JP2002301212A - Game machine, computer program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a game machine which is capable of preventing a game from becoming monotonous and prevents a player from interrupting shooting of a game ball easily by improving the operation of a sorting member. SOLUTION: When a sorting member driving solenoid 80 is turned on, a plunger 81 is retracted and the sorting member 38 and 39 are deformed into a shape projecting upward. Thus, flowed down game balls P are reserved by the upper surface of the periphery 38c of the sorting member 38 and a guiding part 37b. When the solenoid 80 is turned off, the plunger 82 is stretched and the sorting member 38 and 39 is deformed to project downward, the reserved balls P rolls toward through holes 38b and 39b and flow out from the respective holes 38b and 39b.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine, a computer program for causing the gaming machine to function by a computer, and a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded. The present invention relates to a pachinko machine capable of acquiring a large amount of prize balls, a computer program for causing the pachinko machine to function by a computer, and a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, for example, a pachinko machine shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is known. FIG. 12 is an explanatory front view of a game board provided in the pachinko machine. FIG. 13A is an explanatory front view of a center case provided on the game board shown in FIG.
FIG. 13B is an explanatory sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, a center case 501 having a special symbol display device 512 is attached to a game board 500 provided in a conventional pachinko machine. A first type start port 502 is provided below the center case 501, and when a game ball wins the first type start port 502, the special symbol display device 512 starts to display a special symbol in a variable manner. A variable winning device 504 that opens the blade member 505 below the first-type starting port 502 when the special symbol fixed and displayed by the special symbol display device 512 is a big hit symbol.
Is installed. Further, when the game ball wins in the first kind starting port 502 while the special symbol is fluctuating, the winning number is stored as the number of times the special symbol display device 32 can be started (hereinafter, referred to as a special symbol start storage number). , The number of memories
This is indicated by the number of lighting of the special symbol storage display LED 513 (FIG. 13A). Also, up to four special symbol start storage numbers are stored.

As shown in FIG. 13A, entrances 507 through which the game balls P can enter are formed on both sides of the housing 506 of the center case 501, and the game balls enter the entrances 507. P is the housing 506
Flows down onto the distribution member 508 formed at the lower part of. As shown in FIG. 13B, the rear end of the distribution member 508 is rotatably fixed by a shaft 509, and the left end of the shaft 509 is a cam mechanism 51.
0 is connected to the motor 511. That is, by the driving of the motor 511, the distribution member 508 moves up in the direction indicated by the arrow F1 in FIG. 13A and moves down in the direction indicated by the arrow F2 with the rear end as the rotation axis. When the distribution member 508 is rising in the direction shown by the arrow F1, the game ball P flowing down on the distribution member 508 is retained on the distribution member 508, and the distribution member 50 is retained.
8 descends in the direction indicated by arrow F2,
The game ball P reserved on the top 8 flows down in the direction indicated by the arrow F3. In addition, the distribution member 508 starts operating at the same time as the pachinko machine is started, and during the game, the same operation is repeated irrespective of a change in the game state.

[0004] When a special symbol confirmed and displayed by the special symbol display device 512 is aligned with a big hit symbol such as "777" and a big hit occurs, the blade member 505 of the variable winning device 504 is opened to perform a big hit port 503. Opens. Then, when the preset opening time of the blade member 505 elapses or when a predetermined number of game balls set in the special winning opening 503 win, the blade member 505 closes and the special winning opening 503 is closed. . When a game ball that has won the special winning opening 503 passes through a specific area provided inside the special winning opening 503, the blade member 505 continuously performs an opening operation, and the special winning opening 503 is opened. As described above, the period from the opening of the special winning opening 503 to the closing thereof is called one round, and when the maximum number of rounds set in advance is completed, the game with the big hit ends.

[0005]

However, in the above-described conventional pachinko machine, the sorting member 508 starts operating at the same time as the pachinko machine is started, and during the game, the same operation is performed irrespective of a change in the game state. Because of the repetition, there is a problem that the effect is poor and the game becomes monotonous. In addition, when the maximum number of special symbol start storages is four, the game balls often enter the first type start port 502 in many cases, but the player does not store more than four, so the player can In order to eliminate unnecessary consumption of game balls, the shooting is interrupted, and a means of waiting until the special symbol start storage number is exhausted is employed. However, when such a means is employed, there is a problem that it is cumbersome because attention must always be paid to the number of lighting of the special symbol storage display LED 513. Also,
On the pachinko hall side, there is a problem that the operation rate of the stand is reduced when the player interrupts the launch of the game ball.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problem, and a first object of the present invention is to realize a gaming machine capable of preventing monotonous gaming by improving the operation of a sorting member. A second object is to realize a gaming machine in which it is difficult for a player to interrupt the launch of a game ball.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided with an image display means for variably displaying an image on a game board. When the image variably displayed by the image display means is determined to be a predetermined image, in a gaming machine in which a gaming state changes to a gaming state advantageous to a player, a game ball flowing down on the board of the gaming board is received. Holding means operating in a first state of holding, and a second state of letting held game balls flow down, and when the game state becomes a predetermined game state, the holding means is changed to the first state. Control means for controlling to operate in the state or the second state.

[0008] When the game state becomes a predetermined game state, the control means controls the holding means to operate in the first state or the second state. In the first state, the holding means receives and holds game balls flowing down on the game board, and in the second state, causes the held game balls to flow down. In other words, when the game state becomes a predetermined game state, the first state in which the holding means receives and holds the game balls flowing down on the board of the game board, or the second state in which the held game balls flow down Since the state can be controlled, there is no danger that the game will be monotonous as in a conventional game machine in which the holding means (distributing member) continuously performs a constant operation during the game.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, there is provided a passing number storage means for storing the number of game balls passing through a predetermined area provided on the game board. The image display means variably displays an image based on the storage of the passage number storage means, and the holding means is provided at a position for receiving a game ball flowing down toward the predetermined area; Means for causing the holding means to operate in the first state when the storage number of the passage number storage means reaches a predetermined number, and for when the storage number of the passage number storage means is less than the predetermined number. Technical means for operating the holding means in the second state is used.

When the game balls pass through a predetermined area provided on the game board, the number of the game balls that have passed is stored in the passage number storage means, and when the storage number of the passage number storage means reaches a predetermined number. The control means causes the holding means to operate in the first state, and when the number of storages in the passage number storage means is less than the predetermined number, causes the holding means to operate in the second state. In other words, when the storage number of the passing number storage means reaches a predetermined number, the first holding means receives the game balls flowing down on the board and holds them.
, It is possible to prevent the game balls flowing down from the holding means from passing through the predetermined area. Further, when the storage number of the passing number storage means is less than the predetermined number, the holding means can be operated to the second state in which the held game balls flow down. It becomes possible to pass through a predetermined area.
Therefore, of the game balls fired after the storage number of the passage number storage means reaches a predetermined number, the game balls flowing down toward the predetermined area are received by the holding means and held, and the storage number of the passage number storage means is stored. Is smaller than a predetermined number, the held game balls can be caused to flow down and pass through the predetermined area, so that the shot game balls are not wasted. There is no need to suspend firing. For this reason, unlike the related art, there is no need to pay attention to the number of storages (the number of lighting of the special symbol storage display LED 513), and the operation rate of the stand is reduced by interrupting the launch of the game ball by the player. Can be solved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first or second aspect, the gaming board includes:
When the game state changes to a game state advantageous to the player, the game ball includes opening means for opening a winning opening so that a game ball can easily win, and the holding means flows down toward the opening means. It is provided at a position to catch the ball,
The control means, when the opening means opens the winning opening, operates the holding means in the second state, when the opening means closes the winning opening, the holding means Technical means for operating in the first state is used.

In other words, when the winning means is closed by the opening means, the holding means is operated in the first state, so that the game balls flowing down toward the opening means are received by the holding means and held. You can keep. When the opening means opens the winning opening, the holding means is switched to the second.
By operating in the state described above, the held game balls can flow down toward the opening means. Therefore, the larger the number of game balls held by the holding means, the larger the number of winnings to the winning opening of the opening means when flowing down, the player is required to open the winning opening before the opening means, that is, the image fluctuation Before the display is stopped, the game balls are fired in order to hold as many game balls in the holding means as possible.
Thereby, unlike the conventional method, the holding means (distributing member)
Can enhance the effect of the image and the image (special pattern)
It is possible to eliminate a situation in which the launch of the game ball is interrupted until the fluctuation display of the game stops.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the third aspect, when the possibility that the image display means displays the predetermined image is increased, the control means controls the holding. Technical means for operating the means to the first state is used.

That is, when the possibility that the image display means displays the predetermined image increases, the holding means can be controlled to operate in the first state, so that the game ball flowing down toward the opening means can be controlled. Can be received by the holding means and held. Then, the image display means displays the predetermined image, the game state changes to a game state advantageous to the player, and when the opening means opens the winning opening, the game balls held in the holding means flow down. Then, the winning opening can be won.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the holding means changes to an upwardly convex shape in the first state. A holding member having an upwardly concave shape in the second state and having a through hole formed at a substantially center thereof through which a game ball can flow, and a standing member formed to rise upward so as to surround the periphery of the holding member. The retaining member changes to the convex shape, and the upper surface of the retaining member and the side wall retain the flowing game ball, and the retaining member changes to the concave shape. Then, a technical means of causing the suspended game balls to flow down from the through holes is used.

In the first state, the holding member provided in the holding means changes to a convex upward shape, so that the upper surface of the holding member has a downward slope from the center to the end.
For this reason, the received game ball rolls toward the end of the holding member, but has a side wall that rises upward so as to surround the periphery of the holding member. Rolling is prevented and is retained by the upper surface and the side wall of the retaining member. When the retaining member changes to a concave shape, the upper surface of the retaining member has a downward slope from the end to the center. For this reason, the game ball held by the upper surface and the side wall flows down from the through hole formed substantially at the center. In other words, since the retaining member changes to a convex shape or a concave shape upward, the game ball can be retained, or the retained game ball can flow down,
With a relatively simple structure, the holding and flowing down of the game ball can be controlled. In addition, since it is possible to produce a movement different from that of the conventional structure in which the rear end of the holding member (distributing member) is moved up and down with the rear end as a rotation axis, the player can play a game with freshness that has never been seen before. It can be carried out.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the fifth aspect, the holding means includes a solenoid having a plunger tip attached to a predetermined location of the holding member, and the control means. Uses a technical means that drives the solenoid to move the holding member to the first state or the second state by the expansion and contraction operation of the plunger.

In other words, when the solenoid is driven to extend and retract the plunger, the retaining member attached to the tip of the plunger changes to an upwardly convex or concave shape. Therefore, the operation of the holding member can be controlled by a simple binary control for turning the solenoid on and off, so that the structure can be made relatively simpler than that of a structure driven by a motor. It is easy.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image display means provided on a game board, a first state for receiving and holding a game ball flowing down on the board of the game board, Holding means operating in a second state in which the ball is caused to flow down, and when the image variably displayed by the image display means is determined to be a predetermined image, the gaming state is advantageous to the player. A computer program for causing a computer to function as a gaming machine that changes to a state in which the holding means is operated in the first state or the second state when the gaming state becomes a predetermined gaming state. A technical means of a computer program including a computer program for causing a computer to execute a control process for controlling the computer is used.

That is, the gaming machine according to the first aspect functions as a CPU incorporated in the gaming machine, as described in an embodiment of the invention described later, so that the computer program is stored in a ROM or the like. In addition, the stored computer program can function by being executed by the CPU.

[0021] According to the invention described in claim 8, an image display means provided on the game board, a first state for receiving and holding game balls flowing down on the board of the game board, Holding means operating in a second state in which the ball is caused to flow down, and when the image variably displayed by the image display means is determined to be a predetermined image, the gaming state is advantageous to the player. Is a recording medium in which a computer program for causing a computer to function as a gaming machine changes to a predetermined gaming state, and when the gaming state has reached a predetermined gaming state, the holding means changes the first state or the second state. Technical means is used in which a computer program for causing a computer to execute a control process for controlling the computer to operate in the state described above is recorded.

That is, in a gaming machine which controls a game by a computer, for example, as described in an embodiment of the invention described later, a computer program recorded in a ROM (recording medium) provided in the gaming machine The CPU
The functions of the present invention can be realized by using a ROM (recording medium) storing the above program, thereby realizing the gaming machine according to the first aspect. The terms in the parentheses are not described to limit the invention, but are described in order to make the contents easy to understand, and are described in the prior art and the following embodiments of the invention. It corresponds to the phrase used.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS <First Embodiment> An embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each of the embodiments described below, a first-type pachinko machine will be described as an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention. [Overall Main Structure] First, the main structure of the pachinko machine of this embodiment will be described with reference to the perspective explanatory view of FIG. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a front frame 2 that can be opened and closed, and a glass frame 4 is attached to the front frame 2 so that it can be opened and closed. Front frame 2
On the right side of is provided a keyhole 3 into which a key for opening and closing the glass frame 4 is inserted. A game board 5 is provided inside the glass frame 4, and a firing motor (indicated by reference numeral 15 e in FIG. 6) for shooting game balls to the game board 5 is operated below the right side of the front frame 2. Firing handle 15a is rotatably mounted.

Below the glass frame 4, there is formed a prize ball / lending ball supply port 6a to which a prize ball / lending ball is supplied. An upper receiving tray 6 for storing award balls and lending balls supplied from the award ball / lending ball supply port 6a is attached. Below the upper tray 6, there is formed a discharge port 7a for discharging a prize ball that has flowed down beyond the number that can be accommodated in the upper tray 6, or a game ball discharged from the upper tray 6 by operating the upper tray ball pulling lever 6b. Have been. On the discharge side of the discharge port 7a, there is provided a lower tray 7 for accommodating game balls discharged from the discharge port 7a. A frame lamp 9 is provided above the game board 5, and an ashtray 7 b is provided on the left side of the lower tray 7.

[Main Structure of Game Board 5] Next, the main structure of the game board 5 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the entire configuration of the game board 5, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a center case 30 provided on the game board 5 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, a center case 30 is provided substantially at the center of the game board 5. The center case 30 has a prize entrance 31 and three LEDs
A normal symbol display device 34, a normal symbol storage display LED 35 for displaying the number of times the normal symbol display device 34 can be started by four LEDs, and a plurality of symbols, for example, numbers "0" to "9". A special symbol display device 32 for displaying a special symbol or a background image to be shown on a liquid crystal, and a special symbol storage display LED 36 for displaying the number of special symbol starting memories by four LEDs are provided.

On both sides of the center case 30, LE
A decorative windmill 46 decorated with D is provided. A normal symbol operation right gate 25 for operating the ordinary symbol display device 34 is provided diagonally below and to the right of the right decorative windmill 46, and a normal symbol operation is also provided at the left and below the left decorative windmill 46. A left gate 26 is provided. Windmills 24 are provided below both sides of the center case 30, respectively, and below the right windmill 24,
A right winning opening 12 is provided, and a left winning opening 13 is provided below the left windmill 24. A right sleeve winning port 22 is provided on the right side of the right winning port 12, and a left sleeve winning port 23 is provided on the left side of the left winning port 13. Below the center case 30, a first type starting port 27 having a function of operating the special symbol display device 32 is provided, and below the first type starting port 27, a stop symbol of the normal symbol display device 34 is provided. Is provided with an ordinary electric accessory 28 that opens both wings when the symbol is hit. The ordinary electric accessory 28 having both wings open has a function of starting the operation of the special symbol display device 32 as in the case of the first type starting port 27.

Below the center case 30, the variable winning device 4 which is activated when the stop symbol in the three display areas A to C of the special symbol display device 32 becomes a big hit symbol.
0 is provided. The variable winning device 40 is provided with a plate-shaped opening / closing member 43 that opens when a big hit occurs and opens a big winning opening 41 so as to be openable and closable in a door manner. A lower right winning opening 14 is provided on the right side of the variable winning device 40, and a lower left winning opening 44 is provided on the left side of the variable winning device 40. Further, inside the variable winning device 40, a specific area having a function of continuously opening and closing the opening / closing member 43, and a specific area switch (shown by reference numeral 42a in FIG. 6) for detecting a game ball passing through the specific area. ) Is provided.

The game board 5 is provided with rails 16 for guiding the shot game balls to the game area. On the upper part of the game board 5, both upper left and right corners are decorated with LEDs or the like. A decoration 11 is provided, and on the right side of the game board 5, a right side decoration 20 for decorating the right side with an LED or the like is provided, and on the left side of the game board 5, the left side is decorated with an LED or the like. A left side decoration 21 is provided. Further, the game board 5 has an out port 4 for collecting game balls that have not been won as out balls.
5 are provided. Many nails (not shown) are driven into the game board 5, and the game balls fired on the game board 5 fall while dancing between the nails, and each winning opening and the first kind start-up are started. Wins are made in the mouth 27, passed through each ordinary symbol operation gate, or collected from the out mouth 45.

As shown in FIG.
Is a front side mechanism 33 attached on the board surface of the game board 5,
And a back side mechanism 37 attached to the back side of the game board 5. The front-side mechanism 33 is formed in a frame shape when viewed from the front, and flow-down passages 33a through which the game balls P winning the winning prize hole 31 flow down are formed in the frame portions on both sides thereof. The game ball P that has flowed down the flow-down passage 33a is guided to the back mechanism 37 in the direction indicated by the arrow F4. On both sides of the back side mechanism 37, there are formed flow-down passages 37a through which the game balls guided along the arrow F4 flow. In front of the lower part of the special symbol display device 32 provided on the back side mechanism 37, a pair of
39 are provided horizontally in opposition to each other in the left-right direction. Between the downflow opening of the downflow passage 37a and each of the croons, there is formed a guide portion 37b having an arc-shaped cross section which swells downward toward the end of the clune.

(Structures of the crowns 38 and 39) Next, the structure of the crowns 38 and 39 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is an explanatory longitudinal sectional view of the clunes 38 and 39 and the guide portions 37b and 37b shown in FIG.
4A is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the crowns 38 and 39 have changed to an upwardly convex shape, and FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the crowns 38 and 39 have changed to an upwardly concave shape. FIG.
FIG. 5A is an explanatory view showing a state in which the clunes 38 and 39 hold game balls, and FIG.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a game ball is flowing down from No. 9;

As shown in FIG. 4, a housing 37c is formed at a position where the ends of the crows 38 and 39 face each other, and side walls on both sides of the housing 37c are provided.
Grooves 37e are formed respectively. Kroon 38,3
A guide portion 37b is formed outside the outer periphery 9 so as to surround the periphery 38c. Grooves 37d are formed in the inner side wall of each guide portion 37b. The outer ends of the crunes 38 and 39 are respectively inserted into the grooves 37d, and the inner ends are respectively inserted into the grooves 37e. The crowns 38 and 39 are formed in the shape of a contact lens by a thin metal, and in the center thereof, a through hole 38 through which a game ball P can flow down.
b, 39b are formed. The inside end of the crune 38 is connected to the clamper 38 inside the housing 37c.
d, and the inner end of the clune 39 is connected to the clamper 39 inside the housing 37c.
d. A clutch driving solenoid 80 is provided below the housing 37c.
A mounting member 82 is fixed to the tip of a plunger 81 that expands and contracts by driving the clune driving solenoid 80. The base end of each of the clampers 38d and 39d is attached to the attachment member 82 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction.

Then, the clutch driving solenoid 80 is
In the state of N, as shown in FIG.
Since 1 is in the retracted state, the inner ends of the crunes 38 and 39 are each pulled down. For this reason, the crowns 38 and 39 have a convex shape upward, and the upper surface of each crown has a downward slope from the through holes 38b and 39b toward each end. In this state, Kruun 3
When the game ball P flows down to the game ball 8, the game ball P
As shown in (A), the upper surface of the periphery 38c of the crew 38 and the guide portion 37b hold or the periphery 38c.
c and the side wall of the housing 37c. Further, when the game ball P flows down to the clune 39, the game ball P moves around the clune 38 as shown in FIG.
8c and the guide 37b, or the periphery 38c and the side wall of the housing 37c.

The clutch driving solenoid 80 is
When the FF is performed, as shown in FIG.
Is extended in the direction indicated by the arrow F7, and the inner ends of the crunes 38 and 39 are respectively lifted upward. For this reason, the crowns 38 and 39 have a concave shape upward, and the upper surface of each of the crowns has a through hole 3 from each end.
The slope becomes downward toward 8b and 39b. For this reason, FIG.
As shown in (A), the game balls held in the clunes 38 and 39 roll toward the through holes 38b and 39b, respectively, and flow down from the respective through holes.

[Electrical Configuration of Pachinko Machine 1] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The pachinko machine 1 has a main board 10
The main board 100 has a microprocessor 110 mounted thereon. The microprocessor 110 includes a main CPU 112 for executing main control of the game, such as determining a big hit, counting the number of winnings to the special winning opening 41, controlling a round, and the like.
A ROM 114 in which various control programs for executing various controls are recorded, and a game ball is stored in the first type starting port 27.
And a RAM 116 for temporarily storing various data generated during the game such as a detection result of passing the control program, a control program read from the ROM 114, and the like. The following components are electrically connected to the main substrate 100. First-type start port switch 27a for detecting that a game ball has passed through first-type start port 27, special symbol display device 32, lamp control device 300 for controlling LEDs and lamps, power supply board 74, payout of award balls And a sound control device 79 for controlling sound effects during a game, etc., and game board information on winnings, big hits, etc., is transmitted to a computer (not shown) provided in a control room of a pachinko hall or the like. Frame information terminal board 5 for
2, a board relay board 51 and a game frame relay board 53.

The payout control board 200 is equipped with a microprocessor 210 which operates by inputting a control command sent from the main board 100. The microprocessor 210 has a sub CPU which controls payout of award balls and the like.
212, a ROM 214 in which various control programs for the sub CPU 212 to execute control such as payout of prize balls, and a control program read from the ROM 214 when the sub CPU 212 executes various control programs and a game And a RAM 216 for temporarily storing various data such as the number of winnings and the number of winning balls generated in the game. The payout control board 200 includes a power supply board 74 and a firing motor drive board 1 for driving the firing motor 15e.
5c, Game Frame Information Terminal Board 52 and Payout Relay Board 55
Are electrically connected. Launch motor drive board 15c
From the launch motor drive board 15c to the launch motor 15e
A firing switch 15d for outputting a drive signal to the camera is connected.

The game frame relay board 53 is electrically connected to a full detection switch 72 and a sensor relay board 54. The sensor relay board 54 is electrically connected to the prize ball payout sensors 62a and 62b and the payout relay board 55 provided in the prize ball unit 62. The payout relay board 55 is electrically connected to a ball-out-of-lending switch 61, a prize-ball payout motor 62c, and a ball-lending unit 63. On the board relay board 51, a normal electric accessory solenoid 28a for driving the ordinary electric accessory 28, a normal symbol display device 34, a right gate switch 25a for detecting a game ball passing through the normal symbol operation right gate 25, an ordinary symbol operation A left gate switch 26a for detecting a game ball passing through the left gate 26, and a special winning opening switch 41 for detecting a game ball winning the special winning opening 41.
a, a right sleeve winning opening switch 22a for detecting a game ball winning the right sleeve winning opening 22, a left sleeve winning opening switch 23a for detecting a gaming ball winning the left sleeve winning opening 23, and a game winning the right winning opening 12. Right winning opening switch 12a for detecting a ball, left winning opening switch 13a for detecting a game ball winning the left winning opening 13, lower right winning opening switch 14a for detecting a game ball winning the lower right winning opening 14, lower left winning. A lower left winning port switch 44a for detecting a game ball winning the mouth 44, a natural winning port switch 31 for detecting a gaming ball winning the natural winning port 31.
a and the special winning opening relay board 50. The special winning opening relay board 50 includes a specific area switch 42a and a specific area solenoid 42 for changing the posture of a member forming the specific area.
b, the special winning opening solenoid 41b and the crown driving solenoid 80 are electrically connected. Power supply board 74
Receives power from a main power supply 70 of AC 24 V (50 Hz / 60 Hz) and supplies necessary power to each substrate.

Next, the main flow of the game will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 shows the main CPU 112.
It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the 1st kind start-up process which is performed. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special symbol display process executed by the main CPU 112. FIG.
9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the clean control executed by the main CPU 112.

(Type 1 Startup Process) First, the flow of the type 1 startup process will be described with reference to FIG. When the game ball passes through the first type starting port 27 (FIG. 2) or through the opened ordinary electric accessory 28 (FIG. 2) and the first type starting port switch 27a (FIG. 6) is turned on, the main CPU 11
2 detects that the first-type starting port switch 27a is turned on by detecting a voltage change of the input port connected to the first-type starting port switch 27a (S10:
Yes). Subsequently, when the special symbol start storage number U1 is less than “4”, the main CPU 112 (S12: Ye
s), "1" is added to the special symbol start storage number U1 (S1).
4) One count value of the jackpot counter that counts the jackpot value is acquired (S16), and the acquired count value is temporarily stored in the RAM 116 (S18). For example, the jackpot counter counts a total of 256 values from 0 to 255.

(Special Symbol Display Process) Next, the flow of the special symbol display process will be described with reference to FIG. Main C
The PU 112 determines whether or not a control command for changing and displaying the special symbol is output to the special symbol display device 32, that is, whether or not the special symbol is changing, and if it is determined that the special symbol is not changing (S30). : No), it is determined whether or not the special symbol start storage number U1 is equal to or more than "1" (S3).
2). Subsequently, the main CPU 112 determines that the special symbol start storage number U1 is equal to or more than "1" (S32: Ye).
s), "1" is subtracted from the special symbol start storage number U1 (S34). Subsequently, the main CPU 112 reads the count value temporarily stored in the RAM 116 in S18 (FIG. 7) of the first-type start-up process (S36), and determines whether or not the read count value matches the big hit value, that is, It is determined whether it is a big hit or not (S38).

Subsequently, when the main CPU 112 determines that the big hit has occurred (S38: Yes), the main CPU 112 randomly selects one set of the big hit symbols from the big hit symbol table in which each of the plurality of random numbers is set in association with the big hit symbols. Yes (S4
0). For example, the big hit symbol table is "0" ~
When the random number “9” is set in association with the big hit symbols “000” to “999”, the random number “7”
Is selected, the big hit symbol "777" is selected.
When the main CPU 112 determines that the hit is not a big hit, that is, a loss (S38: No), the loss symbol for the left stop symbol is set to 1 from a loss symbol table in which each of the plurality of random numbers is set in association with the loss symbol. One loss symbol is randomly selected, and similarly, the loss symbols for the middle symbol and the right stop symbol are each selected without care (S42). For example, if the losing symbol table is "0"
In the case where the random numbers of "0" to "9" are set in association with the random numbers "0" to "9", if the random number "2" is selected, the loss pattern "2" is selected.

Subsequently, the main CPU 112 selects one stop pattern from a stop pattern table in which a plurality of random numbers are associated with a plurality of stop patterns of a special symbol (S44). For example, the relationship between the random number set in the stop pattern table and the stop pattern is individually set for the case of a big hit and the case of a loss, and the relationship for the big hit is a random number “0” and a normal stop, Random number "1"
If the random reach "7" is selected in the case of ~ 6 and long reach and the random reach of &quot; 7 &quot; to &quot; 15 &quot;, the special reach is determined as the stop pattern. The reach means a state in which symbols other than the symbol that stops last stop together with the same symbol, and the symbol that stops last is variably displayed. In other words, it means a state one step before the big hit. In addition, the probability of a big hit in the order of normal stop, long reach, and special reach is increased, and the effects at the time of stop are elaborate.

Subsequently, the main CPU 112 transmits a variation start command for instructing the start of the variation display of the special symbol to the special symbol display device 32 (S46). Thereby, the special symbol display device 32 starts the variable display of the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol. Subsequently, the main CPU 112 resets a stop flag indicating that the fluctuation display of all symbols has stopped (S48), and determines whether the stop pattern selected in S44 is a reach pattern (S50).
Here, if it is a reach pattern (S50: Ye
s) The reach pattern flag indicating that the reach pattern has been selected is set (S52). The result of the determination as to whether or not the reach pattern flag is set is used in the later-described clean control.

Then, when the main CPU 112 determines that the fluctuation time of all the symbols has timed out (S54: Ye)
s) A special symbol stop process is performed according to the stop pattern selected in S44 (S56). In this stop processing, for example, when it is time to stop the left symbol, a left symbol stop command and a left symbol designating command are transmitted to the special symbol display device 32 to stop the left symbol and display the left stopped symbol. . Similarly, stop and stop symbols are displayed for the middle symbol and the right symbol. In the case of the reach pattern, an effect screen peculiar to reach is displayed and the last symbol is stopped. Subsequently, the main CPU 112
Sets the stop flag indicating that the fluctuation display of all symbols has stopped, and resets the reach flag (S
58), the current routine of the special symbol display process ends.

(Clown Control) Next, the flow of the crown control will be described with reference to FIG. Main CPU 11
2 determines whether or not the special symbol start storage number U1 is “4” (S60), and if it is “4” (S60: Ye).
s), the clutch drive solenoid 80 is turned on (S6).
2). As a result, the crunes 38 and 39 are moved to the state shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG.
The game ball P that has flowed down to 39 is received by each of the cloons and is reserved. When the main CPU 112 determines that the special symbol start storage number U1 is not “4” (S6
0: No), the clutch drive solenoid 80 is turned off (S64). As a result, the crunes 38 and 39 are moved in FIG.
As shown in (B), the game ball P which changes to a concave shape upward and is retained by the clunes 38 and 39 passes through the respective through holes 3.
8b and 39b. Therefore, the outflowing game balls P can be awarded to the first type starting port 27 provided below the center case 30 (FIG. 2) or the ordinary electric accessory 28 with both wings opened.

That is, the special symbol start storage number U1 is "4".
, When the game ball further type 1 starting port 2
7, or even if the player wins the open ordinary electric accessory 28, the special symbol starting storage number U1 cannot exceed "4", during which time the player fires a game ball, and the fired ball is fired. Can be reserved in the clunes 38, 39. After that, when the special symbol change display is started, the special symbol start storage number U1 is changed to S3 of the special symbol display process.
In step 4, the "1" is subtracted and the number becomes "3".
39 changes to an upward concave shape, and the held game ball P
Wins the first kind starting port 27 or the ordinary electric accessory 28 with both wings open, the special symbol starting memory number U is again
1 can be returned to “4”. At this time, Clune 3
Since the first-type starting port 27 and the normal electric accessory 28 are provided directly below 8, 39, the game balls P flowing out of the clunes 38, 39 can be removed with high probability from the first-type starting port 27 or both wings. The open ordinary electric accessory 28 can be awarded. Therefore, after the special symbol start storage number U1 becomes “4”, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the player interrupts the firing of the game ball.

Subsequently, the main CPU 112 determines whether or not the reach flag has been set in S52 of the above-mentioned special symbol display processing (S66). If the reach flag has been set (S66: Yes), the clean drive solenoid 8 is set.
0 is turned on (S68). As a result, the crune 38
As shown in FIG. 5 (A), 39 changes to a convex shape upward, and the game balls P flowing down to the clunes 38, 39 are received by the respective clunes and reserved. Then the main CP
U112 determines whether or not the stop flag is set in S58 of the special symbol display process (S70). If the stop flag is set (S70: Yes), the progress since the stop of the variable display of all symbols is performed. It is determined whether or not the time T has exceeded the time t1 (S72). The time t1 is the time required from the stop of the variable display of all the symbols to the opening of the special winning opening 41 in the case of a big hit.

If the elapsed time T is longer than the time t1 (S72: Yes), the clutch drive solenoid 80 is turned off (S74). As a result, the crunes 38, 39 change to a concave shape as shown in FIG. 5B, and the game balls P held by the clunes 38, 39 flow out from the through holes 38b, 39b. Therefore, if the special winning opening 41 is open at the big hit,
The outflowing game balls P are stored in the center case 30 (FIG. 2).
Can be awarded in the special winning opening 41 which is opened below the. At this time, as the number of the game balls P held by the clunes 38 and 39 increases, the number of the game balls P flowing out of the respective clunes increases. P increases.

As described above, when the reach pattern is selected, the crowns 38 and 39 change to a convex shape upward, and the crown 3 and the crown 3 open at the timing when the special winning opening 41 opens.
8 and 39 are changed to concave shapes upward,
Since the game balls P held at 9 can be discharged, the player can transfer as many game balls P as possible to the special winning opening 4.
In order to win 1, game balls are fired while the special symbol is displayed in a fluctuating manner, and many of the fired game balls P are to be retained in the clunes 38 and 39. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the player interrupts the launch of the game ball and waits for the result when reaching the reach.
The reach pattern is selected as the stop pattern, but in the case of losing, that is, even in the case of losing reach, the clune drive solenoid 80 is turned on (S68), and after a lapse of t1 time since the fluctuation display of all symbols is stopped (S70: Ye
s, S72: Yes), the clutch drive solenoid 80 is turned off (S74). If the reach flag has not been set (S66: No), the clutch drive solenoid 80 is turned off (S76).

[Effects of the First Embodiment] (1) As described above, if the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment is used, when the special symbol start storage number U1 becomes “4”,
By changing the crowns 38 and 39 to have a convex shape upward, the falling game balls P can be received and held. When the special symbol start storage number U1 is not “4”, the game balls reserved in the clunes 38, 39 can be caused to flow down by changing the clunes 38, 39 into concave shapes upward. Therefore, unlike the conventional game machine, there is no danger that the game will be monotonous as in the case of the pachinko machine in which the croon continuously performs a constant operation during the game.

(2) Moreover, when the special symbol start storage number U1 becomes "4", the crunes 38 and 39 change to a convex shape upward, and the special symbol start storage number U1 becomes less than "4". In this case, since the crunees 38 and 39 change to a concave shape upward, if there is a game ball held when the concave shape changes to the concave shape, the game ball flows down and the first type starting port 27 or It is highly probable that the special symbol start storage number U1 becomes "4" again after winning the open ordinary electric accessory 28, so the player has the special symbol start storage number U1 of "4". Even in this case, the game ball is fired, and immediately after the special symbol start storage number U1 becomes less than “4”,
Try to return to "4". Therefore, as in the prior art, when the special symbol start storage number U1 is "4", a situation occurs in which the player interrupts the firing of the game ball and tries to avoid wasteful consumption of the game ball. Can be difficult.

(3) When the reach pattern is selected as the stop pattern of the special symbol, that is, when the probability of occurrence of the big hit is high, the clunes 38, 39 are started from the start of the change of the special symbol until the large winning opening 41 is opened. Is changed to a convex shape upward, so that when the special winning opening 41 is opened, the player is required to allow a large number of game balls to flow down from the clunes 38 and 39 to win the special winning opening 41. The game ball is fired even while the symbol is displayed in a fluctuating manner. Therefore,
As in the related art, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the emission of the game balls is interrupted until the special symbol is stopped to avoid wasteful consumption of the game balls.

(4) Further, since the crunes 38, 39 change to a convex shape or a concave shape upward, the game balls can be held or the held game balls can flow down. With a simple and simple structure, the holding and flowing down of the game ball can be controlled. In addition, since it is possible to produce a movement different from that of the conventional structure in which the rear end of the distribution member 508 is moved up and down with the rear end of the distribution member 508 as a rotation axis, the player can play a game with freshness that has never been seen before. it can. (5) Further, by driving the clune driving solenoid 80 to extend and retract the plunger 81, the clune 3 attached to the tip of the plunger 81 is extended.
8, 39 can be changed to an upwardly convex or concave shape. Therefore, the operation of the crowns 38 and 39 can be controlled by simple binary control for turning on and off the crown driving solenoid 80, so that the structure is relatively simpler than the conventional structure driven by a motor. And control is relatively easy.

<Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a back side mechanism of a center case provided in the pachinko machine of the second embodiment, and FIG.
Explanatory drawing showing a state where the door member is turned obliquely upward, FIG.
(B) is an explanatory view showing a state where the door member has turned obliquely downward. Since the front mechanism of the center case has the same structure as the front mechanism 33 provided in the center case 30 of the first embodiment, illustration and description are omitted.

Back side mechanism 90 provided in center case
On both sides of the housing 91, there are formed flow-down passages 91a through which game balls guided along the arrow F4 flow. In front of the lower part of the special symbol display device 32 provided on the back side mechanism 90, a horizontally long plate-shaped door member 92 is provided.
However, the rear end is rotatably fixed to the shaft.
Between the downflow opening of the downflow passage 91a and the door member 92, there are formed guide portions 91b each having an arc-shaped cross section which swells downward toward the end of the door member 92. Door member 92
When the door member drive solenoid (not shown) is turned on, the tip is rotated so that its tip is raised by a predetermined angle (for example, 30 degrees) as shown in FIG. In this state, the game ball P that has flowed down from the flow-down passage 91a to the guide portion 91b is prevented from flowing forward by the turned door member 92 and is retained. Further, when the door member driving solenoid is turned off, the door member 92 rotates so that its tip is lowered by a predetermined angle (for example, 5 degrees) as shown in FIG. In this state, the game ball P held by the door member 92 is released from the hold, rolls on the upper surface of the door member 92, and flows down in the direction indicated by F5 in the drawing.
The ON / OFF control of the door member 92 is performed in the same manner as in the control of the first embodiment.

[Effects of the Second Embodiment] As described above, when the pachinko machine of the second embodiment is used, the door member 92 is controlled by controlling the door member 92 in the same manner as the clunes 38 and 39 of the first embodiment. The game ball can be held, and the held game ball can flow down. Further, since the door member 92 opens and closes in a door manner, it is possible to give the player a fresh taste different from the crunes 38 and 39 of the first embodiment, which changes to a convex shape or a concave shape upward.

<Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram showing a back side mechanism of a center case provided in the pachinko machine according to the third embodiment, and FIG.
Explanatory drawing showing a state where the door member is turned obliquely upward, FIG.
(B) is an explanatory view showing a state where the door member has turned obliquely downward. Since the front mechanism of the center case has the same structure as the front mechanism 33 provided in the center case 30 of the first embodiment, illustration and description are omitted.

Back side mechanism 95 provided in the center case
On both sides of the housing 96, there are formed flow-down passages 96a through which game balls guided along the arrow F4 flow. In the lower front of the special symbol display device 32 provided in the back side mechanism 95, horizontally long rollers 97, 98 are provided with their peripheral surfaces facing each other. Roller 9
7, 98 are rotatably fixed at both ends, and each rotating shaft is connected to a drive shaft of a motor via a transmission mechanism (not shown). The transmission mechanism includes a roller 9
7 is provided with a mechanism for switching the rotation direction, and switches the rotation direction according to a command from the main CPU 112.

Between the flow outlet of the flow-down passage 96a and the end of each rotor, there is formed a guide portion 96b having an arc-shaped cross section which swells downward toward the end. The rollers 97 and 98 are driven by the motor described above to
As shown by the arrows in FIG.
In this state, the game balls P that have flowed down from the flow-down passage 96a to the guide portion 96b are retained at the dip portions formed on the upper surfaces of the rollers 97 and 98 that rotate in opposite directions. Also,
By switching the transmission mechanism, the roller 97 is moved as shown in FIG.
As shown in (B), the rotation direction is reversed. In this state, since the rotation directions of the rollers 97 and 98 are the same, the game ball P held on each roller is released from the holding, and rolls on the upper surface of the roller 97 in the direction indicated by F5 in the figure. Flow down. Note that the rotation control of the rollers 97 and 98 is performed in the same manner as in the clean control in the first embodiment.

[Effects of the third embodiment] As described above, if the pachinko machine of the third embodiment is used, the rollers 97 and 98 can be controlled in the same manner as the clunes 38 and 39 of the first embodiment. Thereby, the holding of the game ball and the flow of the held game ball can be performed. Further, according to the pachinko machine of the third embodiment, the game balls are held on the rotating rollers 97 and 98, and by switching the rotation direction of the rollers 97, the held game balls flow down. A game ball is retained on a roller, and the crowns 38, 39 of the first embodiment in which the game ball changes into a convex shape or a concave shape upward, or
A fresh taste different from the door member 92 of the second embodiment can be given to the player.

[Other Embodiments] (1) In the first embodiment, the game balls are held by changing the clunes 38, 39 into a convex shape upward, and held by changing the crunes 38, 39 upward into a concave shape. Although the configuration for releasing is described, the guide ball 37b formed upright around the outside of the crows 38, 39 and the through-holes 38b, 39b are not formed. When the game ball is retained and changes to a convex shape upward, the game ball retained in the concave portion may be caused to flow down from around the clunes 38 and 39. Further, on the upper surfaces of the clunes 38 and 39, one or a plurality of through holes may be formed at locations near the ends, and the game balls may flow down from the through holes.

(2) In the first embodiment, the case where the crowns 38 and 39 are changed to a convex shape when the reach pattern is selected has been described. However, when the reach state is actually reached, the change is made. It can also be done. Also, when a specific reach pattern is selected, the clunes 38, 3
9 can also be changed to a convex shape upward. (3) Further, the crowns 38 and 39 can be changed into a convex shape or a concave shape while the big hit round is being digested. (4) When the special symbol start storage number U1 becomes a numerical value other than the maximum value, the crowns 38, 39 can be changed to an upwardly convex shape.

(5) The number of the crows may be one, or three or more. Further, a plurality of door members 92 may be provided. Furthermore, while providing only one roller 97,
A concave portion or the like curved downward is provided at the rear of the roller 97, and when the roller 97 is rotating in the direction shown in FIG. 11A, the game ball P is held between the peripheral surface of the roller 97 and the concave portion. Then, by rotating the roller 97 in the direction shown in FIG. 11 (B), the reserved game ball P can be made to flow down. (6) Retaining means such as the clunes 38 and 39 may be provided above a normal winning opening or a normal symbol operation gate. (7) The crowns 38 and 39 may be formed of a flexible material such as resin or rubber, in addition to metal. (8) In the above embodiments, the first type of pachinko machine has been described as an example of the gaming machine of the present invention.
It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to game machines such as a kind of pachinko machine, a third kind of pachinko machine, an arrangement ball, a sparrow ball and the like.

[Correspondence between Claims and Embodiments] The special symbol corresponds to the image described in claim 1, and the special symbol display device 32 corresponds to the image display means. The big hit symbol corresponds to a predetermined image, and the state in which the big hit occurs corresponds to a state advantageous to the player. In addition, Kruen 38,
39 or the door member 92 or the rollers 97 and 98
Corresponds to the holding means. Further, a state in which the crowns 38, 39 have changed to an upwardly convex shape, a state in which the tip of the door member 92 has been lifted upward, and a state in which the rollers 97, 98 have been rotated in opposite directions correspond to the first state. 38,39
The state in which the upper part has changed to a concave shape, the state in which the tip of the door member 92 is lowered, and the state in which the rollers 97 and 98 rotate in the same direction correspond to a second state. In addition, the first type starting port 27,
Alternatively, the opened ordinary electric accessory 28 corresponds to a predetermined area according to the second aspect. Further, the opening / closing member 43 corresponds to the opening means of the third aspect, and the guide portion 37b corresponds to the side wall of the fifth aspect.

The clean control (S60 to S76 (FIG. 9) executed by the main CPU 112 functions as the control means according to the first aspect and corresponds to the control processing according to the seventh aspect. A computer program including the processing of steps S76 to S76 corresponds to the computer program according to claim 7, and the ROM 114 in which the computer program is recorded corresponds to the recording medium according to claim 8. Further, S1 executed by the main CPU 112
0 to S14 (FIG. 7) function as the passage number storage means.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective explanatory view showing an appearance of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a game board 5 provided in the pachinko machine 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a main configuration of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a center case 30 provided on the game board 5 shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory longitudinal sectional view of the clunes 38, 39 and guide portions 37b, 37b shown in FIG.
4A is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the crowns 38 and 39 have changed to an upwardly convex shape, and FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the crowns 38 and 39 have changed to an upwardly concave shape.

FIG. 5 (A) is an explanatory view showing a state in which game balls 38 and 39 are holding game balls, and FIG. 5 (B) shows a state where game balls are flowing down from the game machines 38 and 39. FIG.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an electric configuration of the pachinko machine 1 by blocks.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a first type start-up process executed by a main CPU 112;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of a special symbol display process executed by the main CPU 112.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a clean control executed by the main CPU 112;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a back side mechanism of a center case provided in the pachinko machine according to the second embodiment;
(A) is an explanatory view showing a state where the door member has turned obliquely upward, and FIG. 10 (B) is an explanatory view showing a state where the door member has turned obliquely downward.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a back side mechanism of a center case provided in the pachinko machine according to the third embodiment;
(A) is an explanatory view showing a state where the door member has turned diagonally upward, and FIG. 11 (B) is an explanatory view showing a state where the door member has turned diagonally downward.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory front view of a game board provided in a conventional pachinko machine.

13 (A) is a front explanatory view of a center case provided on the game board shown in FIG. 12, and FIG.
FIG. 13B is an explanatory sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine (gaming machine) 5 Game board 32 Special symbol display device (image display means) 37b Guide part (side wall) 38, 39 Clune (holding means) 41 Opening / closing member (opening means) 80 Solenoid 81 Plunger 112 Main CPU 112 114 ROM (recoding media)

Claims (8)

[Claims] An image display means for variably displaying images is provided on a game board, and when an image variably displayed by the image display means is determined to be a predetermined image, a game state which is advantageous to a player is provided. In the gaming machine changing to a state, a holding means operating in a first state for receiving and holding a game ball flowing down on the board of the game board, and a second state for flowing the held game ball down, A game machine comprising: control means for controlling the holding means to operate in the first state or the second state when the game state becomes a predetermined game state. 2. The game machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a passing number storage unit configured to store a number of game balls passing through a predetermined area provided on the game board. An image is variably displayed, and the holding unit is provided at a position for receiving a game ball flowing down toward the predetermined area, and the control unit determines that a storage number of the passing number storage unit has reached a predetermined number. In the case, the holding unit is operated in the first state, and when the storage number of the passage number storage unit is less than the predetermined number, the holding unit is operated in the second state. The gaming machine according to claim 1. 3. The game board includes an opening means for opening a prize hole so that a game ball can be easily won when a game state changes to a game state advantageous to the player. Is provided at a position for receiving a game ball flowing down toward the opening means, and the control means operates the holding means in the second state when the opening means opens the winning opening. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the holding unit is operated in the first state when the opening unit closes the winning opening. 4. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the holding unit to operate in the first state when the possibility that the image display unit displays the predetermined image increases. 3. The gaming machine according to 3. 5. The holding means changes to an upwardly convex shape in the first state, changes to an upwardly concave shape in the second state, and a game ball can flow down substantially at the center. And a side wall formed to rise upward so as to surround the periphery of the holding member. When the holding member changes to the convex shape, the holding member 2. The game ball that has flowed down is retained by the upper surface and the side wall, and the retained game ball is caused to flow down from the through hole by changing the retaining member into the concave shape. A gaming machine according to any one of claims 4 to 5. 6. The holding means includes a solenoid having a tip of a plunger attached to a predetermined location of the holding member, and the control means drives the solenoid to extend and retract the plunger. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the member is operated in the first state or the second state. 7. An image display means provided on a game board, a first state in which game balls flowing down on the board surface of the game board are received and held, and a second state in which game balls held down are flowed down. And a holding unit that operates in a state where the game state changes to a game state advantageous to the player when the image variably displayed by the image display unit is determined to be a predetermined image. And a control process for controlling the holding means to operate in the first state or the second state when the game state becomes a predetermined game state. A computer program characterized by including a computer program to be executed by a computer. 8. A first state in which an image display means provided on a game board, a first state in which game balls flowing down on the board of the game board are received and held, and a second state in which held game balls flow down. And a holding unit that operates in a state where the game state changes to a game state advantageous to the player when the image variably displayed by the image display unit is determined to be a predetermined image. A computer-readable recording medium storing a computer program for causing the storage means to operate in the first state or the second state when the game state has changed to a predetermined game state. A recording medium on which a computer program for causing a computer to execute a control process for controlling is recorded.