JP2005270385A - Combination type game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the interest of a player by executing various performances in a combination type game machine. <P>SOLUTION: A variable ball entrance is opened in the case that an identification pattern stopped and displayed at a variable display device is a specified pattern, a special game state to be relatively advantageous to the player is generated when a game ball which enters the variable ball entrance passes through a first specified area or a second specified area, and profits obtained by the player are made different between the case that the game ball passes through the first specified area and the special game state is generated and the case that the game ball passes through the second specified area and the special game state is generated. In the case that the game ball passes through the first specified area and a special game state generator is operated, the probability of opening the variable ball entrance during the operation of the special game state generator is increased. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is a combination type in which a unit game (game) is completed by firing a predetermined number of game balls on a game board, and award balls according to the score obtained during the game are paid out to the player It relates to gaming machines.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a combination type game machine (arrange ball game machine) is known in which one game is ended by firing a predetermined number (usually 16) of game balls on the game board. A combination type gaming machine having a variable display device and configured so that a combination of winning symbols can be easily obtained when a display result of the variable display device becomes a predetermined display result. Is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-4443

  In such a combination game machine, it is difficult to lengthen the period during which the variable display is variably displayed, that is, the fluctuation time by incorporating a lot of reach actions as in a pachinko game machine, for example. That is, if the variation time is increased to the same level as that of a pachinko machine, it is not possible to proceed to the next game until the reach action is completed, and the operating rate of the gaming machine is lowered. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to perform various effects by reach.

  Also, in combination type gaming machines, so-called hold, in which the determination result by passing or entering the game ball to or from the operation gate or operation port that causes the variable display device to variably display the identification symbol is not displayed. Generally, it is not adopted because there is a possibility that the operating rate of the gaming machine is lowered. This is because there is a limit to the number of game balls that can be fired in a single unit game, so if the hold is adopted, it is not possible to proceed to the next game until the hold is exhausted. Also, in combination type gaming machines, like pachinko gaming machines, the number of symbol random number hits is increased after the end of a special gaming state, and the probability that an identification symbol is stopped and displayed with a specific symbol (big hit symbol) is increased. The so-called probability variation state cannot be set high. As described above, in combination type gaming machines, a variety of effects such as pachinko machines, effects such as notices and notifications based on hold, and setting of probable change state by symbol random number after special game state is completed There is a problem that the game becomes monotonous compared to a pachinko gaming machine that cannot be performed.

  In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to improve the interest of a player in a combination type gaming machine so that the game is not monotonous. Another object of the present invention is to greatly increase the player's expectation for the occurrence of a continuous special gaming state. Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to prevent the euphoria from becoming extremely high.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the variable display device capable of variably displaying the identification symbol displayed in the display area, and the identification symbol stopped and displayed by the variable display device are specified. A variable entrance device that opens the variable entrance when it is a symbol and closes the variable entrance when a game ball enters the variable entrance or when a predetermined number of unit games have ended. And a special game state generating device that generates a special game state that is relatively advantageous to the player when the game ball that has entered the variable entrance has passed through the first specific area or the second specific area; The special game state generation device includes a case where a special game state occurs when a game ball passes through the first specific area, and a case where a special game state occurs when the game ball passes through the second specific area And so that the profits that players get When the special game state generating device is activated when the game ball passes through the first specific area, the probability that the variable entrance is opened during the operation of the special game state generator is increased. It is characterized by.

  In this way, two specific areas are provided, and the player can obtain different profits depending on which specific area the game ball has passed when the special game state generating device starts to operate. By increasing the probability that the variable entrance will open when the player passes the first specific area, it is possible to set a probability variation state by an accessory different from the probability variation state by a pattern random number such as a pachinko machine. it can. Thereby, it can prevent that a game becomes monotonous and can improve a player's interest.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, the distribution means for distributing the game balls to the first specific area, the second specific area, or the areas other than the first specific area and the second specific area, and the distribution means are moved. The movement means to be moved, and the movement means to move in a plurality of movement patterns including a first movement pattern and a second movement pattern having a higher probability that the game ball is distributed to the first specific area than the first movement pattern. Drive control means capable of driving and controlling the movement means, and the special game state generating device is activated when the game ball passes through the first specific area and the special game state generation device is activated. In the first unit game after the end, when the variable entrance is open, the drive control means controls the moving means to move the sorting means in the second operation pattern. It is a symptom.

  Thus, when the special ball entering device starts operating during the special game state that occurs when the game ball passes through the first specific area, and the special game state ends with the variable ball opening opened, The game ball that has entered the variable entrance in the first unit game after the end of the special game state can pass through the first specific area with high probability, and the special game device generator is reactivated with high probability. be able to. Thereby, a player's expectation with respect to continuous special gaming state occurrence can be remarkably enhanced.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 3, when the special game state occurs when the game ball first entered the variable entrance after the special game state ends passes through the first specific area. Further, there is provided a limiting means for limiting an increase in the probability that the variable entrance is opened when the number of continuous occurrences of the special gaming state reaches a predetermined number.

  In this way, after the number of continuous occurrences of the special gaming state reaches a predetermined number, the operation of the special gaming state generation device is limited by limiting the probability that the variable entrance is opened. Thus, it is possible to prevent the consecutive villas from being excessively continued, and to prevent the euphoria from becoming extremely high.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first example showing an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A first embodiment in which the gaming machine of the present invention is applied to an arrange ball gaming machine (combination gaming machine) is shown in FIGS.

  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 an assembly of wooden plate-like bodies in a substantially rectangular frame shape, and constitutes an outer frame of the gaming machine 1. The middle frame 3 is made of plastic, is fitted inside the main body frame 2, and is pivotally supported at the left end so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 2. The middle frame 3 is composed of a frame body portion that occupies about 2/3 of the upper side and a lower plate portion that occupies about 1/3 of the lower side. The game board 20 and the front frame 4 are provided so as to overlap each other on the front side of the frame body part, and the upper plate part 5 and the lower plate part 6 are provided on the front side of the lower plate part.

  The lower plate portion is provided with a launcher unit (not shown) constituting a game ball launcher that launches game balls onto the game board 20, and a ball feeder (not shown) for supplying game balls to the launcher unit. Yes. Further, although not shown in the lower plate portion, a ball feed count switch for detecting a game ball supplied to the launcher unit, a launch ball count switch for detecting a game ball launched from the launcher unit, a launch A foul ball detection switch that detects a game ball that has not reached the surface of the game board 20 among the game balls launched from the device unit is provided. Furthermore, the lower plate portion is provided with a speaker 266 (see FIG. 16) that generates a sound effect or the like corresponding to the gaming state. Note that the speaker 266 of the present embodiment is configured to include a middle / high tone speaker (tweeter) and a low tone speaker (woofer).

  The front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the middle frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. The front frame 4 is made of plastic, and a circular opening 4a is formed in order to make the board surface of the game board 20 arranged on the back side visible. A substantially rectangular transparent plate frame (not shown) including a transparent plate such as a glass plate corresponding to the opening 4a is attached to the back surface of the front frame 4.

  The front frame 4 is provided with a left LED display unit 4b, a right LED display unit 4c, an upper left LED display unit 4d, an upper right LED display unit 4e, and an upper LED display unit 4f as lamps for game effects and the like. . The left LED display portion 4b and the right LED display portion 4c are provided in an 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 part 4f is formed in a circular shape, and two are provided between the upper end part of the left LED display part 4b and the upper end part of the right LED display part 4c. These LED display portions 4b 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 unit 4h of the present embodiment is configured to be capable of displaying errors in a plurality of stages as will be described later. The error LED display section 4h is lit or blinks in red when a serious error occurs and in orange when a minor error occurs. In the present embodiment, for example, a case where it is necessary to open the front frame 4 for restoration or to perform work or a part needs to be replaced is regarded as a serious error. Is a minor 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 firing is stopped by the launching device unit. The front frame opening error is canceled when the door switch detects that the front frame 4 is closed for a predetermined time (in this 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.

  The upper plate part 5 is provided on the lower side of the front frame 4 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. The upper dish portion 5 includes a dish outer edge portion 5a provided with a ball removal button, a game ball rental button, a return button, and the like, and a discharge port 5b for discharging the game ball from the inside of the gaming machine 1. ing. Furthermore, a first audio output unit 5c is formed in a substantially central part of the upper plate part 5 in which a plurality of long holes and a large number of small holes are formed in the upper part. The first audio output unit 5c 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. 16) 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 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 is rotatable so that the upper end is tilted toward the front 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 so as to scrape out the game balls accumulated in the lower plate portion 6, the discharge knob 6 b rotates to the front side around the rotation axis, and is locked in this state. At the same time, the ball release hole is opened in conjunction with the rotation of the discharge knob 6 b, and the game ball is discharged from the lower dish portion 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 provided on the left side of the lower dish portion 6.

  At the right end of the lower plate part 6, a launching handle 8 is provided for the player to operate the launching device unit. The above-mentioned launcher unit is provided with a spear that reciprocates by a launch motor to hit the game ball, and the player adjusts the amount of rotation of the launch handle 8 so that the hitting force of the game ball by the spear ( The firing force can be adjusted.

  The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a as contact detection means 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. The firing stop switch 8b of this embodiment is provided in the touch switch circuit and is electrically connected in series with 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.

  Next, the configuration of the game board 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 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. 2, the game board 20 is provided with a substantially circular game area 21 formed by an outer rail 22 and an inner rail 23. In the game area 21, there are a 16 consecutive entrance (entrance area) 24, a left entrance 26, a right entrance 27, a guide symbol operating gate (symbol operating port) 29, and a second accessory guide device operating gate 30. , A symbol display device 31, a first accessory operating port (variable entrance) 32, a second accessory operating port 33, a special game device 36, and the like are provided. The game area 21 is provided with a number of obstacle nails (not shown). In addition, 16 consecutive entrance 24, left entrance 26, right entrance 27, guidance symbol operation gate 29, 2nd feature guidance device actuation gate 30, 1st feature actuation port 32, 2nd feature actuation Inside each of the mouths 33, there are provided entrance detection switches (not shown) for detecting the entrance or passage of game balls.

  The 16 consecutive entrances 24 are provided in the area below the game area 21, and 16 entrances are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. On the front side of the sixteen consecutive ball opening 24, a sixteen consecutive ball opening LED display unit 25 as a pseudo winning symbol display unit is provided. The 16 consecutive entrance LED display part 25 lights up corresponding to the winning symbol display part 31c (FIG. 3) provided in the symbol display apparatus 31 mentioned later. When a player enters any of the 16 entrance balls 24, the winning symbol of the winning symbol display unit 31 c corresponding to the entrance is displayed and the 16 consecutive entrance LED display unit 25. LED lights up. Although not shown, at least the third, fifth, eleventh, thirteenth, and fifteenth entrances are difficult entrances that are difficult to enter directly by obstacle nails.

  The left entrance 26 is provided on the upper left side of the 16 consecutive entrance 24, and the right entrance 27 is provided on the upper right side of the 16 entrance entrance 24. In the present embodiment, when entering the left entrance 26, the same effect as entering the entrance No. 5 in the 16 consecutive entrance 24 is obtained, and the No. 5 in the winning symbol display section 31c is obtained. The winning symbol is displayed as a winning symbol. In addition, when entering the right entrance 27, the same effect as entering the 12th entrance in the 16th entrance 24 is obtained, and the 12th winning symbol in the winning symbol display section 31c wins. indicate.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the award mode is determined (a score is established) by combining the winning symbols lighted and displayed during one game, with 15 game balls being fired as a unit game (1 game). The award ball is paid out as the corresponding prize game value. For example, when four winning symbols are continuously lit and displayed, one point is awarded and a prescribed number (15) 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. Further, in this embodiment, three points are given for a special prize mode which is a continuous combination of predetermined winning symbols (12, 13, 14, 15 or 13, 14, 15, 16 in this example). Is granted. However, the maximum number of game balls that can be obtained in one game is 10 times the prescribed number (150).

  Of the 16 consecutive entrance holes 24, the entrance 24a corresponding to the 16th winning symbol also has a function as a scoring device operating opening. The winning symbol is displayed and the score increasing device is activated. The score increasing device as a prize mode increasing device is composed mainly of a main control unit 200 to be described later, and increases (doubles in this example) the number of prize balls to be paid out per score in the game. 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, and the game balls enter relatively more than the difficult entrance. Since it is easy to enter the normal entrance, the player is aiming at the second accessory guidance device operating gate 30 and the second accessory operating port 33 provided on the right side of the game area 21, and so on. By hitting, the game ball can easily enter the entrance 24a not only when the special game state is generated but also in the normal game state where the special game is not generated. Here, the entrance 24a constitutes a predetermined entrance area predetermined among a plurality of entrance areas.

  The guide symbol operation gate 29 is provided at the upper left of the game area 21. In addition, a symbol display device 31 having a screen capable of displaying an arbitrary symbol is provided at the center of the game area 21. The symbol display device 31 of this embodiment is composed of a liquid crystal (LCD). The symbol display device 31 can also be configured using a dot matrix or the like. The symbol display device 31 shows a specific example of the variable display device of the present invention.

  FIG. 3 is a front view showing a screen configuration of the symbol display device 31. As shown in FIG. 3, the symbol display device 31 includes guidance symbol display units (variable display means) 31a and 31b, a winning symbol display unit (winning symbol display unit) 31c, a remaining ball display unit 31d, and the like. . In the present embodiment, the guide symbol display unit includes a main symbol display unit (main symbol display unit) 31a and a pseudo symbol display unit (pseudo symbol display unit) 31b. The symbol display unit 31 a displays the symbol and is arranged at the lower right in the symbol display device 31. The symbol display unit 31a includes a plurality (two in this example) of symbol display areas, each of which is configured to be displayed in three colors of red, blue, and green, and can display six combinations of symbols. .

  The pseudo symbol display unit 31b occupies about one third of the upper side of the symbol display device 31, and includes a plurality (three in this example) of symbol display areas. When the symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display unit 31a is a combination of a predetermined winning symbol (specific symbol), a pseudo winning symbol is displayed and the symbol is a combination other than the winning symbol. In such a case, a pseudo-out symbol is displayed. Specifically, each of the three symbol display areas of the pseudo symbol display unit 31b can display four symbols including “three”, “seven”, “ball”, and “flower”, and 64 combinations of pseudo symbols. Can be displayed.

  The guide symbol (the main symbol and the pseudo symbol) as the identification symbol starts to change when the game ball passes through the guide symbol operation gate 29, and after the predetermined time period, the stop symbol is displayed. After the guide symbol variation time has elapsed, a guide symbol stop display time is set for the player to confirm the guide symbol. The induced symbol variation time is, for example, 1.1 seconds for the present symbol and 1.4 seconds for the pseudo symbol. In addition, the guidance symbol stop display time in the case of winning and in operation of the induction increasing device is, for example, 4 seconds for both the symbol and the pseudo symbol, and the guidance symbol stop display time in the case of being out is, for example, 0.5 for the symbol. Seconds, and the pseudo symbol is 0.2 seconds.

  Here, the variation time of this symbol is set to be shorter than the variation time of the pseudo symbol, even if the game ball passes through the guidance symbol activation gate 29 during the variation of this symbol, this symbol does not vary, This is to reduce irritation even when the player's symbol does not fluctuate because the symbol fluctuates when the game ball passes through the guiding symbol actuating gate 29 after the symbol fluctuation stops. That is, since the player is usually looking at the pseudo symbol, the player can be shortened by shortening the non-fluctuating period (stop display time in the case of deviation) between one variation and the next variation in the pseudo symbol. Can reduce irritation. Note that this is not the case because the first accessory operating port 32 is opened in the case of winning.

  In addition, the guide symbol stop display time in the case of hitting and when the guidance increase device is operating is set to be longer than the guide symbol stop display time in the case where the guide symbol stop display time is out, as described later. When 12 games are finished, the left-handed stroke is passed through the guiding symbol operating gate 29 to activate the guiding symbol display unit, and the right-handed strike is made after the guiding symbol is stopped. Since the first accessory operating port 32 is opened after the stop display is completed without the opening of the accessory operating port 32, the player mistakenly enters the first accessory operating port 32 and a so-called puncture occurs. This is to prevent the occurrence.

  If the symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display unit 31a is a predetermined combination of winning symbols, the first accessory guiding device (variable pitching device) starts operating after a certain period of time, and the game The first accessory operating port 32 serving as a variable entrance provided in the region 21 is in an open state in which a game ball can easily enter. In the present embodiment, a combination of “red-red” for the present symbol is a winning symbol combination, and other combinations are out-of-bound symbol combinations. The first accessory guiding device is configured mainly by a main control unit 200 described later, and changes the state of the first accessory operating port 32.

  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. When the game ball passes through the guiding symbol operation gate 29, the determination whether or not the winning ball is determined is determined whether or not to operate the first accessory operating device (whether or not), and when it is determined that the winning determination is successful. Is used to determine the winning symbol of the main symbol that is stopped and displayed by the main symbol display unit 31a. The random number for symbol display is used to determine a pseudo symbol to be stopped and displayed on the pseudo symbol display unit 31b when the game ball passes through the guidance symbol actuating gate 29, and is determined to be out of the right / no-go determination. It is sometimes used to determine an off symbol of the main symbol that is stopped and displayed on the main symbol display unit 31a.

  Specifically, the success / failure determination random number is set in advance with a success / failure determination hit value, and the success / failure determination random number acquired at the timing when the game ball passes through the guidance symbol operation gate 29 matches the winning value. It is determined that it is a hit. If it is determined that the winning symbol is a winning symbol, the symbol that is stopped and displayed on the symbol displaying unit 31a is determined to be a red / red winning symbol combination. On the other hand, when it is determined that the symbol is off, the symbol that is stopped and displayed on the symbol display unit 31a is determined using a random number for symbol display. Specifically, “blue-blue”, “blue-red”, One of “blue-green”, “green-green”, and “green-red” is determined.

  The pseudo symbol that is stopped and displayed on the pseudo symbol display unit 31b is determined using a random number for symbol display. Specifically, if it is determined to be a win / fail decision, “3/3/3”, “7/7/7”, “ball / ball / ball”, “flower / flower / flower” If it is determined to be a pseudo-hit symbol composed of any combination, and if it is determined to be unmatched in the determination of success / failure, it is determined to be a pseudo-loss symbol composed of a combination other than the pseudo-hit symbol.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a winning symbol display unit 31 c is provided below the symbol display device 31. The winning symbol display unit 31c corresponds to the above-described 16 consecutive ball opening 24, and includes 16 winning symbols. In the winning symbol display unit 31c, when a player enters any of the sixteen consecutive entrances 24, the winning symbol is displayed with the winning symbol corresponding to the entrance. In addition, after all 15 game balls have entered, a winning symbol confirmation time (0.5 seconds in this example) is set for the player to confirm the winning symbol.

  FIG. 4 shows a display example of the winning symbol display unit 31c, where (a) shows a state in which a game ball has entered the 16 consecutive entrance holes 24, (b) shows a state before a score is established, and (c) shows a score. The state at the time of establishment is shown. As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the winning symbol of this embodiment is displayed in the form of fireworks.

  As shown in FIG. 4 (a), when a player enters any of the 16 consecutive entrances 24 (in this example, Nos. 2 and 4), the winning symbol corresponding to the entrance is shown. The display mode of the winning symbol on the display unit 31c is changed and the winning display is performed. In the present embodiment, the fireworks representing the winning symbol are configured to ignite the lead wire.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, in the state before the score is established, that is, when the player enters the three adjacent winning holes (in this example, Nos. 11, 12, and 13) among the 16 consecutive balls 24. Changes to a display mode different from the winning display shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the fireworks representing the winning symbols are configured to repeat the enlargement and reduction. Thereby, it can be made to recognize that it is a state just before score establishment.

  As shown in FIG. 4 (c), when the score is established, that is, when the player enters the four adjacent winning holes (11th, 12th, 13th, 14th in this example) among the 16 consecutive ball openings 24 Displays the score (one point in this example) acquired at the corresponding location.

  Returning to FIG. 3, a remaining ball display portion 31 d for displaying the remaining number of game balls in the game is provided near the center of the left side of the symbol display device 31. Further, although not shown in FIG. 3, the symbol display unit 31 displays a score display unit that displays the score established during one game, and is displayed when the special game state is ended in the middle (so-called puncture). A puncture notification unit is provided. The timing at which the display of the puncture notification unit disappears is when the next special gaming state occurs, when a predetermined number of games after the display (for example, 3-4 games) has elapsed, or for a predetermined time after the display (for example, 10-30) Seconds).

  Furthermore, although not shown in the figure display device 31, a message is arbitrarily displayed according to the progress of the game and the round number display section indicating the number of games (number of rounds) since the operation of the induction increasing device is started. A game information notifying unit is provided. In the game information notification section, for example, instruction notification information for instructing information related to a player's profit and information related to a disadvantage can be displayed and navigation can be performed. 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. When displaying a message, the pseudo symbol display unit 31b may be displayed small as necessary.

  The first accessory guiding device ends its operation when there is a ball in the first accessory operating port 32 during the operation of the first accessory guiding device or when three games are completed including the start of the operation. Then, the first accessory operating port 32 is closed. The first accessory operating port 32 is provided near the upper center in the game area 21. The first accessory operating port 32 includes a pair of movable pieces, and when these movable pieces operate to the left and right, the first accessory operating port 32 is opened to facilitate entry.

  The first accessory operating port 32 operates a first accessory that simultaneously displays four winning symbols in the winning symbol display unit 31c. When the player enters the first accessory operating port 32, the first accessory is operated and the winning symbols Nos. 12, 13, 15, and 16 are lit and displayed. The first accessory ends its operation when the game ends.

  The second accessory guidance device actuation gate 30 is provided at the upper right of the game area 21. When a guidance increase device described later is activated, the second accessory guidance device actuation gate 30 becomes effective. Further, the second accessory operating port 33 as the second variable entrance is provided on the right side in the game area 21 which is the lower right side of the second accessory guiding device operating gate 30. When the guidance device operation gate 30 is valid, that is, when the guidance increase device is activated, the game ball passes through the second feature guidance device actuation gate 30 and the second feature guidance device (second variable ball entry device). When the operation is started, the second accessory operating port 33 is in an open state in which a game ball can easily enter. The second accessory operating port 33 includes a single movable piece, and when the movable piece operates to the left, the second accessory operating port 33 is opened to facilitate entry.

  The second accessory guiding device operating gate 30 is effective until the first passing of the game ball in each 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 ends its operation when there is a ball in the second accessory operating port 33 during the operation of the second accessory guiding device, or when the game ends, The working port 33 is closed.

  The second accessory operating port 33 operates a second accessory that simultaneously displays the four winning symbols in the winning symbol display section 31c. 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.

  The first accessory operating port 32 also has a function as a specific entrance that enables entry into the special game apparatus 36. The special game device 36 is provided below the symbol display device 31.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the external shape of the special game apparatus 36. The special game apparatus 36 of the first embodiment includes a substantially box-shaped case 36v formed integrally, and a first accessory operating port 32 as a specific entrance is attached to the front side. Yes. In addition, on the lower front side of the special game apparatus 36, two exit windows for game balls are provided. One outlet window is opened above the induction increasing device operating region 43a, and the other outlet window is opened above the induction increasing device non-operating region 43b. As will be described later, a sorting device 37 (see FIG. 6) is provided inside the case 36v of the special gaming device 36. When the game ball enters the first accessory operating port 32, the sorting device 37 Sorted to one of the exit windows. A drive motor 36 m for driving the sorting device 37 is attached to the back side of the special game device 36. Thus, since the sorting device 37 is provided inside the case 36v, the player cannot directly look at the sorting device 37.

  FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing main components provided inside the special game apparatus 36. As shown in FIG. 6, a sorting device 37 is provided inside the special game device 36 below the first accessory operating port 32. The sorting device 37 is configured as a disk-shaped rotating body, and rotates by being driven by a drive motor 36m. The sorting device 37 of the first embodiment is configured to rotate in the clockwise direction.

  Three concave portions 37a, 37b, and 37c having a size that allows a game ball to enter can be formed on the outer peripheral portion of the sorting device 37. The second concave portion 37b is located on the front side in the rotational direction of the first concave portion 37a, and the third concave portion 37c is located on the front side in the rotational direction of the second concave portion 37b. The concave portions 37a, 37b, and 37c have different depths in the radial direction of the sorting device 37, the first concave portion 37a is formed deepest, and the second concave portion 37b is formed shallower than the first concave portion 37a, The third recess 37c is shallower than the second recess 37b, that is, the shallowest is formed.

  FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of game ball passages 38 a, 38 b, 38 c provided on the back side of the sorting device 37. As shown in FIG. 7, the three game ball passages 38 a, 38 b, and 38 c are provided on the back side of the sorting device 37, and the entrance portions of the game ball passages 38 a, 38 b, and 38 c are arranged on the sorting device 37. They are provided at different positions in the radial direction. In the present embodiment, the entrance portion of the first game ball passage 38a, the entrance portion of the second game ball passage 38b, and the entrance portion of the third game ball passage 38c are arranged so as to be farther from the rotation center of the sorting device 37. Is arranged. The first game ball passage 38a and the second game ball passage 38b join downstream and are connected to the guidance increase device operating region 43a, and the third game ball passage 38c is connected to the guidance increase device non-operation region 43b. It is connected. Game ball storage portions 39a, 39b, and 39c, which will be described later, are provided at intermediate positions of the passages of the game ball passages 38a, 38b, and 38c.

  The game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 is supplied to the uppermost portion of the rotating body 37, and when the sorting device 37 rotates and any of the concave portions 37a, 37b, 37c reaches the uppermost portion, A game ball is accommodated in the recesses 37a, 37b, and 37c. The positions of the entrance portions of the game ball passages 38a, 38b, and 38c correspond to the concave portions 37a, 37b, and 37c of the sorting device 37. When the sorting device 37 rotates and the first concave portion 37a comes to the top, the first concave portion 37a becomes a position corresponding to the inlet portion of the first game ball passage 38a and is accommodated in the first concave portion 37a. The game balls can enter the entrance of the first game ball passage 38a. Similarly, when the sorting device 37 rotates and the second concave portion 37b comes to the top, the second concave portion 37b becomes a position corresponding to the inlet portion of the second game ball passage 38b, and the second concave portion 37b. Can enter the entrance portion of the second game ball passage 38b, and when the sorting device 37 rotates and the third recess 37c comes to the top, the third recess 37c. Becomes a position corresponding to the entrance portion of the third game ball passage 38c, and the game ball accommodated in the third recess portion 37c can enter the entrance portion of the third game ball passage 38c.

  When the game ball accommodated in the first accessory operating port 32 enters the first concave portion 37a or the second concave portion 37b by the sorting device 37, the game ball is the first game ball passage 38a or the second The guidance increasing device described later is operated by being distributed to the guidance increasing device operating region 43a via the second game ball passage 38b and passing the gaming ball through the guiding increasing device operating region 43a. Moreover, when it accommodates in the 3rd recessed part 37c, it distributes to the induction | guidance | derivation increase apparatus non-operation area | region 43b via the 3rd game ball | bowl channel | path 38c. The sorting device 37 shows one specific example of the sorting means of the present invention, the first concave portion 37a shows one specific example of the first specific area of the present invention, and the second concave portion 37b shows the second specific example of the present invention. A specific example of the specific region is shown, and the third recess 37c shows a specific example of the region other than the specific region of the present invention.

  In addition, the game ball located on the outer peripheral surface between the first concave portion 37a and the third concave portion 37c is accommodated in the third concave portion 37c, and on the outer peripheral surface between the third concave portion 37c and the second concave portion 37b. The game ball that is positioned is accommodated in the second recess 37b, and the game ball that is positioned on the outer peripheral surface between the second recess 37b and the first recess 37a is accommodated in the first recess 37a. For this reason, by adjusting the ratio of the outer periphery defined by the three recesses 37a, 37b, and 37c, the probability that the game balls that have entered the first accessory operating port 32 are distributed to the recesses 37a, 37b, and 37c can be increased. Can be adjusted.

  By the way, in order to prevent the gambling ability of the gaming machine from being remarkably increased, it is necessary to prevent the probability that the gaming ball passes through the guidance increasing device operating region 43a from exceeding 1/3. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the ratio of the outer periphery of the sorting device 37 is set so that the probability of passing through the guidance increasing device operating region 43a is ¼. Specifically, the distance between the third recess 37c and the second recess 37b: the distance between the second recess 37b and the first recess 37a: the first recess 37a and the third recess 37c. Distance = 0.5: 0.5: 4, probability of entering the first recess 37a or second recess 37b: probability of entering the third recess 37c = 1: 4 . Thereby, the probability that a game ball will pass guidance induction device operation field 43a can be made into 1/4.

  FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of the game ball stopping portion 39a provided in the first game ball passage 38a. Since the second game ball passage 38b and the third game ball passage 38c have the same configuration, the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, inside the game ball stop 39a, a game ball sensor 40a for detecting that the game ball has passed through the first recess 37a (first specific area), and the game ball is stopped. There are provided a stopper 41a for driving the actuator, an actuator 42a for driving the stopper 41a, and the like. The stopper 41a normally protrudes into the game ball passage 38a. Accordingly, the game balls distributed by the distribution device 37 and passing through the game ball passage 38a are detected by the game ball sensor 40a, and then blocked by the stopper 41a and stopped inside the game ball passage 38a. When the actuator 42a is driven by the main control board 200a and the stopper 41a is pulled in and the passage is opened, the game ball that has been stopped on the top of the stopper 41a falls in the passage and the induction increasing device operating region It is led to 43a.

  Here, an operation pattern of the sorting device 37 will be described. As described above, the sorting device 37 is rotationally driven by the drive motor 36m, and normally rotates at a constant speed. This is a normal operation pattern. The drive motor 36m is configured to be driven and controlled by a main control unit 200 described later. The drive motor 36m corresponds to the moving unit of the present invention, and the main control unit 200 corresponds to the drive control unit of the present invention. ing.

  In the first embodiment, a plurality of operation patterns of the sorting device 37 are set. In addition to the normal operation pattern described above, the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 has a first recess (first A stop operation pattern having a higher probability of being assigned to the specific region 37a than the normal operation pattern is set. The normal operation pattern corresponds to the first operation pattern of the present invention, and the stop operation pattern corresponds to the second operation pattern of the present invention.

  In the stop operation pattern, the sorting device 37 is positioned at a predetermined position where there is a high probability that the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 is sorted into the first recess (first specific area) 37a. Specifically, the drive motor 36m is controlled by the main control unit 200, and the sorting device 37 is completely stopped at a predetermined position where there is a high probability that the game ball will pass through the first recess (first specific area) 37a. In the first embodiment, the “predetermined position where the game ball has a high probability of passing through the first concave portion (first specific region) 37a” means that the first concave portion (first specific region) 37a is the sorting device 37. Or the outer peripheral portion of the first concave portion (first specific region) 37a on the front side in the rotational direction is the position where the sorting device 37 is the top position.

  As described above, when the guidance increasing device operates, the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 passes through the first recess 37a of the sorting device 37 and the second recess 37b. There is a case. In the first embodiment, the first unit game after the operation of the guidance increasing device is completed when the guidance increasing device is activated by passing the game ball through the first recess (first specific area) 37a. When the first accessory operating port 32 is open, the operation pattern of the sorting device 37 is changed from the normal operation pattern to the stop operation pattern from the beginning of the first unit game after the operation of the induction increasing device is completed. . This stop operation pattern is determined by the first concave portion 37a (first specific region) or the second concave portion 37b (second specific region) of the sorting device 37 when the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 is One of the game ball sensors 40a, 40b, 40c until the game passes through one of the third recesses 37c (a region other than the specific region), that is, the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 Continue until detected. Then, the main controller 200 determines that the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 is the first recess 37a (first specific area), the second recess 37b (second specific area), or the third If any one of the concave portions 37c (regions other than the specific region) passes, the operation pattern of the sorting device 37 is changed from the stop operation pattern to the normal operation pattern. In addition, after changing the operation pattern of the sorting device 37 from the normal operation pattern to the stop operation pattern, when the first accessory operating port 32 is closed without the game ball entering the first accessory operating port 32 When the first accessory operating port 32 is closed, the operation pattern of the sorting device 37 is changed from the stop operation pattern to the normal operation pattern.

  When the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 passes through the first concave portion 37a or the second concave portion 37b of the sorting device 37 and then passes through the guidance increasing device operating region 43a, the guidance increasing device is Start operation. The guidance increasing device is configured mainly by a main control unit 200 to be described later, and changes a gaming state to generate a special gaming state (a big hit state) advantageous to the player. The guidance increasing device is a specific example of the special gaming state generating device of the present invention.

  The induction increasing device of the first embodiment is based on whether the game ball passes through the first recess (first specific area) 37a or the second recess (second specific area) 37b in the sorting device 37. , Players have different profits. Specifically, when the game ball passes through the first recess (first specific area) 37a and the guidance increasing device starts to operate, the second accessory guidance device gate 30 is enabled and the second The probability that the one-composition operation port 32 opens is increased to 1/1. As a result, if the game ball passes through the guide symbol operating gate 29 during the operation of the guidance increasing device, the first accessory operating port 32 is opened with a probability of 1/1. Also, when the game ball passes through the second recess (second specific area) 37b and the operation of the induction increasing device starts, only the second accessory guiding device gate 30 is enabled, The probability that the object operating port 32 opens is not increased. In any case, the operation of the induction increasing device is ended when a predetermined number of 14 games have been completed from the start of operation, or when a game ball newly passes through the induction increasing device operation area 43a during operation (so-called puncture). To do. Whether the game ball has passed through the first recess 37a or the second recess 37b can be determined based on the detection signals of the game ball sensors 40a and 40b.

  Next, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a front view of the back mechanism board 102 of the gaming machine 1.

  As shown in FIG. 9, 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. The game balls in the prize ball tank 105 flow down the tank rail 106 from the bottom of the prize ball tank 105.

  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.

  A ball removal lever 107 is provided on the right side of the tank rail 106. On the downstream side of the ball removal 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. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, 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.

  Under 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 design control board case 113, a sound lamp control board case 114, and a lamp interface board case 112 are attached to the back case 111, and a main control board case 115 is provided below the back case 111. A power supply board case 116 is provided below 115, and a payout control board case 118 is provided at the lower right part of the back mechanism panel 102. In these substrate cases 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 118, various control substrates described later are stored.

  In the upper right part of the back mechanism board 102, there is provided a frame external terminal board 122 equipped with external connection terminals for gaming machine frames such as jackpot, launcher control, ball break, door opening, prize ball, and rental balls. ing.

  Next, the electronic control device of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the electronic control device.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the electronic control device includes a main control unit (game 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, and a symbol control unit 280. The main control unit 200 includes a main control board 200a, and the sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 include a payout control board 230a, a sound lamp control board 260a, and a symbol control board 280a as peripheral control boards, respectively. Further, a discharge control unit 250 is connected to the payout control unit 230, and the discharge control unit 250 includes a discharge control board 250g.

  Note that a command signal is not directly transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the launch control unit 250, a command signal related to launch control is transmitted to the payout control unit 230, and the launch control unit 250 is transmitted to the payout control unit 230. The control is performed based on the command signal. This is because, as will be described later, the firing control unit 250 does not include a CPU, and is configured to control the firing control unit 250 by the CPU of the payout control unit 230.

  The main control unit 200 is responsible for the progress of the game, and transmits a command signal (command data) instructing the processing contents to each of the sub control units 230, 260 and 280, and each of the sub control units 230, 260 and 280 Various controls are performed based on the command signal.

  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 unit 280. The main control means of the present invention is constituted by the main control unit 200.

  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 of the control units 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.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the CPU 400 provided on the main control board 200a of the main control unit 200. As shown in FIG. 11, 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, and an output control circuit 412 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.

  Further, in the RAM 402, a ball feed counter for counting game balls sent to the launching device unit, a launch counter for counting game balls launched by the launching device unit, and a ball entering the entrance. A ball counter for counting game balls and a discharge ball that enters the first accessory operating port 32 and counts game balls that have not been discharged from the guidance increase device operating region 43a or the guidance increase device non-operation region 43b. An unconfirmed counter is set.

  Returning to FIG. 10, the board external terminal board 201, the 16-series switch relay board 202, the guidance symbol operation gate switch 204, the board surface relay board 210, and the game frame relay board 220 are connected to the main control unit 200.

  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, first specified area passing signal, second specified area passing signal, area passing signal other than specified area, guidance increasing device operating area passing signal, gate passing signal related to guiding symbol, accessory guidance Gate passing signal, equipment actuating signal, scoring device actuating signal, actuating device opening signal, actuating equipment actuating device actuating signal, gate valid signal related to guidance symbol, gate valid signal related to equipment guiding device, etc. Can be sent to the test apparatus.

  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 detection signal from the 16 consecutive entrance detection switch 203 detects the entrance to the 16th entrance 24a (see FIG. 2) corresponding to the 16th winning symbol, the operation of the score increasing device is activated. To start. The guide symbol operation gate switch 204 detects that the game ball has passed through the guide symbol operation gate 29.

  Next, the board surface relay board 210 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 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. 12, the board surface relay board 210 includes a left and right entrance switch 211, an accessory operation port switch 212 a and 212 b, a guidance increase device operation region switch 214, a guidance increase device non-operation region switch 215, and various solenoids 216. The second accessory guide device operating gate switch 218, the drive motor 36m, the game ball sensors 40a, 40b, 40c, and the actuators 42a, 42b, 42c are connected.

  The left and right entrance switches 211 are provided inside the left entrance 26 and the right entrance 27 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 guidance increase device operation region switch 214 detects passage of a game ball to the guidance increase device operation region 43a.

  The guidance increase device non-operation area switch 215 detects passage of a game ball to the induction increase apparatus non-operation area. 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. The game ball sensors 40a, 40b, and 40c indicate that the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 has passed through the first recess 37a, the second recess 37b, and the third recess 37c of the sorting device 37. It is to detect. 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 drive motor 36m rotates the sorting device 37 of the special game device 36. Actuators 42a, 42b, and 42c actuate stoppers 41a, 41b, and 41c (see FIG. 8) for stopping the game ball.

  Here, a description will be given of an incoming ball unconfirmed error and an ejected ball unconfirmed error. The ball unconfirmed error is the 16 consecutive ball entrance 24, the left entrance 26, the 1st accessory operation port 32, the 2nd accessory for the prescribed number (15) of game balls launched by the launcher unit. This is an error when the number of game balls entering any of the operation ports 33 is insufficient. In addition, the discharge ball unconfirmed error is that the number of game balls discharged through the induction increasing device operating region 43a or the induction increasing device non-operating region 43b with respect to the number of game balls entering the first accessory operating port 32 is insufficient. It is an error when

  First, a description will be given of an unchecked error. The main control unit 200 confirms the launch of a specified number (15) of game balls by the launch ball count switch 221, and then enters the entrance switch (16 consecutive entrance switches 203, left and right entrance switches 211, If it is not possible to confirm the entry of a specified number of game balls by the accessory operation port switches 212a and 212b), it is determined that an entry unconfirmed error has occurred due to a game ball clogging or the like, and an entry unconfirmed command is issued. Send to. The payout control unit 230 lights the error LED display unit 4h in red.

  The main control unit 200 according to the first embodiment, when a ball unconfirmed error occurs, the ball unconfirmed command, the number of shots detected by the shot ball count switch 221, and the ball entrance switches 203, 211, 212a, 212b. Is transmitted to the symbol control unit 280 via the sound lamp control unit 260. The symbol control unit 280 causes the game information notifying unit of the symbol display device 31 to display the number of insufficient balls entered.

  Thereafter, the number of game balls that have entered any one of the 16 consecutive entrance holes 24, the left entrance 26, the right entrance 27, the first accessory operating port 32, and the second accessory operating port 33 is the prescribed number. , That is, the number of game balls launched by the launcher unit, the 16 consecutive entrance 24, the left entrance 26, the right entrance 27, the first accessory operating port 32, the second accessory operating port. When the difference from the number of game balls entered into any one of 33 becomes zero, the main control board 200a transmits a ball unconfirmed cancellation command to the payout control unit 230 and the sound lamp control unit 260. To the symbol control unit 280, and the pitch unconfirmed error is canceled. Thereby, the error LED display unit 4h is turned off, and the display of the number of insufficient balls in the symbol display device 31 is cleared.

  Next, the discharge ball unconfirmed error will be described. The main control unit 200 confirms that the discharge ball unconfirmed error occurs due to a clogged game ball or the like if the discharge ball unconfirmed counter does not become zero within a predetermined time after the entry of the game ball is confirmed by the accessory operation port switch 212a. Is determined to have occurred. The discharge ball unconfirmed counter is added when a game ball has been entered by the accessory operation port switch 212a, and the game ball is discharged by the induction increase device operation region switch 214 or the induction increase device non-operation region switch 215. Subtracted if is confirmed.

  The main control unit 200 transmits a discharge ball unconfirmed command to the payout control unit 230 when a discharge ball unconfirmed error occurs. When the payout control unit 230 receives the discharged ball unconfirmed command, the payout control unit 230 lights the error LED display unit 4h in red.

  Further, when a discharge ball unconfirmed error occurs, the main control unit 200 of the first embodiment, the discharge ball unconfirmed command, the number of balls detected by the accessory operation port switch 212a, the operation region switch 214 or the non-operation region The number of discharged balls, which is the difference from the number of passing balls detected by the switch 215, is transmitted to the symbol control unit 280 via the sound lamp control unit 260. When receiving the discharged ball unconfirmed command and the discharged ball shortage number, the symbol control unit 280 displays the discharged ball shortage number on the game information notification unit of the symbol display device 31.

  Thereafter, when the passing of the game ball can be confirmed by the guidance increase device operating region switch 214 or the guidance increase device non-operation region switch 215, that is, the number of game balls that have entered the first accessory operation port 32, and the guidance increase device When the difference from the number of game balls that have passed through the operation region 43a or the guidance increase device non-operation region 43b becomes zero, a discharge ball unconfirmed cancellation command is transmitted from the main control board 200a to the payout control unit 230, and the sound It is transmitted to the symbol control unit 280 via the lamp control unit 260, and the discharged ball unconfirmed error is canceled. Thereby, the error LED display unit 4h is turned off and the display of the number of discharged balls in the symbol display device 31 is cleared.

  Next, the game frame relay board 220 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 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. 13, 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. The foul ball detection switch 222 detects a game ball that has returned from the launching unit to the lower plate 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.

  Next, returning to FIG. 10, the payout control unit 230 will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, to the payout control unit 230, a frame external terminal board 122, a switch relay terminal board 231, a CR connection board 234, a firing control unit 250, and the like are connected. 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 cut 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 6 has become full. The payout control board 230a 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. The control cycle of the payout control unit 230 of this embodiment is set to 1 ms shorter than that of the main control unit 200.

  In the gaming machine of the first embodiment, a control program for an arrange ball game machine and a control program for a pachinko game machine are prepared in the payout control unit 230, and by using different control programs respectively, Compatible with Arrangeball and Pachinko machines with different launch controls. These control programs are stored in the ROM of the payout control board 230a. Note that the launch control performed based on the control program stored in the ROM of the payout control board 230a will be described later.

  The payout control unit 230 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing signal input / output with respect to the payout control unit 230. As shown in FIG. 14, 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 firing by the launching device unit. 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 described later.

  The payout controller 230 is connected to a payout motor 109f and a payout sensor 109j via a payout unit relay terminal plate 239, and a prize ball display LED substrate 241 and an error display LED substrate via a status display LED relay terminal plate 240. 242 is connected. The payout sensor 109j counts 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 award ball display LED substrate 241 and the error display LED substrate 242 correspond to the award ball display LED display portion 4g and the error LED display portion 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.

  The payout control unit 230 according to the present embodiment detects a clogged ball in the case rail 106 based on a signal from the tank ball shortage switch 232 and a signal from the payout sensor 109j. Specifically, when a game ball is not detected by the payout sensor 109j during the operation of the game ball payout device 109, and when a ball break is not detected by the tank ball break switch 232, the ball is blocked by the case rail 108. It is determined that it has occurred. On the other hand, when a game ball is not detected by the payout sensor 109j during the operation of the game ball payout device 109 and a ball break is detected by the tank ball break switch 232, a ball break occurs in the prize ball tank 105. It is judged that

  The ball clogging detection by the payout sensor 109j is performed as follows. First, when the payout sensor 109j cannot detect a game ball for a predetermined time or more, the payout motor 109f is operated in several steps by reverse rotation and then rotated forward at the lowest speed. After that, if a game ball cannot be detected by the payout sensor 109j even 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 winning balls and stops lending. The ball clogging error is canceled when a game ball is detected by the payout sensor 109j. Note that an error signal related to ball clogging is transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200.

  When the payout sensor 109j detects a game ball 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 sensor 109j does not detect a game ball for a predetermined time (1 second in this example). 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.

  Here, a prize ball shortage error will be described. A prize ball shortage error occurs when the number of prize balls actually paid out by the game ball payout device 109 is insufficient with respect to the number of prize balls to be paid out (the number of prize balls for the score obtained by the player). Error.

  After a prize ball command is sent out from the main control unit 200 to the payout control part 230 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls, the number of prize balls paid out within a predetermined time, that is, detected by the payout sensor 109j. If the number of winning balls is insufficient with respect to the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning ball command, the main control unit 200 determines that a winning ball shortage error has occurred and transmits a winning ball shortage command to the payout control unit 230. To do. When the payout control unit 230 receives the winning ball shortage command, the error LED display unit 4h blinks red. At this time, the game ball payout operation by the game ball payout device 109 continues.

  In the arrange ball gaming machine, the game cannot be shifted to the next game unless the winning ball is finished. Therefore, when a winning ball shortage error occurs, 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.

  Further, the main control unit 200 according to the first embodiment, when a prize shortage error occurs, determines the prize ball shortage command, the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command, and the number of prize balls actually paid out. The number of shortage prize balls, which is the difference, is transmitted to the symbol control unit 280 via the sound lamp control unit 260. When the symbol control unit 280 receives the winning ball shortage command and the winning ball shortage number, it displays the winning ball shortage number on the game information notification unit of the symbol display device 31.

  When the number of prize balls that have been paid out reaches the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command, the main control unit 200 sends a prize ball shortage release command via the payout control unit 230 and the sound lamp control unit 260. Is transmitted to the unit 280, and the shortage of prize balls error is canceled. As a result, the error LED display unit 4h is turned off, and the display of the number of winning balls in the symbol display device 31 is cleared.

  Next, the firing control unit 250 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the launch control unit 250. As shown in FIG. 15, 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 control unit 250, a launch start signal from the launch start switch indicating whether or not the player has rotated the launch handle 8 by a predetermined amount or more and whether or not the player is touching the launch handle 8 are shown. A touch signal or the like from the touch switch 8a 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. The sub-control means of the present invention includes a payout control unit 230 and a launch control unit 250.

  Next, the sound lamp control unit 260 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 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. 16, various board surface LED boards 263, various game frame LED boards 264, and the like are connected to the sound lamp control unit 260 via a lamp interface board 261. The lamp interface board 261 is provided with drive circuits for various lamps, and is configured as a separate board independent of the sound lamp control board 260a.

  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.

  Next, the symbol control unit 280 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 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. 17, the symbol control unit 280 is connected to a symbol display device substrate 281 that operates the symbol display device 31. In the symbol control unit 280, the CPU performs display control of the symbol display device 31 using the RAM as a work area in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM. 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. 18 is a block diagram showing the flow of commands related to symbol control. As shown in FIG. 18, 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. The sound lamp control unit 260 transmits the common command 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. .

  Next, the game confirmation time will be described with reference to FIG. In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, a game confirmation time (16 ms in this example) is provided between games. FIG. 19 is an output timing chart of an in-game signal output from the main control unit 200 to the external inspection device, where (a) shows when the power is turned on and (b) shows that the game is in progress.

  When the power is turned on, as shown in FIG. 19 (a), a game 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. 19 (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. Based on this game confirmation time, the external inspection device can clearly grasp the start and end of one game.

  In addition, the game confirmation time is that all 15 game balls in the previous game have a plurality of entrances (for example, a 16 consecutive entrance 24, a 1st accessory operating port 32, a 2nd accessory operating port 33, a left After entering / passing into the entrance 26, the right entrance 27, the guidance increase device operating area 43a, and the guidance increase device non-operation area 43b), or after elapse of an interval time of 2 seconds (fixed time) described later or / And when the game result is obtained after the winning symbol confirmation time of 0.5 seconds described above has elapsed. For this reason, in addition to the entry / passage of 15 game balls to the entrances, etc., each game device provided in the gaming machine 1 (for example, the game ball payout device 109, the accessory guidance device, the 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 before all the 15 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 stops during the interval function operation. The interval function stops after 2 seconds from the start of operation, and the interval time ends.

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

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 20 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. The main job shown in FIG. 20 executes a power-on process S100, and then starts a game start process S200, a game management process S300, a winning symbol process S400, an accessory process S500, a score increase apparatus process S600, a guidance increase apparatus process S700, a guide Each step of the symbol and accessory guiding apparatus processing S800 is repeatedly executed every time the timer is reset. In this embodiment, the reset period is set to 4 ms.

  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 is restored when the power is turned off, and a checksum is calculated from the contents of the RAM protected when the power is turned off (S105). (S106). 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. When the contents of the RAM are backed up normally, the following power recovery process is performed.

  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.

  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).

  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, if it is time to start the game, setting at the time of starting the game is performed (S302) and the process returns. As setting at the start of the game, processing such as confirmation, setting or clearing is performed for various flags and timers necessary for starting the game.

  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 15 or more, a firing prohibition command is transmitted to the payout control unit 230, and 15 firings are completed.

  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, a plurality of entrance ports (16 consecutive entrance ports 24, left and right entrances) by a plurality of entrance ports switches (16 consecutive entrance ports switch 204, left and right entrance ports switch 211, and accessory operation port switches 212a and 212b). The entrance is monitored at the entrances 26 and 27 and the accessory operation entrances 32 and 33) (S306). If a plurality of entrance switches 204, 211, 212a, 212b detect entry into any of the plurality of entrances 24, 26, 27, 32, 33, the entrance counter is incremented by 1, When the entrance counter reaches 15 or more, 15 entrances are 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 15 game balls have been launched by the launch counter (S307), it is determined that the interval time has elapsed (S308), and it is determined by the entrance counter that all 15 game balls have been entered (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 43a or the guidance increase device non-operation area 43b 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. 19 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.

  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 by the game end flag (S401). As a result, if 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, the fire of the fireworks lead wire representing the winning symbol on the winning symbol display unit 31c is extinguished.

  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 15 balls have been entered by the pitch counter (S404). It is determined whether or not there is an incoming ball at each of the 16 entrance balls 24 by the 16 entrance ball switch 204 (S405). As a result, if there is a game entry and there is a game entry at the entrance before 15 completions, a winning symbol display command corresponding to each entrance is sent to the design control unit 280, and the sound is displayed. An LED display command is transmitted to the lamp controller 260, and the process returns (S406). Otherwise, return as is. As a result, the fireworks lead indicating the winning symbol of the winning symbol display unit 31c is lit.

  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 whether or not 15 game balls have been entered by the entrance counter, and it is determined whether or not there is an entrance to the first accessory operating port 32 by the accessory operating port switch 212a. As a result, if there is a ball entering the first accessory operating port 32 in a state where 15 game balls have not been inserted, the operation of the first accessory 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 accessory is not in operation, a second accessory operation process is performed (S509, S510, S511). Specifically, it is determined whether or not 15 game balls have been entered by the entrance counter, and it is determined by the accessory operating port switch 212b whether or not there has been an entrance to the second accessory operating port 33. As a result, when it is determined that 15 balls have not entered the second combination object operating port 33, the operation of the second combination starts and the process returns. Otherwise, return as is. The winning symbols of Nos. 11, 13, 14, and 15 are turned on by the operation of the second character.

  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.

  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 whether or not 15 game balls have been entered by the entrance counter, and the 16th entrance (corresponding to the score increasing device) corresponding to the 16th winning symbol is detected by the 16 consecutive entrance detection switch 204. It is determined whether or not a ball has entered the operation port 24a. As a result, when it is determined that 15 game balls have not entered the 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, a score increasing device operation end process is performed (S606, S607). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a game result has been obtained by the game end flag. When it is determined that a game result has been obtained (when the game has ended), the operation of the scoring device is ended. And return. On the other hand, when it is determined that the game result is not obtained, the process directly returns.

  Next, the guidance increase device processing S700 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not a game is in progress (S701). As a result, if it is determined that the game is not in progress, the process returns as it is.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the game is in progress, it is determined whether or not the guidance increase device is operating (S703). As a result, when it is determined that the guidance increasing device is not operating, the distribution effect process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 28 is performed (S704).

  First, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the first accessory operating port 32 (S7041). As a result, when it is determined that the game ball has not entered the first accessory operating port 32, the process directly returns. On the other hand, when it is determined that the game ball is entering the first accessory operating port 32, the distribution effect process is started (S7042). In this distribution effect process, a distribution effect process start command is transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the symbol control unit 280, and the distribution effect is generated on the display screen of the symbol display device 31 under the control of the symbol control unit 280 that has received this command. Be started. This distribution effect means whether the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 is distributed to the induction increasing device operating region 43a or the induction increasing device non-operating region 43b, that is, whether or not the induction increasing device operates. (Whether or not a special game is started) is displayed on the display screen, and can be performed using, for example, the above-described pseudo symbols, symbols or characters dedicated to the distribution effect, or the like. Then, at the end of the distribution effect, if “winning symbol”, “winning character”, or the like is displayed as the distribution result, the game ball is distributed to the guidance increasing device operation area 43a, and “out-of-sequence” or “ If “disappearing character” or the like is displayed, the game ball is distributed to the guidance increase device non-operation area 43b.

  When a game ball enters the first accessory operating port 32, the first accessory operating port 32 is closed. At this time, a distribution effect is started on the display screen of the symbol display device 31, so this distribution is performed. Until the display of the effect ends, the guide symbol operation gate 29 is disabled. Therefore, even if the game ball passes through the guide symbol operating gate 29 while the sorting effect is being performed on the display screen of the symbol display device 31, the guide symbol variation stop display is not performed.

  Then, when the distribution effect is started, it is determined whether or not the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 passes through the guidance increasing device operating region 43a (S7043). As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 serving as the specific entrance is the game ball passages 38a and 38b that lead to the guidance increasing device operating region 43a, or guidance. The game is distributed by the distribution device 37 to any of the game ball passages 38c connected to the increase device non-operation area 43b.

  As shown in FIG. 8 above, game ball sensors 40a, 40b, 40c and stoppers 41a, 41b, 41c are provided in the middle of these game ball passages 38a, 38b, 38c, respectively. Therefore, when the game balls are distributed to the guidance increasing device operating region 43a side, that is, when the game balls pass through the first concave portion 37a or the second concave portion 37b of the distribution device 37, the game ball passages 38a, 38b. After the passage of the game ball is detected by the game ball sensors 40a and 40b provided in the game ball, the game ball is stopped in the game ball passages 38a and 38b by the stoppers 41a and 41b provided therebelow. . On the contrary, when the game ball is distributed to the guidance increase device non-operation area 43b side, that is, when the game ball passes through the third recess 37c of the distribution device 37, the game ball provided in the game ball passage 38c. After the passage of the game ball is detected by the sensor 40c, the game ball is stopped in the game ball passage 38c by the stopper 41c provided therebelow.

  From this, when the game ball sensors 40a and 40b detect the passage of the game ball, it can be determined that the game ball passes through the guidance increase device operating region 43a, and when the game ball sensor 40c detects the passage of the game ball It can be determined that the game ball passes through the guidance increase device non-operation area 43b. In S7043, it is possible to determine whether or not the game ball sensors 40a, 40b, and 40c are about to pass through the guidance increase device operation region 43a depending on which of the game balls is detected. .

  If it is determined in S7043 that the game ball is about to pass through the guidance increase device operating region 43a, the winning display on the display screen of the symbol display device 31, that is, the game ball is in the guidance increase device operating region. The effect display when passing through 43a is performed (S7044). In the process of S7044, an effect command is transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the symbol control unit 280 based on the detection of the game balls of the gaming ball sensors 40a and 40b, and the symbol control unit 280 that receives this command controls the symbol. The distribution effect performed on the display screen of the display device 31 becomes a winning pattern, and a winning effect is performed. When the winning result display is completed after displaying the “win” distribution result, the stoppers 41a, 41b are driven by driving the actuators 42a, 42b provided in the winning passage, that is, the game ball passages 30a, 38b. After canceling (S7045), the process returns. As a result, the game ball passes through the game ball passages 38a and 38b, is guided onto the game board surface, and passes through the guidance increase device operating region 43a provided on the board surface.

  Further, when displaying the “winning” sorting result in S7044 described above, the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 is the first recess 37a (first specific area) of the sorting device 37. Alternatively, it is displayed which of the second recesses 37b (second specific area) is passed to be “winning”. This depends on whether the game ball has passed through the first concave portion 37a (first specific region) or the second concave portion 37b (second specific region) of the sorting device 37 during operation of the induction increasing device. This is because there is a case where the probability that the first accessory operating port 32 opens (changes) and a case where the probability that the first accessory operating port 32 opens does not increase (does not change). Thus, the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 passes through either the first recess 37a (first specific area) or the second recess 37b (second specific area). By displaying whether it is “winning”, the player can grasp the contents of the game after the operation of the guidance increasing device is started. The game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 has passed through either the first recess 37a (first specific area) or the second recess 37b (second specific area) of the sorting device 37. This can be determined by which of the game ball sensors 40a and 40b detects the game ball.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S7043 that the game ball does not pass through the guidance increase device operating region 43a, that is, if it is determined that the game ball is about to pass through the guidance increase device non-operation region 43b, An effect display for detachment on the display screen of the display device 31, that is, an effect display when the game ball passes through the guidance increase device non-operation area 43b is performed (S7046). In the process of S7046, a detachment detection command is transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the symbol control unit 280 based on the detection of the gaming ball by the gaming ball sensor 40c, and the symbol display is performed under the control of the symbol control unit 280 that has received this command. The distribution effect performed on the display screen of the device 31 becomes a detachment pattern, and an effect display for detachment is performed. Then, when the display result of “out” is displayed and the display of the effect for removal is completed, the stopper 41c is released by driving the actuator 42c provided in the passage for removal, that is, the game ball passage 38c (S7047). Then, the distribution effect process is terminated and the process returns. As a result, the game ball passes through the game ball passage 38c, is guided onto the game board surface, and passes through the guidance increasing device non-operation area 43b provided on the board surface.

  In the distribution effect process described above, a game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32, which is a specific entrance, is going to pass through the guidance increasing device operating region 43a or the guiding increasing device non-operating region 43b. Detect if you are going to pass. This can be achieved by providing a game ball sensor in each of the game ball passages 38a and 38b following the guidance increase device operating region 43a and the game ball passage 38c following the guidance increase device non-operation region 43b. When the sensor detects that the game ball is about to pass through the guidance increase device operation area 43a, a predetermined effect is performed using the symbol display device 31. As described above, the symbol display device 31 of this embodiment is equipped with a large-screen liquid crystal display device, and the symbol display device 31 is provided substantially at the center of the game board surface. For this reason, while the game balls that have entered the special game device 36 from the first accessory operation port 32 are distributed to the guidance increase device operation region 43 a, while effectively producing on the liquid crystal screen of the symbol display device 31. It is possible to display.

  The game balls distributed to the guidance increase device operation area 43a are guided to the game board surface through the game ball passages 38a and 38b, and the guidance increase device provided on the game board surface in front of the player's eyes. It passes through the operating region 43a.

  On the other hand, when the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 is about to pass through the guidance increase device non-operation region 43b, this is detected by the game ball sensor 40c provided in the game ball passage 38c. Can do. When the game ball sensor 40c detects a game ball, the symbol display device shows that the game ball that has entered the special game device 36 from the first accessory operating port 32 is distributed to the guidance increase device non-operation region 43b. It is displayed on 31 liquid crystal screens while producing an effect effectively. Then, the game balls distributed to the guidance increase device non-operation area 43b are guided to the game board surface through the game ball passage 38c, and the induction increase device provided on the game board surface is not operated in front of the player. It passes through the region 43b.

  As described above, in the combination type gaming machine, it is a great concern for the player whether the game ball that has entered the special gaming device 36 is distributed to the induction increasing device operating region 43a or the induction increasing device non-operating region 43b. Therefore, if the state in which the game balls are distributed is effectively produced on the display screen of the symbol display device 31 in this way, it is possible to greatly enhance the interest of the player.

  In particular, the special game device 36 of the present embodiment is not configured to allow the player to directly confirm how the distribution device 37 distributes the game balls. For this reason, a sorting device having a complicated mechanism for directing the game balls is not required, and the special gaming device 36 can be configured compactly. In addition, the position at which the special game device 36 is mounted does not have to be the substantially central portion of the game board surface that is most noticeable to the player, and can be provided at the lower part of the board surface, for example, as illustrated in FIG. Become. As a result, the symbol display device 31 equipped with a large-screen liquid crystal display device can be provided in the substantially central portion of the game board surface that is most conspicuous, and the effect of the effect on the symbol display device 31 can be maximized. It becomes. Furthermore, since the sorting device 37 is invisible to the player and a sorting effect is performed on the display screen of the symbol display device 31, the sorting device 37 actually sorts the game balls. Nevertheless, it is possible to give the player an impression as if the game balls are being distributed by determining the symbols, characters, and the like based on the distribution effects.

  Further, the game balls distributed inside the special game device 36 are guided to the game board surface through the game ball passages 38a, 38b, 38c, and the guidance increase device operating region 43a or the increase in the guidance in front of the player. Since the player passes through one of the device non-operation areas 43b, the player can actually confirm the sorted result with his / her own eyes. For this reason, since the reliability of the distribution result is improved, even if the result is unfavorable to the player, the player is not distrusted, and the game can be advanced in a healthy state.

  Furthermore, as compared with the effect using the actual game ball in the sorting device 37, the effect on the display screen is much higher in the effect. Therefore, for any player, it is possible to appropriately set the aspect of the effect so that the effect is not felt excessively and stressed. In addition, if the game balls are distributed using the actual game balls, some players are crazy about the game, so they hit or shake the game machine to obtain an advantageous result. There is. On the other hand, if the distribution device is invisible and the distribution is produced on the display screen, the player will not affect the distribution result even if the player hits or shakes the game machine. The effect that an action can be suppressed is also acquired.

  In addition, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, stoppers 41a, 41b, 41c are respectively provided in the middle of the game ball passages 38a, 38b, 38c through which the distributed game balls pass. It is possible to stop the game ball in the passage until 41c is opened. That is, by adjusting the drive timing of the stoppers 41a, 41b, 41c, the time until the game ball that has entered the special game device 36 passes through the guidance increase device operating region 43a or the guidance increase device non-operation region 43b. Can be set freely. For this reason, it becomes possible to greatly increase the degree of freedom of the distribution effect in the symbol display device 31, and in addition, it is possible to easily change the effect time depending on the gaming state. It should be noted that the timing at which the game ball passes through the guidance increase device operating region 43a or the guidance increase device non-operation region 43b is substantially the same as the end of the distribution effect performed on the display screen of the symbol display device 31, or the distribution effect is A period from the end to the end of a predetermined time is desirable. This is because if a game ball enters before the end of the distribution effect, the distribution result will be known to the player before the distribution effect ends, or the guidance increase device starts operating (the special game state starts). This is because there is a possibility that the

  Returning to FIG. 27, it is determined by the operation area switch 214 whether or not the game ball has passed through the guidance increase device operation area 43a (S705). As a result, when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the guidance increase device operation area 43a, the guidance increase device is operated to return (S706), and when it is determined that the game ball has not passed, the procedure returns.

  Due to the operation of the induction increasing device, the second accessory induction device operation gate 30 becomes effective. Then, when the game ball passes through the second accessory guide device operating gate 30 during the occurrence of the special game state, the second accessory operating port 33 is opened. Furthermore, when a game ball passes through the 1st recessed part (1st specific area | region) 37a and the induction | guidance | derivation increase apparatus act | operates, the probability that the 1st actor operating port 32 will open will be increased. Specifically, the probability that the first accessory operating port 32 is opened is increased to “1/1”.

  In addition, when the game ball passes through the first concave portion (first specific region) 37a and the induction increasing device is activated, the main control unit 200 drives the drive motor 36m so that the distribution device 37 operates in the stop operation pattern. Is controlled. In addition, when the game ball passes through the second concave portion (second specific area) 37b and the induction increasing device operates, the main control unit 200 sets the drive motor 36m so that the distribution device 37 operates in the normal operation pattern. Is controlled. Therefore, when the game ball passes through the first recess (first specific area) 37a and the induction increasing device is activated, the sorting device 37 causes the game ball to move to the first recess (first specific area) 37a. Stops at a predetermined position where the probability of distribution is high. For this reason, when a game ball enters the first accessory operating port 32, the game ball can pass through the first recess (first specific region) 37a with a high probability.

  If it is determined in S703 that the guidance increase device is in operation, a guidance increase device activation end process is performed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the guidance increase device operation region 43a by the operation region switch 214 (S707), and it is determined whether or not 14 games have been completed since the operation start of the induction increase device (S708). . As a result, when the game ball has passed through the guidance increase device operation area 43a, or when 14 games have ended since the operation start of the guidance increase device, the operation of the guidance increase device is stopped (S710), and the process returns. Otherwise, return as is. The special gaming state is terminated by stopping the guidance increasing device, and the second accessory guidance device operating gate 30 becomes invalid.

  Here, when the special gaming state disappears in the middle (so-called puncture) (YES in S707), the puncture notification unit of the symbol display unit 31 is displayed (S709). When a player complains to a game hall employee about having a puncture, the game hall employee confirms that the puncture notification unit is displaying, so that the game ball is guided and increased during the special game state. It can be explained to the player that the player has punctured through the operating region 43a. Therefore, troubles between the player and the game hall employee due to the puncture can be prevented, and the soundness of the game can be improved.

  Next, the guiding symbol and accessory guiding apparatus processing S800 will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 29 (a) and 29 (b). 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, when it is determined that it is not during the stop display time of the guide symbol, it is determined by the guide symbol operation gate switch 204 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 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the value of the random number for success / failure determination corresponds to a preset hit value (S8051). The random number for determination of success / failure is acquired from the random number counter at the timing when the game ball passes through the guidance symbol operating gate 29.

  As a result, if it is determined that the value of the random number for success / failure determination is winning, a winning stop symbol displayed on the symbol display device 31 at the time of winning is set (S8052), and a winning schedule flag is set (S8052). S8053). 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 come-off stop symbol displayed on the symbol display device 31 when it comes off is set (S8054). The winning symbol and the off symbol displayed on the symbol display device 31 are determined using a symbol random number for symbol display.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the induction increasing device is operating (S8055). As a result, when it is determined that the guidance increasing device is in operation, it is determined whether or not the gaming ball has passed through the first recess (first specific area) 37a and the guidance increasing device has been operated. (S8056). As a result, if it is determined that the game ball has passed through the first recess (first specific area) 37a, a hit expected flag is set (S8053). On the other hand, if it is determined in S8055 that the guidance increase device is not in operation, or if it is determined in S8056 that the game ball has not passed through the first recess (first specific area) 37a, the process returns. To do.

  Note that, when the hit schedule flag is set, the first accessory guiding device is operated and the first accessory operating port 32 is opened in the process of S813 described later, but in this embodiment, Even if the random number for success / failure determination is not a hit (S8051: NO), even when the outage stop symbol is set (S8056), the induction increasing device is in operation (the special gaming state is being generated), and When the game ball passes through the first recess 37a (first specific area) and the induction increasing device is activated, the hitting expected flag is set. That is, when the game ball passes through the first recess 37a (first specific region) and the guidance increasing device starts operating, and the game ball passes the guidance symbol operating gate 29 during the operation of the guidance increasing device. Regardless of the result of the determination of whether or not the guiding symbol is correct, the first accessory guiding device operates and the first accessory operating port 32 is opened.

  Next, returning to FIG. 29A, the variation time setting and the variation pattern of the guidance symbol displayed on the guidance symbol display units 31a and 31b are set (S806), and a predetermined symbol control command is transmitted to the symbol control unit 280. Then, the variation of the guiding symbol is started (S807). In the present embodiment, the guide symbol variation time is 1.1 seconds for the present symbol and 1.4 seconds for the pseudo symbol.

  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 hit schedule flag is set (S812).

  As a result, if it is determined that the hit schedule flag is not set, the process directly returns. On the other hand, when it is determined that the expected hit flag is set, the operation of the first accessory guiding device is started (S813).

  Next, the guide process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 31 is performed (S814). Here, the player is guided to the launch position of the game ball so that the first accessory operating port 32 remains open at the start of the first game after the end of the special game state, and thereby, the continuous special This is to increase the probability of occurrence of a gaming state (so-called consecutive resort).

  First, it is determined whether or not the induction increasing device is in operation (S8140). If the induction increasing device is not in operation, the processing returns as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined in S8140 that the guidance increase device is operating, it is determined whether or not the gaming ball has passed through the first recess 37a (first specific area) and the guidance increase device has been operated. (S8141). As a result, when it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the first recess 37a (first specific area) (S8141: NO), the process returns as it is. Here, when the guidance increase device operates without the game ball passing through the first recess 37a (first specific area), that is, the game ball passes through the second recess 37b (second specific area). When the guidance increasing device is activated, the probability that the first accessory operating port 32 is not opened is not increased. Therefore, even if the player guides the shooting position of the game ball, the player can obtain less profit. Therefore, in this embodiment, when it is determined in the process of S8141 that the game ball has not passed through the first recess 37a (first specific area), the process returns as it is. If it is determined in S8140 that the guidance increase device is operating without setting the process in S8141, the game ball is processed in the second S8142 to S8147 so that the game ball is in the second state. Even when the guidance increasing device is operated through the recess 37b (second specific region), the player may be guided to the launch position of the game ball.

  Next, if it is determined in S8141 that the game ball has passed through the first recess 37a (first specific area) and the induction increasing device has been operated, 12 games have been completed since the operation of the induction increasing device has been started. It is determined whether or not (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 the player to make a left turn at the game information notification unit of the symbol display device 31 (S8144). 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 first accessory operating port 32 regardless of whether or not the random number value for determining whether or not the induction symbol is appropriate corresponds to the winning value (regardless of the combination of the stop symbol of the induction symbol). Is released.

  After guiding the left strike, it is determined whether or not the hit schedule flag is set (S8145). As a result, if it is determined that the hit schedule flag is not set, the process directly returns. On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning schedule flag is set, a symbol control command is transmitted to the symbol control unit 280, and the game information notifying unit of the symbol display device 31 guides the player to make a right turn ( S8147). Also, if it is determined in S8143 that the first accessory operating port 32 is not closed (opened), the game information notifying unit of the symbol display device 31 guides the player to make a right turn ( S8147). In addition, when the hit expected flag is set 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 hit expected flag is set. It has become.

  In this way, the game information notifying unit of the symbol display device 31 can guide the player to make a right turn as information related to the start of operation of the guidance increasing device, thereby avoiding entry into the first accessory operating port 32. On the other hand, the player can aim the second accessory guide device operating gate 30, the second accessory operating port 33, and the like.

  Then, the game information notifying unit of the symbol display device 31 guides the player to make a right strike, and avoids entering the first accessory operating port 32, thereby starting the first game after the end of the special gaming state. Sometimes, the first accessory operating port 32 can be opened, and at this time, a game ball enters the first accessory operating port 32, and the game ball is in a specific area (guide increase device operating area 43a). 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 are over from the start of the operation of the guidance increasing device, the game ball is guided by the game information notifying unit of the symbol display device 31 so that the game ball moves the guidance symbol operation gate 29 in the thirteenth game. Even if it does not pass, the game ball will pass through the guiding symbol operating gate 29 with a high probability in the 14th game, 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. 29 (b), 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.

  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 confirm the remaining number of prize balls of the game ball payout device 109, the payout sensor 109j is monitored for a predetermined time (in this example, 84 ms), and the first and second accessory operating ports 32 and 33 are monitored. Are monitored for a predetermined time (in this example, 84 ms) (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.

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

  That is, two specific areas are provided, and the game ball is configured so that the profit obtained by the player differs depending on which specific area the game ball has passed when the guidance increasing device starts operating. The probability change state is set by the sorting device (the accessory) 37 regardless of the design random number such as the pachinko game machine by increasing the probability that the first accessory operating port 32 is opened when passing through the specific area. can do. Thereby, it can prevent that a game becomes monotonous and can improve a player's interest.

  Further, when the operation pattern of the sorting device 37 becomes a stop operation pattern, a game ball enters the first accessory operating port 32, and the game ball has the first specific area, the second specific area, and the specific area. The stop operation pattern is continued until any one of the regions other than is passed. For this reason, when the first accessory guide device starts operating in the thirteenth game or the fourteenth game while the guide increasing device is operating, in the first unit game after the operation of the guide increasing device is ended, the first accessory operating port 32 is used. And the operation pattern of the distribution device 37 can be set to a state where the game ball is located at a predetermined position where the probability that the game ball is distributed to the first specific area is high. As a result, it is possible to pass the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 in the first unit game after the operation of the guidance increasing device to the first specific region with high probability, and with high probability, the guidance increasing device. Can be reactivated. Thereby, a player's expectation with respect to continuous special gaming state occurrence can be remarkably enhanced.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the special gaming device 36. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the special game device 36 of the second embodiment, and FIG. 34 is a block diagram showing various game devices connected to the board relay board. As shown in FIG. 33, the special game apparatus 36 includes two game ball passages 44 and 46, and one reciprocating body 45 disposed therebetween. The reciprocating body 45 is a specific example of the sorting means of the present invention.

  The game ball passages 44 and 46 are configured such that the game ball flows down on the upper surface thereof. The game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 flows onto the first game ball passage 44 from the left side in FIG. The upper surface of the first game ball passage 44 is a U-shaped groove, and the game ball moves toward the reciprocating body 45 while being shaken. It passes through the center. The second game ball passage 46 will be described later.

  The reciprocating body 45 disposed between the two game ball passages 44 and 46 is similar to a bridge shape and includes a passage 45a having a width through which a game ball can pass. The reciprocating body 45 is driven by a reciprocating body motor 217 (see FIG. 34) and a worm gear (not shown), and reciprocates in the front-rear direction (the direction connecting the front side and the back side as viewed from the player). The reciprocating body motor 217 is driven and controlled by the main control unit 200. Specifically, the reciprocating body 45 reciprocates once in 2 to 3 seconds, and is driven so as to temporarily stop at the front side, the back side, and the central portion in the front-rear direction. When the game ball flowing down the first game ball passage 44 reaches the reciprocating body 45, the reciprocating body 45 is stopped at the central portion in the front-rear direction or at a position close to the central portion in the front-rear direction. In some cases, the game ball rides on the passage 45a of the reciprocating body 45 and flows down onto the second game ball passage 46 through the passage 45a. On the other hand, the game balls that have not been placed in the passage 45a of the reciprocating body 45 fall downward. The reciprocating body motor 217 is a specific example of the moving means of the present invention.

  The second game ball passage 46 is provided with two guide increase device operating regions (specific regions) 46a and 46b in which game balls can enter. The induction increasing device operating regions 46a and 46b are configured such that the upper side is open so that a game ball can pass therethrough. The upper surface of the second game ball passage 46 has a mortar shape, and the game ball that has flowed down to the second game ball passage 46 must be in the first induction increase device operation region 46a or the second induction increase device operation region. 46b is passed, and when the game ball passes either the first induction increase device operation region 46a or the second induction increase device operation region 46b, the induction increase device starts operating. . The first induction increasing device operation region 46a shows a specific example of the first specific region of the present invention, and the second induction increasing device operation region 46b shows a specific example of the second specific region of the present invention. Show.

  A game ball passing through the first guidance increase device activation region 46a is detected by the first guidance increase device activation region switch 214a (see FIG. 34), and a game ball passing through the second guidance increase device activation region 46b is the first. 2 is detected by the induction increasing device operating region switch 214b (see FIG. 34).

  A discharge port 47 through which a game ball can enter is provided below the special game device 36. All game balls that do not reach the guidance increase device operating areas 46 a and 46 b and fall halfway are discharged from the discharge port 47.

  Here, the movement pattern of the reciprocating body 45 will be described. As described above, the reciprocating body 45 is driven by the reciprocating body motor 217 so as to temporarily stop at the front side, the back side, and the central portion in the front-rear direction. This is a normal operation pattern. Further, in the moving path of the reciprocating body 45, a position near the center in the front-rear direction or the center in the front-rear direction, that is, a position where the reciprocating body 45 can connect the upstream game ball path 37 and the downstream game ball path 46. Corresponds to a predetermined position with a high probability of being assigned to the first specific area of the present invention.

  Also in the second embodiment, a plurality of operation patterns of the reciprocating body 45 are set, and in addition to the normal operation pattern described above, the game ball that has entered the first accessory operating port 32 operates the first induction increasing device. A stop operation pattern having a higher probability of passing through the region 46a than the normal operation pattern is set. In the stop operation pattern, the reciprocating body 45 is positioned at a predetermined position where there is a high probability that the game ball is distributed to the first guidance increase device operation area 46a. Specifically, the main control unit 200 controls the reciprocating body motor 217 to completely stop the reciprocating body 45 at a predetermined position where there is a high probability that the game ball is distributed to the first induction increasing device operating region 46a.

  When the induction increasing device starts to operate, the game ball may have passed through the first induction increasing device operation region 46a or the second induction increasing device operation region 46b. In the second embodiment, when the game ball passes through the first induction increasing device operation region 46a and the induction increasing device starts to operate, the movement pattern of the reciprocating body 45 is changed from the normal operation pattern to the stop operation pattern. It is configured as follows.

  Even with such a configuration, the probability variation state can be set by the reciprocating body 38 as the distributing means regardless of the design random number or the like as in the pachinko gaming machine. Thereby, it can prevent that a game becomes monotonous and can improve a player's interest.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the contents of the guidance increase device processing S700 and the success / failure determination processing S805. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  First, the guidance increase apparatus processing S700 of the third embodiment will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 35 corresponds to FIG. 27 of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 35, in the third embodiment, when it is determined in the process of S705 that the game ball has passed through the guidance increase device operating area 39a, it is determined whether or not the extended game flag is set. (S711). If the consecutive flag is set, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the first recess (first specific area) 37a (S712). As a result, when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the first recess (first specific area) 37a, the extended game counter is incremented by 1 (S713), and the extended game flag is cleared (S714).

  In addition, a ream flag is used when the first accessory operating port 32 remains open when the guidance increase device that has been operated by the game ball passing through the first recess (first specific area) 37a is terminated. The extended game counter is incremented by 1 when the game ball passes through the guidance increase device operating area 43a when the extended game flag is set. Further, in this embodiment, the initial value of the extended game counter is set to 1, and clearing the extended game counter means returning to the initial value.

  If it is determined in S711 that the extended game flag is not set, or if it is determined in S712 that the game ball has passed the first recess (first specific area) 37a, the extended game counter is cleared. (S716). Then, the operation of the induction increasing device is started and the process returns (S706).

  If it is not determined in S705 that the game ball has passed through the guidance increase device operation area 43a, and if it is determined in S715 that the extended game counter has exceeded the predetermined number, the extended game flag is cleared. Return (S717).

  Further, in the third embodiment, after performing the induction increasing device operation end process of S710, it is determined whether or not the first accessory induction device is operating when the operation of the induction increasing device is stopped (S718). ). As a result, when it is determined that the first accessory guiding device is operating when the operation of the guidance increasing device is stopped, the extended game flag is set and the process returns (S719).

  Next, the success / failure determination processing S805 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 36 corresponds to FIG. 30 of the first embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, when it is determined in the process of S8056 that the game ball has passed the first specific area, the extended game counter increased in S713 (see FIG. 35) described above is referred to. It is determined whether or not the extended game counter exceeds a predetermined number (S8057). As a result, when it is determined that the villa counter exceeds the predetermined number of times, the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the villa counter does not exceed the predetermined number of times, a hit schedule flag is set. (S8053), it returns. In the present embodiment, the predetermined number of times (the upper limit value of the extended range counter) is set to 5.

  As described above, when it is determined in S8057 that the extended game counter has exceeded the predetermined number of times, the first accessory operating port 32 opened at the start of the first game after the operation of the induction increasing device is entered. The number of times the game ball passed through the first recess 37a (first specific area), that is, the game ball passes through the first recess 37a (first specific area) and the guidance increasing device continues. The number of times of operation (number of consecutive resorts) exceeds the predetermined number. In this way, when the number of consecutive games exceeds the predetermined number (5 in this example), if the result of the determination of whether the guidance symbol is wrong or not, the guidance increasing device is in operation and the game ball is Even when the vehicle passes through the first specific area, the hit schedule flag is not set. As a result, it is limited to increase the probability that the first accessory operating port 32 opens during operation of the induction increasing device, and the first accessory operating port 32 is opened in the first game after the operation of the induction increasing device. Since the possibility of becoming a state can be reduced, it is possible to limit the continuous operation of the induction increasing device, and it is possible to prevent the euphoria from becoming extremely high. This S8057 corresponds to the limiting means of the present invention.

(Other embodiments)
In addition, when the present invention is applied to a combination type gaming machine in the above embodiment, the unit game is a launch of 15 game balls. However, the present invention is a combination type game machine having a unit game of 16 game balls. Is also applicable.

  Further, in the above embodiment, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 30, while the induction increasing device is in operation, it is configured to set the hit schedule flag even if the random number for determination of success / failure is off, You may comprise like the flowchart shown. That is, a stop stop symbol that is “largely off” is set in advance, in which the expected flag is not set even when the guidance increasing device is operating, in the stop stop symbol pattern. Then, when the come-off stop symbol set in S8054 is greatly out (S8057: YES), the hitting schedule flag is not set even when the induction increasing device is operating.

It is a front view which shows the combination type game machine by the said Example. It is a front view which shows schematic structure of the game board of the said Example. It is a front view which shows the symbol display apparatus of the said Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the winning symbol display part of the said Example. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of the special game device of the said Example. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the main components provided in the inside of the special game device of the said Example. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure of the game ball path | pass provided in the back | inner side of the sorting apparatus of the said Example. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the cross-sectional structure of the game ball stop part provided in the game ball path of the said Example. It is a rear view which shows the combination type game machine of the said Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electronic control apparatus of each said Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of CPU of the main-control part of the said Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the board surface relay board | substrate of the said Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the game frame relay board | substrate of the said Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the payout control board of the said Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the launch control board of the said Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the sound lamp control board of the said Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the symbol control board of the said Example. It is a block diagram which shows the flow of the command regarding the symbol control of the said Example. It is a timing chart of the signal output to the external test | inspection apparatus from the main-control part of the said Example, Comprising: (a) is at the time of power activation, (b) is in game. It is a flowchart which shows the main job of the main control part of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the power-on process of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the game start process of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the game management process of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the winning symbol process of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the accessory game process of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the score increase apparatus process of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the guidance increase apparatus process of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the distribution effect process of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the guidance symbol of the said Example, and an accessory guidance apparatus process. It is a flowchart which shows the guidance symbol of the said Example, and an accessory guidance apparatus process. It is a flowchart which shows the guidance symbol success / failure determination process of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the guide process of the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows the power failure generation | occurrence | production process of the said Example. It is a perspective view which shows the special game device of the said 2nd Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the board surface relay board | substrate of the said 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the guidance increase apparatus process of the said 3rd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the guidance symbol success / failure determination process of the said 3rd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the guidance symbol success / failure determination process of the said Example.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 10 ... Launching device unit (game ball | bowl launching means), 20 ... Game board, 24 ... 16 consecutive entry entrance (entrance area | region), 25 ... Winning symbol display apparatus, 29 ... Guide symbol operation gate, 31 ... Symbol display device (variable display device), 32 ... First accessory operating port (variable entrance), 36 ... Special game device, 36m ... Drive motor (moving means), 37 ... Sorting device (sorting means), 37a ... 1st recessed part (1st specific area | region), 37b ... 2nd recessed part (2nd specific area | region), 43a ... induction | guidance | derivation increase apparatus operating area | region, 43b ... induction | guidance | derivation increase apparatus non-operation area | region, 200 ... main control part ( Variable pitching device, special game generating device, drive control means), 271 ... motor for reciprocating body (moving means), 230 ... payout control unit, 250 ... launch control unit, 260 ... sound lamp control unit, 280 ... symbol control unit .

Claims (3)

A plurality of entrance areas into which game balls can enter, and a winning symbol display means for displaying winning symbols related to the entrance of the game balls into the entrance ball area, and a predetermined number of game balls on the game board A single unit game is performed, a prize mode is determined based on a combination of winning symbols displayed on the winning symbol display means during the one unit game, and the award game value is added to the award mode. A combination gaming machine that gives award gaming value to
A variable display device capable of variably displaying the identification symbol displayed in the display area;
When the identification symbol stopped and displayed on the variable display device is a specific symbol, the variable entrance is opened, and when a game ball enters the variable entrance, or a predetermined number of unit games are completed. A variable pitching device that closes the variable pitching port,
A special game state generating device that generates a special game state that is relatively advantageous to the player when the game ball that has entered the variable entrance has passed through the first specific area or the second specific area; Prepared,
The special game state generating device includes a case where a special game state occurs when a game ball passes through the first specific area, and a case where a special game state occurs when a game ball passes through the second specific area And are structured so that the player's profit is different,
When the game ball passes through the first specific area and the special game state generating device is activated, the probability that the variable entrance is opened during the operation of the special game state generator is increased. A unique combination game machine. A distribution means for distributing game balls to the first specific area, the second specific area, or areas other than the first specific area and the second specific area;
Moving means for moving the sorting means;
The distribution unit is moved in a plurality of operation patterns including a first operation pattern and a second operation pattern having a higher probability that a game ball is distributed to the first specific area than the first operation pattern. Drive control means capable of driving and controlling the moving means,
When the game ball passes through the first specific area and the special game state generation device is activated, the variable entrance is opened in the first unit game after the operation of the special game state generation device is completed. 2. The combination type game machine according to claim 1, wherein the drive control unit controls the moving unit to move the distribution unit in the second operation pattern. When the special game state is generated when the game ball that first enters the variable entrance after the special game state ends passes through the first specific area, the continuous special game state is generated. 3. The combination type game machine according to claim 1, further comprising a restricting unit that restricts an increase in a probability that the variable entrance is opened when the number of continuations reaches a predetermined number.

Images