JP2005198805A - Combination type game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a combination type game machine which can give variation to the details of a game by varying conditions which are set at the start of the game. <P>SOLUTION: In the case when scoring is not effected though a scoring increasing device operates, a high probability flag is set as ON and a next game is started. When the high probability flag is set as ON, the game is started in a state wherein the probability of a game ball passing through an operating area of an inductive increasing device is enhanced. On the occasion when prescribed conditions, such that the scoring is not yet effected though the scoring increasing device operates, are brought about, an operation of a second variable ball inlet which opens when the game ball passes through an accessory inductive device operating gate is delayed. After a disadvantageous state for a player that scoring is hard to be effected is brought about, according to this constitution, an advantageous state for the player that high scoring becomes easy to achieve can be effected and therefore large variation can be given to the details of the game. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention ends one unit game (game) by firing a predetermined number of game balls on the game board, and pays out a prize ball corresponding to the score obtained during the unit game to the player. The present invention relates to a combination type gaming machine.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a combination type gaming machine (arranged ball gaming machine) is known in which one unit game is ended by firing a prescribed number (for example, 15 or 16) of gaming balls on the gaming board. . This combination-type gaming machine is configured so that when a game ball that has been launched enters a predetermined entrance, a corresponding winning symbol is lit and displayed. A combination of winning symbols corresponding to the combination of the ball openings is displayed. When the displayed winning symbol combination is a predetermined symbol combination, a score is given, and a game is played by paying out a winning ball corresponding to the score to the player.

  Further, some conventional combination-type gaming machines include a variable display device that displays a plurality of identification symbols in a variable stop state, and the identification symbols that are stopped and displayed on the variable display device have become predetermined specific symbols. In some cases, a gaming machine configured to easily obtain a score is also known (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-291989 A

  However, in such a combination type gaming machine, it is difficult to perform various presentations by incorporating a lot of reach actions as shown in, for example, a pachinko gaming machine, in a variable display performed by a variable display device. As a result, there was a problem that the game became monotonous. This is because, when various effects such as a reach action are performed, the fluctuation time is suddenly increased, and it is not possible to proceed to the next unit game, and the operating rate of the gaming machine may be lowered.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and the game content is greatly changed by changing the start condition of the next unit game according to the condition at the end of the unit game. It is an object of the present invention to provide a combination type gaming machine that can eliminate the monotonous game and thereby enhance the interest of the player.

In order to solve at least a part of the problems described above, the combination game machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
On a gaming board provided with a plurality of entrance areas where game balls can enter and a prize information display means for displaying prize information corresponding to the entrance of game balls into the entrance areas, a predetermined number of When a unit ball game is performed by firing a game ball and a score is established based on the combination of winning information displayed on the winning information display means in this one unit game, the award game value determined according to the score A combination-type gaming machine that provides
A variable display means configured to be capable of displaying a plurality of patterns of guide symbols, and when the game ball passes through the guide symbol operation gate, the guide symbols are variably stopped and displayed;
When the guide symbol stopped and displayed by the variable display means is a specific symbol, the first variable entrance is opened and a game ball enters the first variable entrance, Alternatively, a first variable pitching means for returning the first variable pitching slot from the open state when a predetermined number of unit games are completed,
When a game ball that has entered the first variable entrance has passed a predetermined special area, the game state is changed to generate a special game state that is relatively advantageous to the player. Special game state generating means;
A prize game value increasing means for increasing the prize game value with respect to the prize information displayed in the unit game when a game ball enters a predetermined entry area among the plurality of entry areas;
When the special game state generating means is operated, when the game ball passes through the accessory guidance device operation gate, the second variable entrance is opened, and when the game ball enters the second variable entrance, the first A second variable entry means for returning the 22 variable entry openings from the open state;
The special game state generating means is for the unit game after the next time when the award game value increasing means is activated during the one unit game and the score is not established during the game. Until the game is a means for increasing the probability that the game ball will pass through the special area,
The second variable pitching means opens the second variable pitching slot when the game ball passes through the accessory guidance device operating gate under a predetermined condition and the predetermined condition is not satisfied. It is characterized by being a means for releasing after a delay.

  In such a combination type gaming machine, when the identification symbol is stopped and displayed with a specific symbol by the variable display means, the first variable entrance is in an open state, which makes it easy for the game ball to enter. It becomes easy to get a score. In addition, when a game ball that has entered the first variable entrance has passed a predetermined special area, a special game state that is relatively advantageous to the player is entered, and in this special game state, the game ball When passing through the accessory guidance device operation gate, the second variable ball entry means is activated to open the second variable ball entrance, and as a result, it becomes easier to obtain points. Further, when a game ball enters a predetermined predetermined entrance area among a plurality of entrance areas provided, a prize game value obtained by the unit game is obtained as a result of the award game value increasing means operating. It will increase further. However, there may be cases where it is difficult to get points in unit games. Therefore, in the case where a score is not established in a unit game despite the fact that the award game value increasing means is in operation, the game ball is kept in the special game until the score is established in the next unit game. The game content can be changed by increasing the probability of passing through the area.

  Here, when the unit game is about to end without the score being established while the prize game value increasing means is operating, the score can be easily established if the second variable entrance is opened. It will be difficult to change. Therefore, when the game ball passes through the accessory guidance device operation gate during the predetermined condition, the operation of the second variable ball entry means is delayed. In this way, the opening of the second variable entrance is delayed and it is difficult to establish a score, so that it is possible to reliably change the game content.

  In such a combination type gaming machine, when the game ball passes through the special area, a special game is performed in a predetermined number of unit games. When the following predetermined condition is satisfied, the second variable entry gate It is also possible to delay the release of. That is, if the score is not yet established when the game ball passes through the accessory guidance device operation gate during the final special game, the second variable entrance is delayed and opened. Also good.

  If the opening of the second variable entrance is delayed, the score becomes difficult to establish. However, in the case of a unit game in which the special game state is the final round, and if the score is not established when the game ball passes through the accessory guidance device operation gate, the award game value is increased without establishing the score as it is. By activating the means and ending the unit game, the probability that the game ball will pass through the special area increases until a score is established in the unit game after the end of the special game state. It is possible to easily generate a special game state. In this way, by making it difficult to achieve points in the unit game in which the special game state is the final round, a disadvantageous state for the player is once created, and the unit game that follows the end of the special game state is advantageous for the player. Since it can be in a state, it becomes possible to make a big change in the game content. Thereby, it becomes possible to greatly improve the interest of the player.

  In the above-mentioned combination type gaming machine, when the award game value increasing means is activated during the one unit game, and when no score is obtained during the game, the score will be calculated in the next and subsequent unit games. Until it is established, the probability that the identification symbol is stopped and displayed with a specific symbol may be increased.

  As described above, if the opening of the second variable entrance is delayed, it is difficult to obtain a score. Therefore, it is easy to cause a situation where the award game value increasing means is operating but a score is not obtained. Become. In such a case, if the probability that the identification symbol is stopped and displayed with a specific symbol is increased, it becomes easier for the game ball to enter the first variable entrance, so that the game ball passes through the special area. It becomes easy to do. As a result, coupled with increasing the probability that the game ball will pass through the special area, it becomes possible to generate a special game state with a high probability in the next unit game, and the special game state continues. Therefore, it is possible to greatly increase the interest of the player, which is preferable.

Hereinafter, in order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, examples will be described in the following order.
A. Arrangeball machine configuration:
A-1. overall structure:
A-2. Guide rail and launcher unit structure:
A-3. Game board configuration:
A-3. Back side structure:
B. Electronic controller configuration:
B-1. overall structure:
B-2. Configuration of payout control unit:
B-3. Configuration of launch control unit:
B-4. Sound lamp controller configuration:
B-5. Configuration of design control unit:
B-6. Game confirmation time:
C. Overview of game ball launch control:
D. Overview of overall control of pachinko machines:
D-1. Main job overview:
D-2. Power-on processing:
D-3. Game start processing:
D-4. Game management process:
D-5. Winning symbol processing:
D-6. Game processing:
D-7. Score increaser processing:
D-8. Induction increaser processing:
D-9. Guidance symbol and accessory guidance device processing:
D-10. Power failure occurrence processing:
D-11. Second actor operation start processing:
D-12. Setting process at game start:
E. Variation:

A. Arrange ball machine configuration:
A-1. overall structure :
FIG. 1 is a front view of an arrange ball gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a gaming machine) 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the gaming machine 1 includes a main body frame 2, a middle frame 3, a front frame 4, an upper plate portion 5, a lower plate portion 6, a locking device 9, a game board 20, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 20 is omitted. Further, the middle frame 3 is not clearly shown in FIG. 1 because the front frame 4 and the like are arranged on the front side.

  The main body frame 2 is formed by assembling a wooden plate-like body into a substantially rectangular frame shape, and constitutes an outer frame of the gaming machine 1. Inside the main body frame 2, a plastic middle frame 3 is pivotally supported at the left end and is fitted in a state in which the main body frame 2 can be opened and closed. A portion that occupies about 2/3 of the middle frame 3 is a frame body portion, and a portion that occupies about 1/3 of the lower side is a lower plate portion.

  In addition to the upper plate part 5 and the lower plate part 6, the lower plate part occupying the lower side of the middle frame 3 includes a launcher unit 10 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) and a ball feeder 12 (see FIG. 7). , A ball feed count switch, a firing ball count switch, a detection switch, a speaker 266 (see FIG. 27), and the like are provided. The launcher unit 10 constitutes a game ball launching unit that launches a game ball onto the game board 20, and the ball feeder 12 supplies the game ball to the launcher unit. The game ball supplied to the launcher unit 10 is detected by a ball feed count switch, and the game ball to be launched is detected by a shot ball count switch. Of the game balls launched from the launcher unit 10, a game ball that has not reached the surface of the game board 20 is detected by a foul ball detection switch. The speaker 266 of the present embodiment is configured to include a medium / high-frequency speaker (tweeter) and a low-frequency speaker (woofer), and can generate sound effects according to the gaming state. Details of the upper plate portion 5 and the lower plate portion 6 will be described later.

  On the other hand, a game board 20 is provided on the front side of the frame body portion that occupies the upper side of the middle frame 3, and a front frame 4 is provided on the front side. The front frame 4 can be opened and closed at the left end of the middle frame 3. Is pivotally supported. The front frame 4 is formed with a circular opening 4a so that the board surface of the game board 20 arranged on the back side can be seen, and a transparent plate such as a glass plate is fitted into the opening 4a. It is.

  The front frame 4 is made of a plastic material, and as a lamp for gaming effects, the left LED display unit 4b, the right LED display unit 4c, the upper left LED display unit 4d, the upper right LED display unit 4e, and the upper LED display A portion 4f is provided. The left LED display portion 4b and the right LED display portion 4c are provided in a circular arc shape on the right side and the left side around the opening 4a, respectively. The upper left LED display portion 4d is provided at the upper left of the left LED display portion 4a, and the upper right LED display portion 4e is provided at the upper right of the right LED display portion 4c. The upper LED display portion 4f is formed in a circular shape, and two upper LED display portions 4f are provided for the upper end portion of the left LED display portion 4b and the upper end portion of the right LED display portion 4c. These LED display portions 4a to 4f are turned on / off or blinking according to the progress of the game in order to enhance the gaming effect.

  In addition, two prize ball LED display portions 4g are provided between the two upper LED display portions 4f. A sector-shaped error LED display unit 4h is provided above the prize ball display LED display unit 4g. The error LED display section 4h of the present embodiment lights or blinks in red when a severe error occurs and in orange when a minor error occurs. Here, a severe error is an error when, for example, it is necessary to work with the front frame 4 opened for recovery, or when parts need to be replaced. Is any other error.

  The front frame 4 is provided with a door switch (not shown). When it is detected by the door switch that the front frame 4 has been opened for a predetermined time (in this example, 1 second) or longer, the payout control unit 230, which will be described later, determines that a front frame open error has occurred, and an error has occurred. The LED display unit 4h is lit in orange, and the launching unit 10 stops firing. The front frame opening error is canceled when it is detected by the door switch that the front frame 4 is closed for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) or more. An error signal related to opening the front frame 4 is not transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200 described later.

  Below the front frame 4, an upper plate portion 5 provided on a lower plate portion of the middle frame 3 is pivotally supported on the left end side so as to be openable and closable with respect to the middle frame 3. The upper dish portion 5 is provided with a dish-shaped recess and a dish outer edge portion 5a formed so as to surround the recess. The game ball is thrown into a recess formed in the upper plate part 5 and supplied to a launcher unit described later. In addition to the game ball lending button, the return button, and the like, the dish outer edge 5a is provided with a discharge button 5b for discharging the inserted game ball. A mechanism for discharging the game ball is provided. Furthermore, a first sound output unit 5y is formed at a substantially central portion of the upper plate portion 5 and has a plurality of long holes and a plurality of small holes formed thereon. The first audio output unit 5y is connected to a middle / high tone speaker (tweeter) of the speakers 266 via a duct, and the sound from the middle / high tone speaker is output via the duct. A volume switch board 267 (see FIG. 27) is provided on the back surface of the upper plate part 5.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided below the upper plate part 5. A discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1 is provided in the approximate center of the lower plate part 6. In addition, a ball game hole (not shown) is provided on the bottom surface of the lower plate portion 6. The ball removal hole is normally closed, and is opened when the game ball stored in the lower dish portion 6 is discharged.

  A discharge knob 6b that opens and closes the ball removal hole is provided on the substantially center front side of the lower dish portion 6. The discharge knob 6 b constitutes a part of the peripheral edge of the lower plate part 6. The discharge knob 6b is normally in an upright state, and can be rotated so that the upper end is tilted to the near side with the lower end as a rotation axis. The ball hole is linked to the discharge knob 6b. When the discharge knob 6b is in an upright state, the ball hole is closed, and the ball hole is opened by tilting the discharge knob 6b to the front side.

  The discharge knob 6b is configured as a pull lock type. When the player operates to scrape out the game balls accumulated in the lower plate portion 6 to the front side, the discharge knob 6b rotates to the front side around the rotation axis and is locked in this state. At the same time, the ball hole is opened in conjunction with the rotation of the discharge knob 6 b, and the game ball is discharged from the lower plate part 6. By pushing the discharge knob 6b again, the lock is released, the discharge knob 6b can be returned to its original state, and the ball hole is closed.

  A second audio output unit 6c is provided on the lower surface of the right and left sides of the discharge knob 6b in the lower plate part 6. The second audio output unit 6c is connected to a low-frequency speaker (woofer) among the speakers 266 via a duct, and the audio from the low-frequency speaker is output downward. An ashtray 7 is also provided on the left side of the lower dish portion 6.

  On the other hand, at the right end of the lower plate part 6, a launching handle 8 is provided for the player to operate the launching unit 10 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a for detecting that the player is touching. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed. Note that the firing stop switch 8b of the present embodiment is provided in the touch switch circuit and is electrically connected to the touch switch 8a.

  The locking device 9 is provided at the center of the right end of the middle frame 3 and is used to lock the front frame 4 when it is closed. A prepaid card unit 13 <CR unit> is mounted on the left side of the gaming machine 1.

A-2. Guide rail and launcher unit structure:
Next, a guide rail and a launcher unit for guiding the game ball will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the middle frame 3 as seen from the front side, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the middle frame 3 as seen from the back side. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the firing rail 11.

  As shown in FIG. 2, an outer rail 22 is provided on the middle frame 3. The outer rail 22 constitutes a guide rail that guides a game ball onto the game board 20 together with a later-described middle rail 23 (see FIG. 8) formed on the game board 20. The outer rail 22 is formed by bending a plate-like member into an arc shape (see FIG. 3). The outer rail 22 is partially bent at right angles with respect to the plate surface to form attachment portions (screw fastening portions) 22a and 22b. Screw holes are formed in the attachment portions 22a and 22b.

  The middle frame 3 is formed with a substantially arc-shaped rail mounting portion 3a. The outer rail 22 can be fixed to the inner frame 3 by fitting the outer rail 22 inside the rail mounting portion 3a and screwing the mounting portions 22a and 22b to the rail mounting portion 3a. Thus, if it attaches to the inner frame 3 using the attaching parts 22a and 22b formed by bending a part of the outer rail 22, a fixing member for fixing the outer rail 22 to the inner frame 3 is used separately. Since it is not necessary, the number of parts can be reduced and the assembling work can be easily performed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the firing rail 11 is provided at the lower right of the outer rail 22. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the above-mentioned launch ball count switch 221 is provided at the launch position of the game ball on the launch rail 11.

  FIGS. 2 and 3 show a state in which the above-described launcher unit 10 is attached to the middle frame 3. The launcher unit 10 includes a spear 10a (see FIG. 2) that reciprocates around the rotation axis to strike a game ball, a stopper portion 10b, 10c (FIG. 2) that restricts the rotation of the spear 10a, and a spear 10a. A spring portion 10d (FIG. 3), a motor portion 10f (FIG. 3), and the like are provided. The motor unit 10f has a built-in launch motor, and the cam 10e fixed to the rotation shaft of the motor rotates, so that a striking force is continuously generated on the rod 10a.

  The handle shaft 10g (FIG. 2) is connected to the firing handle 8 described above. When the player rotates the handle 8, the rotational motion is converted into a linear motion by the pinion 10h and the rack 10i (FIG. 3). The rack 10i transmits the operation amount of the launch handle 8 by the player to the spring portion 10d.

  FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the pinion 10h and the rack 10i when the firing handle 8 is not rotated. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the pinion 10h and the rack 10i when the firing handle 8 is rotated. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a launch start switch 10j is provided in the vicinity of the rack 10i. The launch start switch 10j is configured such that the output is switched on and off by the movement of the rack 10i that moves linearly. In this embodiment, a limit switch is used as the firing start switch 10j.

  The firing start switch 10j is provided at a position where the player turns on / off when the player rotates the firing handle 8 by a predetermined angle or more and the rack 10i comes to a predetermined launch start position most suitable for launching the game ball. ing. The firing start switch 10j of the present embodiment is on output (High) when the firing handle 8 is not operated, and is turned off (Low) when the player operates the firing handle 8, that is, when the player rotates it more than a predetermined angle. Switch to

  The spring portion 10d incorporates a spring as an elastic body. One end of the spring is connected to the rotating shaft of the flange 10a and the other end is connected to the rack 10i. The rack 10i constitutes a spring slider portion that adjusts the spring force (repulsive force) of the spring (spiral spring) by linear motion. The spring force of the spring spring acts in a direction to move the tip of the flange 10a toward the firing position. The cage 10a is pressed against the stopper portions 10b and 10c by the spring force of the mainspring at a normal time when the game ball is not being launched. At this time, the tip of the basket 10a is located at the launch position immediately before the game ball. The tip of the heel 10a is positioned in front of the firing ball count switch 221 as shown in FIG. In addition, the contact part with the collar 10a in the stopper parts 10b and 10c is comprised from the elastic member.

  In this embodiment, a stepping motor driven by a micro step is used as a firing motor of the motor unit 10f. The stepping motor is driven by a drive pulse signal having a predetermined frequency. By adopting such a micro step driving stepping motor, it is possible to reduce the vibration.

  Moreover, the engaging part (not shown) which contacts the cam 10e is provided in the rotating shaft of the collar 10a. As the firing motor rotates, the cam 10e presses the engaging portion of the flange 10a, and the flange 10a is pulled away from the firing position while compressing the spring. When the cam 10e rotates to a predetermined firing angle, the cam 10e and the hook 10a are disengaged from each other, and the hook 10a is swung out by the spring force of the mainspring spring. As a result, the tip of the basket 10a can hit (fire) the game ball at the launch position. The flange 10a rotates until it comes into contact with the stopper portions 10b and 10c. When the flange 10a collides, the stopper portions 10b and 10c are elastically deformed and stop the rotational movement of the flange 10a.

  Thus, every time the launch motor makes one revolution, one game ball is launched. The above operation is repeated by continuously rotating the launch motor, and game balls can be continuously fired.

  The motor unit 10f is provided with an origin sensor (not shown) for detecting that the firing motor rotation axis is at the origin position (origin angle). As the origin sensor, for example, an optical sensor can be used. In the present embodiment, the origin is defined as a position rotated by a predetermined angle (for example, 15 to 200) from a predetermined launch angle at which the kite 10a is swung out.

  The player can adjust the striking force (launching force) of the game ball by the kite 10a by adjusting the rotation amount of the firing handle 8. That is, when the player rotates the firing handle 8, the rack 10i linearly moves through the handle shaft 10g and the pinion 10h connected to the handle shaft 10g. Since the rack 10i is connected to the spring of the spring portion 10d, it is possible to change the launching force of the game ball by the basket 10a by changing the spring force of the spring according to the amount of movement of the rack 10i.

  Here, the ball feeder 12 will be described with reference to FIG. The ball feeding device 12 has a function of supplying the game ball thrown into the game ball throwing portion of the upper plate portion 5 described above to the launch position of the launch race 11. FIGS. 7A to 7C are a front view and a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the ball feeder 12. The game balls stored in the upper plate part 5 are supplied to the launch position of the launch rail 11 by the operation of the ball feeder 12. As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the ball feeding device 12 is provided with a ball feeding cam 12b. When the ball feed solenoid 12a drives the ball feed cam 12b, the game balls of the upper plate portion 5 are supplied one by one to the launch position of the launch rail 11.

  FIG. 7A shows a state where the ball feed solenoid 12a is turned off. When the ball feed solenoid 12a is turned off, the ball feed cam 12b rotates to a position that closes the supply port from the upper plate part 5. As a result, the game ball of the upper plate part 5 cannot be received.

  FIG. 7B shows a state in which the ball feed solenoid 12a is turned on. When the ball feed solenoid 12a is turned on, the ball feed cam 12b rotates in the reverse direction, and the game ball is supplied from the upper plate portion 5 through the blocked supply port, and a recess provided in the ball feed cam 12b. Flow into. However, since the recess is only one game ball in size, when the ball feed solenoid 12a is turned on, only one game ball is supplied from the upper plate 5 to the recess of the ball feed cam 12b. Become.

  FIG. 7C shows a state where the ball feed solenoid 12a is turned off again. When the ball feed solenoid 12a is turned off, the ball feed cam 12b rotates again to a position that closes the supply port from the upper plate part 5. At this time, the game ball received in the recess is supplied to the launch rail 11. That is, only one game ball is supplied to the launch rail 11.

  Thus, each time the ball feed solenoid 12a is turned on from off, only one game ball is received in the recess of the ball feed cam 12b, and each time the ball feed solenoid 12a is turned off from on, the ball feed solenoid 12a is turned on. A game ball that has been received in the recess of the cam 12 b is supplied to the firing rail 11.

A-3. Game board configuration:
Next, the configuration of the game board 2d will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a front view schematically showing the board surface of the game board 20. The game board 20 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the game board 20 is provided with a substantially circular game area 21 formed by an outer rail 22 and an inner rail 23. A special game device (special game state generating means) 36 is provided at the center of the game area 21, and a 16-continuous entrance (entrance area) 24 and 16-continuous entrance are provided below the special game device 36. The LED display unit (winning information display means) 25 is located above the special game device 36, the first accessory operating port (first variable entrance) 32, and the symbol display device (variable display means) on the left. 31 is provided with a second accessory operating port (second variable entrance) 33 on the right side. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, three obstacle nails 32g and 33g are provided above the first accessory operating port 32 and the second accessory operating port 33, respectively. As long as the first accessory operating port 32 and the second accessory operating port 33 are not opened, it is impossible to enter the game ball. A guide symbol operating gate 29 is provided above the symbol display device 31, and a left entrance (entrance region) 26 is provided below the symbol display device 31. A right entrance (entrance area) 27 is provided above the second accessory operating port 33, and an accessory guidance device operating gate 30 is provided further above. The 16 consecutive entrance 24, the left entrance 26, the guide symbol operating gate 29, the accessory guide operating gate 30, the first accessory operating port 32, and the second accessory operating port 33 are not shown. An incoming ball detection switch is provided, and it is possible to detect the incoming or passing of a game ball. In this embodiment, the description will be made on the assumption that the 16 consecutive entrance holes 24 are constituted by 16 entrance openings. However, the 16 entrance balls 24 are composed of 16 entrance openings. However, it is not limited to the above, and for example, it is possible to use a 15-throw ball entrance composed of 15 entrances.

  The entrance (the 16th entrance) at the right end of the 16 consecutive entrances 24 is a score increasing device operating port 24a. When a game ball enters the entrance, a score increasing device (award) Game value increasing means) is activated. Also, a score display device 28 is provided below the 16 consecutive entrance holes 24, and a numerical value of the obtained score is displayed.

  Further, the game area 21 is provided with a number of obstacle nails (not shown). At least the third, fifth, eleventh, thirteenth, and fifteenth entrances of the 16 consecutive entrances 24 are provided with obstacle nails so that it is difficult for game balls to enter directly. . When a game ball enters the left entrance 26 provided on the upper left side of the 16 consecutive entrance 24, the same effect as entering the entrance 5 is obtained. In addition, when a game ball enters the right entrance 27, the same effect as entering the 12th entrance can be obtained.

  The symbol display device 31 of the present embodiment is composed of a liquid crystal (LCD), and is capable of variably displaying a plurality of predetermined guiding symbols (identification symbols). The symbol display device 31 may be configured using a so-called dot matrix type display device, a 7-segment type LED, or the like.

  When the game ball passes through the guidance symbol operating gate 29, the symbol display device 31 starts the variation display of the guidance symbol, and the symbol is stopped and displayed after a predetermined time has elapsed. At that time, when the winning symbol is stopped and displayed, the first accessory guiding device (first variable entrance means) is activated and the first accessory operating port 32 as the first variable entrance is opened. It becomes a state. Here, the first accessory operating port 32 includes a pair of left and right movable pieces, and these movable pieces are normally in an upright state. When the pair of movable pieces are in the standing state, the first nail operating port 32 is in a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter due to the obstacle nail provided above the first nest operating port 32. . When the pair of movable pieces rotate outward, the movable pieces are in an inverted state (inverted C-shaped state), and the first accessory operating port 32 is in an open state, making it easier for a game ball to enter. In addition, in the 1st accessory operating port 32 of a present Example, although a movable piece shall take a standing state and the inverted state of a reverse C shape, it replaces with this and a movable piece has an inverted C shape. It is good also as what can take a state and an inverted state of a reverse letter C. In this way, even if no obstacle nail is used, when the movable piece is in a U-shaped state, the game ball is in a closed state where it cannot enter the first accessory operating port 32, and the movable piece is reversed. When it is in the C-shaped state, it can be in an open state where it is easy to enter the ball. When a game ball enters the first accessory operating port 32, the game ball is guided to the special game device 36. The special game device 36 will be described later.

  When the game ball enters the first accessory operating port 32, the first accessory that simultaneously displays the four winning symbols in the 16 consecutive entrance LED display unit 25 is operated, and the numbers 12, 13, 15, and 16 are activated. The winning symbol of is lit up. Further, the operation of the first accessory ends when the game ends.

  The first accessory guiding device is configured mainly by a main control unit 200 described later, and operates when the symbol combination is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 31, but the first accessory guiding device is When a ball enters the first accessory operating port 32 during operation, or when three games are finished, the operation ends and the first accessory operating port 32 is closed.

  On the other hand, an accessory guidance device operating gate 30 is provided at the upper right of the game area 21. This accessory induction device operation gate 30 is activated by the operation of the induction increasing device. In addition, a second accessory operating port 33 as a second variable entrance is provided at the lower right of the accessory guiding device operating gate 30. If the game ball passes through the second accessory guidance device actuation gate 30 when the accessory guidance device actuation gate 30 is valid, the second feature guidance device (second variable ball entry means) starts to act and the second role is played. The object operating port 33 is in an open state, and it becomes easy for a game ball to enter. Here, the second accessory operating port 33 includes a pair of left and right movable pieces, and these movable pieces are normally in an upright state. When the pair of movable pieces are in a standing state, the second nail operating port 33 is in a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter due to the obstacle nail provided above the second hinging member operating port 33. . When the pair of movable pieces rotate outward, the movable pieces are in an inverted state (inverted C-shaped state), and the second accessory operating port 33 is in an open state, making it easier for a game ball to enter. In the second accessory operating port 33 as well, the movable piece may take an inverted state of the letter C and an inverted state of the inverted letter C, similarly to the first accessory operating port 32 described above. In this way, even if no obstacle nail is used, when the movable piece is in a U-shaped state, the game ball is in a closed state where it cannot enter the second accessory operating port 33 and the movable piece is reversed. When it is in the C-shaped state, it can be in an open state where it is easy to enter the ball.

  The second accessory operating port 33 is to operate the second accessory that simultaneously displays the four winning symbols in the 16 consecutive entrance ball LED display unit 25. When the player enters the second combination operating port 33, the second combination is activated and the winning symbols of Nos. 11, 13, 14, and 15 are lit up. The second accessory ends its operation when the game ends.

  In addition, the accessory guidance device operating gate 30 is effective until the first game ball passes through the unit game and the second accessory operating port 33 is opened. It becomes invalid until the next unit game is started after it is once opened.

  The second accessory guiding device is composed mainly of a main control unit 200 described later. As described above, when the game ball passes when the accessory guiding device operation gate 30 is valid, the second accessory guiding device starts operating. When there is a ball in the second accessory operating port 33 during the operation of the two accessory guiding device, or when the game ends, the operation is terminated and the second accessory operating port 33 is closed.

  Next, the special game apparatus 36 to which the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port (first variable entrance) 32 is guided will be described. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the special game device 36. As shown in the figure, the special game device 36 is composed of a swivel plate 37, a guidance increase device operating region (predetermined special region, so-called V zone) 41a, a discharge port 38a, and the like. The crune 37 is formed in a disc shape like a shallow mortar, and is provided with three crune holes through which game balls can pass. The game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 is guided to the special game device 36 and passes through any one of the clown holes while turning on the clown 37.

  Three passage holes 37a, 37b, and 37c are provided below the crune 37, and each passage hole is connected to the corresponding crune hole inside the game board. Therefore, after the game ball turns in the crone 37 and passes through one of the clune holes, the game ball rolls out from the passage hole corresponding to the clune hole. An inclined surface 39 is provided below the three passage holes 37 a, 37 b, and 37 c, and a guidance increasing device operating region 41 a is provided at the lower end of the inclined surface 39. This induction increasing device operating region 41a is driven by a motor (not shown), and reciprocates in the left-right direction at a predetermined cycle on the lower end of the inclined surface 39. If the game ball that has come out of the passage hole and has rolled down the inclined surface passes through the guidance increase device operation region 41a, a special game state that is a game state advantageous to the player is generated. However, it is not determined which of the three passing holes 37a, 37b, and 37c the game ball comes out, and the guidance increasing device operating region 41a reciprocates in the left-right direction. It does not pass through the increase device operating area 41a. The game balls that have not passed through the guidance increase device operating area 41 a are discharged from the discharge port 38 a provided below the inclined surface 39.

  Here, among the three passage holes 37a, 37b, and 37c, a shallow groove is formed on the inclined surface 39 of the portion following the passage hole 37b at the center, as shown in FIG. For this reason, the game ball coming out of the central passage hole 37b is guided to the groove and rolls straight on the center of the inclined surface 39. On the other hand, a game ball coming out from another passage hole rolls down on the inclined surface 39 obliquely depending on the influence of the traveling direction and rotation direction of the ball when coming out from the passage hole.

  When the game ball passes through the guidance increase device operation area 41a, the guidance increase device is activated to generate a special game state (big hit state) advantageous to the player. In addition, in the present embodiment, when the guidance increasing device is activated, the winning value of the random number for success / failure determination increases, and the probability of hit occurrence shifts from the low probability state to the high probability state. It becomes effective. Specifically, the probability that the winning symbol is 1/36 in the low probability state increases to 35/36 in the high probability state. As a result, if the game ball passes through the guiding symbol operation gate 29, the first accessory operation port 32 is opened with a high probability. The operation of the induction increasing device is ended when a predetermined number of 14 games have been completed from the start of the operation, or when a game ball newly passes through the induction increasing device operation area 41a during operation (so-called puncture). The special game state generating means of the present invention is composed of a special game device 36 and a guidance increasing device, and the guidance increasing device is mainly composed of a main control unit 200 described later.

  The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment fires a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls in one unit game (one game), and a prize mode is determined by a combination of winning symbols that are lit and displayed during the unit game ( A score is established) and award balls are paid out as award game value corresponding to the award mode. For example, when four winning symbols are continuously lit and displayed, one point is awarded and a prescribed number of prize balls are paid out per point. The award game value assigning apparatus of the present invention is mainly composed of a main control unit 200 described later. In this embodiment, 3 points are given to a continuous combination of predetermined winning symbols (No. 12, 13, 14, 15 in this example). However, the maximum number of game balls that can be acquired in one game is 10 times the specified number (150 if the specified number is 15).

  As described above, the entrance 24a corresponding to the 16th winning symbol out of the 16 consecutive entrances 24 also has a function as a scoring device operating port, and a game ball enters the entrance 24a. In the case of a ball, the 16th winning symbol is displayed and the score increasing device is activated. The score increasing device is composed mainly of a main controller 200 described later, and has a function of increasing the number of prize balls to be paid out per score in the game (in this example, doubled). The score increasing device ends its operation when the game ends.

  The entrance 24a is located at the right end of the 16 consecutive entrances 24 in which 16 entrances are arranged in a row in the horizontal direction. It is a normal entrance that is easy to sphere. The player performs a special operation by launching a game ball (so-called right-handed) aiming at the accessory guiding device operating gate 30 and the second accessory operating port 33 provided on the right side of the gaming area 21. It is possible to easily enter the game ball into the entrance 24a not only when the game state is generated but also in the normal game state where the special game is not generated.

A-3. Back side structure:
Next, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 is a front view of the back mechanism board 102 of the gaming machine 1, FIG. 11 is a plan view of the prize ball tank 105 and the tank rail 106, and FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing the shape of the case rail 108.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the back mechanism board 102 is provided on the opposite surface of the game board 20 in the middle frame 3, and is attached to the middle frame 3 by a pair of hinges 103 so as to be opened and closed. In the upper left part of the back mechanism board 102, a prize ball tank 105 having a tank ball cut detection switch 104 at the bottom is provided. The tank ball cut detection switch 104 is turned on when a game ball is present in the prize ball tank 105, and is turned off when there is no game ball in the prize ball tank 105. The prize ball tank 105 stores payout game balls supplied from an external supply device. Below the prize ball tank 105, a tank rail 106 connected to the prize ball tank 105 is provided. The tank rail 106 is formed to be inclined from the bottom of the prize ball tank 105 to above the game ball payout device 109.

  When the off state of the tank ball break detection switch 104 is detected for a predetermined time or more, the payout control unit 230 described later determines that a tank ball break error has occurred, and lights the error LED display unit 4h in orange. The winning ball stop and the lending stop by the game ball payout device 109 are performed. The tank ball run-out error is canceled when the tank ball run-out detection switch 104 is on for more than a predetermined time (1 second in this example). An error signal related to the tank ball breakage is transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200 described later.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the tank rail 106 is arranged at a predetermined interval from the side surface of the back mechanism panel 102. Thereby, the space between the wall surface of the back mechanism board 102 and the tank rail 106 can be used effectively. For example, it is effective when an electronic device such as a large liquid crystal display device is arranged near the center of the game board 20. In the tank rail 106, two rows of baskets 106a and 106b are provided in parallel, in which game balls flow down while being aligned. The game balls in the prize ball tank 105 flow from the bottom of the prize ball tank 105 into the cages 106a and 106b of the tank rail 106, and flow down while aligning the tank rail 106.

  Returning to FIG. 10, a ball removal lever 107 is provided on the right side of the tank rail 106. On the downstream side of the ball game lever 107, a game ball payout device 109 and a game ball distribution unit 110 are provided in this order. The game ball payout device 109 will be described later. Also, as shown in FIG. 12, on the downstream side of the tank rail 106 and above the game ball payout device 109, the traveling direction of the game ball flowing down the tank rail 106 is changed to the game ball payout device 109. A case rail (game ball guiding passage) 108 for guiding is provided. In the case rail 108, two baskets (game ball passages) are formed in parallel corresponding to the baskets 106 a and 106 b of the tank rail 106.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the case rail 108 is supplied in order from the upstream side to a bent portion 108a for changing the advancing direction of the game ball flowing down the tank rail 106 to lower the ball speed, and to the game ball payout device 109. And a vertical portion 108b for increasing the ball pressure of the game ball. The downstream end of the bent portion 108a is provided upstream from the substantially central portion of the case rail 108, and the vertical portion 108b is provided so as to have a predetermined length in front of the game ball payout device 109. It has been. As a result, the vertical portion 108b occupies more than half the length of the entire case rail 108. By providing such a vertical portion 108b immediately before the game ball payout device 109, the ball pressure of the game ball supplied to the game ball payout device 109 can be increased by the weight of the game ball.

  Returning to FIG. 10, below the tank rail 106, a back case 111 with a lid that stores the display panel of the symbol display device 31 is provided. A main control board case 112 is provided below the back case 111, a launcher control board case 113 is provided below the main control board case 112, and a payout control board case is provided at the lower right portion of the back mechanism panel 102. 118 is provided. In these substrate cases 112, 113, and 118, various control substrates described later are stored. Further, a board surface relay board described later is mounted on the upper right side of the main control board case 112.

  In the upper right part of the back mechanism panel 102, a fuse box 119, a power switch 120, a power relay board 121, a jackpot, a launcher control, a ball break, a door open, a prize ball, a ball rental, etc. A frame external terminal board 122 provided with external connection terminals is provided. A power cable 123 for receiving external power supply is provided on the upper side of the terminal board 122. A connection cable 124 extends upward from the payout control board case 118 and is connected to a prepaid card unit 13 having a power cable 125. Further, a ball passage member 126 for a lower plate portion is provided at the lower end of the center of the back mechanism panel 102.

  Next, the configuration of the game ball payout device 109 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the game ball payout device 109, and FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which the game ball payout device 109 is disassembled. As shown in FIG. 13, the game ball payout device 109 has two rows of game ball passages 109a and 109b through which the game balls supplied from the case rail 108 can pass. The game ball payout device 109 includes three casings 109c, 109d, 109e and a payout motor 109f. As the payout motor 109f, for example, a stepping motor can be used. The game ball payout device 109 is configured to pay out game balls alternately from two rows of game ball passages 109a and 109b.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in the casings 109c, 109d, 109e, cams 109g, 109h for restricting the flow of game balls in the game ball passages 109a, 109b and the driving force of the payout motor 109f are applied to the cams 109g, 109h. A driving force transmission shaft 109i for transmission is provided. The cams 109g and 109h are rotationally driven by the payout motor 109f, and the game ball payout is turned on / off by the rotation / stop of the cams 109g and 109h.

  The cams 109g and 109h are composed of two plate-like rotating bodies corresponding to the game ball passages 109a and 109b. Each of the cams 109g and 109h is connected by a rotation shaft. Three substantially arc-shaped concave portions (ball receiving portions) are formed on the outer peripheral portions of the cams 109g and 109h, and one game ball flowing through the game ball passages 109a and 109b enters each concave portion. The recesses formed in the respective cams 109g and 109h are formed by shifting the phases of the respective cams 109g and 109h. Each of the cams 109g and 109h is arranged such that a recess formed in the outer peripheral portion is positioned in each of the game ball passages 109a and 109b. The cams 109g and 109h rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 14, and send the game balls supplied from above to the game ball passages 109a and 109b one by one downward.

  The front side in the cam rotation direction is smoothly formed in the outer edge of each recess. Thereby, when the cams 109g and 109h rotate, the game balls in the game ball passages 109a and 109b can enter the recesses faster, and the payout by the game ball payout device 109 can be further accelerated. Further, since the cams 109g and 109h of this embodiment rotate in only one direction, it is possible to make the cam shape suitable for such high-speed payout. Note that the game ball payout device 109 of this embodiment is configured to pay out game balls at a payout speed of 160 pieces per four seconds (40 pieces per second).

  The rotating shafts of the cams 109g and 109h are provided on the extended lines of the entrance portions in the game ball passages 109a and 109b. That is, the rotation shafts of the cams 109g and 109h are positioned on the extension line of the vertical portion 108b of the case rail 108 described above. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the cam 108 from rotating due to the ball pressure (self-weight) of the game ball existing in the case rail 108 while the game ball dispensing device 109 is stopped. The two rows of game ball passages 109a and 109b are provided with payout sensors 109j and 109k for detecting the number of game balls paid out by the game ball payout device 109.

  By the way, it is conceivable that the cams 109g and 109h will step out as the payout speed of the game ball payout device 109 increases, which may cause a problem in the accuracy of the payout number. In particular, step-out is likely to occur when the cams 109g and 109h are stopped at a high speed. Therefore, in the game ball payout device 109 of this embodiment, the payout speed of the payout motor 109f is once reduced to a rotation speed slower than the normal rotation speed before the payout of the game ball is finished, and then the payout is made. The motor 109f is configured to stop. For example, before paying out the last ball, the rotational speed of the payout motor 109f is reduced to, for example, half the normal rotation speed, and after the last ball is paid out, the payout motor 109f is stopped. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the load applied to the payout motor 109f from changing suddenly and to prevent the step-out accompanying the increase in the speed of payout. The “normal rotation speed” is the rotation speed of the payout motor 109f when the game ball payout device 109 pays out game balls at a steady payout speed (40 balls / second in this example).

  Further, step-out is likely to occur when high-speed rotation is started from a state where the cams 109g and 109h are stopped. For this reason, in the game ball payout device 109 of this embodiment, at the start of payout of the game ball, after starting to rotate the rotation speed of the payout motor 109f from the rotation speed slower than the normal rotation speed, the predetermined number of game balls are paid out. The payout motor 109f is configured to accelerate to a normal rotation speed. For example, before paying out the first ball, the rotation speed of the payout motor 109f is started at, for example, half the normal rotation speed, and the payout motor 109f is accelerated to the normal rotation speed after paying out the first ball. To do. Also by this, it is possible to prevent the load applied to the dispensing motor 109f from changing abruptly, and it is possible to prevent the step-out accompanying the speeding up of the dispensing.

  FIG. 15 shows the relationship between the payout speed of the payout motor 109f and the payout stop time. The game ball payout device 109 of this embodiment is provided with a predetermined payout stop time for periodically stopping payout during game ball payout. Specifically, every time a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out, the payout motor 109f is stopped for a predetermined payout stop time. The ball pressure of the game ball can be increased during the payout stop time, and as a result, the payout speed can be improved as compared with the case of paying out continuously.

  If the payout stop time is too short, the ball pressure does not increase. Conversely, if the payout stop time is too long, the payout time increases as a whole and the ball pressure increases too much. If the ball pressure is excessively increased, ball biting occurs, and the cams 109g and 109h cannot be rotated, and there is a possibility that accurate payout cannot be performed. For this reason, in this embodiment, the payout stop time is set in an area where the payout speed exceeds 40 per second, for example. Specifically, after paying out 15 balls in 0.3 seconds, the payout motor 109f is stopped for 0.1 seconds.

B. Configuration of electronic control unit:
B-1. overall structure :
Next, the electronic control device of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described based on FIG. FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the electronic control device.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the electronic control device includes a main control unit 200 and sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 connected to the main control unit 200. The sub-control unit includes a prize ball control unit (payout control unit) 230, a sound lamp control unit 260, a symbol control unit 280, and the like. The main control unit 200 includes a main control board 200a, and the sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 include various peripheral control boards such as a payout control board 230a, a sound lamp control board 260a, and a symbol control board 280a.

  The main control unit 200 transmits command signals (command data) for instructing processing contents to the sub control units 230, 260, and 280, and the sub control units 230, 260, and 280 perform various controls based on the command signals. Is configured to do.

  For example, a command such as a prize ball instruction signal for instructing a prize ball payout, a game start permission signal for instructing a game start permission, and various launch control commands are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230. Various launch control commands include ball feed permission / prohibition, launch permission / prohibition, game start permission, and the like.

  Also, various lamp control commands and various audio control commands are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sound lamp control unit 260. From the main control unit 200 to the symbol control unit 280, via the sound lamp control unit 260, a guide symbol display control command for instructing display of the present symbol, a winning symbol display command for instructing display of winning symbols 1 to 16, Various symbol control commands such as a winning symbol extinction command instructing extinction of all symbol displays are transmitted. The display control command for instructing the display of the pseudo symbol is transmitted from the sound lamp control unit 260 to the symbol control knowledge 280. The configuration of the main control unit 200 for enabling such an operation will be described later with reference to another drawing.

  Each control unit 200, 230, 260, and 280 is supplied with power from the power receiving board 128 connected to the main power source 129 via the power board 127 and the power relay board 121. Further, when the power is turned on, a system reset signal is transmitted to each control unit 200, 230, 260, and 280 via the power supply board 127 and the power supply relay board 121. Note that the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment includes a backup power supply unit (not shown) that supplies an operating voltage to the main control unit 200 and the payout control unit 230 when the power is turned off. 200 and RAM data of the payout control unit 230 are held.

  The main control unit 200 is connected to a board external terminal board 201, a 16-switch relay board 202, a guide symbol operation gate switch 204, a board surface relay board 210, and a game frame relay board 220.

  The board external terminal board 201 is provided with a plurality of test signal terminals for connecting an external test apparatus (not shown). These test signal terminals are used for gaming machines, and include a prize ball signal, a ball entrance signal, a ball entrance signal related to a score increasing device, an accessory operation entrance signal, a specific signal. Entrance entrance signal, guidance increase device operation area passage signal, gate passage signal related to guidance pattern, gate passage signal related to accessory guidance device, accessory operation signal, score increase device operation signal, accessory operation port opening signal It is possible to send a signal such as an accessory guidance device operation signal, a gate valid signal related to a guidance symbol, a gate valid signal related to a feature guidance device to the test device.

  A 16-continuous ball opening detection switch 203 for detecting a ball entering each of the 16-bullet ball openings 24 is connected to the 16-continuous switch relay board 202. A signal is transmitted to the main control unit 200. Then, when the entrance to the entrance 24a (see FIG. 8) corresponding to the 16th winning symbol is detected by the detection signal from the 16 consecutive entrance detection switch 203, the operation of the score increasing device is started. To do. The guide symbol operation gate switch 204 detects that the game ball has passed through the guide symbol operation gate 29.

  Here, the configuration of the main control unit 200 will be described. FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the CPU 400 provided on the main control board 200a of the main control unit 200. As shown in FIG. 17, the CPU 400 includes a CPU core 401, a built-in RAM 402 (hereinafter also simply referred to as RAM), a built-in ROM 403 (hereinafter also simply referred to as ROM), a memory control circuit 404, a clock generator 405, an address decoder 406, A watchdog timer 407, a counter / timer 408, a parallel input / output port 409, a reset / interrupt controller 410, an external bus interface 411, an output control circuit 412 and the like are provided.

  The CPU 400 controls operation of the entire gaming machine 1 (basic progress control of the game) using the RAM 402 as a work area by a control program stored in the ROM 403. In addition, the main control unit 200 constitutes a go / no-go determination unit that performs the go / no-go determination by the go / no-go determination program stored in the ROM 403, with the CPU 400 as a main body. Note that the control cycle of the main control unit 200 of this embodiment is set to 4 ms.

  In addition, a random number counter for various random numbers used in the gaming machine 1 is set in the RAM 402. The random numbers used in the present embodiment include a random number for determination of success / failure, a random number for symbol display, and the like. The random number for success / failure determination is used to determine whether or not to operate the accessory guiding device when the game ball passes through the guidance symbol operation gate 29 (whether or not determination). A winning value for determining whether or not to win is set in advance. If the random number for determining whether or not the game ball has passed through the guidance symbol actuating gate 29 matches the winning value, it is determined to be a hit. The random number for symbol display is used to determine the guidance symbol that is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 31 when the game ball passes through the guidance symbol actuation gate 29.

  The RAM 402 further includes a ball feed counter for counting game balls sent to the launcher unit, a launch counter for counting game balls launched by the launcher unit, A entrance counter for counting game balls that have entered the left entrance 26, the right entrance 27, the first accessory operating port 32, and the second accessory operating port 33 is set.

  Next, the board surface relay board 210 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the board surface relay board 210. The board surface relay board 210 relays switch signals and the like between various switches provided on the game board 20 surface and the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 18, on the board surface relay board 210, the left entrance switch 211, the accessory operation port switches 212a and 212b, the operation area switch 214, the various solenoids 216, the motor 217 for the rotating body, the second accessory induction A device actuation gate switch 218 is connected.

  The left and right entrance switches 211a and 211b are provided inside the left entrance 26 and the right entrance 27, respectively, and detect the entrance of a game ball. The accessory actuating port switches 212a and 212b are provided inside the first accessory actuating port 32 and the second accessory actuating port 33, respectively, and detect entry of a game ball. The operation area switch 214 detects passage of a game ball to the guidance increase apparatus operation area 41a. Further, the second accessory guiding device operation gate switch 218 detects that the game ball has passed through the second accessory guiding device operation gate 30. These game ball detection switches and position detection switches can be constituted by proximity switches or photo sensors.

  As the various solenoids 216, there are those that open and close the first accessory operating port 32 and the second accessory operating port 33, respectively, and are composed of an opening solenoid and a closing solenoid. The rotating body motor 217 rotates the rotating bodies 38, 39, and 40 of the special game apparatus 36.

  Next, the game frame relay board 220 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing signal input / output with respect to the game frame relay board 220. The game frame relay board 220 relays switch signals and the like mainly between various switches and the like provided on the middle frame 3 and the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 19, a launch ball count switch 221 and a foul ball detection switch 222 are connected to the frame relay board 220. Further, a ball feed count switch 254 is connected to the frame relay board 220 via a ball feed relay board 251 described later.

  The firing ball count switch 221 detects a game ball launched by the launching device unit. Further, the foul ball detection switch 222 detects a game ball that has returned from the launching unit to the lower plate portion 6 without reaching the game area 21. The ball feed count switch 254 counts the game balls sent from the upper plate part 5 to the launching device unit.

B-2. Configuration of payout control unit:
Next, an outline of the operation of the payout control unit 230, that is, the payout operation will be described. As shown in FIG. 16, the frame external terminal board 122, the switch relay terminal board 231, the CR connection board 234, the firing control section 250, and the like are connected to the payout control section 230. The switch relay terminal board 231 is connected to a tank ball cut switch 232 and a lower pan full switch 233. The tank ball cut switch 232 is also connected to the frame external terminal board 122.

  The tank ball out switch 232 detects that the game ball in the prize ball tank 105 has run out. The ball-out signal of the tank ball-out switch 232 is transmitted to the external replenishing device via the frame external terminal board 122, and the game ball is replenished to the prize ball tank 105 from the replenishing device. The lower tray full tank switch 233 detects that the lower tray in the lower tray section 6 is full. The payout control unit 230 of the payout control unit 230 includes a CPU having the same configuration as the CPU 400 of the main control board 200a shown in FIG. It is set to 1 ms shorter than the main control unit 200.

  The payout control unit 230 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing input / output of signals to / from the payout control unit 230. As shown in FIG. 20, the prepaid card unit 13 and the CR display board 235 are connected to the payout control unit 230 via the CR connection board 234. A ball rental button 236 and a return button 237 are connected to the CR display board 235. The CR display board 235 is a board for inputting / outputting signals such as a rental ball and the remaining number of cards to / from the CR unit 13.

  When the payout control unit 230 detects that the prepaid card unit 13 is not connected, the payout control unit 230 turns on the error LED display unit 4h in red and stops the firing by the launching device unit 10. The unconnected error of the prepaid card unit 13 is canceled when the payout control unit 230 detects the connection of the prepaid card unit 13. Note that an error signal related to the non-connection of the prepaid card unit 13 is not transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200.

  The payout control unit 230 is connected to a payout motor 109f and payout sensors 109j and 109k via a payout unit relay terminal plate 239, and a prize ball display LED board 241 and an error display via a status display LED relay terminal plate 240. An LED substrate 242 is connected. The payout sensors 109j and 109k count the number of game balls paid out by the game ball payout device 109. The game balls that are paid out by the game ball payout device 109 include prize balls that are paid out in response to winnings and balls that are lent to players.

  The prize ball display LED board 241 and the error display LED board 242 correspond to the prize ball display LED display part 4g and the error LED display part 4h (see FIG. 1), respectively. The LED on the prize ball display LED board 241 is turned on or blinked when a prize ball is acquired, and the LED on the error LED board 242 is turned on or blinks when an error occurs. The error display LED substrate 242 includes a plurality of types of LEDs, and the error LED display unit 4h can perform a plurality of types of error notification. In the present embodiment, the error LED display unit 4h is configured to be lit and blinking in red and orange as error notification.

  Here, a question signal between the payout control unit 230 and the prepaid card unit 13 will be described. First, when the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the payout control unit 230 outputs a gaming machine operation signal (PRDY signal) to the prepaid card unit 13. Further, the prepaid card unit 13 outputs a power signal (VL signal) to the payout control unit 230. The payout control unit 230 determines whether the prepaid card unit 13 is connected or not based on the input state of the VL signal.

  When the payout control unit 230 detects that the prepaid card unit 13 is not connected, the payout control unit 230 turns on the error LED display unit 4h in red and stops the firing by the launching device unit 10. The unconnected error of the prepaid card unit 13 is canceled when the payout control unit 230 detects the connection of the prepaid card unit 13. Note that an error signal related to the non-connection of the prepaid card unit 13 is not transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200.

  When a prepaid card is set in the prepaid card unit 13 and the lending button 237 is operated, the prepaid card unit 13 outputs a card unit READY signal (BRDY signal) to the payout control unit 230. Further, after a predetermined delay time has elapsed from this point, the prepaid card unit 13 outputs a lending request signal (BRQ signal) to the payout control unit 230.

  Then, the payout control unit 230 raises the lending completion signal (EXS signal) output to the prepaid card unit 13, and when the falling of the lending request signal (BRQ signal) is detected, the payout motor is operated, Pay the ball to the player. The payout control unit 230 lowers the EXS signal when the ball rental payout is completed, and thereafter ends the ball payout control when the falling of the BRDY signal from the prepaid card unit 13 is detected.

  The payout control unit 230 according to the present embodiment detects a clogged ball in the case rail 106 based on the signal from the tank ball runout switch 232 and the signals from the payout sensors 109j and 109k. Specifically, when a game ball is not detected by the payout sensors 109j and 109k during the operation of the game ball payout device 109, and a ball break is not detected by the tank ball break switch 232, the ball is moved by the case rail 108. It is determined that clogging has occurred. On the other hand, when a game ball is not detected by the payout sensors 109j and 109k during the operation of the game ball payout device 109 and a ball breakage is detected by the tank ball break switch 232, the ball is broken in the prize ball tank 105. Is determined to have occurred.

  Ball clogging detection by the payout sensors 109j and 109k is performed as follows. First, when a game ball cannot be detected by the payout sensors 109j and 109k for a predetermined time or more, the payout motor 109f is rotated several steps by reverse rotation and then rotated forward at the lowest speed. If a game ball cannot be detected by the payout sensors 109j and 109k after a predetermined time has elapsed, the payout control unit 230 determines that a ball clogging error has occurred in the case rail 108, and stops the winning ball and lending the ball. Do. The ball clogging error is canceled when a game ball is detected by the payout sensors 109j and 109k. Note that an error signal related to ball clogging is transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200.

  When it is determined that the ball is clogged in the case rail 108, if no game ball is detected by both the two payout sensors 109j and 109k, the ball clogging occurs in all the cages of the case rail 108. Therefore, it can be determined that the game ball cannot be paid out. On the other hand, when a game ball is not detected by only one of the two audible sensors 109j and 109k, a ball is clogged only by one of the cages in the case rail 108, and the game balls are produced by the remaining cages. Can be determined to be payable.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of stages of error states are set for ball jamming of the case rail 108. Specifically, when the ball clogging occurs only in any one of the plurality of case rails 108, the game ball payout device 109 is not stopped, and the first error state (slight error) is set. A case where ball clogging has occurred in all the baskets is defined as a second error state (serious error) in which the game ball payout device 109 is stopped.

  Specifically, when the first error state occurs, the payout control unit 230 notifies the amusement hall employee of a warning by performing a first error notification that lights in orange on the error LED display unit 4h. The game ball payout by the game ball payout device 109 is continued. Accordingly, the game hall employee is prompted to recover by error notification, and the game ball can be continuously paid out by the non-clogged ball of the case rail 108 until the game hall employee arrives. On the other hand, when the second error state occurs, the payout control unit 230 notifies the game hall employee of the abnormality by performing a 2C error notification that lights the error LED display unit 4h in red, and the game ball payout device 109. Stop.

  When the game balls are detected by the payout sensors 109j and 109k for a predetermined time (1 second in this example) or more, the payout control unit 230 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the game ball payout device 109, and an error LED display unit 4h is lit red to stop the winning ball and lending the ball. The payout device abnormality error is canceled when the payout sensors 109j and 109k do not detect a game ball for a predetermined time (in this example, 1 second). Note that an error signal regarding an abnormality of the game ball payout device 109 is transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200 described later.

  FIG. 21 shows the flow of signals output from the payout sensors 109j and 109k. As shown in FIG. 21, signals from the payout sensors 109 j and 109 k are input to the payout control unit 230. The payout control device 230 counts the number of payouts in the game ball payout device 109 based on signals from the payout sensors 109j and 109k. As described above, the number of payouts in the game ball payout device 109 includes the number of prize balls and the number of balls lent. Of these, the number of winning balls needs to be counted by the main control unit 200, so that only a signal relating to the number of winning balls is transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200.

  The payout control unit 230 is configured to pay out game balls in response to a prize ball payout command from the main control unit 200 or a lending request signal (BRQ signal) from the prepaid card unit 13. Therefore, the payout control unit 230 can determine whether the currently paid game ball is for a prize ball or a rental ball. Therefore, when the signals from the payout sensors 109j and 109k are the number of winning balls, the payout control unit 230 transmits a pulse signal corresponding to the number of payouts to the main control unit 200. Since the main control unit 200 does not need to know the number of rented balls, when the signals from the payout sensors 109j and 109k are the number of rented balls, no signal is transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200.

  When the signals from the payout sensors 109j and 109k are the number of prize balls, the CPU outputs the pulse signal corresponding to the number of prize balls from the CPU of the payout control board 230a to the counter of the CPU 400 of the main control board 200a. Since the reading operation of the CPU 400 of the main control unit 200 is performed every 4 ms, the pulse signal output interval from the payout control unit 230 needs to be longer (4 ms or more) than the reading interval of the CPU 400 of the main control unit 200. In this embodiment, the output interval of the pulse signal for each ball transmitted from the payout control unit 230 is 10 ms. Since the payout motor 109f of this embodiment has a payout speed of 160 pieces per 4 seconds, it takes 25 ms to pay out one piece.

  In addition, since it is configured to input to the counter of the CPU 400 of the main control unit 200, noise is mixed in the pulse signal transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200, and the main control unit 200 erroneously detects the number of winning balls. There is a risk. Therefore, the payout control unit 230 is configured to output a plurality of pulse signals for one prize ball. The payout controller 230 of this embodiment outputs 3 pulses per ball. When the main controller 200 reads a pulse transmitted from the payout controller 230 every 4 ms, it counts as one ball with three pulses.

  22A to 22D show pulse signals transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200. FIG. As shown in FIG. 22 (a), even if noise is generated for one pulse and has a total of four pulses, one pulse can be determined as noise and counted as one ball.

  Note that the detection accuracy in the main control unit 200 can be further improved by further increasing the number of pulses per sphere. That is, when there is no payout and noise is generated for three pulses, the main control unit 200 determines that one ball is used. For example, if a larger number of pulses are set per ball (for example, 10 pulses per ball). ), Such false detection can be avoided.

  Further, if noise is generated for 3 pulses in addition to the prize ball pulse signal within the reading interval of the main control unit 200, the total is 6 pulses, and it may be erroneously detected as 2 balls. However, since the output interval of the pulse signal transmitted from the payout control unit 230 is set to 10 ms as described above (see FIG. 22B), even if it is 3 pulses or more per 10 ms, it exceeds 3 pulses. The minute is judged as noise and only one ball is counted.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 22 (c), when the CPU 400 of the main control unit 200 reads the value of the counter during transmission of three pulses for one ball, it is less than 3, so the pulse transmission is in progress. It judges that it is and returns without doing anything. If the value of the counter is read again after 4 ms, if it is 3 or more, it is judged as one ball and the counter is cleared.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 22D, if the first counter value reading is less than 3 and the second reading value is the same as the first reading value, it is judged as noise and the counter is cleared. To do.

  After the prize ball command is transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230, if the number of prize balls dispensed is insufficient for the requested number of prize balls even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the main control unit 200 A prize ball shortage command is transmitted to the payout control unit 230. In this case, the payout control unit 230 causes the error LED display unit 4h to blink red as a prize ball shortage error, and the game ball payout operation by the game ball payout device 109 is continued. The prize shortage error is an error peculiar to the arrangement ball gaming machine that cannot move to the next game unless the prize ball is finished, and therefore, an error notification is performed in distinction from other errors. Specifically, the error LED display unit 4h is turned on when another error occurs, whereas the error LED display unit 4h blinks when a prize ball shortage error occurs. When the number of prize balls paid out reaches the requested number of prize balls, the main control unit 200 transmits a prize ball shortage release command to the payout control part 230, and the prize ball shortage error is canceled.

  Next, the connection confirmation of the connector for connecting the main control board 200a and the payout control board 230a will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 23 is a conceptual diagram for explaining connector connection confirmation on the payout control board 230a. The main control board 200a and the payout control board 230a are connected via a harness having connectors 200e and 230e at both ends. Connectors (not shown) are provided at both ends of the harness.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the main control board 200a is provided with a connector receiving part 200c, and the payout control board 230a is provided with a connector receiving part 230c and a negative logic AND circuit 230d. Harness side connectors 200e and 230e provided at the ends of the harness are inserted and connected to the connector receiving portions 200c and 230c.

  Here, when the connector receiving portions 200c and 230c have a large number of terminals, the insertion becomes easier when the connector is inserted. As a result, a terminal which is not connected is generated, causing malfunction. In such an oblique insertion, one of the terminals at both ends of the connector receiving portions 200c and 230c is not connected. Therefore, in this embodiment, pins (terminals) provided at both ends of the connector receiving portion 230c are used as connection confirmation signal lines. The AND circuit 230d inputs signals from the connection confirmation terminals at both ends of the connector receiving portion 230c with negative logic, takes a logical product of these signals, and outputs a signal to the CPU 230b with negative logic. The CPU 230b determines the connection state of the connector based on the signal input state from the AND circuit 230d.

  The signal from the connection confirmation terminal of the connector receiving portion 230c is Low when the harness is connected, and High when the harness is not connected. Accordingly, when both the connection confirmation terminals at both ends of the connector receiving portion 230c are connected, the output of the AND circuit 230d is Low, and when it is not connected, the output of the AND circuit 230d is High. . When the output of the AND circuit 230d is High, the CPU 230b determines that at least one of the connection confirmation terminals is not connected. Based on this determination, the CPU 230b lights up the error display unit 4h in red to notify a connection error.

  As in this embodiment, the terminals at both ends of the connector 230c are used as signal lines for connection confirmation, and the AND circuit 230d uses these signals to perform a negative logical product, thereby confirming the connection of the connector 230c. 230, the connection between the main control unit 200 and the payout control unit 230 can be ensured. The connection check in the payout control unit 230 can be performed, for example, when the gaming machine 1 is installed in a game store, when the power is turned on or after the power is turned on and the player is not playing a game.

B-3. Configuration of launch control unit:
Next, the operation of the launch control unit 250, that is, the launch operation of the game ball will be described. FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the launch control unit 250. As shown in FIG. 24, the launch control unit 250 is connected to the launch handle 8, the origin sensor 251, the launch motor 252, the ball feed relay terminal plate 253, and the like. From the launch handle 8 to the launch controller 250, a launch start signal from the launch start switch 10j (see FIGS. 5 and 6) indicating whether or not the player has rotated the launch handle 8 by a predetermined amount or more, A touch signal or the like from the touch switch 8a indicating whether or not the touch panel 8 is touched is input.

  As described above, the firing stop switch 8b is connected in series with the touch switch 8a, and ON / OFF of the firing stop switch 8b is output as a touch signal. When the player is touching the touch switch 8a and the firing stop switch 8b is not pressed, the touch signal is turned on. When the player does not touch the touch switch 8a or presses the firing stop switch 8b, the touch signal is turned off.

  The origin sensor 251 detects whether or not the rotation axis of the firing motor 252 is at a predetermined origin position (origin angle). The launch motor 252 operates the basket 10a for driving the game ball sent to the launch position into the game area 21, and operates when the player operates the launch handle 8. In this embodiment, the frequency of the drive pulse signal of the firing motor 252 is a fixed value, and the rotation period of the firing motor 252, that is, the time required for one rotation is a fixed value (500 ms in this example).

  Connected to the ball feed relay terminal plate 253 are a ball feed solenoid 12a and a ball feed count switch 254 for feeding game balls stored in the upper plate part 5 one by one to the launch position of the launcher unit. As described above, the signal from the ball feed count switch 254 is transmitted to the main control unit 200 via the game frame relay board 220.

  The signal from the origin sensor 251 is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 via the firing control unit 250. The payout control unit 230 is configured to allow the ball feed permission signal to be permitted (L output) for a predetermined period (60 ms in this example) when the origin is detected by the origin sensor 251.

  FIG. 25 shows a circuit configuration of the launch control unit 250. As shown in FIG. 25, the launch control unit 250 receives a ball feed permission signal and a launch permission signal from the payout control unit 230 and receives a touch signal and a launch start signal from the launch handle 8. Furthermore, a clock signal from a clock generator (not shown) provided in the CPU of the payout control unit 230 is input to the launch control unit 250. The firing control unit 250 includes three AND circuits 250a, 250b, 250c, a flip-flop 250d, a frequency dividing circuit 250e, and a motor driving circuit 250f.

  The first AND circuit 250a receives a firing permission signal and a signal from the flip-flop 250d (a firing condition establishment signal), and outputs a signal to a motor drive circuit 250f that drives the firing motor 252. The second AND circuit 250b receives the ball feed permission signal and the signal (launch condition establishment signal) from the flip-flop 250d, and outputs a signal to the ball feed solenoid 12a. The third AND circuit 250c receives the touch signal and the firing start signal as inputs, and outputs a signal to the flip-flop 250d. The frequency dividing circuit 250e divides a predetermined clock frequency to generate a reference clock signal having a desired pulse width, and outputs the reference clock signal to the flip-flop 250d. The motor drive circuit 250f outputs a pulse signal having a predetermined frequency to the firing motor 252 when the signal from the first AND circuit 250a becomes High.

  The firing permission signal is Low output (OFF) when launching is permitted, and is High output (ON) when launching is prohibited. The launch permission signal is inverted by an inverter and then input to the first AND circuit 250a. Therefore, the launch permission signal input to the first AND circuit 250a is High when launch is permitted, and is Low when launch is prohibited. Similarly, the ball feed permission signal is Low output (off) when ball feed is permitted, and is High output (on) when ball feed is prohibited. The ball feed permission signal is inverted by an inverter and then input to the second AND circuit 250b. Therefore, the ball feed permission signal input to the second AND circuit 250b is High when the ball feed is permitted, and is Low when the ball feed is prohibited.

  If the player does not operate the firing handle 8 at the time of launching permission and ball feeding permission, since the output signal of the flip-flop 250d is Low, the output signals of the first and second AND circuits 250a and 250b are also Low. Become. Here, when the player touches the firing handle 8 and rotates it by a predetermined angle or more, the touch signal and the firing start signal become High, the output of the third AND circuit 250c becomes High, and this signal is input to the flip-flop 250d. The In the flip-flop 250d, when the input signal from the third AND circuit 250c becomes High, the output signal to the first and second AND circuits 250a and 250b becomes High at the next rising edge (Low-High) of the reference clock signal. Become. As a result, the output signals of the first and second AND circuits 250a and 250b become High, and the firing motor 252 and the ball feed solenoid 12a start operating.

  FIG. 26 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the ball feed permission signal and the reference clock signal in the launch control unit 250. As described above, after the origin is confirmed by the origin sensor 251, the ball feed permission signal is enabled (Low) for a predetermined time (60 ms), that is, in a firing permission state. In order to reliably operate the ball feed solenoid 12a, the reference clock signal needs to rise while the ball feed permission signal is enabled (Low). That is, the pulse width of the reference clock signal generated by the frequency dividing circuit 250e needs to be shorter than a predetermined time during which the ball feed permission signal is enabled (Low).

  As shown in FIG. 26, in this embodiment, the pulse width of the reference clock signal generated by the frequency dividing circuit 250e is 1 ms. In this way, the ball feeding process is reliably performed by setting the pulse width of the reference clock signal generated by the frequency dividing circuit 250e to be shorter than the predetermined time when the ball feeding permission signal is enabled (Low). The game ball can be reliably launched. Also, when the pulse width of the reference clock signal is smaller, the interval from when the firing permission signal is enabled (High-Low) to when the ball feed solenoid 12a starts to operate becomes shorter, and the ball feed processing is performed quickly. Can do.

B-4. Sound lamp controller configuration:
Next, the sound lamp control unit 260 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the sound lamp control unit 260. The sound lamp control board 260a provided in the sound lamp control unit 260 is provided with arithmetic circuit components (not shown) having a CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output ports and the like and a sound generator (not shown). The input / output port is connected to the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the sound lamp control unit 260 is connected to a 16-entry ball opening LED substrate 262, various board surface LED substrates 263, various game frame LED substrates 264, and the like via a lamp interface substrate 261. Yes. The lamp interface board 261 is mounted with a drive circuit for various lamps, and is configured as a separate board independent of the sound lamp control board 260a.

  The 16-continuous ball opening LED substrate 262 is for lighting the LED of the corresponding 16-continuous ball opening LED display unit 25 when entering any of the 16-continuous ball opening 24. A game effect LED board or the like is connected to the board surface LED board 263 and the game frame LED board 264. These lamps are turned on / off or blinking in accordance with the progress of the game to enhance the gaming effect.

  Further, an amplifier board 265 is connected to the sound lamp control unit 260. A speaker 266 and a volume switch board 267 are connected to the amplifier board 265. From the speaker 266, various sounds, sounds, and the like are output in accordance with the progress of the game. The volume switch board 267 is for setting the output volume of the speaker 266 in accordance with an operation of a volume switch (not shown). The sound lamp control board 260 is provided with a mode changeover switch 268. The mode changeover switch 268 is configured as a DIP switch and is operated by a game hall employee when the power is turned on. The mode changeover switch 268 can change the background and the appearing character in the symbol display device 31.

B-5. Design control unit configuration:
Next, the symbol control unit 280 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the symbol control unit 280. Arithmetic circuit components (not shown) having a CPU, RAM, ROM, input / output port, VDP (video display processor), etc. are provided on the symbol control board 280a provided in the symbol controller 280. It is connected to the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 28, a symbol display device substrate 281 for operating the symbol display device 31 is connected to the symbol control unit 280. The symbol control unit 280 performs display control of the symbol display device 31 by using the RAM as a work area according to a control program stored in the ROM by the CPU. The symbol control unit 280 is provided with a plurality of test signal terminals (not shown) for connecting an external test apparatus (not shown). These test signal terminals are used for induction symbols, and signals such as a symbol variation signal can be sent to the test apparatus.

  FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing the flow of commands related to symbol control. As shown in FIG. 29, the commands related to symbol control include common commands and symbol control commands. The common command includes a display control command for the main symbol displayed on the main symbol display unit 31a, and is transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sound lamp control unit 260. When the sound lamp control unit 260 receives the common command, the sound lamp control unit 260 transmits it to the symbol control unit 280 as it is. The symbol control command includes a pseudo symbol display control command displayed on the pseudo symbol display unit 31 b, and the sound lamp control unit 260 transmits the symbol control unit 280 to the symbol control unit 280 based on the common command received from the main control unit 200. .

B-6. Game confirmation time:
At the end of the description regarding the electronic control device, the game confirmation time will be described. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the game confirmation time. In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, a game confirmation time (16 ms in this example) is provided between the games. FIG. 30 is an output timing chart of an in-game signal output from the main control unit 200 to the external inspection device. FIG. 30 (a) shows a state when the power is turned on, and FIG. 30 (b) shows an in-game state. Is shown.

  When the power is turned on, as shown in FIG. 30 (a), a game-in-progress signal indicating that a game is being played from the main control unit 200 to an external inspection device is output from the test signal terminal until a game result is obtained after the power is turned on. Is output. After the next game, as shown in FIG. 30 (b), an in-game signal is output from the end of the game confirmation time until the game result of the next game is obtained. The time during which no game signal is output is the game confirmation time. This game confirmation time makes it possible to clearly grasp the start and end of one game on the external inspection device side.

  In addition, the game confirmation time is a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls in the previous game, and all of the game balls have a plurality of entrances (for example, 16 consecutive entrance 24, the first accessory operating port 32, the second accessory) After entering / passing the operation port 33, the left entrance 26, the guidance increase device operation area 41 a, and the discharge port), after the elapse of an interval time of 2 seconds (fixed time) to be described later and / or 0.5 described above It is set when a game result is obtained after the winning symbol confirmation time of seconds has elapsed. For this reason, in addition to entering / passing a predetermined number of game balls to the entrances, etc., each game device provided in the gaming machine 1 (for example, a game ball payout device 109, an accessory guidance device, a guidance increase device) Etc.) can be clarified, and the division of one game can be completely clarified.

  In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a predetermined interval time (for example, 2 seconds) is provided after a predetermined number of game balls are fired in one game and before proceeding to the next game. When the main control unit 200 detects that all 15 game balls have been launched by the firing ball count switch 221, the main control unit 200 starts the interval function. The main control unit 200 transmits a firing prohibition command to the payout control unit 230 at the start of the interval function. Thereby, the firing permission signal from the payout control unit 230 to the firing control unit 250 is turned off, and the firing control unit 250 prohibits the operation of the firing motor 252. As a result, the launcher unit 10 stops during the interval function operation. The interval function stops after 2 seconds from the start of operation, and the interval time ends.

C. Overview of game ball launch control:
Next, the launch control of the game ball by the launch control unit 250 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 31 is a timing chart showing launch control when the power is turned on. As shown in FIG. 31, when the power is turned on, the firing forced signal and the firing permission signal are enabled (Low). At this time, when the player starts operating the shooting handle 8, the signal from the touch switch 8a becomes High, the shooting motor 252 rotates, the basket 10a is swung out, and the ball feeding process of the game ball is not performed. Make one empty shot. Then, after the origin is confirmed by the origin sensor 251, the ball feeding process is performed. If a game ball is present in advance at the launch position when the power is turned on, the game ball is fired with the above-mentioned empty shot, but this is not counted as a launch ball.

  The origin of the firing motor 252 is defined as a position rotated by a predetermined angle (for example, 15 to 200) from the predetermined firing angle at which the basket 10a is swung out as described above. Therefore, the origin can be confirmed by performing the idle driving only after the power is turned on as in the present embodiment, and a reliable ball feeding process can be performed.

  Specifically, when the trailing edge of the origin sensor signal is detected, the ball feed permission signal is enabled (Low) for 60 ms, and the ball feed solenoid 12a is activated. When the operation of the ball feed solenoid 12a is finished, the firing forcing signal is disabled (High). The game ball passes through the ball feed count switch 254 and is sent to the launch position (launch ball count switch 221) of the launcher unit 10. Then, the basket 10a is rotated by the rotation of the launch motor 252, and a game ball is launched. As described above, in this embodiment, the time required for one rotation of the launch motor 252, that is, the game ball launch interval (launch cycle) is set to 500 ms. Therefore, if 15 game balls are fired in one game, the shortest time required to end one game in this embodiment is 500 ms × 15 shots + interval time (2 seconds) = 9.5 seconds.

  FIG. 32 is a timing chart showing launch control during continuous operation. As shown in FIG. 32, when the player operates the launch handle 8, the launch motor 252 rotates continuously, and the origin detection, ball feed processing, and game ball launch are performed continuously.

  FIG. 33 is a timing chart showing the emission control when the emission is interrupted. As shown in FIG. 33, when the player releases his hand from the launch handle 8, the touch sensor signal becomes Low, and after the game ball is fired, the launch motor operation signal becomes Low when the next origin point is detected and fired. The motor 252 stops. Thereby, the launch of the game ball is interrupted.

  FIG. 34 is a timing chart showing launch control when launching is resumed. As shown in FIG. 34, when the player operates the firing handle 8, the ball feed permission signal is enabled (Low) for 60 ms, and the ball feed solenoid 12a is activated. The launch motor 252 starts to operate when the ball feed permission signal falls, and the game ball launch is resumed. After the first ball is restarted, ball feeding processing is performed by detecting the origin.

  FIG. 35 is a timing chart showing the firing control when the firing of all the predetermined number of game balls is completed. As shown in FIG. 35, when the number of game balls fired reaches a predetermined number (for example, 15), the firing permission signal is disabled (High) when the origin appears, that is, at the fall of the origin sensor signal. . Thereby, the launch of the game ball ends.

  If the origin sensor 251 cannot detect the origin even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation of the firing motor 252, or if the origin sensor 251 continues to detect the origin for a predetermined time after the operation of the firing motor 252, The payout control unit 230 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the launching device unit 10, turns on the error LED display unit 4h in red, and stops firing by the launching device unit 10. An abnormal error of the launcher unit 10 occurs when the origin can be detected when the origin sensor 251 cannot detect the origin, or when the origin is not detected when the origin sensor 251 continues to detect the origin. Canceled. An error signal related to the abnormality of the launching device unit 10 is transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200 described later.

D. Overview of overall control of pachinko machines:
D-1. Main job overview:
Next, an outline of the control of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 36 shows an example of a main job executed by the CPU 400 based on a program stored in the ROM of the main control unit 200. 36, after executing the power-on process S100, the game start process S200, the game management process S300, the winning symbol process S400, the accessory process S500, the score increasing apparatus process S600, the guidance increasing apparatus process S700, the guidance Each step of the symbol and accessory guiding device process S800 and the second accessory guiding device process S850 is repeatedly executed every time an interrupt is generated by the timer. In this embodiment, the interrupt period generated by the timer is set to 4 ms.

D-2. Power-on processing:
The power-on process S100 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. This power-on process is performed when power is turned on and when power is restored after a power failure occurs. First, various settings required when the power is turned on are performed (S101). Specifically, the stack pointer is set to a predetermined address in the RAM, the interrupt mode is set, and access to the RAM is permitted.

  Next, when the RAM clear switch is pressed or when the backup flag (power failure occurrence information) is not set in the RAM, it is determined that the power is turned on and the RAM initialization process is performed. Return (S102, S103, S104). As the RAM initialization processing, initial setting of built-in devices around the CPU is performed, all areas of the RAM are cleared to 0, initial values during normal game are set, and interrupts are permitted. Also, a game start flag is set.

  On the other hand, if the backup flag is set in the RAM, it is determined that the power supply is restored and the checksum is calculated from the contents of the RAM protected when the power supply is turned off (S105), and the checksum created and stored when the power supply is turned off. (S1006). If these checksums do not match, it is determined that the contents of the RAM are broken, and the RAM initialization process of S104 is performed.

  On the other hand, when the contents of the RAM are backed up normally, the following power recovery process is performed (S107). First, the stack pointer immediately before power-off is restored and the backup flag is cleared. Next, a return setting is made to return to the gaming state when the power is turned off, the CPU peripheral device is initialized, and the register is returned to the state immediately before the power is turned off. Thereafter, the program is resumed by returning to the program execution position immediately before the power is turned off.

D-3. Game start processing:
Next, the game start process S200 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, all the switches other than the RAM clear switch connected to the main control unit 200 are read (S201), the respective switch states are determined, and the detection information is stored (S202).

  Next, various random numbers such as a random number for determination of success / failure and a random number for symbol display are updated (S203). Specifically, the value of the random number counter set in the above-described RAM is incremented by 1 between an initial value (for example, 0) and a predetermined value (for example, 255). When the value of the random number counter exceeds a predetermined value, the initial value is restored.

  Next, prize ball control in S204 to S212 is performed. First, when each of the 16 consecutive entrance holes 24 is checked by the 16 consecutive entrance port switch 204 and a game ball enters the 16 consecutive entrance 24 and a winning combination is obtained. Corresponding score information is stored in the RAM (S204, S205). Next, it is determined whether the ball is full or full by the case rail ball switch 108 and the lower tray full tank switch 224 (S206).

  If the winning ball is not stopped because the ball is full or full, a payout disable designation command is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 (S207, S208). When the award ball is not in a full or full state, a payout enable designation command is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 (S209, S210). If there is saved score information, a prize ball command corresponding to the score is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 (S211 and S212).

D-4. Game management process:
Next, the game management process S300 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the game is started based on the game start flag (S301). As a result, when it is determined that the game is started, a setting process at the start of the game is performed (S3000). In the setting process at the start of the game, various flags necessary for playing the game are checked, or a process of setting a flag and a timer is performed. In addition, as will be described in detail later, in the present embodiment, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, it is possible to start the game with an increased probability that the game ball will pass through the guidance increase device operation area 41a. Such setting is also performed in the setting process at the start of the game in S3000. That is, as described above with reference to FIG. 9, in the special game device 36 of the present embodiment, the guidance increase device operation region 41 a moves at a constant period below the inclined surface 39, and the game ball is this guidance increase device. A special gaming state occurs when the operation area 41a is passed. In this embodiment, as the movement pattern of the guidance increase device operation area 41a, a plurality of patterns are prepared, a pattern in which the passing probability of the game ball is set to a standard value and a pattern in which the passing probability of the game ball is high. ing. When the predetermined flag (high probability flag) is set to ON during the setting process in S3000, the guidance increase device operation area 41a moves in a pattern with a high probability of passing a game ball. The process of setting the high probability flag in the setting process at the start of the game, and the manner in which the movement pattern of the guidance increasing device operating region 41a is switched according to the setting of the high probability flag will be described in detail later with reference to another drawing. .

  On the other hand, if it is not at the start of the game, the ball feed is first monitored by the ball feed count switch 254 (S303). When the ball feed count switch 254 is on, the ball feed counter is incremented by one. When the ball feed counter reaches 15 or more, a ball feed prohibit command is transmitted to the payout control unit 230, and the ball feed is terminated. Next, the shot ball is monitored by the shot ball count switch 222 (S304). When the firing ball count switch 222 is on, the firing counter is incremented by one. When the firing counter reaches a predetermined number (for example, 15) or more, a firing prohibition command is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 to complete the firing of all game balls.

  Next, the foul sphere is monitored by the foul sphere detection switch 223 (S305). Specifically, when the foul ball detection switch 223 is on, the ball feed counter and the launch counter are decremented by one.

  Next, the entrance is monitored by the 16 consecutive entrance switch 204 (S306). Each entrance of the 16 consecutive entrance 24 is checked by the 16 entrance entrance switch 204, and when a game ball enters the 16 entrance entrance 24, the entrance counter is incremented by one. When the number reaches a predetermined number (for example, 15) or more, the entry of all the game balls is completed.

  Next, the game end check process of S307 to S314 is performed. First, it is determined whether or not a game result has been obtained, that is, whether or not one game has been completed. A game result is obtained if all of the following requirements are met.

  That is, it is determined that all the game balls are launched by the launch counter (S307), it is determined that the interval time has elapsed (S308), and it is determined that all the game balls have entered by the entrance counter (S309). It is determined that the symbol confirmation time has elapsed (S310), it is determined that the operation of the guiding symbol display units 31a and 31b has been completed (S311), and the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 operates the guidance increasing device. When it is determined that the area 41a or the discharge port has been passed (S312) and it is determined that the payout of the acquired game ball (prize ball) has been completed (S313), it can be determined that a game result has been obtained.

  As a result, if a game result is obtained, that is, it is determined that one game is finished, the game end flag is set to 1 as a game end process, and the process returns (S314). If it is determined that any of the above requirements is not satisfied, the process returns. When the game end flag is set to 1, a game result is obtained, and the in-game signal shown in FIG. 32 is turned off for 16 ms. Therefore, a game confirmation time is set, and after the time has elapsed, the next game can be started.

D-5. Winning symbol processing:
Next, the winning symbol process S400 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not a game result is obtained based on the game end flag (S401). As a result, when it is determined that a game result has been obtained, a winning symbol turn-off command is transmitted to the symbol control unit 280 and an LED turn-off command is transmitted to the sound lamp control unit 260 as settings at the end of the game < S401, S402). Then return. Thereby, LED of 16 consecutive winning a prize LED display part 25 turns off.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the game result is not obtained, it is determined whether or not the game is in progress (S403), and it is determined whether or not all the game balls have been entered by the entrance counter. (S404), it is determined whether or not there has been an entrance to each entrance of the 16 entrance entrance 24 by the 16 entrance entrance switch 204 (S405). As a result, when a game is in progress and all the game balls have entered the entrance before completing the entrance, a winning symbol display command corresponding to each entrance is sent to the design control unit 280. Then, the LED display command is transmitted to the sound lamp control unit 260, and the process returns (S406). Otherwise, return as is. Thereby, LED of the corresponding 16 consecutive winning a prize LED display part 25 lights.

D-6. Game processing:
Next, the accessory game process S500 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not a game is in progress (S501). As a result, when the game is not in progress, the process returns as it is. On the other hand, when the game is in progress, the first combination processing of S502 to S507 is performed. First, it is determined whether or not the first accessory is operating (S502).

  As a result, when it is determined that the first accessory is not in operation, the first accessory operation process is performed (S503, S504, S505). Specifically, it is determined by the entrance counter whether or not all the game balls have entered, and it is determined by the accessory operating port switch 212a whether or not there has been an entrance to the first accessory operating port 32. As a result, when all the game balls have not been entered, if there is an entrance to the first accessory operating port 32, the operation of the first accessory is started and the second accessory described later is started. Move on to processing. In other cases, the process proceeds to the second accessory processing as it is. The winning symbols of Nos. 12, 13, 15, and 16 are turned on by the operation of the first character.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the first accessory is in operation, a first accessory operation end process is performed (S506, S507). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a game result is obtained based on the game end flag. As a result, when it is determined that a game result has been obtained, the operation of the first accessory is finished and the second accessory processing is started. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game result has not been obtained, the process proceeds to the second combination processing.

  Next, the second accessory processing of S508 to S513 is performed. First, it is determined whether or not the second accessory is operating (S508).

  As a result, when it is determined that the second combination is not in operation, it is determined whether or not all the game balls have entered, and further whether or not the game balls have entered the second combination operation port. (S509, S510). Whether or not all game balls have been entered can be determined by the value of the entrance counter. Further, whether or not the game ball has entered the second accessory operating port 33 can be detected by the accessory operating port switch 212b. Then, when all the game balls have been entered (S509: yes), or when the game has not entered the second accessory operating port (S510: no), the accessory game process is terminated as it is, Returning to the main job shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that all the game balls have not been entered (S509: no), and if it is determined that the game ball has entered the second accessory operating port (S510: yes), The operation of the second accessory is started (S520). When the second combination is activated, an effect similar to that of entering the No. 11, No. 13, No. 14, No. 15 entrance is generated, and the corresponding winning symbol is lit and displayed.

  As will be described later, when the game ball passes through the accessory guiding device operating gate 30 during the operation of the guidance increasing device, the second accessory operating port 33 is opened by operating the second accessory guiding device. However, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, when such a condition is satisfied, the second accessory guiding device does not operate immediately, but the start of the operation can be delayed according to the gaming condition at that time. ing. As will be described in detail later, this makes it possible to greatly change the game content and effectively enhance the interest of the player. Such second accessory guiding apparatus processing of the present embodiment will be described later with reference to another drawing.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the second accessory is in operation, a second accessory operation termination process is performed (S512, S513). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a game result has been obtained based on the game end flag. If it is determined that a game result has been obtained, the operation of the second accessory is terminated and the process returns. On the other hand, if the game result is not obtained, the process returns as it is.

D-7. Score increaser processing:
Next, the score increasing device process S600 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not a game is in progress. If it is determined that the game is not in progress, the process directly returns (S601). On the other hand, when it is determined that the game is in progress, it is determined whether or not the score increasing device is operating (S602).

  As a result, when it is determined that the score increasing device is not in operation, the score increasing device operating process is performed (S603 to S605). Specifically, it is determined by the entrance counter whether or not a predetermined number of game balls have all entered (S603), and then the 16 consecutive entrance entrance detection switch 204 receives the input corresponding to the 16th winning symbol. It is determined whether or not a ball has entered the ball opening (score increasing device operating port) 24a. As a result, when it is determined that all the game balls have not entered the ball 16th entrance 24a, the operation of the score increasing device is started and the process returns. Otherwise, return as is.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the score increasing device is in operation (S602: yes), a score increasing device operation end process is performed (S606 to S608). Specifically, it is determined by the game end flag whether or not a game result is obtained (S606). If the game result is not obtained (S606: no), the score increasing device process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the main job shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when a game result is obtained (S606: yes), it is determined whether or not a score has been established in the game (S607). If the score is established (S607: yes), after the operation of the score increasing device is stopped (S608), the score increasing device processing shown in FIG. 42 is ended. On the other hand, when the score is not established (S607: no), the score increasing device process is immediately terminated. In other words, if the score is not established in the game (S606: yes and S607: no) even though the score increasing device is operating (S602: yes), the score increasing device is operated. The score increasing device process is terminated. In other words, in this embodiment, in the normal case, that is, if the score is established, the score increasing device is stopped at the end of the game, whereas the score is established although the score increasing device is activated. Only if not, the game ends with the score increasing device operating. As will be described in detail later, in the setting process (S3000) at the start of the game described above with reference to FIG. 39, whether or not a score has been established at the end of the previous game using these characteristics of the score increasing device, And the high probability flag is set based on whether or not the score increasing device was operating at that time.

D-8. Induction increaser processing:
Next, the guidance increase device processing S700 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. When the guidance increase device process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the high probability flag is set to ON (S702). As described above with reference to FIG. 39, the high probability flag is set in the setting process at the start of the game. If the high probability flag is not set to ON (S702: no), the operation pattern of the guidance increase device operation area 41a of the special game device 36 is set to the normal pattern (S704). On the other hand, when the high probability flag is set to ON, the operation pattern of the guidance increase device operation area 41a is set to a high probability pattern, that is, a pattern in which a game ball easily passes through the operation area (S706). .

  FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation pattern of the guidance increase device operation area 41a in the special game device 36 according to the present embodiment. 44A shows a normal operation pattern, and FIG. 44B shows an operation pattern in a high probability state. As described above with reference to FIG. 9, the induction increasing device operation region 41 a performs an operation of reciprocating the lower end of the inclined surface 39 at a constant period. Here, the normal operation pattern reciprocates in the range from one end to the other end of the inclined surface 39 (see FIG. 44A), but in the high probability pattern, the one end to the other end of the inclined surface 39. A reciprocating motion with a small amplitude is performed at approximately the center position (see FIG. 44B).

  As described above, in the special game device 36 of the present embodiment, a shallow groove is provided in the center of the inclined surface 39, and the probability that the game ball falls from the central portion of the inclined surface 39 is high. This is because when the game ball comes out of the central passage hole 37b and rolls on the inclined surface 39, it is guided by the groove and goes straight and falls to the center of the inclined surface 39. On the other hand, when the game balls come out from the other passage holes 37a, 37c, some of the game balls are inclined surfaces 39 due to the effect of the traveling direction when they come out of the passage holes and the rotation of the game balls. Is slanted and caught in a groove provided in the center. That is, the probability that a game ball will emerge from the three passage holes is the same for any of the passage holes, so that only the game ball that emerges from the central passage hole 37b is provided with a groove on the inclined surface 39. In addition, part of the game balls from the other passage holes 37 a and 37 c also fall from the center of the inclined surface 39. For this reason, the probability that the game ball falls from the central portion of the inclined surface 39 is high.

  In S702 of the guidance increasing device process shown in FIG. 43, it is determined whether or not the high probability flag is set to ON. If it is determined that the high probability flag is set to ON (S702: yes), the operation pattern of the guidance increase device operation area 41a is set to the pattern shown in FIG. 44B (S706), On the other hand, if it is determined that it is set to OFF (S702: no), processing for setting the pattern shown in FIG. 44A is performed (S704).

  When the operation pattern of the guidance increase device operation area 41a is set to either the normal pattern or the high probability pattern in this way, it is next determined whether or not a game is in progress (S708). If it is determined that the game is not being played (S708: no), the guidance increase device process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the main job shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the game is in progress (S708: yes), it is determined whether or not the guidance increasing device (corresponding to the special game device 36 here) is operating (S710). As a result, when it is determined that the guidance increasing device is not operating, it is determined by the operation region switch 214 whether or not the game ball has passed the guidance increasing device operating region 41a (S712). If it is determined that the game ball has passed through the guidance increase device operation area 41a (S712: yes), after the guidance increase device is activated (S714), the guidance increase device processing is terminated and the process shown in FIG. Return to the indicated main job. On the other hand, if it is determined in S712 that the game ball has not passed through the guidance increasing device operating area 41a (S712: no), the processing is passed directly to the main job of FIG. 36 without operating the guidance increasing device. Return.

  When the guidance increasing device is activated in this way, a special gaming state is generated, and the accessory guidance device operating gate 30 is activated. In addition, the winning value of the random number for determination of success / failure is increased, and as a result, the probability that the guiding symbol is stopped and displayed in the symbol by the symbol display device 31 is increased. Specifically, the probability of a winning symbol increases from the normal value 1/36 to 35/36, and the lottery probability that the first accessory guidance device operates shifts from the normal probability state to the high probability state. Then, when the game ball passes through the accessory guiding device operating gate 30 during the occurrence of this special gaming state, the second accessory operating port 33 is opened in the second accessory guiding device processing as will be described later. become.

  The special game state started in this way is repeated for a predetermined number of unit games (here, 14 games), and when the game ball is overlapped and passes through the guidance increase device operating region 41a in the middle of the repetition, At that point, the special gaming state ends. Such a state is called a puncture state. Corresponding to performing such an operation, if it is determined in S710 that the guidance increasing device is in operation, that is, if the game ball has already passed the guidance increasing device operating region 41a (S710: yes), It is determined again whether or not the game ball has passed through the guidance increasing device operating area 41a (S716). Specifically, the operation area switch 214 is used to detect whether or not the game ball has passed through the guidance increase device operation area 41a again.

  If it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the operation area 41a (S716: no), it is determined whether or not 14 games have been completed since the start of the special game state (S718). If the 14 games have not yet ended (S718: no), the guidance increase device processing is ended as it is, and the process returns to the main job of FIG. 36. If it is determined that the 14 games have ended, the special gaming state In order to finish the operation, the operation of the induction increasing device is stopped (S720). When the operation of the guidance increase device is stopped, the accessory guidance device operation gate 30 is disabled, and the probability that the symbol display is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 31 is returned to the normal value of 1/36.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the game ball has overlapped and passed through the guidance increase device operation area 41a in the special game state (S716: yes), after notifying that the puncture state has occurred (S722), the guidance is performed. Stop the increase device. The notification of puncture can be performed, for example, by turning on a predetermined LED provided on the symbol display device 31. If it becomes punctured, the special gaming state will end before 14 games have passed, but if the player is informed that the punctured state has occurred, the player will be notified that the special gaming state has ended suddenly. Will not complain or claim a machine failure. As a result, troubles between the player and the game hall employee due to the puncture can be avoided, and the game soundness can be improved.

D-9. Guidance symbol and accessory guidance device processing:
Next, the guidance symbol and accessory guidance device processing S800 will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. First, it is determined whether or not the first accessory guide device is operating (S801). As a result, when it is determined that the first accessory guiding device is in operation, the accessory guiding device termination process shown in S816 to S818 described later is performed (S801). On the other hand, when it is determined that the first accessory guiding device is not in operation, it is determined whether or not the guiding symbol is changing (S802).

  As a result, when it is determined that the guiding symbol is changing, the process proceeds to the changing time elapsed determination process shown in S809 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the guide symbol is not changing, it is determined whether or not it is during the guide symbol stop display time (S803).

  As a result, when it is determined that it is during the stop display time of the guide symbol, the process proceeds to a stop display time elapsed determination process shown in S811 described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not during the guide symbol stop display time, it is determined by the guide symbol operation gate switch 201 whether or not the game ball has passed the guide symbol operation gate 29 (S804).

  As a result, if it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the guide symbol operation gate 29, the process directly returns. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game ball has passed through the guide symbol operation gate 29, the guide symbol determination is made (S805).

  Here, the guidance symbol success / failure determination processing (S805 in FIG. 45) will be described based on the flowchart in FIG. In the guidance symbol success / failure determination process, first, it is determined whether or not the guidance increase device is in operation (S8051). If the guidance increase device is in operation (S8051: yes), a data table for high probability is selected (S8052). If the high-probability data table is selected in this way, the probability of winning in subsequent success / failure determination increases, and finally the first accessory guiding device becomes easy to operate. That is, during the operation of the induction increasing device, the first accessory induction device is easily operated. On the other hand, if the guidance increase device is not in operation (S8051: no), a low probability data table is selected (S8054). When the low-probability data table is selected, the success / failure determination to be performed subsequently occurs with a normal probability, and the first accessory guidance device also operates with the normal probability.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the same value as the value of the random number for success / failure determination exists in the selected data table (S8055). The random number for success / failure determination is acquired from the random number counter at the timing when the game ball passes through the guidance symbol operation gate 29.

  As a result, if it is determined that the value of the random number for success / failure determination is a winning, a winning stop symbol displayed on the guiding symbol display units 31a and 31b at the time of winning is set (S8056), and a winning schedule flag is set. Set (S8057). On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the random number for determination of success / failure is not a hit, a losing symbol displayed on the guiding symbol display units 31a and 31b at the time of losing is set (S8058). The winning symbol and the off symbol displayed on these guiding symbol display units 31a and 31b are determined using a random number for symbol display. When these processes are completed, the guidance symbol success / failure determination process shown in FIG. 47 is terminated, and the process returns to the guidance symbol and accessory guiding apparatus process shown in FIG.

  In the guidance symbol and accessory guidance device processing, when returning from the guidance symbol success / failure determination processing, the variation time setting and variation pattern of the guidance symbol displayed on the guidance symbol display units 31a and 31b are set (S806 in FIG. 45), A predetermined symbol control command is transmitted to the symbol controller 280, and the variation of the guiding symbol is started (S807). In addition, although the variation | change time of a guidance symbol can be set to an appropriate value according to a condition, in this Example, it is set to the value around 1.5 seconds.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the guidance symbol variation time has elapsed (S808). As a result, when it is determined that the guide symbol variation time has not elapsed, the process returns as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the guide symbol variation time has elapsed, the guide symbol is stopped (S809), and the guide symbol stop display time (0.5 seconds in this example) is set (S810).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the guidance symbol stop display time has elapsed (S811). As a result, when it is determined that the guidance symbol stop display time has not elapsed, the process returns as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the guidance symbol stop display time has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the guidance symbol is hit (S812). As a result, if it is determined that the guiding symbol is not a hit, the process directly returns. On the other hand, when it is determined that the guiding symbol is a win, the operation of the first accessory guiding apparatus is started (S813).

  Next, the guide process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 48 is performed (S814). Here, the aiming point is guided to the player so that the first actor operating port 32 remains open at the start of the first game after the end of the special game-like bear, and thereby, the continuous special game state This increases the probability of occurrence (so-called renso).

  First, it is determined whether or not the induction increasing device is in operation (S8141). If the induction increasing device is not in operation, the processing returns as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined in S8141 that the guidance increase device is operating, it is determined whether or not 12 games have been completed since the operation of the guidance increase device was started (S8142). As a result, when it is determined that 12 games have not ended, the process returns as it is.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the 12 games have ended, it is determined whether or not the first accessory operating port 32 is closed (S8143), and when the first accessory operating port 32 is closed. Transmits a symbol control command to the symbol control unit 280 and guides it to make a left strike (S8144). The symbol display device 31 is provided with a guide display unit (not shown) so that a left-handed or right-handed guide can be given to the player. By left-handed, the game ball easily passes through the guide symbol operation gate 29, and the guide symbol display portions 31a and 31b start operating. At this time, since the induction increasing device is in operation, the induction symbol is won with high probability, and the first accessory operating port 32 is opened.

  After guiding left-handed, it is determined whether or not the guiding symbol is hit (S8145). As a result, if it is determined that the guiding symbol is not a hit, the process directly returns. On the other hand, when it is determined that the guide symbol is a winning symbol, a symbol control command is transmitted to the symbol control unit 280, and the guide display unit of the symbol display device 31 guides the player to make a right strike (S8147). In addition, when it is determined in S8143 that the first accessory operating port 32 is not closed (opened), the guide display unit of the symbol display device 31 performs a guide to the effect of right-handing ( S8147). In addition, when the guide symbol is a hit after guiding the left strike in S8144, the first accessory operating port 32 is opened after a predetermined time (for example, 4 seconds) has elapsed since the guide symbol was determined to be a hit. It has become.

  In this way, while guiding the right-handed information as the information related to the start of operation of the guidance increasing device at the guide display unit of the symbol display device 31, avoiding entering the first accessory operating port 32. The player can aim the accessory guiding device operating gate 30, the second accessory operating port 33, and the like.

  Then, by guiding the right hand on the guide display section of the symbol display device 31 and avoiding the ball entering the first accessory operating port 32, the first game after the end of the special gaming state is started. The first accessory operating port 32 can be opened, and at this time, a game ball enters the first accessory operating port 32, and this game ball is in a specific area (induction increasing device operating area 41a). If it passes, special game state can be generated again. Therefore, the player's expectation for the recreational resort can be remarkably increased and the interest can be improved.

  In addition, when 12 games have been completed since the start of the operation of the guidance increasing device, left guidance is guided by the guide display unit of the symbol display device 31, so that even if the guidance symbol is not hit in the 13th game. In the 14th game, the guide symbol is won with a high probability, and the first accessory operating port 32 is opened. Therefore, it is possible to make the first accessory operating port 32 open at the beginning of the first game after the end of the special gaming state with a higher probability than when the left game is guided when the 13 games are completed.

  Next, returning to FIG. 46, if it is determined in S801 that the first accessory guiding device is in operation, an accessory guiding device termination process is performed (S816, S817, S818). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a ball has entered the first accessory operating port 32, and it is determined whether or not a game result has been obtained three times. As a result, if it is determined that a ball has entered the first accessory operating port 32 or that a game result has been obtained three times, the operation of the first accessory guiding device is stopped. As a result, the first accessory operating port 32 is closed. On the other hand, if any of the conditions is not satisfied, the process returns as it is.

D-10. Second actor guidance device processing:
Next, a process of opening the second accessory operating port 33 when the game ball passes through the accessory guide device operating gate 30 during operation of the guidance increasing device (that is, during the special game) (second accessory guide device) Processing) will be described.

  FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing a flow of second accessory guiding apparatus processing performed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. When such processing is started, first, it is determined whether or not the second accessory operating port 33 is open (S852). If the second accessory operating port 33 is not yet opened (S852: no), it is determined whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied as described below, and the second accessory operating port 33 is determined. Process to release. Conversely, if the second accessory operating port 33 has already been opened (S852: yes), it is determined whether or not a predetermined condition as described below is met. A process of closing the two-compartment operating port 33 is performed. In the following, a case where the second accessory operating port 33 has not been opened yet will be described first, and then a case where the second accessory operating port 33 has already been opened will be described.

  If the second accessory operating port 33 has not yet been opened (S852: no), it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the accessory guiding device operating gate 30 (S854). If the game ball has passed through the accessory guidance device operation gate 30 (S854: yes), it is then determined whether or not the guidance increase device is operating (S856). If the game ball does not pass through the accessory guidance device operating gate 30 (S854: no), or if the guidance increasing device is not operating even though it passes through the operating gate 30 (S856: no), it remains as it is. The second accessory guiding apparatus process is terminated, and the process returns to the main job shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the accessory guidance device operating gate 30 and the guidance increase device is operating at that time, the second accessory operating port 33 is explained as follows. Process to release.

  In the present embodiment, the operation of opening the second accessory operating port 33 is varied depending on whether or not the special game state is in the final round. Therefore, when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the accessory guidance device operation gate 30 during the operation of the guidance increase device (S854: yes, S856: yes), first, is the special game state in the final round? It is determined whether or not (S858). As described above with reference to FIG. 43, in this embodiment, the special gaming state can be executed up to 14 rounds, and in S858, it is determined whether or not the current round is the 14th round. If it is determined that the current game is not in the final round (S858: no), the second accessory operating port 33 is immediately opened (S864). On the other hand, if it is currently determined that the final round is in progress (S858: yes), a predetermined time is set in the timer (S860), and then it is determined whether the set time has elapsed (S862). Then, after confirming the elapse of a predetermined set time (S862: yes), the second accessory operating port 33 is opened (S864).

  Next, the case where it is determined in S852 that the second accessory operating port 33 is open will be described. If the second accessory operating port 33 is being opened (S852: yes), it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the second accessory operating port 33 (S866) and entered. In the case (S866: yes), the second accessory operating port 33 is closed (S870). On the other hand, when the game ball is not inserted into the second accessory operating port 33 (S866: no), it is determined whether or not the unit game during the game is finished (S868). If the unit game has ended (S868: yes), the second accessory operating port 33 is closed (S870), and if the unit game has not ended yet (S868: no), the second accessory guiding device remains as it is. The process ends, and the process returns to the main job shown in FIG. The predetermined time set in S860 is a time that makes it difficult for a game ball to enter the second accessory operating port 33. For example, the predetermined time is the shortest time required for the end of one unit game. By setting it to 5 seconds (see paragraph 0160), it is possible to make it difficult to enter the ball.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, even when the game ball moves the accessory guidance device operation gate 30 during the operation of the guidance increase device, the special game state is in the final round. The two-compartment operation port 33 is not immediately opened, but is opened after a predetermined time has elapsed. As a result, it is possible to greatly enhance the interest of the player for the following reasons. First, if the opening of the second accessory operating port 33 is delayed, it becomes difficult for the game ball to enter, which corresponds to a disadvantageous situation for the player. However, if the score is not established in the last round of the special game and the game ball passes through the accessory guidance device operation gate, the score increase device is operated without establishing the score as it is, and the unit By ending the game, it is possible to increase the probability that the game ball will pass through the guidance increase device operation area 41a until the next unit game is scored. As a result, in the subsequent unit game, it is possible to make a turn and create an advantageous state for the player. As a result, it is possible to greatly change the game contents, and to greatly enhance the interest of the player.

  49, in the second accessory guidance device processing described above with reference to FIG. 49, when the game ball passes through the accessory guidance device operation gate 30 in the special game state of the final round, the second accessory operation port 33 is opened. It has been described that a timer is set to delay and the second accessory operating port 33 is opened after the elapse of a predetermined time. However, as long as the opening of the second accessory operating port 33 can be delayed, it is not limited to measuring the passage of time using a timer. For example, it is also possible to confirm the number of balls (for example, 15 balls) entered by the ball sensor or to confirm the launch of all game balls by the launch counter and then open the second accessory operating port 33. is there.

D-11. Power-off occurrence processing:
Next, the power interruption occurrence processing S900 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. This power cut-off generation process is performed when a non-maskable interrupt occurs due to a power cut due to a power failure or the like.

  First, the used register is saved in the RAM, and the value of the stack pointer is saved (S901, S902). Next, in order to check the remaining number of prize balls of the game ball payout device, the payout sensors 109j and 109k are monitored for a predetermined time (84 ms in this example), and the first and second accessory operating ports 32 and 32 are operated. The gaming balls passing through the 33 accessory operating port switches 212a and 212b are monitored for a predetermined time (84 ms in this example) (S903, S904). Next, a checksum is calculated and stored, and a backup flag is set (S905, S906). Next, access to the RAM is prohibited, and infinite loop processing is performed until a system reset occurs (S907). The RAM data is compensated by a backup power supply unit (not shown). If a system reset occurs, the process proceeds to the power-on process S100.

D-12. Setting process at game start:
Finally, processing for setting a high probability flag will be described. The setting of the high probability flag is set in the setting process (S3000 in FIG. 39) executed at the start of the game in the game management process described with reference to FIG. FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for setting a high probability flag during the setting processing at the start of the game.

  In the setting process at the start of the game, first, it is determined whether or not the score increasing device is operating (S3002). If the score increasing device is in operation (S3002: yes), the high probability flag is set to ON (S3006). Otherwise (S3002: no), the high probability flag is set to OFF (S3004). . As described above in the description of the score increasing process with reference to FIG. 42, the score increasing device is stopped at the end of the game in most cases, but the score increasing device is operating. However, if the score is not established, the score increasing device is in an activated state even at the end of the game. Since the setting process shown in FIG. 51 is a process performed at the start of the game, the fact that the score increasing device is in operation means that a score is established in the previous game even though the score increasing device has been operated. It means not. Therefore, in such a case, the high probability flag is set to ON (S3006), and in other cases, the high probability flag is set to OFF (S3004). When the high probability flag is set to either on / off in this way, the game management process of FIG. 39 is resumed.

  In this way, when the high probability flag is set to ON at the start of the game, as explained with reference to FIG. 43, the guidance increase device operation area 41a is always highly probable in the guidance increase device processing during the game. Will work with patterns. For this reason, it becomes easy for a game ball to pass through the guidance increase device operation area 41a, and a special game state is likely to occur. In particular, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, the first accessory operating port 32 can be opened at the start of the first game after the end of the special gaming state. If the high probability flag is set to ON at the start of the first game after the end of the special gaming state, the guidance increasing device operating area 41a operates with a high probability pattern, and this causes the special gaming state to occur again. Is more likely to do.

  With the configuration of the gaming machine 1 described above, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) By configuring the symbol control unit 280 to control one symbol display device 31, there is no need to provide an LED drive circuit or the like on the symbol control board 280a, and the symbol control unit 280 is shared with the pachinko gaming machine. can do. In addition, when the symbol display device 31 is configured using a display device such as a liquid crystal (LCD) capable of displaying an arbitrary symbol, the winning symbol is displayed on the symbol display device 31 in addition to the guidance symbol display. Is possible. As a result, the following effects can be obtained. First, since the symbol display device 31 can be substituted for the 16-entry ball opening LED display unit 25 for displaying a winning symbol, the configuration of the symbol control unit 280 for controlling symbol display can be simplified. . Thereby, since the number of terminals of the symbol control board 280a can be reduced, the cost of the symbol control board 280a can be reduced. Further, by using a display device that can display an arbitrary symbol as the symbol display device 31, a winning symbol can be expressed using, for example, a character or a number. The arrangement of the winning symbols is not limited to one horizontal row as in this embodiment, and can be arbitrarily changed. In this way, winning symbols can be displayed by various display methods. Furthermore, like the guide display unit of the present embodiment, by providing a game information notification unit in the symbol display unit 31 that arbitrarily displays a message according to the progress of the game, for example, information related to the profit of the player and Navigation can be performed by displaying instruction notification information for instructing information related to the disadvantage. Specifically, in the game information notification unit, it is possible to instruct and notify the place where the player should aim or should not aim.

  (2) A plurality of stages of error states are set for the ball jam of the case rail 108, and even when the ball jam occurs in any of the plurality of rods of the case rail 108, the game ball dispensing device 109 is immediately stopped. First, the game can be progressed by continuing the payout with the remaining bag without the ball clogging while giving a warning. Thereby, even when ball clogging occurs in the case rail 108, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine 1.

  (3) Further, the presence or absence of a game ball on the case rail 108 is detected by detecting a ball clogging in the case rail 108 based on the signal from the tank ball out switch 232 and the signals from the payout sensors 109j and 109k. It is not necessary to provide a switch for performing the circuit configuration, and the circuit configuration can be simplified.

  (4) Before the game ball payout device 109 stops paying out the game ball, the cams 109g and 109h are once decelerated and then stopped so that the load applied to the payout motor 109f changes rapidly. It is possible to prevent the cams 109g and 109h from being stepped out due to the speeding up of the payout. Thereby, the payout of the game ball payout device 109 can be performed accurately. Similarly, even when the game ball payout device 109 starts paying out a game ball, the load applied to the payout motor 109f is suddenly increased by starting the rotation of the payout motor 109f from a rotation speed lower than the normal rotation speed. The cams 109g and 109h can be prevented from stepping out. Thereby, the payout of the game ball payout device 109 can be performed accurately.

  (5) Also, by providing a vertical portion 108b having a predetermined length vertically in front of the game ball payout device 109 on the case rail 108, the game balls supplied to the game ball payout device 109 by the weight of the game balls The ball pressure can be increased, and the payout speed can be increased. Furthermore, by providing a predetermined payout stop time for periodically stopping payout during game ball payout, the ball pressure can be increased during the payout stop time, and the payout speed can be further increased. By periodically stopping the payout in this way, it is possible to prevent the ball pressure from increasing too much and causing a ball biting or the like, so that the game ball can be paid out accurately. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the cause of an error that is not detected by the payout sensors 109j and 109k during the operation of the game ball payout device 109.

  (6) In addition, the payout control unit 230 receives signals from the payout sensors 109j and 109k, counts the number of payouts, and transmits a pulse signal corresponding to the number of prize balls to the main control unit 200, thereby providing one type of payout. Since it is possible to count the number of prize balls and the number of balls lent by the sensors 109j and 109k, it is necessary to provide separately a prize ball sensor for counting the number of prize balls and a ball rental sensor for counting the number of balls lent. There is no. As a result, the circuit configuration can be simplified. Further, it is not necessary to separate the game ball passages 109a and 109b into a prize ball sensor passage and a ball rental sensor passage in order to distribute the game balls to the prize ball sensor and the ball rental sensor. The configuration can be simplified. That is, there is no need to provide a passage switching member or change the rotation direction of the payout motor 109f in order to distribute the game balls to the prize ball sensor passage and the ball rental sensor passage.

  (7) As the payout speed in the game ball payout device 109 increases, the passing speed of the game ball in the payout sensors 109j and 109k increases. In this case, if the output time of the payout sensors 109j and 109k is shorter than the control interval of the payout control unit 230, it may not be possible to detect the passing of the game ball. However, in the payout control unit 230 of this embodiment, the control interval is set to the main control. Since it is set shorter than the unit 200, it is possible to reliably detect the passing of the game ball.

  (8) Further, it is necessary to provide an I / 0 port for sensor input on the main control board 200a by outputting the pulse signals for the number of winning balls from the payout control unit 230 to the counter of the CPU 400 of the main control unit 200. Absent. Thereby, it is possible to avoid an increase in cost due to an additional I / 0 port.

  (9) Also, programs such as port input processing and chattering processing are configured such that pulse signals for the number of prize balls are input to the counter of the CPU 400 of the main control unit 200, and the CPU 400 performs control with reference to the counter. Is unnecessary, and the program capacity can be reduced. Furthermore, since the counter operates independently of the operation of the CPU, it is possible to input even a subtle input signal with respect to the CPU interrupt speed (port sampling speed). A high count can be achieved.

  (10) In addition, an origin sensor 251 for detecting the origin of the launch motor 252 is provided, and the launch control unit 230 performs a ball feed process after confirming the origin of the launch motor 252, so that accurate ball feed can be performed. A predetermined number of game balls can be launched. Further, after the power is turned on, when the player touches the firing handle 8, the base 10a can be surely checked when the power is turned on by performing the blank shot of the basket 10a once. Thereby, the first ball feeding can be reliably performed after the power is turned on. Furthermore, since the tip of the heel 10a is disposed at a position retracted from the firing ball count switch 222, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of the firing sphere due to detection of the tip of the heel. In addition, by setting the pulse width of the reference clock signal to be shorter than the time during which the ball feed permission signal is in the firing permitted state, the ball feeding process can be performed reliably and the firing can be performed reliably.

  (11) Further, since the launch start switch 10j for detecting that the player has started rotating the launch handle 8 is turned on / off by the movement of the linearly moving rack 10i, for example, the launch handle 8 is rattled. Even when such deterioration occurs, it is possible to accurately detect a launch start position suitable for launching a game ball. Thereby, it becomes possible to always start the game ball at the same handle position. Furthermore, the mechanism in the firing handle 8 is simplified, and the assembling property of the firing handle 8 can be improved. Further, the circuit configuration can be simplified by incorporating the firing stop switch 8b into the touch switch circuit and connecting it in series with the touch switch 8a.

  (12) In addition, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the score is not established despite the fact that the score increasing device is operating, in the next game, the game ball is set in the guidance increasing device operating region. It is possible to advance the game with an increased probability of passing. As a result, it becomes easy to be in a so-called consecutive resort state where a special gaming state is continuously generated, and it is possible to make a great change in the game contents and effectively enhance the interest of the player.

  (13) Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the game ball passes through the accessory guidance device operating gate under a predetermined condition, the opening of the second variable entrance is delayed. This can greatly improve the playability of the gaming machine for the following reasons. First, if the second variable entrance is opened, a game ball enters and a score is easily established, which is advantageous for the player. Therefore, conversely, the fact that the opening of the second variable entrance is delayed corresponds to a relatively disadvantageous state for the player. However, when the game is finished without the score being established because the opening of the second variable entrance is delayed during the operation of the score increasing device, as described above, the game after the next time is not for the player. It is possible to proceed in a very advantageous state. That is, once a disadvantageous state for the player is created and then brought into a very advantageous state, the player's interest can be effectively enhanced.

  (14) Further, according to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the player can control the contents of the game to some extent according to his / her skill. In other words, since the player can control the progress of the game so as to be advantageous to himself / herself, it is possible to provide a gaming machine having high gaming properties.

  Hereinafter, this point will be briefly described. For example, at first, as usual, a game ball is launched aiming at the guidance symbol operation gate, and so-called left-handed is performed. However, if it is determined that a score is not likely to be established in the middle of the game, this time, switching to the so-called right-handed shot and launching a game ball aiming at the 16th entrance. Since the 16th entrance is relatively easy to enter the game ball, in most cases, the scoring device can be activated if it is hit right. When the score increasing device is activated, the remaining game balls are fired so that the score is not established, and the game is ended. In this way, in the next game, the game ball can be advanced in a state in which the game ball easily passes through the guidance increase device operation area 41a, so that it is easy to enter the special game state and obtain a high score. When such a gaming method is performed, the player's skill is determined by the timing of switching from left-handed to right-handed, the point at which the remaining game balls are fired so that the score is not established after the score increasing device is activated, etc. appear. And since a high score can be expected more and more depending on the skill of the player, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with a high gameability that stimulates the interest of the player.

E. Modified example:
In the above-described embodiment, when the high probability flag is set to ON, that is, when the score is not established although the score increasing device is operated in the previous game, In the game, it has been described that the game is started in a state where the game ball easily passes through the guidance increasing device operation area 41a. However, when the high probability flag is ON, not only the game ball easily passes through the guidance increase device operation area 41a but also the probability that the guidance symbol hits the symbol becomes a high probability. It is also possible to start a game. Below, the game machine of such a modification is demonstrated easily.

  FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing the flow of guidance symbol success / failure determination processing in such a modification. The guidance symbol success / failure determination processing of the modification is switched not only by the operation status of the guidance increasing device but also by the setting contents of the high probability flag, compared to the guidance symbol success / failure determination processing described above with reference to FIG. There is a big difference. In the following, focusing on these differences, the guidance symbol success / failure determination process of the modification will be described.

  Also in the guide symbol determination process of the modified example, when the process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the induction increasing device is in operation (S8151). If the guidance increase device is in operation, the high probability data table is selected in the same manner as the above-described determination process (S8152).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the guidance increase device is not in operation (S8151: no), the data table for low probability is immediately selected in the above-described success / failure determination processing, but the high probability is determined in the guidance symbol success / failure determination processing of the modified example. It is determined whether or not the flag is set to ON (S8153). If the high probability flag is set to ON (S8153: yes), the high probability data table is selected (S8152). Conversely, if the high probability flag is set to OFF (S8153: no), the low probability data table is selected (S8154). That is, in the guidance symbol success / failure determination process of the modified example, the high probability data table is always selected as long as the high probability flag is ON even if the guidance increasing device is not operating.

  In this way, when either the high probability data table or the low probability data table is selected, the success / failure determination is performed in the same manner as the above-described guidance symbol success / failure determination processing (S8155). That is, it is determined whether or not a random number value for determining whether or not the game ball has been acquired in advance at the timing when the game ball passes through the gate 29 exists in the selected data table. On the contrary, if the same value does not exist in the data table, it is determined that they are out of place.

  If the determination result is a win, a hit stop symbol is set and a hit schedule flag is set (S8156, S8157). On the other hand, if the result of the determination is not good, a lost symbol is set (S8058). These winning symbols and missed symbols are determined using symbol display random numbers in the same manner as the above-described guiding symbol success / failure determination processing using FIG. When the process as described above is completed, the guide symbol determination process of the modified example shown in FIG. 52 is ended, and the process returns to the guide symbol and accessory guide apparatus process shown in FIG.

  In the gaming machine of the modified example described above, the high probability flag is set to ON when the game is finished without a score being established despite the fact that the score increasing device is operating. When the high probability flag is set to ON, in the next game, the probability that the game ball will pass through the guidance increasing device operating area 41a is set to a high value, and the guidance symbol is stopped and displayed as a winning symbol. It is possible to advance the game in a state that is very advantageous for the player that the probability of being played is also set to a high value.

  Further, as described above, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the game ball passes through the accessory guidance device operation gate under a predetermined condition, by delaying the opening of the second variable entrance, Once a relatively unfavorable state is created for the player, an advantageous state is subsequently generated. In the above-described modification, the advantageous state at this time can be made a very advantageous state for the player, so that the game content can be given a great sharpness and the gaming characteristics of the gaming machine can be further enhanced. Is possible.

  While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and is not limited to the wording of each claim unless it departs from the scope described in each claim. Further, it is possible to appropriately add improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has, and also to the extent that those skilled in the art can easily replace them.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a combination type gaming machine that launches 15 game balls in one unit game has been described. However, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to such a combination game machine, and may be applied to, for example, a combination game machine that fires 16 game balls in one unit game.

It is a front view of the combination type gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is the perspective view which looked at the inner frame of the combination type gaming machine of the present embodiment from the front side. It is the perspective view which looked at the inner frame of the combination type gaming machine of the present embodiment from the back side. It is an enlarged view of the launch rail 11 of the combination type gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is an enlarged view of a pinion and a rack part when the launching handle of the launcher unit is not rotated. It is an enlarged view of a pinion and a rack part in the case of rotating the firing handle of the launcher unit. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the game ball thrown into the combination type game machine of a present Example is supplied to a launching device unit from a ball feeder. It is the front view which showed typically the board surface of the game board mounted in the combination type game machine of a present Example. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the special game device mounted in the combination type game machine of a present Example. It is a front view of the back mechanism board of the combination type gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which looked at the prize ball tank and tank rail mounted in the combination type game machine of a present Example from the upper surface side. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the shape of the case rail mounted in the combination type game machine of a present Example. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the game ball payout apparatus mounted in the combination type game machine of a present Example. It is a disassembled perspective view of the game ball payout device mounted on the combination type gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the payout speed of a payout motor, and payout stop time. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the electronic controller mounted in the combination type game machine of a present Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of CPU mounted in the main control board of the main control part. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the board surface relay board. It is a block diagram which shows the input-output of the signal with respect to a game frame relay board | substrate. It is a block diagram which shows the input / output of the signal with respect to the payout control part. It is a block diagram which shows the flow of the signal output from a payout sensor. It is a timing chart which shows a mode that a pulse signal is transmitted from the payout control part to the main control part. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the connection of a connector is confirmed in the payout control board. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the discharge control part. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the circuit structure of a discharge control part. It is a timing chart which shows the relationship between the ball | bowl advance permission signal in a launch control part, and a reference | standard clock signal. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the sound lamp control part. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the symbol control part. It is a block diagram which shows the flow of the command regarding symbol control. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating game confirmation time. It is a timing chart which shows discharge control at the time of power-on. It is a timing chart which shows the discharge control during a continuous operation. It is a timing chart which shows launch control when launching is interrupted. It is a timing chart which shows launch control in case of restarting launch. It is a timing chart which shows launch control when the launch of a prescribed number of game balls is finished. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main job which CPU runs based on the program stored in ROM of the main control part. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the power-on process performed in a main job. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the game start process performed in a main job. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the game management process performed in a main job. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the winning symbol process performed in a main job. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the accessory game process performed in a main job. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the score increase apparatus process performed in a main job. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the guidance increase apparatus process performed in a main job. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the operation | movement pattern of the guidance increase apparatus operating area | region in a special game device. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the first half part of the guidance symbol performed in a main job, and an accessory guidance apparatus process. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the latter half part of the guidance symbol performed in a main job, and an accessory guidance apparatus process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the guidance symbol success / failure determination processing performed in a guidance symbol and the accessory guidance apparatus process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the guide process performed in a guidance symbol and an accessory guide apparatus process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a 2nd article guidance apparatus process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process at the time of the power failure generation performed in a main job. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the setting process performed at the start of a game. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the guidance symbol success / failure determination process in a modification.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Game machine (combination game machine)
10 ... Launching device unit (game ball launching means)
20 ... Game board 24 ... 16 consecutive entrance (entrance area)
25 ... 16 consecutive entrance LED display (winning information display means)
29 ... Guidance symbol operation gate 31 ... Symbol display device (variable display means)
36 ... Special gaming device (special gaming state generating means)
109: Game ball payout device 200: Main control unit (award game value increasing means, variable pitching means, special game state generating means)
230 ... Discharge control unit 250 ... Launch control unit 260 ... Sound lamp control unit 280 ... Symbol control unit

Claims (3)

On a gaming board provided with a plurality of entrance areas where game balls can enter and a prize information display means for displaying prize information corresponding to the entrance of game balls into the entrance areas, a predetermined number of When a unit ball game is performed by firing a game ball and a score is established based on the combination of winning information displayed on the winning information display means in this one unit game, the award game value determined according to the score A combination-type gaming machine that provides
A variable display means configured to be capable of displaying a plurality of patterns of guide symbols, and when the game ball passes through the guide symbol operation gate, the guide symbols are variably stopped and displayed;
When the guide symbol stopped and displayed by the variable display means is a specific symbol, the first variable entrance is opened and a game ball enters the first variable entrance, Alternatively, a first variable pitching means for returning the first variable pitching slot from the open state when a predetermined number of unit games are completed,
When a game ball that has entered the first variable entrance has passed a predetermined special area, the game state is changed to generate a special game state that is relatively advantageous to the player. Special game state generating means;
A prize game value increasing means for increasing the prize game value with respect to the prize information displayed in the unit game when a game ball enters a predetermined entry area among the plurality of entry areas;
When the special game state generating means is activated, when the game ball passes through the accessory guidance device operation gate, the second variable entrance is opened, and when the game ball enters the second variable entrance, the first A second variable entry means for returning the 2 variable entry openings from the open state;
The special game state generating means is for the unit game after the next time when the award game value increasing means is activated during the one unit game and the score is not established during the game. Until the game is a means for increasing the probability that the game ball will pass through the special area,
The second variable pitching means opens the second variable pitching slot when the game ball passes through the accessory guidance device operating gate under a predetermined condition, and when the predetermined condition is not satisfied. A combination type game machine characterized in that it is a means for releasing after a delay. A combination type gaming machine according to claim 1,
The special game state generating means is means for generating the special game state a predetermined number of times when a game ball passes through the special area.
The second variable entry means is scored when the special game state generating means is generating the last special game state and the game ball passes through the accessory guidance device operating gate. A combination type gaming machine, characterized in that it is means for delaying and opening the second variable entrance when not. A combination type gaming machine according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The variable display means is for the unit game after the next time when the award game value increasing means is activated during the one unit game and no score is obtained during the game until the score is established. A combination type gaming machine characterized in that it is means for increasing the probability that the identification symbol is stopped and displayed at the specific symbol during the period.

Images