light is emitted above the upper panel 5610. In this case, since it is not necessary to provide the light source on the button member 5602, a strong structure is not necessary, and the configuration of the button member 5602, the LED array 5640, and the like can be kept simple. Further, since the light source is provided at a location different from the button member 5602, even if the button member 5602 is handled roughly, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the light source is seriously damaged. Thereby, the durability of the effect button 5600 can be improved.

G. Modification of the second embodiment:
Below, the modification of the production button 5600 of 2nd Example mentioned above is demonstrated. In addition, while the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structure similar to 2nd Example, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

G-1. First modification:
A transparent member is used for the button member, and light transmitted through the button member is transmitted to the top panel 5.
It is good also as what discharge | releases via the semi-translucent part 5610h of 610. FIG.

FIG. 19 shows a production button 6600 of the first modified example using a transparent member for the button member 6602.
It is explanatory drawing which showed. As shown in the drawing, in the production button 6600 of the first modification,
An LED array 6640 (6640a and 6640b) is provided below the button member 6602. The button member 6602 is formed of a transparent acrylic material having a color. For this reason, light from the LED array 6640 passes through the button member 6602 and is emitted toward the upper panel 5610.

Even in such a case, the light is transmitted through the semi-transparent portion 5610h of the top panel 5610.
The player can visually recognize light from the button member 6602 inside the top panel 5610. As a result, the state in which only the exposed portion 6602s of the button member 6602 is visible is changed to a state in which the periphery of the exposed portion 6602s is also visible, and the player is given an impression that the shape of the button member 6602 has changed. It becomes possible.

Further, when the light is transmitted through the inside of the button member 6602 in this way, the button member 6602 is transmitted.
The light entering the inside of the button not only transmits the button member 6602 but also the button member 6602.
The surface of the button member 6602 spreads over a wide angle, and the surface of the button member 6602 spreads throughout the button member while being reflected and scattered. For this reason, it is possible to uniformly illuminate the entire 6602 while suppressing variations in the amount of light for each location of the button member 6602. As a result,
The button member 6602 can be raised more clearly. This
It is possible to reliably give the player a sense that the shape of the button member 6602 has changed and to improve the interest of the game more reliably.

G-2. Second modification:
In the effect button 5600 of the second embodiment described above, the exposed portion 5602 of the button member 5602.
It has been described that a semi-translucent semi-transparent portion 5610h is provided around s. Here, in addition to the semi-translucent part 5610h, a transparent part made of a transparent member may be provided between the semi-translucent part 5610h and the exposed part 5602s.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an effect button 7600 of the second modified example in which a transparent portion 7610t is provided inside the semi-translucent portion 7610h. FIG. 20A shows a state in which the effect button 7600 is viewed from the upper side of the top panel 7610 (player side). As shown in the drawing, a transparent portion 7610t is provided around the exposed portion 5602s of the button member 5602 (ring-shaped portion indicated by a solid line arrow in the drawing).

FIG. 20B shows a state in which the effect button 7600 of the second modification is viewed from the horizontal direction. As shown in the figure, the transparent portion 7610t has a semi-translucent portion 7610h and a button member 560.
Between the two exposed portions 5602s. Since the transparent portion 7610t transmits light,
When viewed from the upper side (player side) of the upper panel 7610, the transparent part 7610t can be viewed inside the upper panel 7610 via the transparent part 7610t. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 20A, when viewed from the player, the exposed portion 5602s of the button member 5602 and the surrounding portion can be seen.

When the LED array 5640 is turned on in this state, the effect button 5 of the second embodiment described above.
Similar to 600, the entire button member 5602 can now be seen through the semi-transparent portion 7610h. Thereby, also in the production button 7600 of the second modification, the button member 560 is used.
2 can be changed.

Here, in the production button 7600 of the second modified example, since the transparent portion 7610t is provided, when the visual shape of the button member 5602 is changed, the impression is as if the button member 5602 was deformed and enlarged. Can be held more securely by the player. That is, the portion constituting the outline of the button member 5602 when the player looks at the button member 5602 in both the state before the visual shape is changed and the state after the visual shape is changed is the top panel 7610. On the inside (opposite to the player). Therefore, it is possible to avoid a possibility that the appearance of the outline of the button member 5602 differs greatly between the state before the visual shape is changed and the state after the visual shape is changed. This makes it possible to change the visually recognizable shape of the button member 5602 while giving a more natural impression, and as a result, the player can surely feel as if the button member 5602 is deformed and enlarged. It becomes possible.

G-3. Third modification:
Similarly to the production button 600 of the first embodiment described above, a shielding plate is provided between the button member and the upper panel, and the shielding member and the light source are used together to make the button member's visual shape and size visible. It may be changed.

FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 are explanatory diagrams showing a production button 8600 of a third modified example in which the shielding plate 8620 and the LED array 6640 are used in combination to change the viewing size and the viewing shape of the button member 6602. As shown in FIG. 21, in the production button 8600 of the third modification,
A pair of shielding plates 8620 (8620a and 8620b) are provided inside the top panel 5610. Further, an LED array 6640 (6640a and 6640b) is provided, and the LED array 6640 can emit light to illuminate the button member 6602. In the example shown in FIG. 21, the LED array 6640 is the same as the second modification described above.
The light from the button member 6602 is transmitted through the transparent button member 6602.
Instead of transmitting 602, light may be scattered on the surface of the button member 6602 as in the second embodiment described above (see FIG. 18).

FIG. 21B shows a state in which the shielding plate 8620a and the shielding plate 8620b are moved in the direction of the exposed portion 6602s of the button member 6602 while the LED array 6640 is turned on. Since the shielding plate 8620a and the shielding plate 8620b are formed of a material that blocks light, when the shielding plate 8620a and the shielding plate 8620b are moved in this way, the button member 66 is moved.
The light from 02 is blocked by the shielding plate 8620a and the shielding plate 8620b.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the effect button 8600 of the second modified example is viewed from the upper side (player side) of the upper panel 5610. FIG. 22A shows a state where the LED array 6640 is turned off. As described in the second embodiment, in this state,
Of the button member 5602, the portion inside the top panel 5610 is invisible, and only the exposed portion 5602s is visible. When the LED array 6640 is turned on, the light from the button member 6602 passes through the semi-transparent portion 5610h and reaches the player, so that the button member 6602 as a whole is shown in FIG. It becomes visible to the player.

Here, when the shielding plate 8620a and the shielding plate 8620b are moved in the direction of the exposed portion 6602s (see the solid line arrows shown in FIG. 22B), the shielding plate 8620a and the shielding plate 8620b are covered as described above. The broken part will be blocked by light and will not reach the player. as a result,
As shown in FIG. 22 (c), the player can see only the portion not covered by the shielding plates 8620a and 8620b. Thereby, the visual recognition shape of the button member 6602 can be changed to a shape surrounded by the shielding plate 8620a and the shielding plate 8620b (star shape in the example of FIG. 22).

As described above, when the light from the button member 6602 is blocked by the shielding plate, the button member 660 is used.
2 can be changed to a shape corresponding to the shielding plate. Thereby, it is possible to give the player an impression as if the button member 6602 has been deformed, and to attract the player's interest. Further, since the button member 6602 is illuminated by the light source (the LED array 6640 in the example of FIG. 21), the shape of the button member 6602 can be more clearly highlighted. Therefore, even when the shape of the shielding plate is made more complex and the visual shape of the button member 6602 is made complicated, it is possible to change the shape to that shape reliably. For example, the shape of the shielding plate is a complicated shape like a cut-out picture,
It is also possible to change the visible shape of the button member 8602 to such a complicated shape. In this way, the player's interest can be strongly attracted by the effect button 8600.

As mentioned above, although the production | presentation button of a present Example and the modification was demonstrated, this invention can be implemented in a various aspect, unless it deviates from the meaning not only in each Example and modification which were mentioned above. .

[Invention embodied in the above-described embodiments and modifications]
In general, in a gaming machine installed in a game hall, various effects images are displayed on the display screen as the game progresses, and effects that enhance the fun of the game are performed by outputting effect music from a speaker. For example, in a pachinko machine, a lottery is performed when a game ball enters the entrance, but various effect images and music are displayed after the game ball enters the entrance and before the lottery result is notified. By outputting, the excitement of the lottery is raised. Also, when the lottery result is notified, the production image and music are output, but if the lottery is won, the production image and music different from the case where the lottery is not won are outputted, and the lottery is won. The excitement of the game is greatly excited.

Also, the display of the effect image and the output of the music are not performed by the player operating the so-called effect button provided on the game machine, instead of the display of the effect image or the output of the music automatically. A gaming machine that starts or switches between effect images and music has also been devised. In this way, when the player presses the production button, the production image and music at the time of winning are output, and the player operates the production button with the expectation that it will be notified that the lottery has been won. It is possible to raise the sense of expectation and further excite the fun of gaming.

Today, however, these production buttons have become commonplace, and it has become difficult to sufficiently enhance the fun of games. In other words, if it becomes common to operate the effect buttons, the player will not have great expectations when operating the effect buttons, and as a result, the interest of the game cannot be sufficiently enhanced.

Therefore, in order to solve at least a part of these problems, the gaming machine A1 employs the following configuration. That is,

Gaming machine A1:
A gaming machine that performs various effects as the game progresses,
A pressing member provided with a pressing surface that can be pressed by the player in at least a part of a surface area visible to the player performing the game;
A pressing detection means for detecting pressing of the pressing surface;
A press trigger effect executing means for executing a press trigger effect as one effect of the various effects triggered by pressing of the pressing surface;
As the game progresses, by switching the adjacent area, which is the surface area adjacent to the surface area where the pressing surface is provided, of the pressing member from the invisible state to the player, A gaming machine A1 comprising: a viewing area expanding means for expanding a viewing area as an area of the pressing member viewed from the player.

In this gaming machine A1, a pressing member having a pressing surface that can be pressed by the player is provided, and when the pressing surface is pressed, a pressing trigger effect is executed. Here, the pressing surface is provided in a surface area that can be visually recognized by the player, but in the gaming machine A1, as the game progresses, a surface area (adjacent area) adjacent to the visible surface area is determined. The player switches from an invisible state to a visible state.

This makes it possible for the player to see the area adjacent to that area in addition to the area that was originally visible to the player (the area where the pressing surface was provided), as if the pressing surface had spread to the player. It is possible to give a good impression. As a result, it is possible to surprise the player and attract the player's interest, and as a result, it is possible to press the pressing portion while attracting the player's interest, thereby improving the interest of the game. It becomes possible.

Various methods can be used when switching the adjacent region from the invisible state to the visible state. For example, it is possible to switch to a visually recognizable state by blindfolding the adjacent region using another member and moving the member. Alternatively, a device (for example, a liquid crystal panel) that changes the light transmittance according to an electrical signal is provided between the adjacent region and the player, and the light can be transmitted by changing the transmittance. It is good also as what switches from the impossible state to the state which can be visually recognized.

Moreover, any case may be used to switch to a visually recognizable state. For example, it may be switched when a gaming state advantageous to the player occurs (when it is determined that an advantageous gaming state occurs or when the probability of occurrence exceeds a predetermined probability). In this case, the player tends to associate with the situation that the player has an advantageous state due to the fact that the pressing surface appears to be widened, so the player presses the pressing member with great expectation. . This makes it possible to further enhance the interest of the game.

Of course, on the contrary, it is also possible to switch to a case where a gaming state advantageous to the player does not occur (when it is determined that an advantageous gaming state does not occur or when the probability of occurrence falls below a predetermined probability) Good. Further, switching may be performed regardless of whether or not a gaming state advantageous to the player occurs, or it may be determined at random whether to switch. In any case, since the player can be surprised by attracting the player by enlarging the viewing area of the pressing member, the interest of the player can be improved.

The pressing member does not necessarily need to be a member formed as a whole, and a plurality of separately formed members may be combined to form the pressing member. For example, the region where the pressing surface is provided and the adjacent region may be formed on separate members, and these members may be combined to form the pressing member. Even in such a case, if the adjacent area is switched from the invisible state to the visible state, the visible area of the pressing member can be increased, so the player's interest is attracted. It is possible to improve the interest of the game.

In view of the fact that the pressing surface appears to the player as if it expanded, the adjacent region of the pressing member may be adjacent to the surface region provided with the pressing surface as viewed from the player. It does not have to be physically adjacent. For example, even if there is a depression, a step or a seam between the surface area where the pressing surface is provided, if the area appears to be adjacent when viewed by the player, the area can be viewed by making it visible. It is possible to give the player an impression that the lower surface has spread. Therefore, such a region also corresponds to the “adjacent region” of the gaming machine A1.

Gaming machine A2:
A gaming machine A1,
A viewing area reducing means for reducing the viewing area by switching at least a part of the adjacent region switched to the viewable state from the viewable state to an invisible state as the game progresses; A gaming machine A2 provided.

In this gaming machine A2, at least a part of the adjacent area that has been switched to the visible state is switched to the invisible state.

This makes it possible to give the player an impression as if the pressed surface has become smaller because the adjacent area that has been visible until then becomes invisible. Even in such a case, it is possible to surprise the player and improve the interest of the game.

It should be noted that various methods can be used when switching the adjacent region from the visible state to the invisible state in the same manner as when switching from the invisible state to the visible state. For example, the adjacent area may be blinded using a member, or a device (for example, a liquid crystal panel) whose light transmittance changes according to an electric signal is provided between the adjacent area and the player,
It is good also as what changes from the visible state to the state which cannot be visually recognized by changing the transmittance | permeability and preventing light transmission.

Gaming machine A3:
A gaming machine A1 or a gaming machine A2,
The viewing area enlarging means is a gaming machine A3 that is a means for switching from the invisible state to the visible state by moving a shielding member provided between the player and the adjacent region.

In such a gaming machine A3, a shielding member is provided between the player and the adjacent area. The adjacent area is hidden by the shielding member and is not visible, but if the shielding member is moved, the adjacent area becomes visible.

If it carries out like this, since it can switch from the state which cannot be visually recognized to the state which can be visually recognized by the simple structure which only moves a shielding member, it becomes possible to keep the apparatus structure of a gaming machine simple. As a result, the manufacturing process of the gaming machine can be kept simple, which is preferable.

Gaming machine A4:
A gaming machine A2,
The visual recognition area expanding means is means for switching from the invisible state to the visible state by moving a shielding member provided between the player and the adjacent region,
The viewing area reducing means is a gaming machine A4 that is a means for switching from the visible state to the invisible state by moving the shielding member between the player and the adjacent region.

In the gaming machine A4, a shielding member is provided between the player and the adjacent area. The adjacent area is hidden by the shielding member and is not visible, but if the shielding member is moved, the adjacent area becomes visible. Further, by moving the shielding member again between the player and the adjacent area, the shielding area is switched from the visible state to the invisible state.

If it carries out like this, it will become possible to switch easily the state which can recognize an adjacent area | region, and the state which cannot be visually recognized by the simple structure which only moves a shielding member. As a result, the device configuration of the gaming machine and the manufacturing process of the gaming machine can be kept simple, which is preferable.

Gaming machine A5:
A gaming machine A3 or a gaming machine A4,
A translucent panel member formed in a plate shape extending in a direction intersecting the pressing direction of the pressing surface in a state of covering at least a part of the adjacent region;
The gaming machine A5, wherein the shielding member is a member that moves in a direction along the panel member from between the panel member and the adjacent region.

In the gaming machine A5, the translucent panel member covers at least a part of the adjacent region, and a shielding member is provided between the plate-like member and the adjacent region. When the shielding member is moved, the shielding member is moved in a direction along the panel member.

In this way, since the shielding member moves inside the panel member as viewed from the player, it is possible to avoid the possibility that the player may be injured by touching the shielding member when the shielding member moves. It becomes possible. In addition, if the panel member is formed of a translucent member, even if the adjacent area of the pressing member is covered with the panel member, the adjacent area becomes visible when the shielding member is moved. It is possible to enlarge the viewing area. On the other hand, in a state where the shielding member is located between the panel member and the adjacent region, the adjacent region is hidden by the shielding member, so that the viewing area can be reduced. Accordingly, it is possible to change the visual recognition area of the pressing member by the shielding member while avoiding the possibility of the player being injured by the shielding member. In addition, if the shielding member is moved in the direction along the panel member, it is not necessary to secure an excessive space for moving the shielding member, so that the device configuration of the gaming machine can be kept compact.

Gaming machine A6:
A gaming machine A1,
A panel member formed in a plate shape extending in a direction intersecting the direction of pressing of the pressing member in a state of covering at least a part of the adjacent region;
A light source that is provided on the side of the adjacent region with respect to the panel member and that irradiates light to the adjacent region;
The panel member transmits a majority of light incident from the side of the adjacent region of the panel member, and transmits a majority of light incident from the side opposite to the adjacent region. Formed,
The visible area enlarging means irradiates the adjacent region with light using the light source,
A gaming machine A6 that is a means for transmitting light from the adjacent region through the panel member and expanding the viewing area.

In this gaming machine A6, the adjacent region is covered with a semi-transparent panel member. Although this panel member transmits more than half of the light incident from the adjacent region side, the light incident from the side opposite to the adjacent region (player side) blocks more than half of the light. Therefore, since more than half of the light incident from the player side is blocked by the panel member and cannot reach the adjacent area, the adjacent area is not visible from the player side. Here, when the adjacent area is irradiated with light, the light emitted from the adjacent area can pass through the panel member, so that the light from the adjacent area can be delivered to the player. This makes it possible to see the adjacent area from the player,
As a result, the visible area of the pressing member can be increased.

If it carries out like this, it will become possible to enlarge the visual recognition area of a pressing member by the simple structure which only irradiates light to an adjacent area | region. As a result, it is possible to realize a gaming machine capable of enhancing the interest of the game by strongly attracting the player's interest while keeping the device configuration of the gaming machine simple. In addition, since the viewing area can be returned to the original by simply stopping the light irradiation, the viewing area can be easily increased or decreased as the game progresses.

In each of the gaming machines described above, the shape of the pressing member that the player visually recognizes in the state where the adjacent area is visible (the shape of the area including the “visible surface area” and “adjacent area” of the gaming machine A1) ) And the shape of the push-down member (the shape of the “visible region” of the gaming machine A1) that the player visually recognizes in a state where the adjacent region is invisible, may be substantially similar to each other. In this way, since the shape of the pressing member visually recognized by the player in these two states is substantially similar, switching between the two states gives a stronger impression as if the pressing member is deformed and enlarged. It is possible. As a result, the player can be surely surprised and the interest of the game can be further enhanced.

Gaming machine B1:
A gaming machine that performs various effects as the game progresses,
A pressing member provided with a pressing surface that can be pressed by the player on at least a part of the surface;
A panel member provided between the pressing member and the player in a state in which the pressing surface is exposed from the exposed portion, the transparent member having an exposed portion where the pressing surface is exposed;
A shielding member made of a light-shielding member, provided between at least a part of an adjacent region which is a surface region adjacent to the pressing surface of the pressing member and the panel member;
With the progress of the game, shielding member moving means for moving the shielding member from between the panel member and the adjacent region;
A pressing detection means for detecting pressing of the pressing surface;
A press trigger effect executing means for executing a press trigger effect as one effect of the various effects triggered by pressing of the pressing surface;
A gaming machine B1 comprising:

In the gaming machine B1, a part of the pressing member (pressing surface) is exposed from the translucent panel member, and the player can press this part. In addition, a shielding member made of a light shielding member is provided between the panel member and a surface region (adjacent region) adjacent to the pressing surface among the pressing members. In the gaming machine B1, as the game progresses, the shielding member is moved between the adjacent region and the panel member.

Although the panel member is formed of a translucent member, the adjacent region is not visible to the player when the shielding member is positioned between the panel member and the adjacent region. When the shielding member is moved from this state, the player can see a region adjacent to the pressing surface in addition to the pressing surface that has been visible so far. For this reason, it is possible to give the player an impression as if the pressing surface has spread. In this way, it is possible to surprise the player and attract the player's interest, so that even if the player presses the pressing member, the player's interest will be increased. It becomes possible to press the pressing portion in the attracted state.
As a result, it is possible to improve the effect of the game by enhancing the effect of the presentation triggered by the pressing of the pressing unit.

In view of the point that the pressing surface is widened for the player, the adjacent region of the pressing member may be adjacent to the surface region provided with the pressing surface as viewed from the player. It does not have to be physically adjacent. For example, even if there are dents, steps, or joints between the pressing surface, if it is an area that can be seen adjacent to the player, make the area visible so that the pressing surface has spread. Impression can be given to the player. Therefore, such a region also corresponds to the “adjacent region” of the gaming machine B1.

Gaming machine B2:
A gaming machine B1,
A gaming machine B2 comprising shielding member insertion means for inserting the shielding member moved between the panel member and the adjacent region between the panel member and the adjacent region as the game progresses.

If the shielding member is inserted again between the panel member and the adjacent area, it is possible to return from the state where the pressing surface is spread to the original state where the adjacent area is hidden. This way
As the game progresses, it is possible to make the pressing surface expand or narrow, so that it is possible to further enhance the interest of the game by attracting the player's interest more strongly.

The shielding member may be moved in any case, but when a gaming state advantageous to the player occurs (when it is determined that an advantageous gaming state will occur or the probability of occurrence is high) It is more preferable to move to a case where the probability exceeds a predetermined probability. Since the player tends to recall that a state advantageous to himself / herself occurs due to the pressing surface appearing to be widened, the player presses the pressing member with great expectation. Thereby, it becomes possible to improve the effect of the game by improving the effect of the press opportunity effect.

Of course, on the contrary, the shielding member is moved when a gaming state advantageous to the player does not occur (when it is determined that an advantageous gaming state does not occur or when the probability of occurrence falls below a predetermined probability). It is good also as what makes it. Alternatively, it may be moved regardless of whether or not a gaming state advantageous to the player occurs, or it may be determined at random whether or not to move. Regardless of the case of moving the shielding member, the player can be surprised by seeing that the pressing surface expands (or narrows), so that it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

Note that the pressing member does not necessarily have to be integrally formed as a whole, and the pressing member may be formed by combining individually formed members. For example, the region where the pressing surface is provided and the adjacent region may be formed on separate members, and these members may be combined to form the pressing member. Even in such a case, if the adjacent area becomes visible, there is no change in the appearance that the pressing surface is expanded, so that it is possible to attract the player's interest and improve the interest of the game.

Further, the shape of the pressing member (the shape of the “adjacent area” of the gaming machine B1) visually recognized by the player in a state where the shielding member is moved between the panel member and the adjacent area, the panel member, and the adjacent area The shape of the push-down member visually recognized by the player with the shielding member positioned between (
The shape of the “pressing surface” may be substantially similar to each other. In this way, since the shape of the pressing member visually recognized by the player in these two states is substantially similar, switching between the two states gives a stronger impression as if the pressing member is deformed and enlarged. It is possible. As a result, the player can be surely surprised and the interest of the game can be further enhanced.

Gaming machine C1:
A gaming machine that performs various effects as the game progresses,
A pressing member provided with a pressing surface that can be pressed by the player on at least a part of the surface;
Provided between the pressing member and the player with the pressing surface exposed from the exposed portion, and transmits more than half of the light incident from the pressing member side and incident from the player side A panel member formed of a semi-transparent member that prevents transmission of more than half of the light to be transmitted;
A light source that is provided on the side of the pressing member with respect to the panel member and that irradiates light to an adjacent region that is a surface region adjacent to the pressing surface of the pressing member;
Light source control means for turning on or off the light source as the game progresses;
A pressing detection means for detecting pressing of the pressing surface;
A gaming machine C1 comprising: a pressing trigger effect executing means for executing a pressing trigger effect as one of the various effects triggered by pressing of the pressing surface.

In the gaming machine C1, the adjacent region of the pressing member is covered with a semi-transparent panel member. Although this panel member transmits more than half of the light incident from the adjacent region side, the light incident from the side opposite to the adjacent region (player side) blocks more than half of the light. Therefore, more than half of the light incident from the player side is blocked by the panel member and cannot reach the adjacent area, and as a result, the adjacent area becomes invisible from the player side. Here, when the adjacent area is irradiated with light, the light from the adjacent area can pass through the panel member, so that the player can visually recognize the adjacent area by delivering the light from the adjacent area to the player.

In this way, the player will be able to see the area adjacent to the pressing surface in addition to the pressing surface that was visible so far, giving the player the impression that the pressing surface has spread. Is possible. As a result, the player can be surprised and attract the player's interest, so even if the gaming machine that pushes the pressing member comes to the player, the player's interest In the attracted state, the player can operate the pressing unit. As a result, it is possible to improve the effect of the game by enhancing the effect of the presentation triggered by the pressing of the pressing unit.

In addition, if the light irradiation is stopped, it is possible to return to the state where the adjacent area cannot be seen. Therefore, by turning on and off the light source, it seems that the pressing surface expands or narrows as the game progresses. A gaming machine can also be realized. As a result, it becomes possible to attract the player's interest more strongly and further enhance the interest of the game. In addition, since a simple configuration that only irradiates light to the adjacent region is sufficient, the device configuration of the gaming machine can be kept simple, which is preferable.

The operation of turning on the light source and making the pressing surface appear to expand may be performed in any case, but when a gaming state advantageous to the player occurs (an advantageous gaming state may occur). It is more preferable to carry out when it is confirmed or when the probability of occurrence exceeds a predetermined probability. That is, the player has a tendency to associate with the fact that a state advantageous to himself / herself occurs due to the fact that the pressing surface appears to be widened. Therefore, the player presses the pressing member with great expectation. Thereby, it becomes possible to improve the effect of the game by improving the effect of the press opportunity effect.

Of course, on the contrary, when the gaming state advantageous to the player does not occur (when it is determined that the advantageous gaming state does not occur or the probability of occurrence falls below a predetermined probability), the light source is turned on. May be. Alternatively, it may be lit regardless of whether or not a gaming state advantageous to the player occurs, or it may be determined at random whether or not it is lit. Regardless of the case where the light source is turned on, the player can be surprised by the fact that the pressing surface appears to be widened, so that the interest of the game can be improved.

Note that the pressing member does not necessarily have to be integrally formed as a whole, and the pressing member may be formed by combining individually formed members. For example, the region where the pressing surface is provided and the adjacent region may be formed on separate members, and these members may be combined to form the pressing member. Even in such a case, if the adjacent area becomes visible, there is no change in the appearance that the pressing surface is expanded, so that it is possible to attract the player's interest and improve the interest of the game.

In view of the point that the pressing surface is widened for the player, the adjacent region of the pressing member may be adjacent to the surface region provided with the pressing surface as viewed from the player. It does not have to be physically adjacent. For example, even if there are dents, steps, or joints between the pressing surface, if it is an area that can be seen adjacent to the player, make the area visible so that the pressing surface has spread. Impression can be given to the player. Therefore, such a region also corresponds to the “adjacent region” of the gaming machine C1.

Further, as described in the above-described embodiment, not only the area of the pressing member viewed from the player is enlarged, but also the player is surprised by changing the shape of the pressing member viewed from the player. It is possible. Therefore, the invention embodied in the above-described embodiment can also be understood as a gaming machine of the following mode.

Gaming machine D1:
A gaming machine that performs various effects as the game progresses,
A pressing member provided with a pressing surface that can be pressed by the player on at least a part of the surface;
A panel member provided between the pressing member and the player in a state in which the pressing surface is exposed from the exposed portion, the transparent member having an exposed portion where the pressing surface is exposed;
A light-shielding member provided so as to be displaceable in a direction intersecting the pressing direction of the pressing surface between at least a part of an adjacent region which is a surface region adjacent to the pressing surface of the pressing member and the panel member. A shielding member comprising:
Shielding member position control means for controlling the position of the shielding member as the game progresses;
A pressing detection means for detecting pressing of the pressing surface;
A press trigger effect executing means for executing a press trigger effect as one effect of the various effects triggered by pressing of the pressing surface;
A gaming machine D1 comprising:

In this gaming machine D1, a part of the pressing member (pressing surface) is exposed from the translucent panel member, and the player can press this part. Further, among the pressing members, a light-shielding shielding member is provided between the surface region (adjacent region) adjacent to the pressing surface and the panel member so that the position can be displaced. In the gaming machine D1, as the game progresses, the position of the shielding member is controlled.

Although the panel member is formed of a light-transmitting member, if the shielding member is positioned between the panel member and the adjacent region, the portion hidden in the shielding member in the adjacent region becomes invisible to the player. Therefore, by moving the shielding member, it is possible to change the shape of the region that can be visually recognized by the player. By doing so, it looks as if the shape of the pressing surface has changed to the player, so that it is possible to surprise the player and attract the player's interest. Thereby, even if it is a case where pressing of a pressing member has come to the player, it becomes possible to press a pressing part in the state which attracted the player's interest. As a result, it is possible to improve the effect of the game by enhancing the effect of the presentation triggered by the pressing of the pressing unit.

In view of the point that the shape of the pressing surface changes to the player, the adjacent area of the pressing member is in a state viewed from the player with respect to the surface area provided with the pressing surface. It is only necessary that they are adjacent to each other, and it is not always necessary to be physically adjacent. For example, even if there are dents, steps or seams between the pressing surface and the area that can be seen adjacent to the player, if the area is hidden by a shielding member, the shape of the pressing surface changes. It is possible to give such an impression to the player. Therefore, such a region also corresponds to the “adjacent region” of the gaming machine D1.

Game machine E1:
A gaming machine that performs various effects as the game progresses,
A pressing member provided with a pressing surface that can be pressed by the player on at least a part of the surface;
A panel member provided between the pressing member and the player in a state in which the pressing surface is exposed from the exposed portion, the transparent member having an exposed portion where the pressing surface is exposed;
A plurality of plates provided so as to be insertable between an adjacent region as a surface region adjacent to the pressing surface of the pressing member and the panel member and having different contour shapes on the pressing surface side in the inserted state A member,
As the game progresses, a plate-shaped member to be inserted between the adjacent region and the panel member is determined from the plurality of plate-shaped members, and the determined plate-shaped member is inserted. Insertion means;
A pressing detection means for detecting pressing of the pressing surface;
A press trigger effect executing means for executing a press trigger effect as one effect of the various effects triggered by pressing of the pressing surface;
A gaming machine E1 comprising:

In the gaming machine E1, a part of the pressing member (pressing surface) is exposed from the translucent panel member, and the player can press this part. A plurality of plate-like members are provided so as to be insertable between a surface region (adjacent region) adjacent to the pressing surface and the panel member. The plurality of plate-like members have different contour shapes on the side toward the pressing surface when inserted between the adjacent region and the panel member. In the gaming machine E1, as the game progresses, a plate-like member to be inserted between the adjacent region and the panel member is determined from these plate-like members.

Although the panel member is formed of a translucent member, when the plate member is positioned between the panel member and the adjacent region, the adjacent region is hidden by the plate member. Therefore, when viewed from the player, it looks as if the shape of the pressing surface has changed. At this time, the shape that can be seen by the player is a shape corresponding to the contour shape on the pressing surface side of the plate-like member, so that a plurality of plate-like members having different shapes on the pressing surface side are provided, By selecting, it becomes possible to control the shape seen from the player. In addition, by switching the plate-like member to be used, it is possible to easily switch the shape as viewed from the player. In this way, it is possible to surprise the player and attract the player's interest, and as a result, even if the player has been forced to press the pressing member, the player It becomes possible to press the pressing part in a state of attracting the interest. Thereby, the effect of the production triggered by pressing of the pressing part can be enhanced and the interest of the game can be improved.

In view of the point that the shape of the pressing surface changes to the player, the adjacent area of the pressing member is in a state viewed from the player with respect to the surface area provided with the pressing surface. It is only necessary that they are adjacent to each other, and it is not always necessary to be physically adjacent. For example, even if there are dents, steps, or seams between the pressing surface and the area that can be seen adjacent to the player, if the area is covered with a plate-like member, the shape of the pressing surface changes. It is possible to give such an impression to the player. Therefore, such a region also corresponds to the “adjacent region” of the gaming machine E1.

Further, the plate-like member does not necessarily need to be a member capable of completely blocking light, and may be, for example, a translucent member or a transparent member having a color. Even in such a case, since the portion covered with the plate-like member undergoes a change such as a change in color when viewed from the player, it is possible to give an impression as if the shape of the contour has changed. is there. Of course, use of a light-shielding member is preferable because the shape of the contour can be changed more clearly.

  Moreover, the following invention is also embodied in the embodiment described above.

Gaming machine F1:
One of the gaming machines A1 to A6, the gaming machines B1 to B2, the gaming machine C1, the gaming machine D1, and the gaming machine E1, the gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine F1.

Here, as the pachinko gaming machine, for example, a pachinko gaming machine having the following configuration can be adopted. That is, an operation means (for example, an operation handle) operated by a player, a game ball launching means for launching a game ball based on an operation of the operation means, a ball path for guiding the launched game ball to a predetermined game area, A gaming machine that includes each gaming component arranged in a gaming area, and gives a bonus to a player when a gaming ball passes through a predetermined passing portion of the gaming components.

Gaming machine F2:
One of the gaming machines A1 to A6, the gaming machines B1 to B2, the gaming machine C, the gaming machine D1, and the gaming machine E1, the gaming machine is a slot machine F2.

Here, as the slot machine, for example, a slot machine having the following configuration can be adopted. That is, a variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after dynamically displaying an identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information is provided, and the identification information resulting from the operation of the start operation means (for example, an operation lever or an operation handle). The dynamic display of the identification information is stopped and the dynamic display of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stopping (for example, the stop button) or when a predetermined time elapses. A gaming machine comprising special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to a player on condition that the information is specific identification information. In addition, as a game medium of such a game machine, a coin, a medal, etc. are mentioned as a representative example.

Game machine F3:
A gaming machine C3 in which the gaming machine is a combination of a pachinko gaming machine and a slot machine in any of the gaming machines A1 to A6, gaming machines B1 to B2, gaming machine C1, gaming machine D1, and gaming machine E1.

Here, as a gaming machine in which a pachinko gaming machine and a slot machine are fused, for example, a gaming machine having the following configuration can be adopted. That is, it comprises variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after dynamically displaying an identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information, and starting operation means (
For example, the dynamic display of the identification information is started due to the operation of the operation lever or the operation handle, and the identification information is identified due to the operation of the stop operation means (for example, the stop button) or when a predetermined time elapses. Special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player is provided on the condition that the dynamic display of information is stopped and the confirmed identification information at the time of the stop is specific identification information, and as a game medium It is possible to employ a gaming machine that uses a ball and requires a predetermined number of balls when starting the dynamic display of the identification information, and that many balls are paid out when a special gaming state occurs.

10 ... ball game machine, 11 ... launch handle, 12 ... board surface,
13 ... Upper plate, 14 ... Speaker, 15 ... Front panel,
16 ... lower plate, 17 ... key, 20 ... game board,
21 ... Rail, 22 ... Nail, 23 ... Windmill,
24 ... Through operating port, 25a ... First operating port, 25b ... Second operating port,
26 ... Small prize opening, 28 ... Game area, 30 ... Production display device,
35 ... Director, 41 ... Electric character, 50 ... Out,
60 ... Large entrance, 70 ... Segment display,
72 ... Left display section, 74 ... Center display section, 76 ... Right display section,
80 ... Segment type display device for through, 100 ... Main control device,
102 ... MPU102, 110 ... ROM, 140 ... RAM,
160 ... Latest pending storage area, 200 ... Sub-control device, 240 ... Power supply device,
300 ... Display control device, 350 ... Director driving device,
400 ... Game ball tank, 410 ... Dispensing control device, 500 ... Launch control device,
600 ... Production button, 602 ... Button member, 602s ... Exposed part,
604 ... Electric switch, 610 ... Top panel, 610t ... Transparent part,
612 ... bottom panel, 620 ... shielding plate, 700 ... production button,
720 ... shielding plate, 820 ... shielding plate, 1600 ... production button,
1602 ... Button member, 1602s ... Exposed part, 2600 ... Production button,
3622 ... Shield plate, 5600 ... Production button, 5602 ... Button member,
5602s ... exposed portion, 5604 ... electric switch, 5610 ... upper panel 5610h ... semi-transmissive portion, LED array 5640, 6600 ... effect button,
6602 ... Button member 6602s ... Exposed part, LED array 6640,
7600 ... Production button, 7610 ... Top panel, 7610h ... Semi-translucent part,
7610t ... transparent portion, 8600 ... production button, 8602 ... button member,
8620 ... Shielding plate

Claims (2)

A gaming machine that performs various effects as the game progresses,
A pressing member provided with a pressing surface that can be pressed by the player on at least a part of the surface;
A panel member provided between the pressing member and the player in a state in which the pressing surface is exposed from the exposed portion, the transparent member having an exposed portion where the pressing surface is exposed;
A shielding member made of a light-shielding member, provided between at least a part of an adjacent region which is a surface region adjacent to the pressing surface of the pressing member and the panel member;
As the game progresses, shielding member moving means for moving the shielding member from between the panel member and the adjacent region in a direction that intersects the pressing direction of the pressing surface and that is along the panel member. When,
A pressing detection means for detecting pressing of the pressing surface;
A press trigger effect executing means for executing a press trigger effect as one effect of the various effects triggered by pressing of the pressing surface;
A gaming machine comprising The gaming machine according to claim 1,
A gaming machine characterized by being a pachinko gaming machine or a slot machine.

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