JP7776682B2 - gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

Slot machines, pachinko machines, and other gaming machines use speakers to output special sounds to liven up the game. Known examples of this type of gaming machine include those equipped with multiple speakers that achieve specific sound effects (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-85650

By the way, there is a demand for improved sound effects in gaming machines.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an amusement machine that can improve sound effects.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises:
a plurality of types of sound output means including a first sound output means and a second sound output means;
a storage means for storing in advance a plurality of types of sound data including first sound data and second sound data;
a sound control means for causing the sound output means to output a sound based on the sound data stored in the storage means,
the first sound data and the second sound data are sound data based on a common sound material,
the second sound data is sound data obtained by extracting a sound of a specific frequency band from the common sound material,
the second sound output means has a superior reproduction capability of a sound in a predetermined frequency band compared to the first sound output means,
the specific frequency band and the predetermined frequency band at least partially overlap,
The sound control means is characterized in that it is capable of causing the first sound output means to output sound based on the first sound data, and causing the second sound output means to output sound based on the second sound data.

In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention is
a plurality of types of sound output means including a first sound output means and a second sound output means;
a storage means for storing in advance a plurality of types of sound data including first sound data and second sound data;
a sound control means for causing the sound output means to output a sound based on the sound data stored in the storage means,
the first sound data and the second sound data are sound data for a predetermined piece of music,
the second sound data is sound data extracted from a specific frequency band of the music piece,
the second sound output means has a superior reproduction capability of a sound in a predetermined frequency band compared to the first sound output means,
the specific frequency band and the predetermined frequency band at least partially overlap,
The sound control means is characterized in that it is capable of causing the first sound output means to output sound based on the first sound data, and causing the second sound output means to output sound based on the second sound data.

According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain sound effects that are difficult or impossible to obtain when a single sound material (music) is stored as sound data and the sound data is played back by a sound output means. In other words, conventionally, sound data for a single sound material related to a specific song (a specific sound played during gameplay) is stored in a storage means, and a specific frequency band of the sound data is extracted using the equalizer function of the amplifier or DSP within the gaming machine, and output from each sound output means. However, with this method, the extracted frequency band is dependent on the equalizer settings. In contrast, with the present invention, sound data can be prepared in advance that divides the sound material (music) into desired frequency bands regardless of the equalizer settings. Therefore, for example, in sound effects that change the output range over time, such as outputting only mid- to high-range sounds contained in the sound material (music) during a predetermined period and outputting both mid- to high-range and low-range sounds contained in the sound material (music) during other periods, the volume balance for each range can be optimized for each sound material, resulting in improved sound effects. It is also possible to change the range of a predetermined song output from a predetermined (single) sound output means over time without changing the equalizer settings. Furthermore, when a predetermined sound output means simultaneously outputs sounds related to the predetermined song and other sounds, it is possible to vary the volume balance (e.g., volume balance on the frequency axis) between the sounds related to the predetermined song and the other sounds. It is also easy to balance sounds between multiple sound output means or between multiple sounds output from a predetermined sound output means. Furthermore, by tailoring each sound data to each sound output means, damage to the sound output means due to input of sounds with frequencies lower than the lowest resonant frequency can be prevented.

The gaming machine of the present invention can improve sound effects.

1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with the door in an open state. This is a view of the game board from the front. This is a schematic diagram of the gaming machine viewed from the front. FIG. 1A and 1B are perspective views of the handle of the same, in which FIG. 1A is a perspective view seen from the front side, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view seen from the rear side. FIG. 2 is a view of the handle unit as seen from the axial front side of the handle. FIG. 10 is a front view of a portion of the door unit. FIG. 10 is a front view of a portion of the door unit. FIG. 10 is a view showing a part of the door unit of the first embodiment, as seen from the front side in the axial direction of the handle. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the handlebars from the front side with the face cover removed. 10 is a diagram (part 1) showing the steering wheel operation torque and operation angle of the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is a graph (part 1) showing the steering wheel operation torque. 10 is a diagram (part 2) showing the steering wheel operation torque and operation angle of the same. FIG. 10 is a graph (part 2) showing the steering wheel operation torque of the same. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the front frame and inner frame of the same, seen from the front side. FIG. 10 is a view of the front frame and inner frame of the same as seen from the axial front side of the handle. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This is a view of the game board from the front. FIG. FIG. 10 is a view of the tray unit from the rear side. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the downstream ball removal unit of the same. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the closed state of the downstream ball hole. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the open state of the downstream ball hole. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the upstream ball removal unit of the same. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the closed state of the upstream ball hole. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the open state of the upstream ball hole. This is a diagram to explain the state of the upstream ball removal hole when the upstream ball removal button is operated a predetermined amount less than the diameter of the game ball. This is a view of the lower part of the gaming machine from below. FIG. 10 is a front view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. This is a view of the game board from the front. 29. FIG. 29 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the outer rail, rail base, and game board of the same. FIG. 10A and 10B are views of the rail base and outer rail as viewed from the rear side, showing an overall view and a partially enlarged view thereof. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the rail base and the upper right portion of the outer rail as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the rail base and the lower left portion of the outer rail as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the relationship between the game ball and the hole. This is a front view of the outer rail and the game board, and is a diagram for explaining the position of the holes in the outer rail. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. This is a view of the game board from the front. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a sound control unit according to the first embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating frequency characteristics of filters used to create the first sound data and the second sound data.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine, which is one type of gaming machine, will be described, but other gaming machines may also be used. In the following description, "front and rear" basically means, when a player is in front of the pachinko gaming machine, the player's side is "front" and the pachinko gaming machine's side is "rear.""Top and bottom" means the top side of the pachinko gaming machine is "top" and the bottom side is "bottom.""Right and left" means the player's left-hand side is "left" and the player's right-hand side is "right." Within the scope of the present invention, the components may be freely combined, arbitrarily modified, or omitted.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 100, showing the state in which the door is open.
The gaming machine 100 (pachinko gaming machine 100) uses gaming balls as gaming media, and a player borrows gaming balls from an amusement facility operator to play on the gaming machine 100. Note that in a game on the gaming machine 100, each gaming ball is a medium that has gaming value, and the benefits (profits) that a player receives as a result of playing can be converted into gaming value based on, for example, the number of gaming balls that the player has acquired.

The gaming machine 100 comprises an outer frame 102 formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape (vertically elongated rectangular frame shape), an inner frame 104 (middle frame) attached to the outer frame 102 via a hinge mechanism so as to be freely opened and closed, and a front frame 300 attached to the inner frame 104 via a hinge mechanism so as to be freely opened and closed. Like the outer frame 102, the inner frame 104 is formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape. The inner frame 104 holds a gaming board 108 (gaming board unit). Specifically, the gaming board unit is detachable from the inner frame 104 (inner frame assembly) with the front frame 300 open to the front.

A glass unit 110 (transparent plate) is attached to the front frame 300. Specifically, a window is formed in the center of the front frame 300, and the glass unit 110 is attached to this window. The glass unit 110 is made by combining two transparent plates (glass plates) cut to fit the shape of the window, for example. Note that although the present embodiment uses a glass unit 110, it may also be made of resin.

Here, the configuration comprising the front frame 300 and inner frame 104 is referred to as the "main frame." The main frame is detachable (openable and closable) from the outer frame 102. When the main frame is closed onto the outer frame 102, the game board 108 and glass unit 110 face each other approximately parallel with a predetermined distance (gap) between them. At this time, the game board 108 can be seen through the glass unit 110 from the front side of the gaming machine 100.

Note that the term "front frame 300" may refer only to the roughly rectangular frame member (the door base 310, described below), or to the entire unit formed by the frame member and all components attached to it (including decorative components, etc.).

The gaming machine 100 also includes a performance device that produces effects while the game is in progress. The performance devices include a performance display device 114 consisting of a liquid crystal display device, a performance prop device 116 consisting of a movable device, an audio output device 118 consisting of a speaker (see Figure 3), a performance lighting device 120 consisting of lamps that can be controlled to various lighting modes and light colors, and a performance operation device 208 (see Figure 3) that accepts operations. The performance display device 114, performance prop device 116, audio output device 118, performance lighting device 120, and performance operation device 208 execute predetermined effects based on the control of a control board provided within the inner frame 104.

The gaming board 108 has a through-hole 108a (see Figure 2) that penetrates through the thickness (front-to-back direction of the gaming machine 100). An effect display device 114 is provided on the back of the gaming board 108. The effect display device 114 has an image display unit that displays images. The image display unit is disposed within the inner frame 104 and is exposed through the through-hole 108a, allowing the image displayed on the image display unit to be viewed from the front side.

The special effects device 116 is located in front of the effect display device 114 within the inner frame 104 and is normally retracted to the rear side of the game board 108, but when play is in progress, it moves up to the front of the effect display device 114, giving the player a sense of anticipation of a jackpot.

The lighting effect devices 120 are provided on the front frame 300, and multiple lighting effect devices 120 are provided, for example, surrounding the glass unit 110. The lighting effect devices 120 are equipped with LEDs, etc., and are controlled to light up in various ways, for example, in accordance with the images displayed on the lighting effect display device 114.

As shown in FIG. 3, the audio output device 118 is provided on the outer frame 102. The audio output device 118 outputs sounds, voices, background music, etc. toward the front of the gaming machine 100 in accordance with the images, etc. displayed on the performance display device 114. The outer frame 102, located at the bottom, has a predetermined width, and the audio output device 118 (speaker) is a component of the outer frame 102.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the gaming machine 100 as viewed from the front (front). The effect operation device 208 (effect operation unit 208) has an effect operation section configured to accept effects-related operations (predetermined operations). When the effect operation section is operated, the effect content (display on the effect display device) changes, or a predetermined effect occurs. A key section 209 (cylinder) is provided on the right side of the gaming machine 100 as viewed from the front. When a predetermined key is inserted into the key section 209 and rotated (twisted) counterclockwise, the front frame 300 can be opened forward, and when rotated (twisted) clockwise, the front frame 300 and inner frame 104 (i.e., the main body frame) can be opened forward.

Figure 2 is a view of the game board 108 from the front. The game board (game board) 108 is made of, for example, a transparent synthetic resin (e.g., acrylic). The game board 108 is provided with a substantially circular outer rail 114b and an inner rail 114a formed in an arc shape that follows the outer rail 114b. A game ball launched from a launching mechanism (launching device) (not shown) rises between the inner rail 114a and the outer rail 114b and is guided to the play area 116. The play area 116 (board surface) is the space formed between the game board 108 and the glass unit 110, and is an area in which the game ball can move (flow down, roll). The game board 108 is provided with numerous game pegs and pinwheels, and game balls guided to the play area 116 collide with the pegs and pinwheels, causing them to move (flow down, roll) in irregular directions.

The outer rail 114b extends clockwise from the bottom to the upper left of the game board 108, and also extends clockwise from approximately the center of the vertical direction (up and down direction) of the game board 108 to the upper right. The outer rail 114b extends in a curved manner from the bottom to the top of the game board 108, surrounding the game area 116. In other words, the area surrounded by the outer rail 114b is the game area 116 in which the game ball moves. The inner rail 114a is located on the left side of the game board 108, further inward than the outer rail 114b in the game area 116.

The play area 116 includes a first play area 116a and a second play area 116b, which allow game balls to be hit at different degrees of penetration depending on the launch strength of the launch mechanism. The first play area 116a is located on the left side of the play area 116 as seen by a player facing the gaming machine 100, and the second play area 116b is located on the right side of the play area 116 as seen by a player facing the gaming machine 100. Because the outer rail 114b and the inner rail 114a are on the left side of the play area 116, game balls launched by the launch mechanism with a launch strength below a predetermined strength will enter the first play area 116a (left-hitting area), and game balls launched by the launch mechanism with a launch strength equal to or greater than the predetermined strength will enter the second play area 116b (right-hitting area). Operating the operating handle 340 to hit the game ball into the first game area 116a is referred to as performing a left hit, and operating the operating handle 340 to hit the game ball into the second game area 116b is referred to as performing a right hit.

The game area 116 is also provided with a general winning opening 118 and a start winning opening 120 (starting opening) through which game balls can enter. When a game ball enters the general winning opening 118 or the starting winning opening 120, a predetermined number of prize balls (game balls acquired by winning) are paid out to the player. The number of prize balls can be any number greater than or equal to one. The number of prize balls paid out from the general winning opening 118 and the starting winning opening 120 may be different or the same number of prize balls.

The start winning slot 120 is located in the center of the lower part of the game area 116 (center in the left-right direction). While a detailed explanation will be omitted, when a game ball enters the start winning slot 120, a big prize lottery is held to determine whether a predetermined game benefit will be awarded, and if a jackpot is won in the big prize lottery, a big prize game is executed. The big prize game consists of multiple rounds of play, and the big prize slot is opened during each round. The big prize slot is located in the second game area 116b. Each round of play ends when a predetermined time has passed since the start of the game, or when a preset upper limit number of game balls enters the big prize slot. When a game ball enters the big prize slot, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player, so by executing the big prize game, the player can win a large number of prize balls.

An outlet 122 (discharge outlet) is provided at the bottom of the play area 116. Game balls that do not enter the general prize opening 118, the starting prize opening 120, or the special prize opening are discharged from the play area 116 to the back side of the play board 108 via the outlet 122.

The play area 116 also includes an upper passage 114c that connects the left-hand hitting area 116a and the right-hand hitting area 116b. This upper passage 114c is located above the through-hole 108a.

The gaming machine according to this embodiment is controlled by a control board that includes a main board and a sub-board. The functions of each board, such as the main board and the sub-board, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, as well as software consisting of a given program pre-stored in ROM, etc.

The main board receives input signals from the input means (various sensors, etc.), performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls the operation of the output means (payout devices, etc.) based on the calculation results.

The sub-board receives commands sent from the main board and input signals from a performance operation sensor that detects operations on the performance operation device 208 (described below), performs various calculations to execute performances that match the progress of the game, and controls the operation of the performance device based on the results of the calculations.

Next, the door unit 300 will be described in detail. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the door unit 300. The door unit 300 comprises a plate-shaped door base 310, a tray unit 320, and a handle unit 330. The glass unit 110 (see Figure 1) can be attached to the back side of the door base 310.

The tray unit 320 has a shape that protrudes forward and is equipped with a tray. The tray is designed to be able to store game balls (loan balls) loaned to players and game balls (prize balls) won by winning. The tray unit 320 is attached (assembled) to the lower front side of the door base 310. The tray unit 320 is fixed to the door base 310 by tightening screws from the rear side of the door base 310. A recess is provided in the center of the tray unit 320, and the effect operation unit 208 shown in Figure 3 can be attached to this recess.

The handle unit 330 comprises a handle 340 that protrudes forward, and a handle base 350. The handle 340 is rotatable. When the handle 340 is rotated to perform the firing operation, a game ball is fired from the firing mechanism (launcher) with a strength (firing force) (momentum) that corresponds to the rotation angle (operation angle) (rotation amount) (rotation operation amount) of the handle 340. The handle unit 330 is attached (assembled) to the lower right part of the door base 310 (lower right part of the front frame) (lower right part of the tray unit 320). The handle unit 330 is fixed to the door base 310 by tightening screws from the rear side of the door base 310.

As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the tray unit 320 and the handle unit 330 can be fixed individually (separately) to the door base 310. Therefore, for example, the handle unit 330 can be removed from the door base 310 while the tray unit 320 remains fixed to the door base 310, or the handle unit 330 can be removed from the door base 310 while the handle unit 330 remains fixed to the door base 310. In other words, it is possible to remove only either the tray unit 320 or the handle unit 330 to perform work such as inspection or replacement. This allows for flexible work and improves work efficiency. Note that in this embodiment, it is possible to attach and detach only the performance unit 208 without removing the tray unit 320 from the door base 310.

Furthermore, the handle unit 330 is comprised of the handle 340 and the handle base 350, which are each separately secured to the door base 310 by screws. This allows the handle 340 to be removed from the door base 310 while the handle base 350 remains secured to the door base 310. The handle 340 is a part that is replaced more frequently than the handle base 350. By making the handle 340 replaceable, replacement costs can be reduced. The screws used to secure the handle 340 and the handle base 350 may be different colors. For example, the screws used to secure the handle 340 may be red. By changing the screw colors in this way, workers can easily identify which screws to remove, preventing mistakes and improving work efficiency. An identification character, such as an "H," may also be added near the screw hole for the handle 340.

When removing parts from the door base 310, first remove the tray unit 320, then remove the handle 340, and then remove the handle base 350. Note that the handle 340 and handle base 350 may also be removed simultaneously.

(Handle 340)
FIG. 5( a ) is a perspective view of the handle 340 as viewed from the front, and FIG. 5( b ) is a perspective view of the handle 340 as viewed from the rear. The handle 340 includes a main body 341, a handle ring 342 (handle), a firing stop button 343, and a cover 344. The main body 341 is fixed to the door base 310 as a mating member and rotatably supports the handle ring 342. The handle ring 342 is rotatable around the main body 341 within a predetermined rotation amount (predetermined operating angle) from the initial position to a maximum rotation position. The maximum rotation position is the position at which the rotation amount relative to the initial position is maximum. The maximum rotation position is the position at which a predetermined portion of the handle ring 342 abuts (contacts) the mechanical end (stopper). This does not include a position where further force is applied after abutment, causing the predetermined portion of the handle ring 342 to press against the mechanical end and causing a sudden increase in load (reaction force). The launch stop button 343 can be pressed to stop the launch of game balls when the handle ring 342 has been rotated a predetermined amount. In addition, the cover 344 (face cover) is provided to cover the area forward of the handle ring 342.

Figure 6 is a view of the handle unit 330 as seen from the axial front side of the handle 340. Here, as shown in Figure 6, the center (rotation axis) of the handle 340 is defined as center P (rotation axis P). Figure 6 shows the handle ring 342 in its initial position. When viewed from the front, the handle ring 342 is biased counterclockwise around center P as its rotation axis by an elastic member (ring spring; not shown). Therefore, when rotating the handle ring 342 clockwise from its initial position, it is necessary to operate (apply force) against the biasing force of the elastic member. Furthermore, when the operation is released (the application of force is stopped) while the handle ring 342 has been rotated clockwise a predetermined amount, the biasing force of the elastic member causes the handle ring 342 to return to its initial position (automatically return).

(Handle ring 342)
The handle ring 342 includes a ring portion 350a, a first finger hook portion 351, a second finger hook portion 352, and a third finger hook portion 353. The first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the annular ring portion 350a along the circumferential direction, protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the ring portion 350a. When viewed from the front, the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 are approximately triangular (arched). When the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 are viewed with their tips facing upward, the left slope is steeper (has a steeper slope) than the right slope. Because the left slope is steeper than the right slope, it is easier to hook a finger.

If the first to third finger hooks 351 to 353 were not provided, players would have to grip the outer surface of the ring portion 350a to perform the rotation operation. However, if the first to third finger hooks 351 to 353 are provided, players can perform the rotation operation by hooking their fingers. This makes it easier for players to perform the rotation operation, reducing the burden on the player.

The door unit 300 is a component that may be handled on its own. In other words, it is a component that may be subjected to operations such as attaching/detaching (replacing) only the door unit 300, or transporting only the door unit 300. Therefore, situations may arise in which only the door unit 300 is placed on a surface such as the floor, or only the door unit 300 is placed in a packaging material such as a box.

Figure 7 is a view of the door unit 300 as seen from the front. As shown in Figure 7, the lower edge of the door unit 300 (front frame 300) is designated as the lower edge S1. The lower edge S1 forms the outermost contour of the lower side of the front frame 300. If all or part of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 protrude below (downward from) the lower edge S1, they may come into contact with the floor when the front frame 300 is placed on a floor, etc., and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) may be damaged.

(Initial position: downward)
FIG. 7 shows the handle ring 342 in its initial position. In the initial position, the tip of the first finger hook 351 faces the upper left. The tip of the second finger hook 352 faces upward. The tip of the third finger hook 353 faces the upper right. In this embodiment, in the initial position, none of the first finger hook 351 to the third finger hook 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes downward below the lower edge S1 of the front frame 300. Therefore, even if the front frame 300 is placed on a floor or the like, the first finger hook 351 to the third finger hook 353 do not come into contact with the floor or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will not be damaged. This reduces the risk of damage to components.

(Maximum rotation position: downward)
8 is a front view of the door unit 300, showing the handle ring 342 in the maximum rotation position. The maximum rotation position is the position where the amount of rotation (amount of operation) of the handle ring 342 from the initial position is the greatest. At the maximum rotation position, the tip of the first finger hook 351 faces upward. The tip of the second finger hook 352 faces right. The tip of the third finger hook 353 faces downward. In this embodiment, at the maximum rotation position, the tip of the third finger hook 353 is closest to the lower edge S1.

In this embodiment, even in the maximum rotation position, none of the first to third finger hooks 351 to 353 of the handle ring 342 protrude below the lower edge S1 of the front frame 300. As a result, even if the front frame 300 is placed on the floor or the like when the handle ring 342 is in the maximum rotation position, the first to third finger hooks 351 to 353 will not come into contact with the floor or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will not be damaged. This reduces the risk of damage to parts.

In this embodiment, regardless of the rotation position (any rotation position) of the handle ring 342, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes below the lower edge S1 of the front frame 300. Note that in this embodiment, the tip of the third finger hook portion 353 is closest to the lower edge S1 at the maximum rotation position. However, it is not necessary for the tip of any finger hook portion to be closest to the lower edge S1 at the maximum rotation position. In other words, if the position at which the tip of any finger hook portion is closest to the lower edge S1 is defined as the predetermined rotation position, it is sufficient that none of the finger hook portions protrude below the lower edge S1 at the predetermined rotation position.

Returning to Figure 7, the right edge of the door unit 300 (front frame 300) is referred to as right edge T1. Right edge T1 forms the outermost edge of the right side of the front frame 300. If all or part of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 protrude to the right (rightward) of the right edge T1, they may come into contact with the box when the front frame 300 is placed inside, potentially damaging the handle ring 342 (handle 340).

(Initial position: right side)
In this embodiment, in the initial position, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes to the right (rightward) of the right edge T1 of the front frame 300. Therefore, even if the front frame 300 is placed in a box or the like, the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 do not come into contact with the box or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will not be damaged. This reduces the risk of damage to parts.

(Maximum rotation position: right side)
As shown in Figure 8, at the maximum rotation position, the tip of the second finger hook 352 is closest to the right edge T1. In this embodiment, even at the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook 351 to the third finger hook 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes to the right of the right edge T1 of the front frame 300. Therefore, even if the front frame 300 is placed in a box or the like when the handle ring 342 is at the maximum rotation position, the first finger hook 351 to the third finger hook 353 do not come into contact with the box or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will not be damaged. This reduces the risk of damage to parts.

In this embodiment, regardless of the rotation position (any rotation position) of the handle ring 342, the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 do not protrude to the right of the right edge T1 of the front frame 300. Note that in this embodiment, the tip of the second finger hook portion 352 is closest to the right edge T1 at the maximum rotation position. However, the tip of any finger hook portion does not have to be closest to the right edge T1 at the maximum rotation position. In other words, if the position at which the tip of any finger hook portion is closest to the right edge T1 is defined as the predetermined rotation position, it is sufficient that none of the finger hook portions protrude to the right of the right edge T1 at the predetermined rotation position.

Figure 9 shows the lower right portion of the front frame 300 as viewed from the front side in the direction of the rotation axis of the handle 340. (1) The length (distance) (dimension) D1 from the center P of the handle 340 to the tip of the first finger hook 351 is 53.4 mm. (2) The length D2 from the center P of the handle 340 to the tip of the second finger hook 352 is 45.6 mm. (3) The length D3 from the center P of the handle 340 to the tip of the third finger hook 353 is 39.3 mm. (4) The length E from the center P of the handle 340 to the outer peripheral surface of the handle ring 342 is 34.6 mm. In other words, the radius E of the portion of the handle ring 342 where no finger hook is provided is 34.6 mm. (5) The length F from the center P of the handle 340 to the lower edge S1 of the door unit 300 is 40.0 mm. (6) The length G from the center P of the handle 340 to the right edge T1 of the door unit 300 is 49.1 mm.

In this embodiment, the handle unit 330 is shown attached to the lower right corner of the front frame 300, but the handle unit 330 may also be attached to the lower right corner of the inner frame 104. Figure 15 is a right side view showing the handle unit 330 attached to the lower right corner of the inner frame 104. Figure 16 is a view of the lower right corner in this state, viewed from the front side in the direction of the rotation axis of the handle 340. Figures 15 and 16 can also be said to show the front frame 300 and inner frame 104 integrated together. Here, the lower edges of the front frame 300 and inner frame 104 (i.e., the main frame) are referred to as the lower edge S2. The lower edge S2 forms the outermost edge of the lower side of the main frame. The right edge of this main frame is referred to as the right edge S2. The right edge S2 forms the outermost edge of the right side of the main frame.

In the initial position, none of the first to third finger hook portions 351 to 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes downward below the lower edge S2 of the main body frame. Furthermore, in the maximum rotation position, none of the first to third finger hook portions 351 to 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes downward below the lower edge S2 of the main body frame. Furthermore, regardless of the rotation position of the handle ring 342, none of the first to third finger hook portions 351 to 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes downward below the lower edge S2 of the main body frame.
Therefore, even if the main body frame is placed on the floor, the finger grip will not come into contact with the floor, and the handle will not be damaged, reducing the risk of damage to parts.
In addition, when referring to the lower edge (lower edge) of the main frame, if the lower edge (bottom surface) of the receiving tray unit 320 (receiving tray) is located lower than the lower edge of the front frame 300 or the lower edge of the inner frame 104, the lower edge (bottom surface) of the receiving tray unit 320 may also be considered the lower edge of the main frame.

In the initial position, none of the first to third finger hook portions 351 to 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes rightward beyond the right edge T2 of the main body frame. Furthermore, in the maximum rotation position, none of the first to third finger hook portions 351 to 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes rightward beyond the right edge T2 of the main body frame. Furthermore, regardless of the rotation position of the handle ring 342, none of the first to third finger hook portions 351 to 353 of the handle ring 342 protrudes rightward beyond the right edge T2 of the main body frame.
Therefore, even if the main body frame is placed in a box, the finger grip will not come into contact with the box, and the handle will not be damaged, reducing the risk of damage to parts.

As shown in Figure 16, D1, D2, D3, and E are the same as in Figure 9, but the length F from the center P of the handle 340 to the lower edge S2 of the main body frame is 45.0 mm. Also, the length G from the center P of the handle 340 to the right edge T2 of the main body frame is 51.1 mm.

In the above, the position of the lower edge of the inner frame 104 is described as being located lower (protruding) than the position of the lower edge of the front frame 300, but the positions of the lower edges of the front frame 300 and the inner frame 104 may be substantially the same. Also, the position of the lower edge of the front frame 300 may be located lower than the position of the lower edge of the inner frame 104.

In both the state shown in FIG. 9 and the state shown in FIG. 16, length D3 is shorter than length F. Therefore, even when rotated to the maximum rotation position (the state shown in FIG. 8), the third finger grip portion 353 does not protrude below the lower edges S1 and S2.

Length D2 is shorter than length G. Therefore, even when rotated to the maximum rotation position (the state shown in Figure 8), the second finger grip portion 352 does not protrude to the right of the right edges T1 and T2.

On the other hand, length D1 is greater than length F. Therefore, if the handle ring 342 were rotated to a position where the first finger hook 351 is downward (a position where the tip of the first finger hook 351 faces downward), the first finger hook 351 would protrude downward from the lower edges S1 and S2. However, in this embodiment, the handle ring 342 is designed not to rotate to a position where the first finger hook 351 is downward. Therefore, the first finger hook 351 will not protrude downward from the lower edges S1 and S2.

Furthermore, length D1 is greater than length G. Therefore, if the handle ring 342 were rotated to a position where the first finger hook 351 faces right (a position where the tip of the first finger hook 351 faces right), the first finger hook 351 would protrude to the right of the right edges T1, T2. However, in this embodiment, the handle ring 342 is designed not to rotate to a position where the first finger hook 351 faces right. Therefore, the first finger hook 351 will not protrude to the right of the right edges T1, T2.

In this way, the first finger hook 351 is designed not to rotate to a position where its tip faces downward (downward) or to a position where its tip faces to the right. Therefore, length D1 can be made greater than lengths D2 and D3. Increasing length D1 has the effect of making it easier to hook a finger. Note that in this embodiment, length D1 is greater than length D2, which is greater than length D3.

In this embodiment, the handle ring 342 is provided with three finger hooks, but the number of finger hooks is not limited to three, as long as there is at least one. Furthermore, the finger hook with the greatest protrusion amount (largest finger hook amount) is not limited to the first finger hook 351, and may be another finger hook. The protrusion amount refers to the amount of protrusion radially outward, and is, for example, the amount of protrusion of the finger hook from a portion of the handle ring 342 where no finger hook is provided (ring portion 350a).

As described above, the finger hook portion does not protrude below the lower edge S2 of the main frame and does not protrude to the right of the right edge T2 of the main frame at the initial position and the maximum rotation position. Furthermore, the finger hook portion does not protrude below the lower edge S2 of the main frame at the initial position and the maximum rotation position, and at the maximum rotation position, the finger hook portion with the greatest protrusion (maximum finger hook portion) may not be located in a position where its tip faces downward (directly downward) (i.e., the position where its tip is closest to the lower edge S2 of the main frame). In other words, when the handle ring 342 rotates from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, the tip of the maximum finger hook portion moves along an arc-shaped rotational path, but at the maximum rotation position, the tip of the maximum finger hook portion is not located at the lowest point of the rotational path of the tip. In this case, the maximum finger hook portion may rotate to a position closest to the lower edge S2 of the main frame and then further rotate beyond that position to a position farther away from the lower edge S2 of the main frame. Furthermore, in the initial position and maximum rotation position, the finger hook portion may not protrude to the right of the right edge T2 of the main body frame, and in the maximum rotation position, the finger hook portion with the greatest protrusion (maximum finger hook portion) may not be located in a position where its tip faces right (due right) (the position where its tip is closest to the right edge T2 of the main body frame). In other words, when the handle ring 342 rotates from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, the tip of the maximum finger hook portion moves along an arcing rotational path, but in the maximum rotation position, the tip of the maximum finger hook portion is not located at the rightmost point on the rotational path of the tip. In this case, the maximum finger hook portion may rotate to a position closest to the right edge T2 of the main body frame, and then further rotate beyond that position to a position farther away from the right edge T2 of the main body frame.

The bottom surface (lower surface) of the tray unit 320 and the bottom surface (lower surface) of the handle unit 330 shown in Figure 4 have a tapered surface (draft angle) that slopes gently upward from the rear side to the front side (nearby). This is called the "inclined surface of the lower front frame." If the lower front frame has an inclined surface, the inclined surface of the lower front frame may come into contact with the floor or other surface when the front frame 300 is placed on the floor. In other words, when the front frame 300 is placed on the floor, for example, the inclined surface of the lower front frame may come into contact with the floor, causing the front frame 300 to assume a position (forward-leaning position) that is slightly tilted forward relative to the direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane. In this position, the handle ring 342 (handle 340) is closer to the floor.

When the handle ring 342 is in its initial position, none of the first to third finger hooks 351 to 353 of the handle ring 342 may protrude below the inclined surface of the lower front frame. In this case, even if the front frame 300 is placed on a floor or the like and the inclined surface of the lower front frame comes into contact with the floor or the like, the first to third finger hooks 351 to 353 will not come into contact with the floor or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will not be damaged. This reduces the risk of damage to parts.

When the handle ring 342 is in the maximum rotation position, none of the first to third finger hooks 351 to 353 of the handle ring 342 may protrude below the inclined surface on the bottom of the front frame. In this case, even if the front frame 300 is placed on the floor or the like with the handle ring 342 in the maximum rotation position and the inclined surface on the bottom of the front frame comes into contact with the floor or the like, the first to third finger hooks 351 to 353 will not come into contact with the floor or the like, and the handle ring 342 (handle 340) will not be damaged. This reduces the risk of damage to parts.

Furthermore, regardless of the rotational position (any rotational position) of the handle ring 342, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 of the handle ring 342 may protrude below the inclined surface of the lower part of the front frame.

In addition, at certain rotation positions, including the initial position and maximum rotation position, at least a portion of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 may be configured to protrude downward from the inclined surface of the lower part of the front frame. Even in this case, none of the first finger hook portion 351 to the third finger hook portion 353 should protrude downward from the lower edge S2 of the main body frame. This configuration reduces the risk of damage to parts.

Next, the operating torque and operating angle of the handle 340 will be explained. As shown in Figure 10, a spring is disposed inside the handle 340 as an elastic member Z. The handle ring 342 can be operated (rotated) in a clockwise direction against the biasing force of the spring. Furthermore, when the handle ring 342 is released after being rotated a predetermined amount (angle), the biasing force (reaction force) of the spring causes the handle ring 342 to automatically return to its initial position.

(Initial response)
Here, the operation torque required to start (initial movement) (start) (rotation from the initial position) rotation of the handle ring 342 is defined as a first operation torque (initial movement torque).
(Left-handed)
When a player hits from the left, the target position in the game area 116 where the game ball that has passed through the launch port 117 (see FIG. 2) will land is the target position (target area) for left-handed hits. The target area (target area) for left-handed hits is the area known as the "butkomi" (bullet hole). The target area is an ideal area where, during normal game play, the player aims the game ball at that area, which is said to have the highest chance of the ball entering the various winning devices (winning ports).
The position (rotation position) of the handle ring 342 that allows the game ball to land at the target position for left-handed hits is defined as the left-handed hit reference position. The operation torque required to rotate the handle ring 342 from its initial position to the left-handed hit reference position is defined as the second operation torque. The operation angle (operation angle) from the initial position of the handle ring 342 to the left-handed hit reference position is defined as the first operation angle.

(right-handed)
The position (rotation position) of the handle ring 342 when hitting with the right hand is defined as the right-hand hit reference position (maximum rotation position). The operation torque required to rotate the handle ring 342 from its initial position to its maximum rotation position is defined as a third operation torque. The operation angle (operation angle) of the handle ring 342 from its initial position to its maximum rotation position is defined as a second operation angle. The second operation angle is a full stroke.

Example 1
As shown in FIG. 11 , in the gaming machine according to this embodiment, the first operation torque is 6.8 [N·mm]. The second operation torque is 13.6 [N·mm]. The third operation torque is 23.8 [N·mm]. In this embodiment, the second operation torque is greater than the first operation torque, and the third operation torque is greater than the second operation torque. Note that, in the handle shown as a comparative example, the first operation torque is 31 [N·mm], the second operation torque is 69 [N·mm], and the third operation torque is 152 [N·mm]. FIG. 12 shows these relationships in a graph.

The first operating torque, second operating torque, and third operating torque are all relatively small values. This allows the player to rotate the handle ring 342 with less force. In other words, the player can feel that operating the handle ring 342 is light. This reduces the player's fatigue and the burden on the player. Furthermore, when the handle ring 342 automatically returns to its original position, it comes into contact with a stopper (not shown) to stop its rotation. However, because the first operating torque, second operating torque, and third operating torque are all small values, the impact on the stopper during automatic return is reduced. This reduces wear and tear on the stopper and reduces the risk of failure of the handle 340, which is a component that is frequently operated. In other words, the durability of the handle 340 can be improved.

In addition, because the first to third operating torques are all small values, the frictional force acting between the handle ring 342 and the main body 341 (see Figure 5) can be reduced. This reduces wear caused by high frictional force, improving the durability of the parts.

In this embodiment, the first operating torque is 6.8 N·mm, which is less than 10 N·mm. Because the first operating torque is small, less force is required to initially move the handle ring 342, allowing the handle ring 342 to begin rotating with less force. If the spring force (reaction force) were reduced and the first operating torque were less than 6.8 N·mm, friction acting between the handle ring 342 and the main body 341, for example, could prevent the handle ring 342 from returning to its initial position. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first operating torque is set to the minimum torque required to automatically return the handle ring 342 to its initial position. Therefore, to enable automatic return while reducing the initial movement, it is preferable to set the first operating torque to 6.8 N·m or greater.

In addition, in this embodiment, the third operation torque is greater than the second operation torque, but the value of the third operation torque (23.8 N·mm) is less than twice the value of the second operation torque (27.2 N·mm). If the value of the third operation torque (152 N·mm) were greater than twice the value of the second operation torque (138 N·mm), as in the comparative example, the operation torque would increase sharply from the left-hit reference position to the maximum rotation position (right-hit reference position). In this case, a greater force would be required to rotate the reel from the left-hit reference position to the maximum rotation position. In this embodiment, the value of the third operation torque is less than twice the value of the second operation torque, and the difference between the second operation torque and the third operation torque is small. Therefore, the operation torque does not increase sharply from the left-hit reference position to the maximum rotation position, and the player perceives the difference between the second operation torque and the third operation torque as small. This reduces player fatigue and reduces the burden on the player.

In addition, in this embodiment, the second operation torque is greater than the first operation torque, but the value of the second operation torque (13.6 N·mm) is less than twice the value of the first operation torque (13.6 N·mm). If the value of the second operation torque (69 N·mm) were greater than twice the value of the first operation torque (62 N·mm), as in the comparative example, the operation torque would increase rapidly when moving from the initial position to the left-hit reference position. In that case, a greater force would be required to rotate the reel from the initial position to the left-hit reference position. In this embodiment, the value of the second operation torque is less than twice the value of the first operation torque, and the difference between the first and second operation torques is small. Therefore, the operation torque does not increase rapidly when moving from the initial position to the left-hit reference position, and the player perceives the difference between the first and second operation torques as small. This reduces player fatigue and reduces the burden on the player.

As shown in FIG. 11 , the difference (displacement) between the first operating torque and the second operating torque is defined as increase A. In this embodiment, increase A is 6.8 N·mm. The difference (displacement) between the second operating torque and the third operating torque is defined as increase B. In this embodiment, increase B is 10.2 N·mm. In this embodiment, double increase A (13.6) is greater than increase B (10.2) (2A > B). In other words, increase B is less than double increase A. Therefore, even when comparing the increase in operating torque from the initial position to the left-hit reference position with the increase in operating torque from the left-hit reference position to the maximum rotation position, the latter increase is not significantly greater than the former increase. Therefore, the difference between increase A and increase B is small, and right-hits do not feel significantly heavier than left-hits, reducing player fatigue and burden. Additionally, players will not feel uncomfortable due to the large difference in operating torque between left-handed and right-handed hits. This allows players to play comfortably.

On the other hand, in the comparative example, increase amount A is 38 [N·mm] and increase amount B is 83 [N·mm]. Increase amount B is greater than twice increase amount A. Therefore, when comparing the increase in operating torque from the initial position to the left-hit reference position with the increase in operating torque from the left-hit reference position to the maximum rotation position, the latter increase is significantly greater than the former increase. Therefore, the difference between increase amount A and increase amount B is large, and right-hits feel extremely heavy compared to left-hits. This makes players more likely to tire and places a greater burden on them. Players may also feel uncomfortable due to the large difference in operating torque between left-hit and right-hits.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, the initial torque is small and the torque curve of the operation torque is a flatter torque curve. Because the initial torque is small and the torque variation (increase) is small, the player is less likely to get tired. On the other hand, in the comparative example, the initial torque is large and the torque curve of the operation torque is a quadratic curve. Because the initial torque is large and the torque variation (increase) is also large, the player is more likely to get tired.

Returning to Figure 11, in this embodiment, the first operating angle is 49°. The second operating angle is 100°. Left-handed hits and right-handed hits are separated by an operating angle that is approximately half the full stroke (second operating angle). This makes it easy for the player to intuitively recognize the boundary between left-handed hits and right-handed hits. The second operating angle is also 100°, which is a smaller angle than, for example, a second operating angle of 120°. This allows the amount of hand rotation to be reduced when hitting right. This prevents the player from getting tired and reduces the burden on the player.

In addition, the first operating angle is less than half the second operating angle (full stroke). Therefore, a left-handed hit can be made at an operating angle less than half the full stroke. Also, a right-handed hit cannot be made at an operating angle less than half the full stroke. This allows the player to clearly distinguish between left-handed and right-handed hits.

Example 2
As shown in Figure 13, the first operation torque is 27.2 [N·mm]. The second operation torque is 54.4 [N·mm]. The third operation torque is 95.2 [N·mm]. The second operation torque is greater than the first operation torque, and the third operation torque is greater than the second operation torque. In the handle shown as a comparative example, the first operation torque is 31 [N·mm], the second operation torque is 69 [N·mm], and the third operation torque is 152 [N·mm]. Figure 14 shows these relationships in a graph.

The first operating torque, second operating torque, and third operating torque are all smaller than those of the comparative example. This allows the player to rotate the handle ring 342 with less force. In other words, the player feels that operating the handle ring 342 is light. This reduces the player's fatigue and the burden on the player. Furthermore, when the handle ring 342 automatically returns to its original position, it comes into contact with a stopper (not shown) to stop its rotation. However, because the first operating torque, second operating torque, and third operating torque are all small, the impact on the stopper during automatic return is reduced. This reduces wear and tear on the stopper and reduces the risk of failure of the handle 340, which is a frequently operated part. In other words, the durability of the handle 340 can be improved.

In addition, because the first to third operating torques are smaller than those in the comparative example, the frictional force acting between the handle ring 342 and the main body 341 (see Figure 5) can be reduced. This reduces wear caused by the high frictional force, improving the durability of the parts.

In addition, the first operating torque is 27.2 [N·mm], which is greater than 6.8 [N·mm], allowing for automatic return of the handle ring 342 while reducing the initial movement.

Furthermore, while the third operation torque is greater than the second operation torque, the value of the third operation torque (95.2 N·mm) is less than twice the value of the second operation torque (108.8 N·mm). If the value of the third operation torque (152 N·mm) were greater than twice the value of the second operation torque (138 N·mm), as in the comparative example, the operation torque would increase sharply from the left-hit reference position to the maximum rotation position (right-hit reference position). In this case, a greater force would be required to rotate the machine from the left-hit reference position to the maximum rotation position. In this example, the value of the third operation torque is less than twice the value of the second operation torque, and the difference between the second and third operation torques is small. Therefore, the operation torque does not increase sharply from the left-hit reference position to the maximum rotation position, and the player perceives the difference between the second and third operation torques as small. This reduces player fatigue and reduces the burden on the player.

Furthermore, while the second operating torque is greater than the first operating torque, the value of the second operating torque (54.4 N·mm) is less than twice the value of the first operating torque (54.4 N·mm). If, as in the comparative example, the value of the second operating torque (69 N·mm) were greater than twice the value of the first operating torque (62 N·mm), the operating torque would increase sharply when moving from the initial position to the left-hit reference position. In that case, a greater force would be required to rotate the reel from the initial position to the left-hit reference position. In this example, the value of the second operating torque is less than twice the value of the first operating torque, and the difference between the first and second operating torques is small. Therefore, the operating torque does not increase sharply when moving from the initial position to the left-hit reference position, and the player perceives the difference between the first and second operating torques as small. This reduces player fatigue and reduces the player's burden.

As shown in Figure 13, the difference (displacement) between the first operating torque and the second operating torque is defined as increase A. Increase A is 27.2 [N·mm]. The difference (displacement) between the second operating torque and the third operating torque is defined as increase B. Increase B is 40.8 [N·mm]. In this embodiment, double increase A (54.4) is greater than increase B (40.8) (2A > B). In other words, increase B is less than double increase A. Therefore, even when comparing the increase in operating torque from the initial position to the left-hit reference position with the increase in operating torque from the left-hit reference position to the maximum rotation position, the latter increase is not significantly greater than the former increase. Therefore, the difference between increase A and increase B is small, and right-hits do not feel significantly heavier than left-hits, reducing player fatigue and burden. Additionally, players will not feel uncomfortable due to the large difference in operating torque between left-handed and right-handed hits. This allows players to play comfortably.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, the torque curve of the operation torque is a gentle curve. Because the torque variation (increase) is small, the player is less likely to get tired. On the other hand, in the comparative example, the torque curve of the operation torque is a quadratic curve. Because the torque variation (increase) is also large, the player is more likely to get tired.

The first operating torque ranges from 6.8 [N·mm] in the first embodiment to 27.
The second operating torque may be within a range of 13.6 [N·mm] shown in Example 1 to 54.4 [N·mm] shown in Example 2. The third operating torque may be within a range of 23.8 [N·mm] shown in Example 1 to 95.2 [N·mm] shown in Example 2. The third operating torque (right-hand hitting reference position) is preferably 100 [N·mm] or less.

Second Embodiment
A known gaming machine is a pachinko machine equipped with a gaming board and a launching device. In a pachinko gaming machine, gaming balls (gaming media) are launched into a gaming area provided on the front of the gaming board, and a gaming benefit is awarded to the player based on the gaming balls entering a winning slot provided in the gaming area. A specific gaming machine, typified by such a gaming machine, is equipped with a tray for storing gaming balls, and gaming balls can be discharged from the tray based on button operation. Conventional gaming machines have a problem in that some operations are difficult to operate. In this embodiment, a gaming machine that can be operated comfortably is provided.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. While this embodiment will describe a pachinko gaming machine, which is one type of gaming machine, other gaming machines (e.g., slot machines, medal-less gaming machines, etc.) may also be used. In the following description, "front and back" generally refers to the player's side as "front" and the pachinko gaming machine's side as "rear" when the player is in front of the pachinko gaming machine; "up and down" refers to the top side of the pachinko gaming machine as "up" and the bottom side as "down"; and "left and right" refers to the player's left-hand side as "left" and their right-hand side as "right" within the scope of the present invention. Note that the present invention allows for free combinations of components, arbitrary modifications of components, or omission of components within the scope of the invention.

17 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is used to play games using gaming balls (gaming media) loaned from an amusement parlor, and includes an outer frame 2 that forms the outer surface of the gaming machine, a gaming board 6 that is provided inside the gaming machine and forms a playing area 4 in which the gaming balls move, a glass unit 8 that makes the gaming board 6 visible but inaccessible to the player, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached.
The diameter of the gaming balls used in the gaming machine of this embodiment is approximately 11 mm.
The "tray unit 320, tray" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily modified into the "tray unit 100, tray 16" in the second embodiment. Also, the "handle unit 330" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily modified into the "grip unit 20" in the second embodiment. Although not shown in FIG. 17, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has an inner frame and a main frame having a front frame 10 and an inner frame. The main frame can be attached to the outer frame 2. The main frame has a grip unit 20 (handle) and a tray unit 100 (tray 16).

The portion of the front frame 10 that surrounds the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the portion made of the translucent material are multiple front frame lamps (lighting devices) 12 that output special lights to enhance the game.

In addition, a long decorative element (lighting device) 13 is provided on the top of the front frame 10, extending in the left-right direction. The decorative element 13 protrudes forward so that its front surface is positioned further forward than the gaming area 4 and glass unit 8. The decorative element 13 is adorned with a logo representing the model name, etc., and the logo is illuminated by an LED board installed inside.

The front frame 10 is also equipped with multiple speakers 14 that output special sounds to add excitement to the game.

A tray 16 for storing game balls is provided in the center of the lower part of the front frame 10, and a payout opening 18 for paying out game balls from the gaming machine to the player is provided on the left side of the inner side (back 16e) of the tray 16. In addition, a supply opening 22 (see Figures 22 and 23) for supplying game balls from the tray 16 to the launching device is provided on the right side of the inner side (back 16e) of the tray 16.

A grip unit 20 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 10. When a player rotates the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, a launcher (not shown) installed inside the gaming machine is activated, launching gaming balls into the gaming area 4. The launcher in this embodiment is capable of launching 99 gaming balls per minute (1.65 balls per second).

A performance control device 26 is provided on the front side of the edge of the tray 16, and when the player operates the performance control device 26, the performance performed by the gaming machine changes.

Figure 18 is a front view showing the external configuration of the gaming board 6 shown in Figure 17. As shown in Figure 18, the gaming board 6 is provided with a circular outer rail 28, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 28 is the gaming area 4 in which the gaming balls move. In addition, an arc-shaped inner rail 30 is provided at the left end of the gaming area 4 so as to follow the outer rail 28, and the outer rail 28 and inner rail 30 guide gaming balls launched from a launcher (not shown) located below the gaming board 6 into the gaming area 4.

In the center of the game board 6, there is a presentation unit 36, which includes an LCD display 32 that displays presentation images and the like to liven up the game, and a display frame 34 formed to surround the LCD display 32. A design element 38 is provided on this display frame 34. Note that in this embodiment, the design element 38 is provided above the LCD display 32, but the position of the design element 38 is not limited to this.

In this embodiment, game balls cannot pass in front of the LCD display 32, and game balls launched from the launching device fall through the game area 4 on the left or right side of the LCD display 32. A large number of game pegs (not shown) are nailed into the game area 4 so that they intersect with the surface of the game board 6, allowing the direction of movement of game balls moving through the game area 4 to change randomly.

An opening 40 is formed on the left side of the display frame 34, allowing game balls to pass through as they fall through the game area 4 to the left of the LCD display 32. Game balls that pass through this opening 40 pass through a passage 42 provided in the display frame 34 and fall onto a stage 44 provided below the LCD display 32. The top surface of this stage 44 is smoothly curved, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8, allowing game balls to fall downward from the stage 44. Game balls that fall from the passage 42 onto the stage 44 move back and forth across the stage 44 before falling downward from near the center of the stage 44.

A first starting winning hole 46 is provided below the center of the stage 44.
A passing gate 48 is provided in the game area 4 to the right of the liquid crystal display 32. A second start winning opening 50 is provided below the passing gate 48. This second start winning opening 50 is provided with a normal device 52 that includes an assisting member that can operate between a reduced state (a state in which entry is not assisted, a non-assisted state) in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start winning opening 50, and an expanded state (a state in which entry is assisted, a assisted state) in which it is easy for the game ball to enter.

In the game area 4 to the right of the LCD display 32, a large prize opening 54 is provided below the second start prize opening 50. This large prize opening 54 is provided with a special device 56 equipped with a movable member that closes the large prize opening 54. The special device 56 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the large prize opening 54, and an open state in which game balls can enter the large prize opening 54 (Figure 18 shows the closed state). The special device 56 is controlled to be in the open state under specified conditions in the special game state that begins when a jackpot is won.

Below the special prize opening 54, a special prize passage 58 is provided extending downward. A normal entrance 62 is provided at the bottom end of the special prize passage 58. A special passage 65 is provided below the special prize passage 58, branching off downward from the main prize passage 58. A special role device 66 is provided in the special prize passage 65, and includes a movable member that blocks the special prize passage 65. The special role device 66 is operable between a closed state, in which game balls cannot enter the special prize passage 65, and an open state, in which game balls can enter the special prize passage 65 (Figure 18 shows the closed state). The special role device 66 is controlled to open under predetermined conditions in the special game mode. A special entrance 68 is provided at the bottom of the special prize passage 65. An outlet 69 is provided at the bottom of the game area 4, which collects game balls that fall through the game area 4 without entering any of the prize openings.

The game ball launching device is configured so that the launch force of the game ball can be changed by adjusting the amount of rotation of the grip unit (operating handle) 20 shown in Figure 17. When the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is small, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4 on the left side of the LCD display 32. When the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4 on the right side of the LCD display 32.

The player adjusts the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 depending on the game situation, and launches the game ball so that it falls through the left-hand game area 4 or passes through the opening 40, passage 42, and stage 44 and enters the first start winning opening 46 (left-handed hit), or so that it falls through the right-hand game area 4 and passes through the passing gate 48 or enters the second start winning opening 50 or enters the big winning opening 54 (right-handed hit).

At the bottom right of the gaming board 6, outside the gaming area 4, is a status display unit 70 that indicates various states of the gaming machine by turning on and off lamps and other indicators. The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board that includes a main board and a sub-board. The functions of each board, such as the main board and sub-board, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in ROM, etc.

The main board receives input signals from the input means (first start entry slot sensor, passing gate sensor, second start entry slot sensor, large entry slot sensor, normal entrance sensor, specific passage sensor, payout sensor, etc.), performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls the operation of the output means (status display drive device, normal feature drive device, special feature drive device, specific feature drive device, payout device, etc.) based on the calculation results.

The sub-board receives commands sent from the main board and input signals from the effect operation sensor that detects operations on the effect operation device 26, performs various calculations to execute effects that match the progress of the game, and controls the operation of the effect devices (effect display devices, sound devices, effect object drive devices, etc.) based on the calculation results.

A tray unit 100 is provided below the front frame 10. As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the tray unit 100 includes a tray member 110 that forms the front surface 16a, bottom surface 16b, and left and right side surfaces 16c and 16d of the tray 16, a base member (plate-shaped member) 111 that forms the back surface 16e of the tray 16, a downstream ball removal unit (first ball removal unit) 112 and an upstream ball removal unit (second ball removal unit) 113 that discharge game balls stored in the tray 16, a first passage 114 and a second passage 115 through which game balls discharged from the tray 16 pass, and a button arrangement section 116 that forms the right side portion of the top surface of the tray unit 100 and in which various buttons are arranged.
The button arrangement section 116 is provided with a ball lending button (not shown), a return button 91, directional keys 92, a volume adjustment button 93, a light intensity adjustment button 94, and the like (see FIG. 17). The ball lending button is a button that is operated when borrowing game balls. The return button 91 is a button that is operated when the player ejects game balls that he or she owns into the tray 16. The directional keys 92 is a button that is operated when making selections regarding effects, etc. The volume adjustment button 93 and light intensity adjustment button 94 are buttons that are operated when adjusting the volume or light intensity, respectively.

The tray 16 stores game balls loaned to players (loan balls) and game balls won by winning (prize balls). In other words, the tray 16 stores game balls discharged from the payout opening 18. As shown in FIG. 20, the underside 16b of the tray 16 slopes downward from left to right. The width of the tray 16 narrows from left to right (top to bottom). Game balls discharged into the tray 16 are aligned in a single line as they head toward the lower right of the tray 16. In other words, an alignment path 103 is formed in the lower right of the tray 16, aligning the game balls in a single line. A downstream ball ejection hole 118 (first hole) is formed in the lower right end of the alignment path 103 (tray 16) as a hole (ball ejection hole) through which game balls can be ejected from the tray 16.

In addition, an upstream ball ejection hole 119 (second hole) is formed in the left portion of the underside 16b of the tray 16 as a hole (ball ejection hole) through which game balls can be ejected from the tray 16. The upstream ball ejection hole 119 is located in front of the payout opening 18, and at least a portion of it overlaps with the payout opening 18 in the front-to-rear direction.

The downstream ball ejection hole 118 and the upstream ball ejection hole 119 each have an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the ball ejection holes 118, 119 are open, allowing game balls to fall through the ball ejection holes 118, 119. In the closed state, the ball ejection holes 118, 119 are blocked by the downstream ball ejection unit 112 or the upstream ball ejection unit 113, preventing game balls from falling through the ball ejection holes 118, 119.
It should be noted that "closed" here does not only refer to a state in which the ball ejection holes 118, 119 are closed without any gaps, but also to a state in which they are closed to the extent that game balls cannot pass through.

The downstream ball ejection unit 112 is provided in correspondence with the downstream ball ejection hole 118. By operating the downstream ball ejection unit 112, it is possible to switch the downstream ball ejection hole 118 between an open and closed state. The upstream ball ejection unit 113 is provided in correspondence with the upstream ball ejection hole 119. By operating the upstream ball ejection unit 113, it is possible to switch the upstream ball ejection hole 119 between an open and closed state.

As shown in Figure 21, the downstream ball removal unit 112 comprises a downstream ball removal button 120 (first button: first operating means), a link member 122, a slide member 124, a downstream lid 125 (first lid: first opening/closing means), a pin 126, and a spring 128. Furthermore, the portions of the base member 111, etc. to which the downstream ball removal button 120, link member 122, slide member 124, and spring 128, etc. are attached (such as the protrusions 200, 202, 202 and the base member hook 204, which will be described later) can also be said to constitute part of the downstream ball removal unit 112.

The downstream ball removal button 120 can be pressed by a player or the like. The downstream ball removal button 120 is equipped with a press-down portion 130 that is touched by a player or the like, a protruding portion 132 that protrudes downward (backside) of the press-down portion 130, and locking portions 134, 134. The press-down portion 130, protruding portion 132, and locking portion 134 are integrally formed from a resin material.

The push-down portion 130 is roughly shaped like a rectangular box. The protruding portion 132 is shaped like a rectangular pillar and protrudes downward from the underside of the push-down portion 130. The locking portions 134 are provided at lower positions on the left and right sides of the push-down portion 130 and have claws that protrude outward in the left and right directions.

The downstream ball ejection button 120 is provided on the button arrangement section 116. Specifically, when not in operation, the downstream ball ejection button 120 is arranged on the button arrangement section 116 so that the push-down portion 130 protrudes above the top surface of the button arrangement section 116 (see Figures 17 and 20). Furthermore, when not in operation, the claw of the locking portion 134 locks onto the underside of the button arrangement section 116, thereby restricting the upward movement of the push-down portion 130. If the position of the downstream ball ejection button 120 (push-down portion 130) when not in operation is considered to be the initial position (first initial position), then the downstream ball ejection button 120 (push-down portion 130) can be pressed down so that it moves downward from the initial position.

The link member 122 comprises a substantially cylindrical portion 140, a first arm 142, a second arm 144, and a reinforcing plate 146. The cylindrical portion 140, the first arm 142, the second arm 144, and the reinforcing plate 146 are integrally formed from a resin material.

The cylindrical portion 140 has its axis oriented in the front-to-rear direction. The first arm 142 and the second arm 144 are formed to extend radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 140. The first arm 142 and the second arm 144 are formed at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 140. Specifically, the base end of the first arm 142 is connected to the left portion of the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 140. The tip end of the first arm 142 extends from this base end toward the radially outward direction of the cylindrical portion 140. The base end of the second arm 144 is connected to the lower portion of the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 140. The tip end of the second arm 144 extends from this base end toward the radially outward direction of the cylindrical portion 140. That is, the base end of the first arm 142 and the base end of the second arm 144 are connected to the cylindrical portion 140 at positions spaced a predetermined angle (e.g., approximately 90 degrees) apart in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 140. Furthermore, the tip end of the first arm 142 and the tip end of the second arm 144 are positioned at positions spaced a predetermined angle (e.g., approximately 90 degrees) apart in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 140.

A contact surface 150 is formed at the tip of the first arm 142, against which the protrusion 132 of the downstream ball removal button 120 abuts. Specifically, the tip of the first arm 142 is cylindrical, and the upper portion of the outer circumferential surface (outer curved surface) of this tip forms the contact surface 150 against which the protrusion 132 abuts. In addition, a pin insertion hole 152 into which the pin 126 is inserted is formed at the tip of the second arm 144. The pin 126 is rod-shaped and is arranged to protrude rearward from the tip of the second arm 144.

In addition, a plate-shaped reinforcing plate 146 is provided between the first arm 142 and the second arm 144, connecting the first arm 142 and the second arm 144. This reinforcing plate 146 reinforces the first arm 142 and the second arm 144.

A cylindrical protrusion 200 that protrudes rearward from the back surface of the base member 111 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 140 (see Figures 22(a) and 23(a)). The link member 122 is then rotatable in the circumferential direction around the cylindrical portion 140 (with the protrusion 200 as its axis). In other words, the first arm 142 and the second arm 144 rotate around the central axis of the cylindrical portion 140.

The slide member 124 has a slide member main body 160 in the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. A square pin insertion hole 161 into which the pin 126 is inserted is formed at the right end of the slide member main body 160. The width of this pin insertion hole 161 in the left-right direction is approximately equal to the diameter of the pin 126, and the width in the up-down direction is greater than the diameter of the pin 126. The pin 126 is configured to be almost immobile in the left-right direction relative to the pin insertion hole 161, but is able to move in the up-down direction.

Two holes 162, 162 are formed in the slide member main body 160, aligned in the left-right direction. Cylindrical protrusions 202, 202 protruding rearward from the back surface of the base member 111 are inserted into the two holes 162, 162, respectively (see Figures 22(a) and 23(a)). The holes 162, 162 are rectangular. Furthermore, the vertical width of the holes 162, 162 is approximately equal to the diameter of the protrusions 202, 202, and the horizontal width is longer than the diameter of the protrusions 202, 202 (for example, by 11 mm or more). The holes 162, 162 (slide member 124) are configured to be almost immobile in the vertical direction relative to the protrusions 202, 202 (base member 111), but are able to move left-right. In other words, the holes 162, 162 and the protrusions 202, 202 form an operating direction limiting portion that limits the movement direction of the slide member 124 to the left and right.

A slide member side hook 164 is provided on the top of the slide member main body 160, to which the spring 128 is hooked. The spring 128 is a tension spring and is capable of expanding and contracting in the left-right direction. The spring 128 also has circular hooks 128a and 128b on both its left and right ends. The hook 128b on the right end of the spring 128 is hooked on the slide member side hook 164. A base member side hook 204 is provided on the back surface of the base member 111, to which the hook 128a on the left end of the spring 128 is hooked (see Figures 22(a) and 23(a)). The hook 128a on the left end of the spring 128 is hooked on the base member side hook 204.

A downstream lid 125 is provided at the left end of the slide member 124 (slide member main body 160). The downstream lid 125 is provided so as to protrude to the left from the slide member 124. The downstream lid 125 is in the shape of a substantially rectangular plate. The downstream lid 125 and slide member 124 are integrally formed from a resin material.

The downstream lid 125 is a lid that opens and closes the downstream ball ejection hole 118. The downstream lid 125 moves left and right in conjunction with the left and right movement of the slide member 124. When the downstream lid 125 is positioned on the left side, it closes the downstream ball ejection hole 118, and when it is positioned on the right side, it opens the downstream ball ejection hole 118. In other words, the downstream lid 125 is movable between a closed position that closes the downstream ball ejection hole 118 and an open position that opens the downstream ball ejection hole 118.

The downstream ball removal unit 112 is designed so that the downstream lid 125 moves left and right in response to the up and down movement of the downstream ball removal button 120. In other words, the downstream lid 125 can be moved based on the player's operation of the downstream ball removal button 120, thereby opening and closing the downstream ball removal hole 118.

The operation of the downstream ball removal unit 112 will be explained with reference to Figures 22 and 23. Figure 22 is a diagram showing the state in which the downstream ball removal button 120 is in its initial non-operated position and the downstream lid 125 is in the closed position. Figure 22(a) is a diagram including the base member 111, while Figure 22(b) is a diagram showing the state without the base member 111. Figure 23 is a diagram showing the state in which the downstream ball removal button 120 is in its fully depressed position (maximum depression position) and the downstream lid 125 is in the open position. Figure 23(a) is a diagram including the base member 111, while Figure 23(b) is a diagram showing the state without the base member 111.

First, when the downstream ball removal button 120 is in its initial non-operated position, the downstream cover 125 is in the closed position. That is, the downstream ball removal hole 118 is closed at this time. When the downstream ball removal button 120 is moved downward from its initial position (pressed by the player), the tip of the first arm 142 of the link member 122 is pushed downward by the protrusion 132 of the downstream ball removal button 120. This causes the first arm 142 to rotate downward (counterclockwise) around the cylindrical portion 140. At the same time, the second arm 144 rotates rightward (counterclockwise) around the cylindrical portion 140. When the second arm 144 rotates rightward, the pin 126 moves up and down inside the pin insertion hole 161 of the slide member 124, pulling the slide member 124 to the right. Then, the slide member 124 moves to the right against the elastic force of the spring 128. Then, the downstream lid 125 moves to the right accordingly. Then, the downstream lid 125 moves to the open position, and the downstream ball removal hole 118 is opened.
Furthermore, when the downstream ball removal button 120 is pressed down to the maximum, the holes 162, 162 of the slide member 124 abut against the protrusions 202, 202 of the base member 111, restricting further downward movement of the downstream ball removal button 120 and further movement of the slide member 124 to the right.

Furthermore, when the player releases the downstream ball removal button 120, the elastic force of the spring 128 pulls the slide member main body 160 to the left. This in turn causes the downstream lid 125 to move to the left. The movement of the slide member main body 160 is transmitted to the downstream ball removal button 120 via the pin 126 and link member 122, causing the downstream ball removal button 120 to return to its initial position. In other words, when not in operation, the elastic force of the spring 128 keeps the downstream ball removal button 120 in its initial position. In other words, the downstream ball removal button 120 is biased upward.

In this way, the link member 122, slide member 124, and pin 126 form a link mechanism that converts the vertical movement of the downstream ball removal button 120 into left-right movement of the downstream lid 125, and converts the left-right movement of the downstream lid 125 into vertical movement of the downstream ball removal button 120.

Here, the distance L2 from the center of rotation of the link member 122 (the central axis of the cylindrical portion 140) to the pin 126 (the tip of the second arm 144) is more than twice the distance L1 from the center of rotation of the link member 122 to the point where the downstream ball removal button 120 and the first arm 142 contact (the tip of the first arm 142: the abutment surface 150). Therefore, the second arm 144 moves to the right by more than twice the amount that the first arm 142 moves downward. In other words, the downstream lid 125 moves to the right by more than twice the amount that the downstream ball removal button 120 is pressed. In other words, the link mechanism increases the amount of operation of the downstream ball removal button 120 and transmits it to the downstream lid 125.

In this embodiment of the gaming machine, the amount of operation of the downstream ball removal button 120 required to open the downstream ball removal hole 118 so that at least one gaming ball can pass through is set to be less than the diameter of the gaming ball. Specifically, when the downstream ball removal button 120 is pressed approximately 4 mm from its initial position, the downstream lid 125 moves approximately 11 mm to the right. In other words, when the downstream ball removal button 120 is pressed from its initial position by a predetermined amount (approximately 4 mm) that is less than the diameter of the gaming ball, the opening width W1 of the downstream ball removal hole 118 (the distance from the tip of the downstream lid 125 to the edge of the downstream ball removal hole 118 opposite that tip) becomes 11 mm or greater. In other words, in this embodiment of the gaming machine, the amount of operation of the downstream ball removal button 120 required to open the downstream ball removal hole 118 so that at least one gaming ball can pass through is set to be less than the radius of the gaming ball.

In addition, when the downstream ball ejection button 120 is pressed all the way down, the opening width W1 of the downstream ball ejection hole 118 is approximately 14 mm. In other words, when the downstream ball ejection button 120 is pressed all the way down, the downstream ball ejection hole 118 opens to approximately the diameter of the gaming ball + 3 mm, but is less than twice the diameter of the gaming ball. In other words, even when the downstream ball ejection button 120 is pressed all the way down, the downstream ball ejection hole 118 is designed so that two gaming balls cannot pass through at the same time.

The maximum amount that the downstream ball removal button 120 can be pressed (maximum operation amount) is set to be equal to or less than the diameter of the gaming ball (less than the diameter (approximately 6 mm)). In other words, once the downstream ball removal button 120 is pressed a certain amount that is equal to or less than the diameter of the gaming ball (less than the diameter), it cannot be pressed any further. Specifically, the maximum operation amount of the downstream ball removal button 120 is set to be equal to or greater than the radius of the gaming ball but less than the diameter. It can also be said that it is set to approximately half the diameter of the downstream ball removal button 120. Note that approximately half the diameter here means a range of approximately half the diameter within ±1.5 mm (approximately 4 mm to 7 mm).

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 23(b), even when the downstream ball ejection button 120 is in its initial position when not in operation, a gap of a predetermined width W2, less than the diameter of the gaming ball, is formed between the tip of the downstream lid 125 and the edge of the downstream ball ejection hole 118 in the direction of movement (left and right) of the downstream lid 125. This makes it possible to drop the gaming ball through the downstream ball ejection hole 118 with a smaller amount of operation.

When the downstream lid 125 closes the downstream ball ejection hole 118, game balls are guided from the lower right end of the tray 16 through the supply port 22 to the launching device.

Next, we will explain the upstream ball removal unit 113.

As shown in Figure 24, the upstream ball removal unit 113 comprises an upstream lid 300 (second lid: second opening/closing means), a torsion spring 302, a cover member 304, an upstream ball removal button 306 (second button: second operating means), a slide member 308, a latch 310, and a ball removal base 312 (base member).

The upstream lid 300 comprises a lid portion 320 that closes the upstream ball hole 119, and a support portion 322 that supports the lid portion 320 (rotation of the lid portion 320). The lid portion 320 is formed in a substantially circular plate shape. The lid portion 320 is large enough to cover the upstream ball hole 119 from below. The support portion 322 is formed to protrude forward from the front edge of the lid portion 320. The lid portion 320 and support portion 322 are integrally formed from a resin material.

The support portion 322 has an insertion hole 324 into which the protrusion 332 of the cover member 304 (described later) is inserted. The support portion 322 also has a cylindrical guide protrusion 326 that protrudes downward.

The cover member 304 is in the shape of a roughly square plate. A game ball passage hole 330, through which game balls pass, is formed in the rear right portion of the cover member 304. A cylindrical protrusion 332 is provided on the top surface of the cover member 304, in front of the game ball passage hole 330.

In addition, three arc-shaped rails 334 are formed on the top surface of the cover member 304. The three rails 334 are arc-shaped protrusions, with the center of the arc being the protrusion 332 (the central axis of the protrusion 332).

The cover member 304 also has a guide hole 336 through which the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300 is inserted. The guide hole 336 is an arc-shaped hole, with the center of the arc being the protrusion 332 (the central axis of the protrusion 332). The guide hole 336 is located in front of the game ball passage hole 330 and to the right of the protrusion 332. The width of the guide hole 336 (the radial length of the arc) is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the guide protrusion 326, and the length of the guide hole 336 (the circumferential length of the arc) is longer than the outer diameter of the guide protrusion 326.

A wall portion 338 that supports one arm of the torsion spring 302 is provided on the top surface of the cover member 304. The wall portion 338 is formed to extend in the left-right direction. The wall portion 338 is also provided on the front left side of the protrusion 332.

The upstream lid 300 is placed on the cover member 304 with the protrusion 332 of the cover member 304 inserted into the insertion hole 324 of the upstream lid 300. The upstream lid 300 is rotatable around the protrusion 332 (the central axis of the protrusion 332) of the cover member 304. Here, the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300 is inserted into the guide hole 336 of the cover member 304. Therefore, the guide protrusion 326 can move within the longitudinal range of the guide hole 336. In other words, the guide protrusion 326 and the guide hole 336 form a movement range limiter that limits the movement range (movable range) of the upstream lid 300.

The torsion spring 302 is disposed between the cover member 304 and the upstream lid 300, with the protrusion 332 of the cover member 304 passing through it. The underside of the cover member 304 is provided with a cylindrical protrusion (not shown) that protrudes downward and has a hole that communicates with the insertion hole 324. The protrusion 332 of the cover member 304 is inserted into the protrusion, and the torsion spring 302 is disposed to surround the protrusion. The underside of the cover member 304 is provided with a fixing portion (not shown) that fixes one of the arms of the torsion spring 302. One of the arms of the torsion spring 302 is fixed to the fixing portion, and the other arm is pressed against the wall portion 338 of the cover member 304. This causes the torsion spring 302 to apply a force to the upstream lid 300 in a direction that closes the upstream ball removal hole 119.
A screw hole is provided in the protrusion 332 of the cover member 304. Then, the upstream lid 300 is attached to the cover member 304 by screwing a screw 333 (see FIGS. 25 and 26 ) inserted into the insertion hole 324 of the upstream lid 300 into the screw hole.

Furthermore, when rotating, the upstream lid 300 slides along the rails 334 of the cover member 304. This reduces friction between the upstream lid 300 and the cover member 304, making it possible to rotate the upstream lid 300 with less force.

In addition, a protrusion 340 extending in the front-to-rear direction is provided on the underside of the cover member 304.

In addition, screw insertion holes 342 are formed at each of the three corners of the cover member 304 (the front right, rear right, and rear left corners), through which screws 345 (see Figures 25 and 26) are inserted.

The slide member 308 is positioned between the ball ejection base 312 and the cover member 304, and is movable forward and backward. The slide member 308 is formed in a generally flat plate shape. A button fixing portion 350 to which the upstream ball ejection button 306 is fixed is formed on the front left portion of the slide member 308. The upstream ball ejection button 306 is then fixed to this button fixing portion 350 with a screw.

A locking protrusion 352 that protrudes rearward is formed on the left rear portion of the slide member 308. The locking protrusion 352 has a rod-like support portion that extends rearward and a tip portion that widens in the left-right direction at the tip of the support portion.

The right side of the slide member 308 forms a frame-shaped portion 353, which is roughly rectangular and has a short width in the front-to-rear direction. The frame-shaped portion 353 also has a guide insertion hole 354 into which the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300 is inserted. The length of the guide insertion hole 354 in the front-to-rear direction is roughly the same as the outer diameter of the guide protrusion 326, and its length in the left-to-right direction is longer than the outer diameter of the guide protrusion 326. In other words, the guide protrusion 326 is largely unable to move in the front-to-rear direction relative to the guide insertion hole 354, but is able to move in the left-to-right direction. The front surface of the frame-shaped portion 353 forms an abutment surface 355 that abuts against the front wall 372 of the ball removal base 312, which will be described later.

In addition, the underside of the slide member 308 is provided with a protrusion (not shown) into which one end of the cylindrical spring 360 is inserted and a wall (not shown) against which one end of the spring 360 is pressed (see the protrusion 382 and wall 380 of the ball removal base 312 described below).

A groove 356 extending in the front-to-rear direction is formed on the upper surface of the slide member 308. The groove 356 is shaped to follow the protrusion 340 of the cover member 304. A protrusion 358 extending in the front-to-rear direction is provided on the lower surface of the slide member 308.

The ball ejection base 312 is located at the bottom of the upstream ball ejection unit 113 and forms the bottom of the upstream ball ejection unit 113. The ball ejection base 312 is in the shape of a roughly square plate. The front left part of the ball ejection base 312 is cut out towards the rear, forming a cutout portion 370. When the upstream ball ejection button 306 is pressed, it is pushed into the cutout portion 370.

In addition, a wall portion (front wall 372) that protrudes upward is formed on the right side of the front edge of the ball removal base 312 (excluding the cutout portion 370).

Furthermore, a game ball passage hole 374 through which game balls pass is formed in the right rear part of the ball removal base 312. The game ball passage hole 374 is provided below the game ball passage hole 330 of the cover member 304, and its inner diameter (hole shape) is approximately the same as that of the game ball passage hole 330.
The inner diameter of the game ball passing holes 330, 374 is smaller than the outer diameter of the lid portion 320 of the upstream lid 300. When the upstream lid 300 is closed, the game ball passing holes 330, 374 are completely covered from above (see FIG. 25(b)).

In addition, a latch fixing portion 376 to which the latch 310 is fixed is provided at the left rear portion of the top surface of the ball removal base 312. Furthermore, the latch 310 fixed to the latch fixing portion 376 is positioned behind the locking protrusion 352 of the slide member 308.

A groove 378 for guiding the slide member 308 is provided in the left-right center of the top surface of the ball ejection base 312 (between the game ball passage hole 374 and the latch fixing portion 376). This groove 378 extends in the front-to-rear direction and is shaped to match the protrusion 358 of the slide member 308. A wall portion 380 that protrudes upward from the top surface of the ball ejection base 312 is provided at the rear of the groove 378. A protrusion 382 that protrudes forward is provided on the front surface of the wall portion 380. This protrusion 382 is designed to be inserted into one end of a cylindrical spring 360. One end of the spring 360 is pressed against the wall portion 380. The spring 360 is positioned between the wall portion 380 and the wall portion provided on the underside of the slide member 308 so that it can expand and contract in the front-to-rear direction.

In addition, threaded holes 384 for threading screws 345 are formed at each of the three corners of the ball ejection base 312 (the front right, rear right, and rear left corners).

The ball ejection base 312 and cover member 304 are fixed to each other by threading a screw 345 inserted through the screw insertion hole 342 of the cover member 304 into the threaded hole 384 of the ball ejection base 312. The slide member 308 is sandwiched between the ball ejection base 312 and the cover member 304. The convex portion 358 of the slide member 308 is inserted into the groove 378 of the ball ejection base 312, and the protrusion portion 340 of the cover member 304 is inserted into the groove 356 of the slide member 308. The slide member 308 moves back and forth, guided by the groove 378 of the ball ejection base 312 and the protrusion portion 340 of the cover member 304. The frame portion 353 of the slide member 308 is positioned between the front wall 372 of the ball ejection base 312 and the game ball passage hole 374, and moves back and forth between them.

The upstream lid 300 also rotates left and right in conjunction with the forward and backward movement of the slide member 308. When the upstream lid 300 is positioned to the right, it blocks the upstream ball ejection hole 119, and when positioned to the left, it opens the upstream ball ejection hole 119. In other words, the upstream lid 300 is movable between a closed position that blocks the upstream ball ejection hole 119 and an open position that opens the upstream ball ejection hole 119. In other words, the upstream lid 300 is a lid that opens and closes the upstream ball ejection hole 119. In other words, the upstream ball ejection unit 113 moves the upstream lid 300 left and right in accordance with the forward and backward movement of the upstream ball ejection button 306. In other words, the upstream lid 300 can be moved to open and close the upstream ball ejection hole 119 based on the player's operation of the upstream ball ejection button 306.

The operation of the upstream ball removal unit 113 will be explained with reference to Figures 25 and 26. Figure 25 shows the state in which the upstream ball removal button 306 is in its initial non-operated position and the upstream lid 300 is in the closed position. Figure 25(a) includes the pan member 110 and cover member 304, while Figure 25(b) omits the pan member 110 and cover member 304. Figure 26 shows the state in which the upstream ball removal button 306 is pressed in, the slide member 308 is in a position held by the latch 310, and the upstream lid 300 is in the open position. Figure 26(a) includes the pan member 110 and cover member 304, while Figure 26(b) omits the pan member 110 and cover member 304.

In the following, the state of the upstream ball removal button 306 when the upstream ball removal button 306 is not operated and the slide member 308 is not held by the latch 310 is referred to as the initial state of the upstream ball removal button 306. In other words, the state in which the upstream ball removal button 306 protrudes (furthest) forward is referred to as the initial state. Furthermore, the position of the upstream ball removal button 306 in the initial state is referred to as the initial position (second initial position).

First, when the upstream ball ejection button 306 is in its initial position when not in operation, the upstream lid 300 is in the closed position. In this state, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is blocked by the upstream lid 300, so that game balls cannot be dropped through the upstream ball ejection hole 119.
In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a flange portion 390 is formed on the outer edge of the lid portion 320 of the upstream lid 300. The flange portion 390 is located below the center of the lid portion 320 and protrudes radially outward from the lid portion 320. The flange portion 390 is located on the front portion (right side portion) of the lid portion 320 in the direction of movement when the upstream lid 300 is closed. When the upstream lid 300 closes the upstream ball ejection hole 119, the flange portion 390 is recessed below the tray 16 (protruding outward beyond the edge of the upstream ball ejection hole 119). When the upstream ball ejection button 306 is in its initial position, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is completely blocked by the upstream lid 300 in a plan view (viewed from above). In other words, the upstream lid 300 completely blocks the upstream ball ejection hole 119, making it impossible to see any components below the upstream ball ejection hole 119. Meanwhile, as described above, when the downstream ball ejection button 120 is in its initial position, a gap is formed between the downstream lid 125 and the downstream ball ejection hole 118. However, a cover member 392 that covers the downstream ball ejection hole 118 is disposed above the downstream ball ejection hole 118 (see FIG. 20 ). Therefore, this cover member 392 makes it impossible to see any components below the downstream ball ejection hole 118 in a plan view. This cover member 392 also serves to align the game balls guided to the lower right end of the tray 16 in a vertical line.

When the upstream ball removal button 306 is moved backward from its initial position (pressed by the player), the slide member 308, which is integrated with the upstream ball removal button 306, is moved backward. This causes the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300, which is inserted inside the guide insertion hole 354 of the slide member 308, to be pushed backward. This causes the upstream lid 300 to rotate leftward (counterclockwise in plan view) around the protrusion 332 (central axis of the protrusion 332) of the cover member 304. In other words, the upstream lid 300 moves toward the left. This causes the upstream lid 300 to reach the open position, opening the upstream ball removal hole 119.

Furthermore, when the upstream ball removal button 306 is moved rearward from its initial position by more than a predetermined amount, the locking protrusion 352 of the slide member 308 is pushed into the latch 310. The latch 310 then closes and grasps the tip of the locking protrusion 352. As a result, the slide member 308 is held (latched) by the latch 310, and the upstream ball removal button 306 is fixed in a pushed-in position.

When the slide member 308 is held by the latch 310, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is completely open, as shown in Figure 26. In other words, in this state, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 and the upstream lid 300 do not overlap at all in the vertical direction, and the upstream lid 300 cannot be seen from the upstream ball ejection hole 119 in a planar view. In addition, the game ball passage hole 330 of the cover member 304 and the game ball passage hole 374 of the ball ejection base 312 are located below the upstream ball ejection hole 119, but the inner diameters of the game ball passage holes 330 and 374 are larger than the inner diameter of the upstream ball ejection hole 119, and the edges of the game ball passage holes 330 and 374 cannot be seen from the upstream ball ejection hole 110 in a planar view. In other words, in this state, a game ball falling straight up and down (falling vertically) from the upstream ball removal hole 119 does not hit the edges of the upstream lid 300 or the game ball passage holes 330, 374.
When the slide member 308 is held by the latch 310, a portion of the upstream lid 300 may protrude radially inward of the upstream ball ejection hole 119. Furthermore, this portion of the upstream lid 300 may have a slope that slopes downward as it moves radially inward of the upstream ball ejection hole 119 (in the open state), and may serve to assist the game balls in falling from the upstream ball ejection hole 119.

Furthermore, when the slide member 308 is pushed in again while the latch 310 is closed (gripping the locking protrusion 352), the latch 310 releases the locking protrusion 352, allowing the slide member 308 to move forward. When the slide member 308 is pushed in (when the latch 310 is gripping the locking protrusion 352 or at the moment the latch 310 releases the locking protrusion 352), the spring 360 is compressed between the wall portion on the underside of the slide member 308 and the wall portion 380 on the upper surface of the ball removal base 312. Therefore, the elastic force of the spring 360 acts to push the slide member 308 forward. If the latch 310 is gripping the locking protrusion 352 at this time, the forward movement of the slide member 308 is restricted, and the slide member 308 and the upstream ball removal button 306 are fixed in a pushed-in state. On the other hand, when the latch 310 releases the locking protrusion 352, the elastic force of the spring 360 pushes the slide member 308 and the upstream ball removal button 306 forward.

When the slide member 308 is pushed forward by the elastic force of the spring 360, the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300, which is inserted inside the guide insertion hole 354 of the slide member, is pulled back toward the front. The upstream lid 300 then rotates rightward (clockwise in plan view) around the protrusion 332 (central axis of the protrusion 332) of the cover member 304. In other words, the upstream lid 300 moves toward the right. The upstream lid 300 then assumes the closed position, blocking the upstream ball removal hole 119.

In addition, as mentioned above, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a force in the direction of closing the upstream ball removal hole 119 is applied from the torsion spring 302 to the upstream lid 300. In other words, when the upstream lid 300 is open, the elastic force of the torsion spring acts to return the upstream lid 300 to the closed position. This force is also transmitted to the slide member 308 via the guide protrusion 326 of the upstream lid 300. In other words, the elastic force of the torsion spring 302 acts in the direction of returning the slide member 308 and the upstream ball removal button 306 forward.

Therefore, when the slide member 308 is not being operated and is not being held by the latch 310, the elastic force of the spring 360 and the elastic force of the torsion spring 302 return the upstream lid 300 to the closed position, and the upstream ball removal button 306 to its initial position. In other words, when the slide member 308 is not being operated and is not being held by the latch 310, the upstream ball removal button 306 is arranged in its initial position. In other words, the upstream ball removal button 306 is biased forward.

Furthermore, the distance L4 from the center of rotation of the upstream lid 300 (the central axis of the protrusion 332 of the cover member 304) to the center of the lid part 320 is more than twice the distance L3 from the center of rotation of the upstream lid 300 to the guide protrusion 326 (the contact point between the guide protrusion 326 and the guide insertion hole 354: the part where the upstream lid 300 is pushed by the slide member 308). Therefore, when the slide member 308 moves rearward, the lid part 320 rotates more than twice the length of rotation of the guide protrusion 326.

In this embodiment of the gaming machine, the amount of operation of the upstream ball removal button 306 required to open the upstream ball removal hole 119 so that at least one gaming ball can pass through is set to less than the diameter of the gaming ball. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27 , when the upstream ball removal button 306 is pressed approximately 4 mm from its initial position, the upstream ball removal hole 119 is opened to allow at least one gaming ball B to pass through. In other words, when the upstream ball removal button 306 is pressed from its initial position a predetermined amount (approximately 4 mm) that is less than the diameter of the gaming ball, the opening width W3 of the upstream ball removal hole 119 (the distance from the tip of the upstream lid 300 to the edge of the upstream ball removal hole 119 opposite that tip) becomes 11 mm or greater. Furthermore, in this embodiment of the gaming machine, the amount of operation of the upstream ball removal button 306 required to open the upstream ball removal hole 119 so that at least one gaming ball can pass through is set to less than the radius of the gaming ball.

Furthermore, when the upstream ball ejection button 306 is pressed to its fullest extent, the opening width W3 of the upstream ball ejection hole 119 becomes larger than twice the diameter of the gaming ball (22 mm). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the upstream ball ejection button 306 is pressed to its fullest extent, the slide member 308 is held by the latch 310. However, if the upstream ball ejection button 306 is released in this state, the upstream ball ejection button 306 (slide member 308) will move slightly forward (e.g., approximately 3 mm). However, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is fully open whether the upstream ball ejection button 306 is pressed to its fullest extent or the slide member 308 is holding the latch 310. At this time, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is in a state where at least two gaming balls can pass through simultaneously. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is in a state where three or more, more specifically, four or more, gaming balls can pass through at the same time. Furthermore, in this case, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is configured so that three gaming balls cannot pass through simultaneously when they are lined up in the same straight line. In other words, the linear distance (diameter) from edge to edge of any part of the upstream ball ejection hole 119 is less than three times the diameter of the gaming ball. In yet another way, the linear distance (diameter) from edge to edge of the upstream ball ejection hole 119 in two directions that intersect (orthogonal) with each other is less than three times the diameter of the gaming ball. Furthermore, the linear distance (diameter) from edge to edge of the upstream ball ejection hole 119 in two directions that intersect (orthogonal) with each other is greater than twice the diameter of the gaming ball.
In this way, by making the difference between the lengths larger than twice the diameter of the game balls, it is possible to prevent two game balls from getting caught and jammed in the upstream ball ejection hole 119 when they try to pass through the upstream ball ejection hole 119 at the same time. Furthermore, by making the difference between the lengths smaller than three times the diameter of the game balls, it is possible to more reliably prevent such jamming of game balls.

In addition, the maximum amount that the upstream ball removal button 306 can be pressed (maximum operation amount) is set to be equal to or greater than the diameter of the gaming ball (a length exceeding the diameter). In other words, the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball removal button 306 is set to be greater than the maximum operation amount of the downstream ball removal button 120. In this embodiment of the gaming machine, the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball removal button 306 is set to approximately 14.5 mm. In other words, the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball removal button 306 is set to be equal to or greater than the diameter of the gaming ball, but less than twice the diameter (less than 1.5 times).

In this embodiment of the gaming machine, the downstream ball removal button 120 (first button: first operating means) allows the downstream ball removal hole 118 (first hole) to pass through with an amount of operation less than the diameter of the gaming ball, and the upstream ball removal button 306 (second button: second operating means) allows the upstream ball removal hole 119 (second hole) to pass through with an amount of operation less than the diameter of the gaming ball. This reduces the amount of operation required for the downstream ball removal button 120 or the upstream ball removal button 306 to eject the gaming ball from the downstream ball removal hole 118 or the upstream ball removal hole 119. This means that balls can be removed from the tray 16 with a small amount of operation, reducing the burden of operation.

Furthermore, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the maximum amount of operation for the downstream ball removal button 120 is equal to or less than the diameter of the gaming ball (less than the diameter), and the maximum amount of operation for the upstream ball removal button 306 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the gaming ball (a length exceeding the diameter). When the upstream ball removal button 306 is operated to a position where the amount of operation for the upstream ball removal button 306 is at its maximum, the upstream ball removal hole 119 is in a state where at least two gaming balls can pass through simultaneously. Therefore, the downstream ball removal button 120 reaches its maximum amount of operation with a small amount of operation, thereby reducing the burden of operation. Furthermore, by setting the maximum amount of operation for the upstream ball removal button 306 to be equal to or greater than the diameter of the gaming ball, the discharge capacity of the upstream ball removal hole 119 can be improved when operated to its maximum amount of operation. Furthermore, because the maximum operation amount differs between the downstream ball removal button 120 and the upstream ball removal button 306 (by associating the operation amount with the ejection capacity of the hole), it becomes easier to distinguish between the downstream ball removal button 120 and the upstream ball removal button 306 and to grasp the feel of operating both operating means, which have the same function. This prevents erroneous operation, such as ejecting game balls from an unintended location or ejecting an unintended number of game balls. Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the downstream ball removal button 120 returns to its initial position when the player releases it. Therefore, in order to continue ejecting balls from the downstream ball removal hole 118, the player must continue to press the downstream ball removal button 120. However, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the downstream ball removal button 120 reaches its maximum operation amount with a small operation amount, allowing the player to continue pressing the downstream ball removal button 120 with little effort. On the other hand, the upstream ball ejection button 306 is held in place by a latch 310, so balls can continue to be ejected from the upstream ball ejection hole 119 without having to keep pressing the upstream ball ejection button 306. Furthermore, by setting the maximum operation amount of this upstream ball ejection button 306 to be equal to or greater than the diameter of a gaming ball, it is possible to eject a large number of gaming balls from the tray 16 in a short period of time.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the downstream ball ejection hole 118 is smaller in size than the upstream ball ejection hole 119. In other words, the downstream ball ejection hole 118 has a shorter diameter (across length) (the longest linear distance from edge to edge) than the upstream ball ejection hole 119. In other words, the downstream ball ejection hole 118 has a smaller hole area than the upstream ball ejection hole 119.

The amount of operation (the amount of operation for one ball) required to open the ball ejection hole (the downstream ball ejection hole 118 or the upstream ball ejection hole 119) so that at least one game ball can pass through may be larger for the downstream ball ejection button 120 than for the upstream ball ejection button 306. Specifically, for example, moving the downstream ball ejection button 120 approximately 4 mm from its initial position may allow a game ball to pass through the downstream ball ejection hole 118, and moving the upstream ball ejection button 306 approximately 3 mm from its initial position may allow a game ball to pass through the upstream ball ejection hole 119. In other words, the amount of operation for one ball may be different for the downstream ball ejection button 120 and the upstream ball ejection button 306, as long as the difference between the amount of operation for one ball for both buttons is smaller than the difference between the maximum amounts of operation. With this configuration, the amount of operation required for one ball differs between the downstream ball removal button 120 and the upstream ball removal button 306 (by associating the amount of operation with the hole's discharge capacity), making it easier to distinguish between the downstream ball removal button 120 and the upstream ball removal button 306 and to grasp the feel of operating both operating devices, which have the same function. This prevents erroneous operation, such as ejecting a game ball from an unintended location or ejecting an unintended number of game balls. Furthermore, with this configuration, the amount of operation required for one ball of the downstream ball removal button 120 is greater than the amount of operation required for one ball of the upstream ball removal button 306, and the maximum amount of operation of the downstream ball removal button 120 is smaller than the maximum amount of operation of the upstream ball removal button 306.

Note that the amount of operation of the upstream ball removal button 306 for one ball may be smaller than the amount of operation of the downstream ball removal button 120 for one ball, and the operation load required to move the upstream ball removal button 306 by the amount of operation of the upstream ball removal button 306 for one ball may be smaller than the operation load required to move the downstream ball removal button 120 by the amount of operation of the downstream ball removal button 120 for one ball. Specifically, for example, moving the upstream ball removal button 306 by about 3 mm from its initial position allows the game ball to pass through the upstream ball removal hole 119, and moving the downstream ball removal button 120 by about 4 mm from its initial position allows the game ball to pass through the downstream ball removal hole 118. The operation load required to move the upstream ball removal button 306 by about 3 mm may be, for example, 2 N, and the operation load required to move the downstream ball removal button 120 by about 4 mm may be about 4 N. In other words, when the same amount of load is applied to the upstream ball removal button 306 and the downstream ball removal button 120 (within a range where the amount of operation for each does not reach the maximum amount of operation), the upstream ball removal hole 119 may open wider than the downstream ball removal hole 118. With this configuration, the upstream ball removal button 306 can remove balls with a smaller amount of operation than the downstream ball removal button 120, and can also remove balls with a smaller operation load than the downstream ball removal button 120. Therefore, when quick ball removal is desired, such as when more than a predetermined amount of game balls are stored in the tray 16 and the tray 16 is full (when a full-tank error occurs), a sensory motivation can be provided to encourage operation of the upstream ball removal button 306, which allows for efficient ball removal.
Furthermore, regardless of the magnitude relationship between the operation amount for one ball for the downstream ball removal button 120 and the upstream ball removal button 306, the operation load required to move the upstream ball removal button 306 by the operation amount for one ball for the upstream ball removal button 306 may be smaller than the operation load required to move the downstream ball removal button 120 by the operation amount for one ball for the downstream ball removal button 120.

Furthermore, with this gaming machine, the ratio of the operation amount for one ball (approximately 3 mm or approximately 4 mm) to the maximum operation amount (approximately 14.5 mm) of the upstream ball removal button 306 is smaller than the ratio of the operation amount for one ball (approximately 4 mm) to the maximum operation amount (approximately 6 mm) of the downstream ball removal button 120. Therefore, operating the upstream ball removal button 306 gives the player the feeling that game balls can be removed more quickly. Therefore, when quick ball removal is desired, such as when the tray 16 is filled with more than a predetermined amount of game balls and is full (when a full-tank error occurs), a sensory motivation can be provided to encourage operation of the upstream ball removal button 306, which allows for efficient ball removal.

Furthermore, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the downstream ball removal button 120 is operated at its maximum operation amount, it is impossible for two or more gaming balls to pass through the downstream ball removal hole 118 at the same time, and when the upstream ball removal button 306 is operated at its maximum operation amount, it is possible for two or more gaming balls to pass through the upstream ball removal hole 119 at the same time, and the maximum operation amount for the upstream ball removal button 306 is greater than the maximum operation amount for the downstream ball removal button 120. Therefore, the relationship between the maximum operation amount of the downstream ball removal button 120 and the maximum operation amount of the upstream ball removal button 306 is linked to the efficiency of ejection of gaming balls. Therefore, it is possible to give the player the feeling that operating the upstream ball removal button 306 will result in the balls being ejected more quickly. Therefore, when a predetermined amount of game balls or more has accumulated in the tray 16, causing the tray 16 to become full (when a full-ball error occurs), or when quick ball removal is desired, a physical motivation can be provided to encourage operation of the upstream ball removal button 306, which allows for efficient ball removal.

In addition, the mechanism for increasing the amount of movement of the lid (downstream lid 125 or upstream lid 300) relative to the amount of operation of the button (downstream ball removal button 120 or upstream ball removal button 360) in the downstream ball removal unit 112 or upstream ball removal unit 113 is not limited to the mechanism described above, and various well-known transmission mechanisms can be used. Furthermore, the downstream ball removal button 120 (first operating means) or the upstream ball removal button 360 (second operating means) is not limited to the push button described above, and may also be a sliding operating means (for example, a lever that slides left and right), etc.

As shown in Figure 19, the upstream ball removal unit 113 is fixed to the underside of the left part of the tray member 110 by screws. The upstream ball removal button 306 is positioned below the receiving tray 16. As shown in Figure 28, the upstream ball removal button 306 protrudes forward from an opening provided in the exterior part of the front frame 10.

The upstream ball ejection button 306 and the area surrounding the upstream ball ejection button 306 are different colors. In other words, the surrounding components (exterior parts) that form the opening that exposes the upstream ball ejection button 306 are a different color from the upstream ball ejection button 306. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the upstream ball ejection button 306 is red, while the surrounding components are white.

As mentioned above, the downstream ball removal button 120 is provided in the button arrangement section 116, but the downstream ball removal button 120 and the button arrangement section 116 are different colors. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the downstream ball removal button 120 is red, while the button arrangement section 116 is black.

In this way, by making the colors of the upstream ball ejection button 306 and the downstream ball ejection button 120 different from the colors of the surrounding components, the visibility of the buttons can be improved. This allows players to easily find the buttons.

The upstream ball removal button 306 and the downstream ball removal button 120 are formed from a resin material of the same color (similar colors). The upstream ball removal button 306 and the downstream ball removal button 120 are formed from a single color throughout. All of the other buttons arranged in the button arrangement section 116 (such as the ball lending button, return button 91, directional keys 92, volume adjustment button 93, and light intensity adjustment button 94) are formed from a resin material of a different color from the upstream ball removal button 306 and the downstream ball removal button 120. This makes it easy to tell which button is the ball removal button, allowing players to more easily find the buttons.
It is also possible that no other buttons are molded from a resin material of the same color as the upstream ball ejection button 306 and the downstream ball ejection button 120. In other words, this color may be a dedicated color for buttons for ejecting game balls from the tray 16. Also, buttons other than the upstream ball ejection button 306 and the downstream ball ejection button 120 (other buttons) may include a dedicated color, but in that case, it is preferable that the other buttons also include colors other than the dedicated color.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the pressing surface (the surface that a player, etc. touches when pressing the button: the top surface) (operating surface) of the downstream ball removal button 120 (first button: first operating means) is formed (almost) flat. On the other hand, the pressing surface (the surface that a player, etc. touches when pressing the button: the front surface) (operating surface) of the upstream ball removal button 306 (second button: second operating means) is formed with unevenness. In other words, the pressing surface of the upstream ball removal button 306 has more unevenness than the pressing surface of the downstream ball removal button 120. The upstream ball removal button 306 is difficult to see because it is surrounded by exterior components and is located below the tray 16, protruding forward; however, the relatively large number of unevenness makes it easy for a player to find the button. Additionally, the downstream ball removal button 120 is located in the button arrangement section 116 that forms the top surface of the tray unit 100, making it easy to see, and the relatively minimal irregularities make it easy to identify that it is a button.

In addition, in this embodiment of the gaming machine, the operating surface of the downstream ball ejection button 120 (first button: first operating means) is smaller in area than the operating surface of the upstream ball ejection button 306 (second button: second operating means). Here, the term "operating surface" refers to a surface whose range of contact with the player and whose range of visibility to the player do not change, regardless of the position to which the operating means is operated. In other words, surfaces that become obscured by surrounding components when the operating means is operated are not included in the operating surface. With this configuration, the size of the operating surface is related to the amount of operation of the operating means, making it easier to grasp the operating feel for both operating means, which share the same function. This prevents players from accidentally ejecting an unintended number of game balls.

Gaming balls ejected from the downstream ball ejection hole 118 are guided downward through the first passage 114. Gaming balls ejected from the upstream ball ejection hole 119 are guided downward through the second passage 115. The first passage 114 merges with the second passage 115. The second passage is connected to a hole 400 provided on the underside of the gaming machine (see Figure 28). Gaming balls ejected from the downstream ball ejection hole 118 or the upstream ball ejection hole 119 are ejected from the gaming machine through this hole 400.

Note that while the gaming machine of this embodiment has one tray 16, it may have multiple trays. For example, gaming machines with two trays, an upper tray (first tray) and a lower tray (second tray), are commonly known. In this type of gaming machine, gaming balls loaned to players (loan balls) and gaming balls won by winning (prize balls) are stored in the upper tray. The lower tray is located lower than the upper tray and, for example, stores gaming balls that are paid out when the upper tray is full (a state in which more than a predetermined amount of gaming balls are stored in the upper tray). In addition, gaming balls can be discharged toward the lower tray through a ball ejection hole provided in the upper tray. The configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment may also be applied to this type of gaming machine. Specifically, for example, a ball ejection hole similar to the downstream ball ejection hole 118 may be provided in the upper tray, and a downstream ball ejection unit 112 corresponding to the ball ejection hole may be provided. In other words, the downstream ball ejection hole 118 and downstream ball ejection unit 112 in this embodiment may be interpreted as being provided on the upper tray. Also, for example, a ball ejection hole similar to the upstream ball ejection hole 119 may be provided on the lower tray, and an upstream ball ejection unit 113 corresponding to that ball ejection hole may be provided. In other words, the upstream ball ejection hole 119 and upstream ball ejection unit 113 in this embodiment may be interpreted as being provided on the lower tray.

The gaming machine according to this embodiment is
a first hole through which game balls can be discharged from the tray;
A second hole through which game balls can be discharged from the tray;
a first opening/closing means capable of opening and closing the first hole;
a second opening/closing means capable of opening and closing the second hole;
a first operating means for accepting an operation to move the first opening/closing means;
a second operating means for accepting an operation to move the second opening/closing means,
the second hole is larger than the first hole;
the first operating means sets the first hole in a state in which the gaming ball can pass through with an operating amount less than the diameter of the gaming ball;
the second operating means sets the second hole in a state in which the gaming ball can pass through with an operating amount less than the diameter of the gaming ball;
an operation amount less than the diameter for the second operation means is smaller than an operation amount less than the diameter for the first operation means;
The operating load required to move the second operating means by an amount less than the diameter of the second operating means is smaller than the operating load required to move the first operating means by an amount less than the diameter of the first operating means.

In addition, the gaming machine according to this embodiment has
a first hole through which game balls can be discharged from the first tray;
a second hole through which game balls can be discharged from the second tray;
a first opening/closing means capable of opening and closing the first hole;
a second opening/closing means capable of opening and closing the second hole;
a first operating means for accepting an operation to move the first opening/closing means;
a second operating means for accepting an operation to move the second opening/closing means,
the second hole is larger than the first hole;
the first operating means sets the first hole in a state in which the gaming ball can pass through with an operating amount less than the diameter of the gaming ball;
the second operating means sets the second hole in a state in which the gaming ball can pass through with an operating amount less than the diameter of the gaming ball;
an operation amount less than the diameter for the second operation means is smaller than an operation amount less than the diameter for the first operation means;
The operating load required to move the second operating means by an amount less than the diameter of the second operating means is smaller than the operating load required to move the first operating means by an amount less than the diameter of the first operating means.

This configuration reduces the amount of operation required for the first operating means or the second operating means to eject game balls from the first hole or the second hole. Therefore, balls can be removed from the tray with a small amount of operation, reducing the operational burden. Furthermore, this configuration allows the second operating means to remove balls with a smaller amount of operation than the first operating means, and also allows balls to be removed with a smaller operating load than the first operating means. Therefore, when quick ball removal is desired, such as when the tray is full due to the accumulation of more than a predetermined amount of game balls (when a full-tank error occurs), a physical motivation can be provided to encourage operation of the second operating means, which allows for efficient ball removal. The gaming machine according to this embodiment is easy to operate.

(Third embodiment)
A known gaming machine is a pachinko machine equipped with a gaming board and a launching device. In a pachinko machine, gaming balls (gaming media) are launched into a gaming area provided on the front of the gaming board, and a gaming benefit is awarded to the player based on the gaming ball entering a winning slot provided in the gaming area. Certain gaming machines, such as this gaming machine, are equipped with rails to guide the gaming balls. However, there is a growing demand for larger decorative parts for gaming machines, but as the decorative parts become larger, there is a problem in that the visibility of gaming balls within the gaming area, such as gaming balls rolling along the rails, is impaired. The present embodiment aims to provide a gaming machine that ensures the visibility of gaming balls.

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine, which is one type of gaming machine, will be described, but other gaming machines (for example, slot machines, etc.) may also be used. In the following description, "front and rear" basically means that when a player is in front of the gaming machine, the player side is the "front" and the gaming machine side is the "rear,""up and down" means that the top side of the gaming machine is the "top" and the bottom side is the "bottom," and "left and right" means that the left-hand side of the player playing is the "left" and the right-hand side is the "right."
It should be noted that within the scope of the present invention, the components may be freely combined, or any of the components may be arbitrarily modified, or any of the components may be omitted.

29 is a perspective view showing the exterior configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is used to play games using gaming balls (gaming media) loaned from an amusement parlor, and includes an outer frame 2 that forms the outer surface of the gaming machine, a gaming board 6 that is provided inside the gaming machine and forms a playing area 4 in which the gaming balls move, a glass unit 8 that makes the gaming board 6 visible but inaccessible to the player, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached.
Although not shown in Figure 29, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has an inner frame and a main frame having a front frame 10 and the inner frame. The main frame can be attached to the outer frame 2. The pachinko gaming machine 1 also has a tray unit having trays (upper tray 16 and lower tray 24). The main frame has a grip unit 20 (handle) and the tray unit.
The "tray unit 320, tray" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily modified into a "tray unit, tray" in the third embodiment. The "handle unit 330" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily modified into a "grip unit 20" in the third embodiment. The "front frame 300, outer frame 102" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily modified into a "front frame 10, outer frame 2" in the third embodiment. The "inner frame 104, main frame" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily modified into an "inner frame, main frame" in the third embodiment. The "game board 108" shown in the first embodiment can be arbitrarily modified into a "game board 6" in the third embodiment. In addition, as will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, a design portion (design member) 84 is provided on the upper part of the front frame 10. The design portion 84 shown in this embodiment can be added to the "front frame 300, main body frame" shown in the first embodiment. Also, the game ball passage 80 shown in this embodiment can be added to the "game board 108" shown in the first embodiment.

The portion of the front frame 10 surrounding the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside this portion made of translucent material are multiple front frame lamps 12 that output special lights to add excitement to the game. The front frame 10 also has multiple speakers 14 that output special sounds to add excitement to the game.

An upper tray 16 for storing game balls is provided in the center of the lower part of the front frame 10, and a payout outlet for paying out game balls from the gaming machine to the player is provided on the left side of the inner side of the upper tray 16. A grip unit 20 is provided on the right side of the lower part of the front frame 10, and when the player rotates the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, a launcher (not shown) installed inside the gaming machine is activated, and game balls are launched into the gaming area 4. The launcher of this embodiment is capable of launching 99 game balls per minute (1.65 balls per second).

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

A performance control device 26 is provided on the front edge of the upper tray 16, and when the player operates the performance control device 26, the performance performed by the gaming machine changes. In more detail, the performance control device 26 has a built-in push button switch and rotary switch (jog dial), and is capable of detecting the operation of pressing the performance control device 26 and the operation of rotating the performance control device 26.

Figure 30 is a front view showing the external configuration of the gaming board 6 shown in Figure 29. As shown in Figure 30, the gaming board 6 is provided with a circular outer rail 28, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 28 is the gaming area 4 in which gaming balls move. In addition, an arc-shaped inner rail 30 is provided at the left end of the gaming area 4 so as to follow the outer rail 28, and the outer rail 28 and inner rail 30 guide gaming balls launched from a launcher (not shown) located below the gaming board 6 into the gaming area 4.

In the center of the game board 6, there is a liquid crystal display 32 that displays effect images and other content to liven up the game, and a presentation unit 36 that includes a display frame 34 formed to surround the liquid crystal display 32.

In this embodiment, game balls cannot pass in front of the LCD display 32, and game balls launched from the launching device fall through the game area 4 on the left or right side of the LCD display 32. A large number of game pegs (not shown) are nailed into the game area 4 so that they intersect with the surface of the game board 6, allowing the direction of movement of game balls moving through the game area 4 to change randomly.

An opening 40 is formed on the left side of the display frame 34, allowing game balls to pass through as they fall through the game area 4 to the left of the LCD display 32. Game balls that pass through this opening 40 pass through a passage 42 provided in the display frame 34 and fall onto a stage 44 provided below the LCD display 32. The top surface of this stage 44 is smoothly curved, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8, allowing game balls to fall downward from the stage 44. Game balls that fall from the passage 42 onto the stage 44 move back and forth across the stage 44 before falling downward from near the center of the stage 44.

A first starting winning hole 46 is provided below the center of the stage 44.
A passing gate 48 is provided in the game area 4 to the right of the liquid crystal display 32. A second start winning opening 50 is provided below the passing gate 48. This second start winning opening 50 is provided with a normal device 52 that includes an assisting member that can operate between a reduced state (a state in which entry is not assisted, a non-assisted state) in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start winning opening 50, and an expanded state (a state in which entry is assisted, a assisted state) in which it is easy for the game ball to enter.

In the game area 4 to the right of the LCD display 32, a large prize opening 54 is provided below the second start prize opening 50. This large prize opening 54 is provided with a special device 56 equipped with a movable member that closes the large prize opening 54. The special device 56 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the large prize opening 54, and an open state in which game balls can enter the large prize opening 54 (Figure 30 shows the closed state). The special device 56 is controlled to be in the open state under specified conditions in the special game state that begins when a jackpot is won.

Below the special prize opening 54, a special prize passage 58 is provided extending downward. A normal entrance 62 is provided at the bottom end of the special prize passage 58. A special passage 65 is provided below the special prize passage 58, branching off downward from the main prize passage 58. A special role device 66 is provided in the special prize passage 65, and includes a movable member that blocks the special prize passage 65. The special role device 66 is operable between a closed state, in which game balls cannot enter the special prize passage 65, and an open state, in which game balls can enter the special prize passage 65 (Figure 30 shows the closed state). The special role device 66 is controlled to open under predetermined conditions in the special game mode. A special entrance 68 is provided at the bottom of the special prize passage 65. An outlet 69 is provided at the bottom of the game area 4, which collects game balls that fall through the game area 4 without entering any of the prize openings.

The game ball launching device is configured so that the launch force of the game ball changes by adjusting the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 shown in Figure 29. When the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is small, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4 on the left side of the LCD display 32. When the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4 on the right side of the LCD display 32.

The player adjusts the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 depending on the game situation, and launches the game ball so that it falls through the left-hand game area 4 or passes through the opening 40, passage 42, and stage 44 and enters the first start winning opening 46 (left-handed hit), or so that it falls through the right-hand game area 4 and passes through the passing gate 48 or enters the second start winning opening 50 or enters the big winning opening 54 (right-handed hit).

At the bottom right of the gaming board 6, outside the gaming area 4, is a status display unit 70 that indicates various states of the gaming machine by turning on and off lamps and other indicators. The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board that includes a main board and a sub-board. The functions of each board, such as the main board and sub-board, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in ROM, etc.

The main board receives input signals from the input means (first start entry slot sensor, passing gate sensor, second start entry slot sensor, large entry slot sensor, normal entrance sensor, specific passage sensor, payout sensor, etc.), performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls the operation of the output means (status display drive device, normal feature drive device, special feature drive device, specific feature drive device, payout device, etc.) based on the calculation results.

The sub-board receives commands sent from the main board and input signals from the effect operation sensor that detects operations on the effect operation device 26, performs various calculations to execute effects that match the progress of the game, and controls the operation of the effect devices (effect display devices, sound devices, effect object drive devices, etc.) based on the calculation results.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 30, the gaming area 4 is divided into a left-hitting area 4a located on the left side and a right-hitting area 4b located on the right side, and the player can change the shooting strength of the gaming ball to cause the gaming ball to fall into different areas.

In addition, a game ball passage 80 is provided at the upper end (top) of the game area 4, connecting the left-hand hitting area 4a and the right-hand hitting area 4b. Game balls launched from the launching device with a predetermined launch strength or greater pass through the game ball passage 80 and proceed to the right-hand hitting area 4b, while game balls launched from the launching device with a launch strength less than the predetermined strength proceed to the left-hand hitting area 4a without passing through the game ball passage 80.

The game ball passage 80 is formed by the outer rail 28 and a rail 81 that is provided along and below the outer rail 28. The game ball passage 80 is formed to include the upper end of the outer rail 28. The width of the game ball passage 80 (the distance between the outer rail 28 and the rail 81) is longer than the diameter of one game ball and shorter than the diameter of two game balls at its narrowest point. The narrowest part of the game ball passage 80 is the top of the game ball passage 80, in other words, the part formed by the upper end (top: apex) of the outer rail 28 and the part of the rail 81 facing that upper end, or in other words, the part located at the upper end of the game area 4.

29 and 31 , the gaming machine of this embodiment has a design portion (design member) 84 in the shape of a substantially rectangular box that is elongated in the left-right direction provided on the upper part of the front frame 10. The left-right length of the design portion 84 is at least half the left-right length of the front frame 10. The design portion 84 is positioned to protrude forward so that its front surface is located forward of the playing area 4 and the glass unit 8.
In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the glass unit 8 has two transparent plates (glass plates) 8a and 8b arranged in the front-to-rear direction with their plate surfaces parallel to each other.

Design part 84 has an LED board (not shown) for lighting provided inside it and an exterior member 85 that covers it, and space for storing the LED board is secured inside exterior member 85. In addition, a logo indicating the model name or the like is affixed to the part of exterior member 85 that forms the front of design part 84, and the logo is illuminated by the LED board provided inside.
In addition, a speaker or the like may be provided inside the design portion 84.

The lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 has the front portion located at the lowest position. This front portion forms a flat surface 87 that is approximately parallel to the horizontal plane. The rear end of the flat surface 87 on the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 forms an inclined surface 88 that is inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The rear portion (inclined surface 88 portion) of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is shaped so that it slopes upward as it extends rearward. In other words, the front portion of the design portion 84 protrudes downward more than the rear portion, forming a protrusion 90. The rear end of the lower surface 86 (inclined surface 88) of the design portion 84 abuts or is close to the glass unit 8.
The shape of the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 may be formed to match the shape of the outer rail 28. That is, the rear end of the lower surface 86 may be curved so as to be convex upward when viewed from the front. In addition, in accordance with this, the shape of the lower surface 86 (inclined surface 88) may be a mortar shape that is concave upward.

Figure 31 is a schematic diagram of the main parts of the cross section taken along line A-A in Figure 29, showing a cross section taken along a plane parallel to the vertical and longitudinal directions that passes through the upper end of the play area 4 (top: upper end of the outer rail 28). The cross section shown in Figure 31 also passes through the upper end (top) of the rail 81 and the upper end (top) of the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84.

The rear end of the underside 86 of the design portion 84 is located below the upper end of the play area 4 in the portion corresponding to the upper end of the play area 4 (the portion forward of the upper end of the play area 4). In other words, the rear end of the underside 86 of the design portion 84 is located below the upper end of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 (the guide surface 113 of the outer rail 28, described later). Furthermore, the rear end of the underside 86 of the design portion 84 is located above the upper end of the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80 (the surface of the rail 81 that the game ball contacts). Furthermore, the rear end of the underside 86 of the design portion 84 is located above the lower end of game ball B (a game ball in contact with the upper end of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80: a game ball in contact with the top of the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113)) when located at the upper end of the play area 4. More specifically, it is positioned above the center of the game ball B in this state (shown by the dashed line C in Figure 31).

Furthermore, the protrusion 90 protrudes downward from the center of the game ball B when it is located at the upper end of the game area 4. In other words, the lower end of the protrusion 90 is located below the center of the game ball B in this state. More specifically, the lower end of the protrusion 90 is located below the lower end of the game ball B in this state. Furthermore, the protrusion 90 protrudes downward from the upper end of the lower surface 80b of the game ball passage 80.

As is clear from the above, the design portion 84 is configured to overlap the game ball B positioned at the top of the play area 4 in the front-to-back direction (direction perpendicular to the play board 6 and glass unit 8), covering the entire game ball B in that state. Furthermore, the portion of the design portion 84 at the rear end of the lower surface 86 corresponding to the top of the play area 4 (the front portion of the top of the play area 4) does not overlap at least the lower half of the game ball B positioned at the top of the play area 4 in the front-to-back direction (direction perpendicular to the play board 6 and glass unit 8), so as not to cover at least the lower half of the game ball in that state. Furthermore, the rear portion of the lower surface 86 forms an inclined surface 88. Therefore, even when the game ball is positioned at the top of the play area 4, the player can easily see the game ball rolling across the play area 4. Here, it is preferable that at least the lower half of the game ball in that state be visible from a predetermined position, specifically, the player's eyepoint, without the player having to move their face up, down, left, or right. The player's eye point refers to the position of the player's eyes while sitting in a chair and playing the game. Specifically, for example, when the distance between the player's eyes and the glass unit 8 in the front-to-back direction is between 30 and 50 cm, and the distance (height) between the player's eyes and the bottom of the gaming machine in the up-down direction is between 40 and 60 cm, it is desirable that at least a portion (the lower half) of the gaming ball in this state be visible. In other words, it is desirable that the design portion 84 does not overlap a straight line from a predetermined point that is between 30 and 50 cm away from the glass unit 8 and between 40 and 60 cm away from the bottom of the gaming machine to gaming ball B located at the top of the gaming area 4 (the portion below the center of gaming ball B). This configuration ensures visibility of the gaming medium moving around the gaming area while enlarging the design portion 84.

Next, with reference to Figure 31, we will explain the various lengths of the design portion 84, the game ball passage 80, and the game ball B positioned at the top of the game area 4 in a cross section taken along a plane parallel to the vertical and longitudinal directions that passes through the top of the game area 4 (top: the top end of the outer rail 28).

As shown in Figure 31, in the cross section, the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 (the first reference line BL1 described below) is located above the rear end 91 of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84. Note that, hereinafter, the rear end of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is also referred to as the first design portion 91. When the first reference line BL1 is a horizontal line that passes through the upper end of the upper surface of the game ball passage 80 and extends in the short direction of the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80, the first design portion 91 can also be said to be the rearmost part of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 where a vertical line that intersects with the first reference line BL1 can intersect. Furthermore, the first design portion 91 can be said to be the rearmost portion of the portion of the underside 80b of the game ball passage 80 that is located directly below the upper end of the upper side 80a of the game ball passage 80 and that is located at a vertical line that intersects with the second reference line BL2 when a horizontal line extending in the short direction of the upper side 80a of the game ball passage 80 is taken as the second reference line BL2. Note that the portion of the underside 80b of the game ball passage 80 that is located directly below the upper end of the upper side 80a of the game ball passage 80 may or may not be the upper end of the lower side 80b. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the vertical distance L1 between the upper side 80a of the game ball passage 80 and the first design portion 91 is approximately 4 mm in the cross section. That is, the distance L1 is equal to or less than the diameter (11 mm) of the game ball, more specifically, less than the diameter. Note that the distance L1 can also be considered the distance from the first reference line BL1 to the first design portion 91 (the distance on a vertical line).

In addition, in this cross section, the upper surface 80a (first reference line BL1) of the game ball passage 80 is located above the lower end 92 (rear end of the plane 87) of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84. Note that hereinafter, the lower end (rear end of the plane 87) of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 is also referred to as the second design portion 92. The second design portion 92 can also be said to be the lowest portion of the portion of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 where a vertical line that intersects with the first reference line BL1 can intersect. The second design portion 92 can also be said to be the lowest portion of the portion of the lower surface 86 of the design portion 84 where a vertical line that intersects with the second reference line BL2 can intersect. In this embodiment of the gaming machine, the vertical distance L2 between the upper surface 80a of the game ball passage 80 and the second design portion 92 in this cross section is approximately 40 mm. In other words, the distance L2 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the gaming ball, and more specifically, exceeds the diameter. Note that the distance L2 can also be considered the distance from the first reference line BL1 to the second design portion 92 (the distance on a vertical line).

In addition, in this cross section, the underside 80b (second reference line BL2) of the game ball passage 80 is located below the first design portion 91. In this embodiment of the gaming machine, the vertical distance L3 between the underside 80b of the game ball passage 80 and the first design portion 91 in this cross section is approximately 14 mm. In other words, distance L3 is equal to or greater than the radius of the game ball, more specifically, a length that exceeds the radius, and even more specifically, a length that is equal to or greater than the diameter (a length that exceeds the diameter). Note that distance L3 can also be considered the distance from the second reference line BL2 to the first design portion 91 (the distance on a vertical line).

In addition, in this cross section, the underside 80b (second reference line BL2) of the game ball passage 80 is located above the second design portion 92. In this embodiment of the gaming machine, the vertical distance L4 between the underside 80b of the game ball passage 80 and the second design portion 92 in this cross section is approximately 22 mm. In other words, distance L4 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball, and more specifically, exceeds the diameter. Note that distance L4 can also be considered the distance from the second reference line BL2 to the second design portion 92 (the distance on a vertical line).

As described above, by positioning the second design portion 92 below the upper surface 80a (first reference line BL1) of the game ball passage 80, the design portion 84 can be enlarged, and by positioning it below the lower surface 80b (second reference line BL2) of the game ball passage 80, the design portion 84 can be enlarged even further. Furthermore, while enlarging the design portion 84 in this way, by setting the distance L1 between the upper surface 80a (first reference line BL1) of the game ball passage 80 and the first design portion 91 to be equal to or less than the diameter of the game ball (less than the diameter), visibility of the game ball can be ensured when the game ball is hit hard (when the game ball rolls along the upper surface 80a). Furthermore, while the design portion 84 has been enlarged in this manner, the distance L3 between the underside 80b (second reference line BL2) of the game ball passage 80 and the first design portion 91 is set to be equal to or greater than the radius of the game ball (a length exceeding the radius), thereby ensuring visibility of the game ball when it is weakly hit (when it rolls along the underside 80b).

Next, the configuration of the outer rail 28 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The outer rail 28 is supported by a rail base 100, which serves as a support member for supporting the outer rail 28. The rail base 100 is fixed to the gaming board 6, thereby attaching the outer rail 28 to the gaming board 6. The rail base 100 is fixed to the gaming board 6 by, for example, screws. The gaming board 6 is formed in the shape of a substantially square plate from transparent resin.

The outer rail 28 is a long, thin plate-like member. Hereinafter, the length of the outer rail 28 will be referred to as the "length" in the longitudinal direction, the "width" in the transverse direction, and the "thickness" in the thickness direction (plate thickness). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 33 , the length L of the outer rail 28 is 900 mm or more (at least 800 mm or more). The width W of the outer rail 28 is approximately 15 mm. The plate thickness T of the outer rail 28 is approximately 0.6 mm. In this embodiment, the outer rail 28 is formed from metal, specifically stainless steel (e.g., SUS430).

One end (starting end) of the outer rail 28 is formed with a bent portion 110 bent into a roughly L-shape. The other end (terminal end) of the outer rail 28 is formed with a U-shaped portion (curved portion) 112 bent into a roughly U-shape.

The bending radius R of the U-shaped portion 112 is approximately 6 mm. In other words, the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112 (the distance between the opposing surfaces of the U-shaped portion 112) is approximately 12 mm. The U-shaped portion 112 also has a height H of approximately 12 mm in the thickness direction of the outer rail 28.
The curvature of the U-shaped portion 112 is greater than the curvature of the curved surface 126 described later, and is greater than the curvature of the guide surface 113 of the outer rail 28 when attached to the rail base 100 (when assembled as an amusement machine).

A guide surface 113 is formed on the outer rail 28 between the bent portion 110 and the U-shaped portion 112. The guide surface 113 is the surface against which the game ball launched from the launching device hits, and the game ball launched from the launching device rolls along the guide surface 113 and is guided into the play area 4.

Furthermore, a substantially rectangular hole 114 is formed in the outer rail 28. The hole 114 is formed in the U-shaped portion 112 of the outer rail 28 (at a position corresponding to the U-shaped portion 112). The length of the hole 114 exceeds the length of the U-shaped portion 112. In other words, the hole 114 is formed over the entire length of the U-shaped portion 112 (the direction along the U-shape). Specifically, the hole 114 is formed up to a corner 115a formed between the U-shaped portion 112 and the guide surface 113. In other words, the hole 114 is formed up to at least one (preferably both) of the corners 115a and 115b formed at both end portions of the U-shaped portion 112 in the length direction (at the boundaries between the U-shaped portion 112 and other portions).
The hole 114 may be formed beyond at least one of the corners 115a and 115b. The corners 115a and 115b are rounded.

The width Wa of the hole 114 is preferably 1/2 or less, and more preferably 1/3 or less, of the width W of the outer rail 28 (U-shaped portion 112). Furthermore, the width Wa of the hole 114 is preferably 1/5 or more, and more preferably 1/4 or more, of the width W of the outer rail 28 (U-shaped portion 112). Setting the width Wa of the hole 114 in this manner increases the flexibility of the U-shaped portion 112 while maintaining high strength of the U-shaped portion 112. In this embodiment, the width Wa of the hole 114 is set to 4 mm.

The hole 114 does not have to penetrate the outer rail 28 in the thickness direction. In other words, the hole 114 portion only needs to be thinner than the other portions. In other words, the hole 114 only needs to be a lightened portion where some kind of lightening has been performed. In other words, the portion of the outer rail 28 where the hole 114 of the U-shaped portion 112 is formed only needs to have a smaller cross-sectional area in a cross section perpendicular to the plate surface than the portion where the guide surface 113 is formed.

The outer rail 28 also has multiple positioning holes 118 (five in this embodiment). A protrusion 128, described below, is inserted into each hole 118. The holes 118 are oval in shape, with a length at least twice as long as their width. In this embodiment, the length La of the holes 118 is 5.2 mm, and the width Wb is 2 mm.

The holes 118 are also arranged in a row in the length direction. The holes 118 are also arranged off-center in the width direction (so as not to overlap the center). Specifically, the distance Wc from the center of the holes 118 to the end of the outer rail 28 in the width direction of the outer rail 28 is set to 2.7 mm. The holes 118 are also arranged in positions where they will not be hit by game balls rolling on the guide surface 113. More specifically, all of the holes 118 are arranged in positions where they will not be hit by game balls rolling on the guide surface 113.
All of the holes 118 are formed in the guide surface 113, and none are formed in the bent portion 110, the U-shaped portion 112, or the portion (extension portion 120) further toward the terminal end than the U-shaped portion 112. Two circular holes 119 are formed in the guide surface 113 of the outer rail 28, in the same straight line as the holes 118. These two holes 119 are used when processing the outer rail 28, and protrusions 128, which will be described later, are not inserted into the holes 119.

Figures 34 to 36 show the outer rail 28 attached to the rail base 100. As shown in Figure 34, the rail base 100 is made of black resin material and is formed in a roughly L-shape. The rail base 100 also has a curved surface 126 formed in an arc shape. The curved surface 126 is formed so that it extends from the lower left side of the game board 6 (play area 4), passes through the upper left side, and reaches the upper right side, with the lower right side open.

Multiple (five in this embodiment) protrusions 128 are formed along the length of the curved surface 126 (see Figure 32). The protrusions 128 are located rearward of the center of the curved surface 126 in the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, each protrusion 128 is located at a position corresponding to each hole 118 in the outer rail 28.

In addition, a wall portion 129 that protrudes toward the play area 4 beyond the curved surface 126 is formed along the front edge of the curved surface 126 (see Figures 36 and 37).

34 and 36, a recess 130 having a generally L-shaped cross section is provided in the lower left (one end) portion of the rail base 100, into which the bent portion 110 of the outer rail 28 is inserted. The recess 130 also has an abutment surface (contact surface) 131 formed therein, against which one end face (end face on the starting end side) of the outer rail 28 abuts.
The recess 130 is configured so that it does not come into contact with any portion of the outer rail 28 other than the end face in the length direction of the outer rail 28. Specifically, the relief portion 110a of the bent portion 110 of the outer rail 28, which extends in a direction intersecting (substantially perpendicular to) the guide surface 113, is configured so as not to come into contact with the recess 130 (at least in the length direction of the outer rail 28).

In addition, as shown in Figures 34 and 35, an abutment surface (contact surface) 135 is formed at the upper right portion (other end) of the rail base 100, against which the other end face (terminal end face) of the outer rail 28 in the longitudinal direction abuts. Also, a storage section 137 is formed at the upper right portion of the rail base 100 to store the U-shaped section 112.

The storage section 137 is located adjacent to the upper right end of the curved surface 126. The storage section 137 has a space 137b formed by a wall portion 137a with a generally U-shaped cross section. The space 137b extends further outward from the curved surface 126 toward the outside of the play area 4. The U-shaped portion 112 is accommodated in this space 137b. One end of the wall portion 137a is connected to the upper right end of the curved surface 126. The other end 137c of the wall portion 137a is located on a virtual extension of the curved surface 126 (a predetermined position when the curved surface 126 is extended in accordance with its curvature). A rib 139 is formed at a position farther from the curved surface 126 than the other end 137c and on the opposite side of the outer rail 28 in the thickness direction. The extension portion 120 of the outer rail 28 is positioned so as to be sandwiched between the other end 137c and the rib 139.

The outer rail 28 has its bent portion 110 inserted into the recess 130 of the rail base 100, with one end face abutting against the abutment surface 131. The other end face of the outer rail 28 abuts against the abutment surface 135. When attached to the rail base 100, the outer rail 28 is stretched between the abutment surfaces 131 and 135. In other words, the length L of the outer rail 28 is set longer than the distance from the abutment surface 131 to the abutment surface 135 (the distance in the direction along the curved surface 126). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the length L of the outer rail 28 is set 3 mm longer than this distance. In other words, the outer rail 28 has an extra length of 3 mm relative to the length of the portion where the outer rail 28 is installed (the distance from the abutment surface 131 to the abutment surface 135).

In the attached state, the U-shaped portion 112 absorbs the excess length of the outer rail 28. That is, first, in the attached state, the outer rail 28 is arranged along the curved surface 126 of the rail base 100. At this time, substantially the entire surface (back surface) of the outer rail 28 opposite the guide surface 113 is in contact with substantially the entire curved surface 126. In other words, the guide surface 113 becomes a surface that conforms to (is substantially parallel to) the curved surface 126. Furthermore, the U-shaped portion 112 bends so that the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112 (the distance between the corners 115a and 115b) is reduced, thereby absorbing the excess length of the outer rail 28. Then, the outer rail 28 is stretched between the abutment surface 131 and the abutment surface 135.
34 and 35, the end 28a of the outer rail 28 is shown as penetrating the abutment surface 135, but in reality, the end 28a stops when it abuts against the abutment surface 135, and does not actually penetrate the abutment surface 135. In other words, the portion penetrating the abutment surface 135 in Figures 34 and 35 is the excess length of the outer rail 28, and the length of this penetrating portion is absorbed by the U-shaped portion 112. The U-shaped portion 112 is designed not to come into contact with the wall portion 137a of the accommodation portion 137, even in the attached state (when it is bent after absorbing the excess length).

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the 3 mm excess length of the outer rail 28 is set shorter than the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112 (the distance between the opposing surfaces of the U-shaped portion 112: approximately 12 mm). More specifically, the excess length is set to be equal to or less than the bending radius R (approximately 6 mm) of the U-shaped portion 112 (less than half the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112). Therefore, the excess length can be effectively absorbed by the U-shaped portion 112.
The standard value (design value) of 3 mm of excess length is set longer than the tolerance of the outer rail 28. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the tolerance of the length L of the outer rail 28 is set to ±0.8 mm. Therefore, the standard value of excess length is set so that even when the outer rail 28 is manufactured as short as possible (when the tolerance is at the lower limit of −0.8 mm), an excess length of 0 mm or more (in this example, an excess length of 2.2 mm) will be generated. In other words, the length L of the outer rail 28 is set to a length that will result in excess length even when the tolerance is included. Furthermore, the standard value of excess length is set so that even when the outer rail 28 is manufactured as long as possible (when the tolerance is at the upper limit of +0.8 mm), the excess length will be less than the bending radius R of the U-shaped portion 112 (less than half the distance between both ends of the U-shaped portion 112) (in this example, an excess length of 3.8 mm).

In addition, in the attached state, each of the multiple protrusions 128 of the rail base 100 is inserted into each of the multiple holes 118 of the outer rail 28. Here, the length La of the holes 118 is set to a length that does not abut against the protrusions 128 in the attached state. In addition, the width Wb of the holes 118 is set to a length that allows them to abut against the protrusions 128 in the attached state.

The protrusions 128 abut against the holes 118 in the width direction of the outer rail 28, thereby restricting movement of the outer rail 28 in the width direction. In other words, the protrusions 128 serve as restricting portions (restricting means) that restrict movement of the outer rail 28. The protrusions 128 and the holes 118 function as positioning portions (positioning means) that determine the position of the outer rail 28 in the width direction.
The restricting portion does not have to have a shape like the protrusion 128, and may be, for example, a pin, etc. Specifically, for example, a split pin as the restricting portion may be provided so as to pass through the hole 118 (so that the legs of the split pin straddle the hole 118), and both legs of the split pin may be fitted into the rail base 100 or the game board 6, etc., so that the movement of the outer rail 28 is restricted by the split pin.

On the other hand, in the mounted state, the protrusion 128 does not abut against the hole 118 in the longitudinal direction of the outer rail 28, and does not restrict longitudinal movement of the outer rail 28. In other words, the repulsive force of the outer rail 28, which is housed between the abutment surfaces 131 and 135 and shortened in length, is applied to the abutment surfaces 131 and 135, and is (almost) not applied to the protrusion 128. This allows the abutment surfaces 131 and 135 to stably position the outer rail 28 in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the relief portion 110a of the bent portion 110 of the outer rail 28 does not abut against the recess 130 in the longitudinal direction of the outer rail 28, and therefore the abutment surfaces 131 and 135 can more stably position the outer rail 28 in the longitudinal direction.
In addition, if an external force other than the repulsive force from the abutment surfaces 131, 135 is forcibly applied (for example, by human force, etc.) to forcibly shrink the U-shaped portion 112, the hole 118 and the recess portion 110a may be able to abut against the rail base 100 in the longitudinal direction of the outer rail 28.

In addition, the length (height) of the protruding portion 128 in the thickness direction of the outer rail 28 is set to be equal to or less than the thickness of the outer rail 28. In other words, the protruding portion 128 does not protrude further toward the play area 4 than the guide surface 113 of the outer rail 28.

Furthermore, even when the outer rail 28 moves to the maximum extent toward the front of the gaming machine (in the width direction of the outer rail 28) relative to the rail base 100, the front end face of the outer rail 28 does not abut against the wall portion 129 of the rail base 100. In other words, the wall portion 129 does not have the function of restricting the movement of the outer rail 28. On the other hand, the length (height) of the wall portion 129 in the thickness direction of the outer rail 28 is set to be equal to or greater than the thickness of the outer rail 28, and has the function of preventing the end face of the outer rail 28 from being seen by the player.
However, the wall portion 129 may also restrict the movement of the outer rail 28 .

Here, the relationship between the game ball B rolling along the outer rail 28 and the holes 118, etc. will be explained with reference to Figure 37. Figure 37 is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of the outer rail 28 and rail base 100, and shows a cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the guide surface 113 and curved surface 126.

As shown in Figure 37, the hole 118 and the protrusion 128 are formed in a position where they will not hit the game ball B rolling along the outer rail 28. Explaining in more detail, the hole 118 is formed in a position where it will not hit the game ball B even when the outer rail 28 moves to its maximum extent in the width direction (for example, even when it moves to its maximum extent upward in Figure 37). In other words, the protrusion 128 can be said to restrict the movement of the outer rail 28 in the width direction so that the hole 118 does not hit the game ball B. Note that in Figure 37, the protrusion 128 protrudes toward the play area 4 beyond the guide surface 113; however, even when the protrusion 128 is formed to protrude in this manner, it is preferable that the amount of protrusion of the protrusion 128 be set so that the protrusion 128 does not hit the game ball B.

As shown in Figure 37, the guide surface 113 (curved surface 126) is an inclined surface that slopes toward the playing area 4 (radially inward of the outer rail 28) as it moves toward the front in the width direction of the outer rail 28. In other words, the guide surface 113 is an inclined surface that makes it difficult for game balls to flow forward (making it easier for them to flow along the rear side).

According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the rail 28 includes a U-shaped portion 112 bent into a generally U-shape and a hole 114 formed at a position corresponding to the U-shaped portion 112. The hole 114 extends along the entire length of the U-shaped portion 112 in the direction of the U-shape of the U-shaped portion 112. This allows the U-shaped portion 112 to absorb manufacturing variations in the length of the rail 28, allowing for stable and accurate installation of the rail 28. Furthermore, by forming the hole 114 at a position corresponding to the U-shaped portion 112, the U-shaped portion 112 can be made softer than the guide surface 113, making the U-shaped portion 112 more easily deformable than the guide surface 113. Therefore, when attaching the rail 28 to the rail base 100, the guide surface 113 can be appropriately tensioned while dissipating excess force to the U-shaped portion 112, allowing for accurate installation of the rail 28. This stabilizes the movement of the game ball rolling along the rail 28, providing a comfortable gaming experience.

Furthermore, by making the length of the hole 114 the length of the entire U-shaped portion 112, it is possible to evenly distribute force within the U-shaped portion 112. This prevents the rail 28 from being distorted due to excessive force being applied to one part of the U-shaped portion 112, allowing the rail 28 to be attached more accurately. It also prevents the rail 28 from being damaged due to excessive force being applied to one part of the U-shaped portion 112. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the hole 114 is formed to extend to at least one of the corners 115a, 115b formed on both end portions of the U-shaped portion 112 in the longitudinal direction. This increases the flexibility of the corners 115a, 115b, where loads tend to concentrate, and prevents the corners 115a, 115b from being damaged.

Furthermore, the hole 114 has a length (4 mm) in the width direction of the rail 28 that is less than one-third of the width W of the rail, allowing the rigidity of the U-shaped portion 112 to be within an appropriate range. In other words, the rigidity of the U-shaped portion 112 can be set to a certain level or higher, preventing the U-shaped portion 112 from absorbing too much of the force applied to the rail 28. This prevents the tension of the guide surface 113 from weakening too much, making the movement of the game ball more stable.

In addition, the guide surface 113 has multiple (five) holes 118 formed therein to allow for positioning. All of the holes 118 are formed in positions where they will not be hit by game balls rolling along the guide surface, preventing the game balls from rolling over the holes 118 and vibrating. This makes it possible to further stabilize the movement of the game balls.

As shown in Figure 35, an elastic member 150 made of an elastic material (e.g., rubber) is disposed at the end of the guide surface 113 on the U-shaped portion 112 side. Near the U-shaped portion 112, the outer rail 28 is sandwiched between the elastic member 150 and the curved surface 126. The elastic member 150 has a collision surface 151 against which a gaming ball guided along the guide surface 113 to the terminal end (right-hand hitting area 4b) collides. The elastic member 150 is designed to reduce the impact when the gaming ball collides with a component of the gaming machine.

As shown in FIG. 38 , all of the holes 118 (protrusions 128) are located to the left (toward the launching device) of the upper end (upper vertex) P1 of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). The number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) is greater on the lower side than on the upper side, with respect to the vertical center of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). In other words, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) is greater on the lower side than on the upper side, with respect to the left end (left vertex) P2 of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). Specifically, for example, one or two holes 118 (protrusions 128) are located above the vertical center of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113), and three holes 118 (protrusions 128) are located below the vertical center.
In addition, no holes 118 (protrusions 128) are provided at the upper end (upper vertex) P1 and the left end (left vertex) P2 of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113).

Some of the holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be located to the right of the upper end (upper vertex) P1 of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). In this case, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater on the left side than on the right side of the left-right center of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). In other words, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater on the left side than on the right side of the upper end (upper vertex) P1 of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). Specifically, for example, one hole 118 (protrusion 128) may be located to the right of the left-right center of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113), and three or four holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be located to the left of the left-right center. Furthermore, with respect to the multiple holes 118 (protrusions 128) provided to the left of the horizontal center, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) provided below the vertical center of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) may be greater than the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) provided above. For example, if four holes 118 are provided on the left side, three may be provided below and one may be provided above. Furthermore, with respect to the multiple holes 118 (protrusions 128) provided to the left of the horizontal center, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) provided above the vertical center of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) may be greater than the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) provided below. For example, if three holes 118 are provided on the left side, two may be provided above and one may be provided below.
Even if some holes 118 (protrusions 128) are provided to the right of the upper end (upper vertex) of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113), it is preferable that no holes 118 (protrusions 128) are present at the upper end (upper vertex) or left end (left vertex) of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). By ensuring that no holes 118 (protrusions 128) are present at the upper end (upper vertex) or left end (left vertex) of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113), the game ball can follow a stable trajectory.

Furthermore, with regard to the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113), if the range from the starting end (lower left end) to the left end (the part located on the far left: the 9 o'clock position when viewed from the front) P2 is defined as the first range H1, the range from the left end to the top end (the part located on the uppermost side: the 12 o'clock position when viewed from the front) P1 is defined as the second range H2, and the range from the top end to the end (the upper right end) is defined as the third range H3, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) in each range may be related as follows:
That is, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the second range H2 than in the third range H3, and greater in the first range H1 than in the second range H2. That is, the first range H1 > the second range H2 > the third range H3 may be satisfied. Also, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the second range H2 than in the third range H3, and the first range H1 may be equal to or greater than the second range H2. That is, the first range H1 ≧ the second range H2 > the third range H3 may be satisfied. Also, the number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the first range H1 than in the third range H3, and the second range H2 may be equal to or greater than the first range H1. That is, the second range H2 ≧ the first range H1 > the third range H3 may be satisfied. The number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the first range H1 than in the third range H3, and greater in the second range H2 than in the third range H3. That is, the first range H1 and the second range H2 may be greater than the third range H3. The number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be greater in the first range H1 than in the second range H2 and greater than the third range H3. That is, the first range H1 may be greater than or equal to the second range H2 and the third range H3. The number of holes 118 (protrusions 128) in the range with the fewest holes 118 (protrusions 128) may be zero.
In an XY plane in which an imaginary line passing through the center of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) and extending in the left-right direction is defined as the X-axis, and an imaginary line passing through the top of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) and extending in the up-down direction is defined as the Y-axis, the portion of the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113) located in the third quadrant can be referred to as the first range, the portion of the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113) located in the second quadrant can be referred to as the second range, and the portion of the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113) located in the first quadrant can be referred to as the third range. In an XY plane in which an imaginary line passing through the center of the play area 4 and extending in the left-right direction is defined as the X-axis, and an imaginary line passing through the center of the play area 4 and extending in the up-down direction is defined as the Y-axis, the portion of the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113) located in the third quadrant can be referred to as the first range, the portion of the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113) located in the second quadrant can be referred to as the second range, and the portion of the outer rail 28 (guide surface 113) located in the first quadrant can be referred to as the third range.

As described above, it is preferable to have more holes 118 on the side closer to the launcher than on the side farther from the launcher. Specifically, it is preferable to have each of the arrangements described above. With this configuration, it is possible to increase the number of holes 118 on the launcher side (first range H1 side), which is subject to greater impact from game balls and requires particularly accurate positioning of the outer rail 28, thereby reliably preventing misalignment and vibration of the outer rail 28 on the launcher side. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to reduce the number of holes 118 on the terminal side (third range H3 side), which is subject to less impact from game balls and has less impact on gameplay, making it easier to process the outer rail 28 and attach it to the rail base 100.

Note that the hole 118 does not have to have the shape shown in this embodiment and may be, for example, a notch. Even in the case of a notch, the arrangement of the notch may be the same as that of the hole 118 described above. Specifically, for example, all of the multiple notches may be provided to the left of the upper end (upper vertex) P1 of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113). In such a case, for example, if there are two notches, one notch may be provided above the vertical center of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113) and the other notch may be provided below the vertical center.
Furthermore, even if several notches are provided in the outer rail 28 in this manner, it is preferable that there are no notches at the upper end (upper vertex) P1 and the left end (left vertex) P2 of the play area 4 (outer rail 28: guide surface 113).

The gaming machine according to this embodiment is
A design portion protruding forward above the play area;
A gaming machine comprising: a gaming ball passage through which gaming balls passing through the upper end of the gaming area are guided;
A horizontal line passing through the apex of the upper surface of the game ball passage and extending in the short direction of the upper surface of the game ball passage is used as a reference line;
The rearmost portion of the lower surface of the design portion among the portions where a vertical line intersects with the reference line is defined as a first design portion;
If the lowest part of the lower surface of the design part among the parts where a vertical line that intersects with the reference line can intersect is defined as a second design part,
The first design portion is located below the reference line and is at a distance from the reference line equal to or less than the diameter of a gaming ball,
The second design portion is located below the reference line and is located at a distance from the reference line that is equal to or greater than the diameter of a gaming ball.

With this configuration, the second design portion is positioned below the reference line and its distance from the reference line is equal to or greater than the diameter of the gaming ball, allowing the design portion to be enlarged. Furthermore, while enlarging the design portion in this way, the distance between the reference line and the first design portion is set to be equal to or less than the diameter of the gaming ball, ensuring the visibility of the gaming ball when it is hit with force (when it rolls along the top surface of the gaming ball passage). The gaming machine according to this embodiment ensures the visibility of the gaming ball.

The gaming machine according to this embodiment is
A design portion protruding forward above the play area;
A gaming machine comprising: a gaming ball passage through which gaming balls passing through the upper end of the gaming area are guided;
A horizontal line passing through a portion of the lower surface of the game ball passage located directly below the apex of the upper surface of the game ball passage and extending in the short direction of the upper surface of the game ball passage is used as a reference line;
The rearmost portion of the lower surface of the design portion among the portions where a vertical line intersects with the reference line is defined as a first design portion;
If the lowest part of the lower surface of the design part among the parts where a vertical line that intersects with the reference line can intersect is defined as a second design part,
The first design portion is located above the reference line and is at a distance from the reference line that is equal to or greater than the radius of the game ball,
The second design portion is located below the reference line and is located at a distance from the reference line that is equal to or greater than the diameter of a gaming ball.

With this configuration, the second design portion is positioned below the reference line and its distance from the reference line is equal to or greater than the diameter of the gaming ball, allowing the design portion to be enlarged. Furthermore, while enlarging the design portion in this way, by making the distance between the reference line and the first design portion equal to or greater than the radius of the gaming ball, visibility of the gaming ball can be ensured even when the gaming ball is weakly launched (when the gaming ball rolls along the underside of the gaming ball passage). The gaming machine according to this embodiment ensures visibility of the gaming ball.

(Fourth embodiment)
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
39 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is used to play games using gaming balls (gaming media) loaned from an amusement facility, and includes an outer frame 2 that forms the outer surface of the gaming machine, a gaming board 6 that is provided inside the gaming machine and forms a playing area 4 in which the gaming balls move, a glass unit 8 that makes the gaming board 6 visible but inaccessible to players, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached.

The portion of the front frame 10 that surrounds the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the portion made of the translucent material are multiple front frame lamps (lighting devices) 12 that output special lights to enhance the game.

The gaming machine of this embodiment also has multiple speakers (sound output means) 14. The speakers 14 output various sound effects (music (BGM, warning sounds, sound effects, etc.), character dialogue sounds, etc.) to assist and liven up the game.

An upper tray 16 for storing game balls is provided in the center of the lower part of the front frame 10, and a payout opening 18 for paying out game balls from the gaming machine to the player is provided on the left side of the inner side of the upper tray 16. A grip unit 20 is also provided on the right side of the lower part of the front frame 10, and when the player rotates the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, a launcher (not shown) installed inside the gaming machine is activated, launching game balls into the gaming area 4. The launcher of this embodiment is capable of launching 99 game balls per minute (1.65 balls per second).

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

In addition, a performance button (performance operation means) 26 is provided on the front edge of the upper tray 16, and when the player operates the performance button 26, the performance performed by the gaming machine changes.

Figure 40 is a front view showing the external configuration of the gaming board 6 shown in Figure 39. As shown in Figure 40, the gaming board 6 is provided with a circular outer rail 28, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 28 is the gaming area 4 in which the gaming balls move. In addition, an arc-shaped inner rail 30 is provided at the left end of the gaming area 4 so as to follow the outer rail 28, and the outer rail 28 and inner rail 30 guide gaming balls launched from a launching device (not shown) located below the gaming board 6 into the gaming area 4.

In the center of the game board 6, there is a liquid crystal display 32 (effect display device) that displays effect images and other images to liven up the game, and an effect unit 36 that includes a display frame 34 formed to surround the liquid crystal display 32. Furthermore, above the center of the liquid crystal display 32, the display frame 34 is provided with a display frame lamp (lighting device) 38 that outputs effect light and other images to liven up the game.

In this embodiment, game balls cannot pass in front of the LCD display 32, and game balls launched from the launching device fall through either the game area 4a on the left side of the LCD display 32 or the game area 4b on the right side. Furthermore, numerous game pegs (not shown) are hammered into the game area 4 so as to intersect with the surface of the game board 6, allowing the direction of movement of game balls moving through the game area 4 to change randomly.

In addition, an opening 40 is formed on the left side of the display frame 34, through which game balls falling through the game area 4a on the left side of the LCD display 32 can pass. Game balls that pass through this opening 40 pass through a passage 42 provided in the display frame 34 and fall onto a stage 44 provided below the LCD display 32. The top surface of this stage 44 is smoothly curved, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8, allowing game balls to fall downward from the stage 44. Game balls that fall from the passage 42 onto the stage 44 move back and forth across the stage 44 before falling downward from near the center of the stage 44.

Below the center of the stage 44 is a first start opening 46, through which gaming balls that fall downward from near the center of the stage 44 can enter. A first start opening switch 100 (see Figure 41) is disposed within the first start opening 46, which detects gaming balls that enter the first start opening 46. When the first start opening switch 100 detects a gaming ball (entering the first start opening 46), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 70. Based on the detection signal input from the first start opening switch 100, the main control board 70 executes a first special symbol lottery as a special symbol lottery. Based on the detection signal input from the first start opening switch 100, the main control board 70 causes the payout device 64 to pay out prize balls. Based on the detection signal input from the first start opening switch 100, the gaming balls that enter the first start opening 46 are collected inside the gaming machine.

To the left of the first starting opening 46 in the game area 4, there are multiple (three) general winning openings 47 (upper left general winning opening 47a, middle left general winning opening 47b, and lower left general winning opening 47c). The game board 6 is also provided with a general winning opening switch 101 (see Figure 41) that detects game balls that enter the upper left general winning opening 47a, middle left general winning opening 47b, or lower left general winning opening 47c. When the general winning opening switch 101 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the upper left general winning opening 47a, middle left general winning opening 47b, or lower left general winning opening 47c), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 70. Based on the detection signal input from the general winning opening switch 101, the main control board 70 causes the payout device 64 to perform a prize ball payout operation. One general prize opening switch 101 may be provided for each of the upper left general prize opening 47a, the middle left general prize opening 47b, and the lower left general prize opening 47c, or one may be provided for multiple (e.g., three) general prize openings 47. Furthermore, in addition to the upper left general prize opening 47a, the middle left general prize opening 47b, and the lower left general prize opening 47c, general prize opening switches corresponding to these general prize openings may also be provided.

In addition, a passing gate 48 is provided in the gaming area 4b to the right of the LCD display 32, through which gaming balls pass without being collected inside the gaming machine. A gate switch 102 (see Figure 41) is provided within the passing gate 48, which detects the passage of a gaming ball. When the gate switch 102 detects a gaming ball (passing through the passing gate 48), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 70. Based on the detection signal input from the gate switch 102, the main control board 70 executes a normal symbol lottery to determine whether a normal win has been won.

In addition, a second start opening 49 is provided below the passing gate 48 in the game area 4b to the right of the LCD display 32. A second start opening switch 103 (see Figure 41) is provided within the second start opening 49 to detect game balls that have entered the second start opening 49. When the second start opening switch 103 detects a game ball (entering the second start opening 49), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 70. Based on the detection signal input from the second start opening switch 103, the main control board 70 executes a second special symbol lottery as a special symbol lottery. Based on the detection signal input from the second start opening switch 103, the main control board 70 causes the payout device 64 to pay out prize balls. Game balls that have entered the second start opening 49 are collected inside the gaming machine.

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

A large prize opening 50 is provided in the game area 4b to the right of the LCD display 32. A count switch 104 (see Figure 41) is disposed within the large prize opening 50 to detect game balls that enter the large prize opening 50. When the count switch 104 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the large prize opening 50), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 70. Based on the detection signal input from the count switch 104, the main control board 70 causes the payout device 64 to perform a prize ball payout operation. Based on the detection signal input from the count switch 104, the main control board 70 counts the number of game balls that have entered the large prize opening 50. Game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 are collected inside the gaming machine.

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

In addition, an outlet 58 is provided at the bottom of the game area 4, which collects game balls that fall through the game area 4 without entering any of the winning openings 46, 47, 49, or 50 into the game machine. Inside the game machine, a discharge path (not shown) is provided through which game balls collected (discharged) from the game area 4 pass. This game machine is configured so that all game balls shot into the game area 4 (all game balls collected from the game area 4) pass through the discharge path. That is, game balls shot into the game area 4 are collected from the game area 4 and flow into the discharge path by entering one of the winning openings 46, 47, 49, or 50 or passing through the outlet 58. Specifically, game balls that enter each winning opening 46, 47, 49, or 50 are detected by switches 100, 101, 103, and 104 disposed within the winning opening, and then guided to the discharge path. Furthermore, gaming balls collected from the outlet 58 are guided to the discharge path. An outlet switch 106 (see Figure 41) is disposed in the discharge path. When the outlet switch 106 detects a gaming ball passing through the discharge path (a gaming ball being discharged from the gaming area 4), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 70. Furthermore, the main control board 70 counts the number of gaming balls discharged from the gaming area 4 based on the detection signal input from the outlet switch 106.

The game ball launching device is configured so that the launch force of the game ball changes by adjusting the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 shown in Figure 39. When the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is small, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4a on the left side of the LCD display 32. When the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4b on the right side of the LCD display 32.

The player can therefore adjust the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 depending on the game situation, launching the game ball so that it falls through the left-hand game area 4a or passes through the opening 40, passage 42, and stage 44 to win at the first starting hole 46 (left-handed hit), or so that it falls through the right-hand game area 4b and passes through the passing gate 48 or wins at the second starting hole 49, or so that it wins at the big winning hole 50 (right-handed hit).

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

A status display unit 66 is provided at the bottom right of the gaming board 6, outside the gaming area 4, which indicates various states of the gaming machine by turning on and off lamps, etc.

Figure 41 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main control board 70 (main control means) and a sub-control board 72 (sub-control means). The functions of each board, such as the main control board 70 and the sub-control board 72, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in ROM, etc.

The main control board 70 and sub-control board 72 are electrically connected, and various information (commands), such as information indicating the game status, can be sent from the main control board 70 to the sub-control board 72, but information cannot be sent from the sub-control board 72 to the main control board 70.

The main control board 70 controls the progress of the game. The main control board 70 receives input signals from input means such as the first start gate switch 100, general winning gate switch 101, gate switch 102, second start gate switch 103, count switch 104, or out switch 106, performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls the operation of output means such as the status display unit 66, normal device 54, special device 56, or payout device 64 based on the calculation results.

The sub-control board 72 controls the execution of effects based on information sent from the main control board 70. The sub-control board 72 receives information (commands) sent from the main control board 70 and input signals from the effect button switch 108, which detects operation of the effect button 26, and performs various calculations to execute effects that match the progress of the game, and controls the operation of effect devices such as the LCD display 32, lighting devices 12, 38, and speaker 14 based on the calculation results.

The sub-control board 72 mainly controls various effects during gameplay, standby, etc. The sub-control board 72 is equipped with a performance control unit (performance control means) 74, a sound control unit (sound control means) 76, a memory unit (storage means) 78, and an amplifier group 112. In this embodiment, the performance control unit 74 and sound control unit 76 are configured as a single circuit (for example, in a single package or on a single chip) and are also configured as functional blocks of this circuit.

As shown in Figure 39, the gaming machine of this embodiment has two speakers (upper speakers 14a, 14b) mounted on the upper part of the front frame 10. A lower speaker 14c is also mounted on the lower outer side of the front frame 10 (the so-called curtain board portion). The lower speaker 14c is a woofer (subwoofer). The two upper speakers 14a, 14b are spaced apart on the left and right, and are positioned at approximately the same position (height) relative to each other in the vertical direction. Note that in this specification, "approximately the same" ("approximately the same") includes the case of being identical ("the same").

The two upper speakers 14a, 14b and the lower speaker 14c are speakers with different specifications (speakers with different model numbers). In other words, the upper speakers 14a, 14b and the lower speaker 14c have different reproducible frequency bands (reproducible frequency bands (rated frequency bands): frequency characteristics). In other words, the upper speakers 14a, 14b and the lower speaker 14c have different frequency characteristics of output sound pressure levels.

The playback frequency band of the upper speakers 14a and 14b is, for example, 200 Hz to 20 kHz. The playback frequency band of the lower speaker 14c is, for example, 100 Hz to 4 kHz. The playback frequency band of the lower speaker 14c may also be, for example, 55 Hz to 1 kHz. In other words, the upper speakers 14a and 14b are capable of outputting a wider range of sound than the lower speaker 14c (wider playback frequency band), and can be considered full-range speakers or standard speakers. The upper speakers 14a and 14b can also be considered capable of outputting mid- to high-range sounds, while the lower speaker 14c can be considered capable of outputting low-range sounds. In other words, the upper speakers 14a and 14b are capable of outputting sounds in a higher frequency range (frequency) than the lower speaker 14c, and the lower speaker 14c is capable of outputting sounds in a lower frequency range (frequency) than the upper speakers 14a and 14b. In other words, the upper speakers 14a and 14b have better reproduction capabilities for mid-range and high-range sounds (e.g., sounds in a predetermined frequency band above 5 kHz) than the lower speaker 14c. Furthermore, the lower speaker 14c has better reproduction capabilities for low-range sounds (e.g., sounds in a predetermined frequency band below 200 Hz) than the upper speakers 14a and 14b. Note that better reproduction capabilities means, for example, a higher output sound pressure level in the target frequency band.

In addition, the diaphragm area (diameter) of the lower speaker 14c is larger than that of the upper speakers 14a and 14b. Therefore, the lower speaker 14c can also be considered a large speaker. The upper speakers 14a and 14b can also be considered small speakers.

As shown in FIG. 41, the sound control unit 76 is capable of controlling speakers 14a, 14b, and 14c via amplifiers 113 and 114 that make up the amplifier group 112. Furthermore, amplifiers 113 and 114 convert the signal output from the sound control unit 76 from a digital signal to an analog signal and amplify this analog signal to drive speakers 14a, 14b, and 14c. In other words, amplifiers 113 and 114 function as both a DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and an amplifier (e.g., a class-D amplifier). Furthermore, amplifiers 113 and 114 are each configured as a single circuit (e.g., packaged or integrated on a single chip). Therefore, the multiple amplifiers 113 and 114 and the sound control unit 76 are configured from different components (broadly speaking, electronic components such as integrated circuits, or narrowly, chip components). Specifically, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the performance control unit 74 and sound control unit 76 are configured using the main IC (performance control IC) of the sub-control board 72, while the amplifiers 113 and 114 are each configured using an amplifier IC separate from the performance control IC, with the multiple amplifiers 113 and 114 and sound control unit 76 being different ICs. Furthermore, all of the amplifiers 113 and 114 are ICs with the same specifications (ICs with the same model number).

As shown in FIG. 42 , the sound control unit 76 includes a decoder unit 150, a first volume control unit 151, a second volume control unit 153, an equalizer unit (frequency characteristic control unit) 155, a third volume control unit 157, and an audio output unit 159. The sound control unit 76 also includes a plurality of tracks (e.g., a total of 40 tracks, from track 1 to track 40) and a plurality of channels (e.g., a total of eight channels, from channel CH1 to channel CH8 (CH7 and CH8 are not shown)). Here, a track is a unit for executing the reproduction of each effect sound (phrase data: sound data) stored in the effect sound storage unit (ROM) 160 of the storage unit 78, and a channel is a unit for outputting effect sound data from the sound control unit 76. The sound control unit 76 synthesizes the effect sounds (output of each track) reproduced on each track and outputs the synthesized sound on each channel.
The effect sound storage unit 160 stores effect sounds such as a series of background music (BGM), warning sounds, sound effects, and character dialogue sounds.

In the following explanation, the volume setting value is assumed to have 256 levels from "0" to "255," with volume "0" being silent and volume "255" being maximum volume, but there are no particular limitations on the setting values or number of levels.

The decoder unit 150 is capable of performing decoding processing independently for each track. This allows the sound control unit 76 to simultaneously play back up to 40 effect sounds (effect sounds read from the effect sound storage unit 160). The effect sounds for each track decoded by the decoder unit 150 are input to the first volume control unit 151.

The first volume control unit 151 is capable of adjusting the volume for each track. Furthermore, the first volume control unit 151 is also capable of adjusting the volume for each output channel for each track. That is, for example, if background music is played on track 1 and a character's lines are played on track 2, the volume of the background music played on track 1 can be set to "100" and the volume of the character's lines played on track 2 can be set to "150." Furthermore, it is possible to set the volume for each output channel differently, for example, by outputting the background music played on track 1 at a volume of "100" to channel CH1 and at a volume of "50" to channel CH2.

The sound played on each track is output to each channel at a volume according to the setting of the first volume control unit 151, and is synthesized (overlaid) on each channel. In other words, each channel handles a synthesized sound (synthesized sound) created by synthesizing the sound effects of each track. The synthesized sound (synthesized sound) created by synthesizing the output of the first volume control unit 151 on each channel is then input to the second volume control unit 153.

The second volume control unit 153 is capable of adjusting the volume for each channel. The synthesized performance sound for each channel whose volume has been adjusted by the second volume control unit 153 is then input to the equalizer unit 155.

The equalizer unit 155 is capable of achieving the desired frequency characteristics for each channel. Specifically, the equalizer unit 155 is capable of strengthening or weakening a specific frequency band of the synthesized performance sound according to the settings. In other words, the equalizer unit 155 is capable of increasing or decreasing the volume (sound pressure level) of the synthesized performance sound for each frequency band. In yet other words, the equalizer unit 155 is capable of setting the input/output gain for each frequency band of the synthesized performance sound. The equalizer unit 155 can also be said to function as a filter circuit (digital filter). That is, the first volume control unit 151, second volume control unit 153, and third volume control unit 157 uniformly increase or decrease the volume (gain) of the entire frequency band (at least the audible band or the entire reproduction frequency band of the corresponding speaker 14) for the sound effects of each track or each channel, whereas the equalizer unit 155 is capable of increasing or decreasing the volume (gain) of a specific band included in the audible band (reproduction frequency band of the speaker 14).

The synthesized sound from each channel that has passed through the equalizer unit 155 is input to the third volume control unit 157. The third volume control unit 157 is capable of uniformly adjusting the volume for all channels. In other words, the volume of all channels is uniformly increased or decreased depending on the settings of the third volume control unit 157.

The audio output unit 159 is configured to be able to output a bit clock signal BCLK, a word clock signal LRCLK, and a serial data signal SDATA that comply with, for example, the I2S (Inter-IC Sound) standard. The audio output unit 159 outputs the composite effect sounds of each channel output from the third volume control unit 157 in a format that complies with the I2S standard. The gaming machine of this embodiment is capable of outputting a plurality of serial data signals SDATA, including a first serial data signal SDATA1 and a second serial data signal SDATA2. The first serial data signal SDATA1 contains data for the composite effect sounds of channels CH1 and CH2, and the second serial data signal SDATA2 contains data for the composite effect sounds of channels CH3 and CH4.

The bit clock signal BCLK, word clock signal LRCLK, and serial data signal SDATA output from the audio output unit 159 are input to the amplifier group 112, as shown in FIG. 41. Specifically, the bit clock signal BCLK, word clock signal LRCLK, and first serial data signal SDATA1 are input to amplifier 113, and the bit clock signal BCLK, word clock signal LRCLK, and second serial data signal SDATA2 are input to amplifier 114.

Amplifier 113 drives speakers 14a and 14b to output sound based on the first serial data signal SDATA1 sent from the sound control unit 76. The word clock signal LRCLK and the first serial data signal SDATA1 are synchronized, and when the word clock signal LRCLK is low, the first serial data signal SDATA1 containing data for the synthesized sound of channel CH1 is transmitted, and when the word clock signal LRCLK is high, the first serial data signal SDATA1 containing data for the synthesized sound of channel CH2 is transmitted. Amplifier 113 causes speaker 14a to output the synthesized sound based on the first serial data signal SDATA1 input when the word clock signal LRCLK is low. Furthermore, amplifier 113 causes speaker 14b to output a sound effect based on the first serial data signal SDATA1 that is input when word clock signal LRCLK is at a high level. Therefore, speaker 14a outputs the composite sound effect for channel CH1, and speaker 14b outputs the composite sound effect for channel CH2.

The amplifier 114 drives the lower speaker 14c to output sound based on the second serial data signal SDATA2 sent from the sound control unit 76. The word clock signal LRCLK and the second serial data signal SDATA2 are synchronized, and when the word clock signal LRCLK is at a low level, the second serial data signal SDATA2 containing data for the composite effect sound of channel CH3 is transmitted, and when the word clock signal LRCLK is at a high level, the second serial data signal SDATA2 containing data for the composite effect sound of channel CH4 is transmitted. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the same composite effect sound is generated for channels CH3 and CH4, and the second serial data signal SDATA2 contains the same data for the composite effect sound when the word clock signal LRCLK is at a low level and when the word clock signal LRCLK is at a high level. The amplifier 114 also has an output terminal OUT1 capable of outputting the composite effect sound of channel CH3 and an output terminal OUT2 capable of outputting the composite effect sound of channel CH4. The output terminals OUT1 and OUT2 are coupled together and connected to the lower speaker 14c. That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the lower speaker 14c is driven based on the second serial data signal SDATA2 sent when the word clock signal LRCLK is low and the second serial data signal SDATA2 sent when the word clock signal LRCLK is high. In other words, the composite effect sound of channel CH3 and the composite effect sound of channel CH4 are output from the lower speaker 14c.
It is also possible to connect only one output terminal (for example, output terminal OUT1) of the amplifier 114 to the lower speaker 14c. That is, the lower speaker 14c may be associated with only one channel (for example, channel CH3) and output the synthesized sound of that channel.

In addition, part or all of the sound control unit 76 may be provided in the amplifiers 113 and 114, and part or all of the amplifiers 113 and 114 may be provided in the sound control unit 76. In other words, part or all of the sound control unit 76 may be configured with an amplifier IC, and part or all of the amplifiers 113 and 114 may be configured with a performance control IC. For example, the amplifier IC may have a function to control the frequency characteristics of the performance sound (e.g., part or all of the equalizer unit 155), or a function to control the volume of the performance sound (part or all of the first volume control unit 151, second volume control unit 153, third volume control unit 157, etc.). In other words, the sound control unit 76 may be configured with multiple ICs.

The settings of the equalizer unit 155 (frequency response settings) and the settings of the first volume control unit 151, second volume control unit 153, and third volume control unit 157 (volume settings) can be changed by the sound control unit 76 rewriting the settings of its registers (internal registers of the performance control IC (or amplifier IC)). The sound control unit 76 also determines the performance sounds to be output from each speaker 14 in accordance with the performance determined by the performance control unit 74 based on commands from the main control board 70, as well as the settings of the equalizer unit 155 (frequency response settings) and the settings of the first volume control unit 151, second volume control unit 153, and third volume control unit 157, and controls the output of the performance sounds. The setting of the third volume control unit 157 may also be determined based on the state of a volume change switch (not shown) provided on the sub-control board 72. The settings of the first volume control unit 151, second volume control unit 153, or third volume control unit 157 may also be changeable based on operation of the performance operation means.

Next, the effect sounds output from each speaker will be described.
In this embodiment, the effect sound storage unit 160 stores first sound data (first waveform) and second sound data (second waveform) as sound data.

The first sound data and second sound data are sound data created from the same (common) sound material (specific sound material: original waveform). In this embodiment, the specific sound material is data for a specific piece of music (BGM, warning sound, sound effect, etc.), but the sound material may be data that stores sounds used for effects (data related to specific effect sounds).

The specific sound material is data including sounds in a frequency band that can be reproduced by the upper speakers 14a, 14b and sounds in a frequency band that can be reproduced by the lower speaker 14c. The first sound data is created by extracting sounds in a predetermined frequency band from the specific sound material using predetermined sound processing software. The second sound data is created by extracting sounds in a frequency band different from the first sound data from the specific sound material using predetermined sound processing software. In other words, the first sound data and the second sound data are created outside the gaming machine, using an external device (e.g., a personal computer) separate from the gaming machine.
The first sound data and the second sound data are created by extracting sounds of different frequency bands from a specific sound material, but the "different frequency bands" referred to here do not necessarily have to be completely identical in the extracted frequency bands, and may even overlap partially.

The first sound data is created by passing the specific sound material through a high-pass filter (low-cut filter) with the frequency characteristics shown in Figure 43 (a) and attenuating (cutting) components below a predetermined frequency. In other words, the first sound data is created by performing high-pass filter processing on the specific sound material, cutting out low-frequency components and passing high-frequency components. In other words, the first sound data is sound data in which sounds in a predetermined frequency band have been extracted from the specific sound material (predetermined music). In this embodiment, the first sound data is sound data in which mid- to high-frequency sounds have been extracted from the specific sound material (predetermined music) (low-frequency sounds have been attenuated (cut)).

In this embodiment, the high-pass filter used in creating the first sound data has a cutoff frequency set to a predetermined frequency of 200 Hz or less, so that at least the components of the specific sound material above 200 Hz remain. In other words, in the high-pass filter processing used in creating the first sound data, components above 200 Hz are filtered so that they are attenuated by no more than -3 dB (including the case where no attenuation is present (a gain of 0 dB)). In other words, if the sound pressure level (signal level) of the first sound data for the specific sound material for sounds in the mid-to-high range (e.g., a predetermined frequency of 200 Hz or more (above the predetermined frequency)) is 0 dB, the sound pressure level (signal level) of the first sound data for the specific sound material for sounds in the low range (e.g., a predetermined frequency below 200 Hz (below the predetermined frequency)) is less than 0 dB.

The second sound data is created by passing the specific sound material through a low-pass filter (high-cut filter) with the frequency characteristics shown in Figure 43 (b) and attenuating (cutting) components above a predetermined frequency. In other words, the second sound data is created by performing low-pass filter processing on the specific sound material, cutting out high-frequency components and passing low-frequency components. In other words, the second sound data is sound data created by extracting sounds in a predetermined frequency band from the specific sound material (predetermined music). In this embodiment, the second sound data is sound data in which low-frequency sounds have been extracted from the specific sound material (predetermined music) (with mid- and high-frequency sounds attenuated (cut)).

In this embodiment, the low-pass filter used in creating the second sound data has a cutoff frequency set to a predetermined frequency of 200 Hz or higher, so that at least the components of the specific sound material below 200 Hz remain. In other words, in the low-pass filter processing used in creating the second sound data, components below 200 Hz are filtered so that they are attenuated by no more than -3 dB (including the case where no attenuation is present (a gain of 0 dB)). In other words, if the sound pressure level (signal level) of the second sound data for the specific sound material for sounds in the low frequency range (e.g., a predetermined frequency below 200 Hz (below the predetermined frequency)) is 0 dB, the sound pressure level (signal level) of the second sound data for the specific sound material for sounds in the mid- to high frequency range (e.g., a predetermined frequency greater than 200 Hz (above the predetermined frequency)) is less than 0 dB.

In this embodiment, the cutoff frequency (first cutoff frequency) of the high-pass filter used to create the first sound data is set to be lower than the cutoff frequency (second cutoff frequency) of the low-pass filter used to create the second sound data. In other words, in both the first sound data and the second sound data, components (sounds) of the specific sound material (predetermined music piece) remain in the frequency band between the first cutoff frequency and the second cutoff frequency. That is, the first sound data is data that stores sounds in a first frequency band and a third frequency band, and the second sound data is data that stores sounds in a second frequency band and a third frequency band, where the sound in the second frequency band is not stored in the first sound data and the sound in the first frequency band is not stored in the second sound data, and the sound in the third frequency band of the first sound data is the same sound (melody) as the sound in the third frequency band of the second sound data (however, the sound pressure levels may be the same or different). In other words, the sound in the second frequency band of the first sound data is below a predetermined sound pressure level (including the case where the sound pressure level is silent), the sound in the first frequency band of the second sound data is below a predetermined sound pressure level (including the case where the sound pressure level is silent), and the sounds in the third frequency bands of the first sound data and the second sound data are above a predetermined sound pressure level, and can be said to be the same sound (melody) (however, the sound pressure levels may be the same or different).
The first cutoff frequency may be set to be greater than or equal to the second cutoff frequency.

When a predetermined effect sound is output from the speaker 14 to execute a predetermined effect, the sound control unit 76 controls the upper speakers 14a and 14b to output the sound of the first sound data, and the lower speaker 14c to output the sound of the second sound data. Specifically, when the effect control unit 74 decides to execute a predetermined effect, the sound control unit 76 plays the first sound data and the second sound data on different tracks. The sound control unit 76 also outputs the playback sound of the track playing the first sound data (e.g., track 1) to channel CH1 and channel CH2. The sound control unit 76 also outputs the playback sound of the track playing the second sound data (e.g., track 2) to channel CH3 and channel CH4. The sound control unit 76 then outputs the sound of the first sound data being played on channel CH1 from the upper speaker 14a, the sound of the first sound data being played on channel CH2 from the upper speaker 14b, and the sound of the second sound data being played on channels CH3 and CH4 from the lower speaker 14c. In other words, in this embodiment, the output of sound effects from the upper speakers 14a and 14b based on the first sound data and the output of sound effects from the lower speaker 14c based on the second sound data are simultaneously executed, so that the waveforms of the first sound data and the second sound data, which have been divided in advance, are played in a composite manner and are recognized by the player as a single sound effect (music).

The sound control unit 76 may also execute control to output the sound of the first sound data from the upper speakers 14a, 14b, while not outputting the sound of the second sound data from the lower speaker 14c. In other words, the sound control unit 76 may be capable of simultaneously controlling the output of effect sounds from the upper speakers 14a, 14b based on the first sound data and the output of effect sounds from the lower speaker 14c based on the second sound data, or controlling these two sounds not to be output simultaneously. In other words, for multiple sound data created from specific sound materials (multiple sound data for a specific song (sound data extracted from sounds in different frequency bands)), there may be cases where all of the sound data is output from one or more speakers 14, or cases where only the sound of some of the sound data is output from one or more speakers 14.

The sound control unit 76 may also execute control to output the sound of the first sound data and the sound of the second sound data simultaneously from one speaker 14.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is
a plurality of types of speakers (sound output means) 14 including upper speakers (first sound output means) 14a and 14b and a lower speaker (second sound output means) 14c;
a sound effect storage unit (storage means) 160 that stores in advance a plurality of types of sound data including first sound data and second sound data;
a sound control means for outputting a sound from a speaker based on sound data stored in a sound effect storage unit,
the first sound data and the second sound data are sound data based on a common sound material (specific sound material);
The second sound data is sound data obtained by extracting a sound in a specific frequency band from a specific sound material,
The lower speaker 14c has a superior ability to reproduce sounds in a predetermined frequency band compared to the upper speakers 14a and 14b.
the specific frequency band and the predetermined frequency band at least partially overlap,
The sound control means 76 is capable of outputting sound from the upper speakers 14a and 14b based on the first sound data, and outputting sound from the lower speaker 14c based on the second sound data.

In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment has
a plurality of types of speakers (sound output means) 14 including upper speakers (first sound output means) 14a and 14b and a lower speaker (second sound output means) 14c;
a sound effect storage unit (storage means) 160 that stores in advance a plurality of types of sound data including first sound data and second sound data;
a sound control means for outputting a sound from a speaker based on sound data stored in a sound effect storage unit,
the first sound data and the second sound data are sound data for a predetermined piece of music,
the second sound data is sound data extracted from a specific frequency band of the music piece,
The lower speaker 14c has a superior ability to reproduce sounds in a predetermined frequency band compared to the upper speakers 14a and 14b.
the specific frequency band and the predetermined frequency band at least partially overlap,
The sound control means 76 is capable of outputting sound from the upper speakers 14a and 14b based on the first sound data, and outputting sound from the lower speaker 14c based on the second sound data.

It should be noted that the description states that "the second sound data is sound data obtained by extracting sound in a specific frequency band from a specific sound material" and that "the lower speaker (second sound output means) 14c has superior sound reproduction capabilities in a specific frequency band compared to the upper speakers (first sound output means) 14a and 14b," but the specific frequency band and the specific frequency band referred to here may be the same, or one frequency band may be wider than the other. Furthermore, one frequency band may include the entirety of the other frequency band. In other words, the present invention requires that the frequency band extracted as the second sound data from the specific sound material (music) and the frequency band in which the lower speaker 14c has superior reproduction capabilities compared to the upper speakers 14a and 14b overlap at least partially.

Furthermore, it says that "the second sound data is sound data obtained by extracting sounds in a specific frequency band (of a piece of music) from a specific sound material," but "sounds in a specific frequency band have been extracted" means that the second sound data is obtained by attenuating (cutting) certain frequency components that are not included in the specific frequency band from the specific sound material (music), and it may also be data that is created by including processes other than the process of extracting sounds in a specific frequency band.

Furthermore, although it says that "the first sound data and the second sound data are sound data based on a common sound material (specific sound material)," "based on" here simply includes storing the sound material data in the effect sound storage unit 160. That is, for example, the first sound data may include sounds of all frequencies included in the sound material. In other words, the sounds of the second sound data may be sounds included in the first sound data.

According to this embodiment, a single sound material (music) is stored as sound data in the sound effect storage unit 160, making it possible to achieve sound effects that cannot be obtained or are difficult to obtain by simply playing the sound data through the speaker 14. In other words, conventionally, sound data for a single sound material related to a specific song (a specific sound played during gameplay) was stored in a storage device, and a specific frequency band of the sound data was extracted using an amplifier within the gaming machine or the equalizer function of the sound control unit 76, and output from each speaker. However, with this method, the extracted frequency band depends on the equalizer settings. In contrast, in this embodiment, sound data (first sound data and second sound data) obtained by dividing the sound material (music) into desired frequency bands regardless of the equalizer settings is prepared in advance and stored in the sound effect storage unit 160. Therefore, for example, in a sound production in which the range of sound to be output changes over time, such as by outputting only mid- to high-range sounds included in the sound material (music) during a predetermined period and outputting both mid- to high-range and low-range sounds included in the sound material (music) during other periods, the volume balance for each range can be optimized for each sound material (music), thereby improving the sound effect. It is also possible to change the range of sound related to a predetermined song output from a predetermined (single) speaker 14 over time without changing the equalizer setting. That is, for example, only the sound of the first sound data may be output from the upper speakers 14a and 14b during a predetermined period, and both the sound of the first sound data and the sound of the second sound data may be output from the upper speakers 14a and 14b during other periods. Furthermore, when a sound related to a predetermined piece of music (e.g., background music) and other sounds (e.g., sound effects) are simultaneously output from a predetermined speaker 14, it is possible to vary the volume balance (e.g., volume balance on the frequency axis) between the sound related to the predetermined piece of music and other sounds. It is also easy to balance the sounds among multiple speakers 14 or among multiple sounds output from a predetermined speaker 14. By preparing each piece of sound data appropriate for each speaker 14, damage to the speaker 14 due to input of a sound with a frequency lower than the lowest resonant frequency to the speaker 14 can be prevented. However, each piece of sound data may include a sound with a frequency outside the playback frequency band of the corresponding speaker 14. In this case, the equalizer unit 155 may cut the sound with a frequency outside the playback frequency band. Even if each piece of sound data includes some sound with a frequency outside the playback frequency band, as long as at least a portion of the components outside the playback frequency are attenuated from the original sound material, damage to the speaker 14 can be suppressed. Furthermore, first sound data, for example, may be prepared as sound data in which at least a portion of the components outside the playback frequency band have been attenuated, and a high-pass filter having a cutoff frequency higher than the cutoff frequency of the high-pass filter used to create the first sound data may be set in the equalizer unit 155 to equalize the first sound data. In this way, damage to the speaker 14 caused by input of sounds with frequencies lower than the lowest resonant frequency can be prevented by setting the equalizer unit 155, and the first sound data can be prepared as an insurance against damage to the speaker 14 even if a malfunction occurs in the setting of the equalizer unit 155.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present invention can also be applied to gaming machines, including slot machines, pachinko machines, medal-less gaming machines, etc.

It should be noted that within the scope of the present invention, the various embodiments may be freely combined, any of the components of each embodiment may be modified, or any of the components of each embodiment may be omitted.

14a, 14b, 14c: Speakers (sound output means)
76 Sound control unit (sound control means)
160 sound effect storage unit (storage means)

Claims (1)

A design portion protruding forward above the play area;
A handle formed to be rotatable,
an operation torque required to rotate the handle from its initial position is defined as a first operation torque;
The operation torque required to rotate the handle from the initial position to the left-hand hit reference position is defined as a second operation torque.
If the operation torque required to rotate the handle from the initial position to the maximum rotation position is defined as a third operation torque,
The second operating torque is greater than the first operating torque,
the third operating torque is greater than the second operating torque,
the third operating torque is equal to or greater than twice the first operating torque and equal to or less than twice the second operating torque,
The rear end of the lower surface of the design portion in a cross section passing through the upper end of the play area and parallel to the vertical and front-to-rear directions is defined as a first location,
If the lower end of the design portion in the cross section is a second location,
The first location is located below the upper end of the game area and above the lower end of the game ball in contact with the upper end of the game area,
The second location is located below the upper end of the game area and below the lower end of the game ball in contact with the upper end of the game area.