JP2005334029A - Combination game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly perform a trial launch by an external testing machine in a combination type game machine in which an irregular striking under prescribed conditions becomes advantageous to players. <P>SOLUTION: The combination game machine is equipped with a variable winning device that opens a variable winning opening on the basis of identification patterns stationarily displayed on a variable display device, a special game causing device that increases the probability of opening the variable winning opening at the time when a game ball entering the variable winning opening passes a prescribed area, an external device capable of regulating a shooting force, a signal outputting means capable of outputting a first signal concerning game ball launch force adjustment, and a second signal concerning the progress of a game to an external device capable of adjusting a game ball launch force to a game board. The signal outputting means judges whether prescribed conditions concerning the progress of a game is established on the basis of the second signal and change the first signal on the basis of the result of the judgment. <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.

In general, pachinko machines and combination-type gaming machines (arranged ball gaming machines) are obliged to undergo a technical examination by a third-party organization designated by the legal system. In such a gaming machine, a signal relating to the progress of the game is output to an external test apparatus when performing inspection by a third-party inspection organization (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This test apparatus is configured to automatically test a game ball and perform various analyzes based on a test signal from the game machine during the test shot.
JP 2002-35382 A

  By the way, in a combination type gaming machine, as the game progresses, the launch intensity of the game ball is switched, and for example, an irregular hit is made such as switching between a right strike aiming at the right side of the game board and a left strike aiming at the left side of the game board. Is advantageous.

  However, since the above-described test apparatus is configured to automatically fire a game ball, a gaming machine that requires irregular hitting cannot know the timing for switching the launch intensity of the game ball. As a result, when performing a test using the test apparatus, it is difficult to maximize the number of acquired game balls (number of balls to be played), and it is difficult to inspect whether or not the prescribed performance of the game machine is being produced. As a result, there is a problem that the time required for testing the gaming machine by the test apparatus becomes long. This may lead to a prolonged development period of the gaming machine.

  For such a problem, for example, it may be possible to provide a circuit board that outputs a switching signal notifying the timing for switching the launching intensity of the game ball to the test apparatus, but in this case, such as changing the number of rounds or drawing lots of rounds There is a problem that the circuit board has to be changed when the playability of the gaming machine is changed.

  In view of the above points, the present invention provides a combination type gaming machine in which it is advantageous for a player to perform irregular hitting under a predetermined condition so that a test firing test by an external test device can be performed appropriately and easily. Objective. Another object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of quickly responding to a test firing test by an external test device even when the gaming ability of the gaming machine is changed.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a winning symbol for displaying a plurality of pitching areas into which a game ball can enter and a winning symbol related to the entrance of the game ball into the pitching region is displayed. Display means, and a predetermined number of game balls are fired on the game board to perform one unit game, and a prize mode is selected based on a combination of winning symbols displayed by the winning symbol display means during the one unit game. A combination type gaming machine that determines and gives a prize game value corresponding to a prize mode by a prize game value granting device,
When the game ball passes through the symbol operation gate, the identification symbol displayed in the display area can be variably displayed and variable when the identification symbol stopped and displayed on the variable display device is a specific symbol. When a game ball enters the variable entrance, or when a predetermined number of unit games are completed, a variable entrance device that closes the variable entrance and a variable entrance A special game generator that generates a special game that increases the probability that the variable entrance will be opened when the game ball that has entered passes through a predetermined area, and the launching power of the game ball on the game board A signal output means capable of outputting a first signal relating to the launch force adjustment of the game ball and a second signal relating to the progress of the game to an external device capable of adjusting On the progress of the game based on the second signal Determining the establishment of a predetermined condition, and characterized by switching the first signal based on the determination result.

  In this way, by switching the first signal for switching the game ball launch intensity of the external device based on the second signal related to the progress of the game, the external device can know the timing when the irregular hit is required. It is possible to test the gaming machine while adjusting the firing force of the game ball launched on the game board. Thereby, it is possible to easily perform a test firing test of a gaming machine that needs to make a complicated irregular hit. As a result, the development time of the gaming machine can be shortened.

  Further, by switching the first signal by the program processing based on the second signal relating to the progress of the game, even if there is a change in the game content, it is possible to easily cope with the change of the program, and the replacement of the board There is no need to do etc. Thus, it is possible to deal with various game characteristics simply by changing the switching condition of the switching signal by changing the program.

  Further, as in the second aspect of the invention, the first signal includes a first launch position designation signal that designates the firing force of the game ball in the first state with respect to the external device, and an external device. And a second launch position designation signal for designating the launch force of the game ball in the second state, and the signal output means switches between the first launch position designation signal and the second launch position designation signal. It can also be configured.

  Further, as in the third aspect of the invention, the second signal includes a special game generating device operation signal indicating an operating state of the special game generating device, and the predetermined condition is that the special game generating device It is characterized by including that it started operation. In this way, when the special game generating device starts to operate, it is advantageous to perform so-called right-handed. Therefore, by switching the first signal, the external device can be right-handed.

  In the invention according to claim 4, the second signal includes an in-game signal that is generated until a game result is obtained during at least one unit game. Round number counting means that counts the in-game signal generated from the start to the end of the operation of the special game generation device based on the generation device operation signal and the in-game signal, and the round number reaches a predetermined value Round number determining means for determining whether or not the game has been performed, and the predetermined condition is that the round number determining means determines that the value of the round number has reached a predetermined value during the operation of the special gaming state generating device, and The variable pitching device includes that it is not operated.

  In this way, after the start of the operation of the special gaming state generating device, when the variable pitching device is not operating when the predetermined round is reached, the first unit after the end of the special gaming state is made by performing so-called left-handed Because the game can keep the variable entrance open, and there is a possibility that the special game state once finished will occur again. By switching the first signal, the external device will be left-handed. Can do.

  In the invention according to claim 5, the second signal includes a symbol operation gate passing signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the symbol operation gate, and the predetermined condition is the special game state generating device. It is characterized by including that the game ball has passed through the symbol operating gate during the operation of.

  In this way, when the game ball passes through the symbol operation gate during the operation of the special game state generating device, so-called right-handed, the game ball enters the variable entrance and the special game state is set. Since it is possible to prevent the end (so-called puncture) in the middle, it is possible to cause the external device to make a right turn by switching the first signal.

  Further, the invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the predetermined condition includes the completion of the operation of the special game state generating device. In this way, when the special game state generating device is finished operating, it is advantageous to make a so-called left strike and let the game ball pass through the symbol operation gate, so by switching the first signal, Can be left-handed.

(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. The middle frame 3 is not 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. 13) 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. 13) 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. The game area 21 includes a 16 consecutive entrance (entrance area) 24, a left entrance 26, a guide symbol operating gate (symbol operating port) 29, a second character 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). It should be noted that the interior of each of the 16 consecutive entrance holes 24, the left entrance 26, the guide symbol operating gate 29, the second accessory guide device operating gate 30, the first accessory operating port 32, and the second accessory operating port 33. Is provided with a ball detection switch (not shown) for detecting whether a game ball has entered or passed.

  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. 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 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 guidance increase device is, for example, 4 seconds for both the main symbol and the pseudo symbol, and the guidance symbol stop display time in the case of being off is, for example, 0.5 for the main 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 that the winning / non-winning determination is true, it is determined to be a pseudo-hit symbol consisting of any combination of “3, 3, 3” and “7, 7, 7”. If it is determined to be off, it is determined to be a pseudo off 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, the state before the score is established, that is, when the player enters the three adjacent entrances (in this example, Nos. 11, 12, and 13) among the 16 consecutive entrances 24 The winning design 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 a score was established, that is, four adjacent entrances out of the 16 consecutive entrances 24 (in this example, Nos. 11, 12, 13, and 14) were entered. In this case, the score obtained at the corresponding location (1 point in this example) is displayed.

  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 overall configuration of the special game apparatus 36. As shown in FIG. 5, the special game apparatus 36 includes two game ball passages 37 and 39 and one reciprocating body 38 disposed therebetween.

  The game ball passages 37 and 39 are configured such that a 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 37 from the left side in FIG. The upper surface of the first game ball passage 37 is a U-shaped groove, and the game ball moves toward the reciprocating body 38 while being shaken. It passes through the center. The second game ball passage 39 will be described later.

  The reciprocating body 38 disposed between the two game ball passages 37 and 39 simulates the shape of a bridge, and includes a passage 38a having a width through which a game ball can pass. The reciprocating body 38 is driven by a motor and a worm gear (not shown) and reciprocates in the front-rear direction (a direction connecting the front side and the back side as viewed from the player). Specifically, the reciprocating body 38 reciprocates once in 2 to 3 seconds, and is driven so as to temporarily stop at the front side, the back side, and the center portion in the front-rear direction. When the game ball flowing down the first game ball passage 37 reaches the reciprocating body 38, the reciprocating body 38 stops at the center in the front-rear direction or at a position close to the center in the front-rear direction. In some cases, the game ball rides on the passage 38a of the reciprocating body 38 and flows down on the second game ball passage 39 through the passage 38a. On the other hand, the game balls that have not been put on the passage 38a of the reciprocating body 38 fall downward.

  The second game ball passage 39 is provided with a guidance increase device operating region (specific region) 39a in which a game ball can enter. The induction increasing device operation region 39a is configured to be open at the top so that a game ball can pass therethrough. The upper surface of the second game ball passage 39 has a mortar shape, and the game ball that has flowed down to the second game ball passage 39 surely enters the guidance increase device operating region 39a. Although not shown in the figure, the guidance increase device activation region 39a is provided with a guidance increase device activation region switch 214 (see FIG. 9) that detects the passage of a game ball in the guidance increase device activation region 39a.

  A discharge port 40 through which a game ball can enter is provided below the special game device 36. It is indicated that all game balls that have not reached the induction increasing device operating area 39a and have dropped on the way enter the discharge port 40 and have passed through the induction increasing apparatus non-operating area. 9).

  The induction increasing device operating region 39a constitutes a specific region in which the induction increasing device is operated. 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.

  Specifically, the operation of the induction increasing device enables the second accessory induction device operation gate 30 and increases the probability that the first accessory operation port 32 opens 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. The operation of the induction increasing device is ended when a predetermined number of 14 games (14 rounds) have been completed from the start of the operation, or when a game ball newly passes through the induction increasing device operation area 39a during operation (so-called puncture). .

  Next, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a front view of the back mechanism board 102 of the gaming machine 1.

  As shown in FIG. 6, 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, on the downstream side of the tank rail 106 and above the game ball payout device 109, a case rail for guiding the game ball payout device 109 by changing the traveling direction of the game ball flowing down the tank rail 106 ( A game ball guiding path) 108 is provided.

  Below the tank rail 106, there is provided a back case 111 to which a symbol display device 31 is attached on the front side and a symbol control board case 113, a sound lamp control board case 114, and a lamp interface board case 112 are respectively attached to the rear side. It has been. A main control board case 115 is provided below the back case 111, a power supply board case 116 is provided below the main control board case 115, and a payout control board case 118 is provided at the lower right portion of the back mechanism panel 102. Is provided. Various control boards described later are stored in these board cases.

  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 this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the electronic control device.

  As shown in FIG. 7, 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 a winning symbol of 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. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the CPU 400 provided on the main control board 200 a of the main control unit 200. As shown in FIG. 8, 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, and it is determined that the winning or failing random number acquired at the timing when the game ball passes through the guiding symbol actuating gate 29 matches the winning value. 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 entry counter for counting game balls and a discharge ball unconfirmed for counting game balls that have entered the first accessory operating port 32 and have not been discharged from the guidance increase device operating area 39a or the guidance increase apparatus non-operation area A counter or the like is set.

  Returning to FIG. 7, 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, specific area passing signal, non-specific area passing signal, guidance increasing device operating area passing signal, guidance passing gate passing signal, accessory guiding device gate passing signal, accessory operating signal Signals such as a score increase device operation signal, an accessory operating port opening signal, an accessory guidance device activation signal, a gate valid signal related to a guidance symbol, and a gate valid signal related to an accessory guidance device can be sent to the test device. .

  A 16-continuous ball opening detection switch 203 for detecting a ball entering each of the 16-bullet ball openings 24 is connected to the 16-continuous switch relay board 202. A signal is transmitted to the main control unit 200. Then, when the 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. 9 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. 9, the board surface relay board 210 includes a left entrance switch 211, accessory operation port switches 212 a and 212 b, a guidance increase device activation region switch 214, a guidance increase device non-operation region switch 215, and various solenoids 216. The second accessory guide device actuating gate switch 218 is connected.

  The left entrance switch 211 is provided inside the left entrance 26 and detects entry 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 39a.

  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. 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.

  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, a discharge ball unconfirmed error is that the number of game balls discharged through the induction increasing device operating region 39a or the induction increasing device non-operating region is insufficient with respect to the number of game balls entering the first accessory operating port 32. Error.

  First, a description will be given of an unacknowledged entry 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-entry entrance switch 203, left entrance switch 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.

  In addition, the main control unit 200 according to the present embodiment, when a ball unconfirmed error occurs, is detected by the ball unconfirmed command, the number of shots detected by the shot ball count switch 221 and the ball entrance switches 203, 211, 212a, and 212b. The number of insufficient balls, which is the difference from the number of balls entered, is transmitted to the symbol controller 280 via the sound lamp controller 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, when the number of game balls that have entered any one of the 16 consecutive entrance holes 24, the left entrance 26, the first accessory operating port 32, and the second accessory operating port 33 reaches a specified number, The number of game balls launched by the launcher unit and the number of game balls entered into any one of the 16 consecutive entrance 24, the left entrance 26, the first accessory operating port 32, and the second accessory operating port 33 When the difference from the control signal becomes zero, the main control board 200a transmits a not-yet-confirmed release command to the payout control unit 230 and is also transmitted to the symbol control unit 280 via the sound lamp control unit 260. Unconfirmed error is released. As a result, 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.

  Furthermore, when a discharge ball unconfirmed error occurs, the main control unit 200 according to the present embodiment detects 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 switch 215. The number of exhausted ball shortages, which is the difference from the number of passing balls detected in step S1, 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 area 39a or the guidance increase device non-operation area becomes zero, a discharge ball unconfirmed release command is transmitted from the main control board 200a to the payout control unit 230, and a sound lamp It is transmitted to the symbol control unit 280 via the 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. 10 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. 10, 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. 7, the payout control unit 230 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the frame external terminal board 122, the switch relay terminal board 231, the CR connection board 234, the firing control section 250, and the like are connected to the payout control section 230. The switch relay terminal board 231 is connected to a tank ball cut switch 232 and a lower pan full switch 233. The tank ball cut switch 232 is also connected to the frame external terminal board 122.

  The tank ball 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.

  The payout control unit 230 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing signal input / output with respect to the payout control unit 230. As shown in FIG. 11, 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 this embodiment, the error LED display section 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 game machine, the game cannot be shifted to the next game until the payout of 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 present embodiment, when a shortage error of the prize ball occurs, the difference between the prize shortage command, the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command and the number of prize balls actually paid out. A certain number of shortage prize balls 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 issues 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. 12 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the launch control unit 250. As shown in FIG. 12, 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. 13 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. 13, various board surface LED boards 263, various game frame LED boards 264, and the like are connected to the sound lamp control section 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. 14 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. 14, 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 winning symbols or guiding symbols, and signals such as winning symbol signals, symbol changing signals, symbol confirmation signals, etc. can be sent to the test apparatus.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the flow of commands related to symbol control. As shown in FIG. 15, 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 based on FIG. In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, a game confirmation time (16 ms in this example) is provided between games. FIG. 16 is an output timing chart of the 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. 16 (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. 16 (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 the entrance 26, the guidance increasing device operating area 39a, and the guiding increasing apparatus non-operating area), after the elapse of an interval time of 2 seconds (fixed time) to be described later and / or the above-mentioned 0.5 seconds This is set when a game result is obtained after the winning symbol confirmation time 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, test signals output from the main control unit 200 to the external test apparatus 50 will be described. The test apparatus 50 is connected to a test signal terminal (external output terminal) (not shown) of the main control board 200a when the game machine is verified by a third party inspection organization. The launch intensity can be adjusted.

  FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing test signals output from the main control unit 200 to the test apparatus 50. As shown in FIG. 17, from the test signal terminal provided on the main control board 200a of the gaming machine 1 to the test apparatus 50 via the buffer boards 52 to 54, various test signals relating to the progress of the game, and the game in the test apparatus 50 A switching signal used for adjusting the launch intensity of the sphere is output (see FIG. 18). The test signal output from the main control unit 200 includes a game-in-progress signal indicating whether or not a game is in progress (see FIG. 16), and a guidance-increasing device operation signal indicating whether or not the induction-increasing device is in operation (special game generator). Actuating signal), a symbol actuating gate passing signal relating to the guiding symbol indicating whether or not the game ball has passed through the guiding symbol actuating gate 29, and an accessory actuating signal indicating whether or not the first accessory actuating port 32 is open. (Variable pitching device operation signal) and the like are included.

  Thus, the test signal output from the test signal terminal (external output terminal) of the main control board 200a and the switching signal described later are input to the test apparatus 50 via the buffer boards 52 to 54. The test apparatus 50 performs a test shot of the gaming machine 1 while adjusting the launch force of the game ball launched on the game board 10 based on the switching signal, and acquires data during the test shot and performs various analyses. The buffer substrates 52 to 54 can be omitted.

  For example, when the test apparatus 50 performs a predetermined time (for example, 10 hours or more) of the number of game balls fired in one minute or a test fire test is performed for a predetermined time (for example, 10 hours or more), The ratio of the number of game balls acquired by the operation of the bonus item, the second bonus item) and the score increasing device, the number of times the game result is obtained during one operation of the guidance increasing device, The number of times that a game result is obtained during one operation of the mouth 32 (first accessory guiding device), the probability that a game ball entering the first accessory operating port 32 passes through the guidance increasing device operating region, etc. Analysis of information for determining whether or not the performance of the gaming machine 1 is appropriate is performed.

  The main control board 200a outputs a test signal from the test signal terminal to the test apparatus 50 via the buffer boards 52 and 53, and creates a switching signal shown in FIG. A signal is output to the test apparatus 50 via the buffer substrate 54. The main control board 200a corresponds to the signal output means, round number counting means, and round number determination means of the present invention, the switching signal corresponds to the first signal of the present invention, and the test signal (in-game signal, increase in induction) Device operation signal, guidance symbol operation gate passage signal, accessory operation signal, etc.) correspond to the second signal of the present invention.

  Next, a switching signal created in the main control board 200a and a game ball launching method of the test apparatus 50 based on the switching signal will be described with reference to FIG. In the main control board 200a of this embodiment, the CPU 400 is configured to switch the output level of the switching signal using a part of the test signal in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 403.

  FIG. 18 is a timing chart of various test signals when the maximum payout is to be obtained. As shown in FIG. 18, when the main control board 200 a is advantageous for the player to strike the left side of the game board 20, the player may switch the switching signal to OFF and perform the right strike aiming the right side of the game board 20. When it is advantageous to the user, the switching signal is switched ON. Then, the test apparatus 50 adjusts the firing force of the game ball so as to make a left strike when the switching signal is OFF, and adjusts the firing force of the game ball so as to make a right strike when the switching signal is ON. It is configured.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the main control board 200a turns the switching signal OFF when the guidance increasing device activation signal is OFF (the guidance increasing device is not operating). Thereby, the test apparatus 50 performs left-handed. By left-handing in this way when the guidance increasing device is not in operation, it is possible to increase the probability that the game ball passes through the guidance symbol actuation gate 29 and the guidance symbol fluctuates.

  Thereafter, when the induction increasing device starts to operate and the induction increasing device operation signal is switched to ON, the main control board 200a switches the switching signal to ON. As a result, the test apparatus 50 makes a right-hand hit. In this way, when the guidance increasing device starts to operate, the right hand is made to make it easier for the game ball to enter the second accessory guiding device operating gate 30 and the second accessory operating port 33, and the second accessory. The probability that the guidance device and the score increasing device are activated can be increased.

  Next, after the operation of the induction increasing device has started, the number of times the in-game signal has been switched ON reaches a predetermined value, and when the predetermined number of rounds has elapsed, specifically the 13th time after the operation of the induction increasing device has started. Alternatively, at the time when the 14th game (unit game) is started, if the accessory action signal is OFF (the first accessory action port 32 is closed), the main control board 200a turns the switching signal OFF, The test apparatus 50 performs a left strike. When the induction increasing device is operating, the probability that the first accessory operating port 32 opens is increased. Thus, after starting the operation of the induction increasing device, left-handed when a predetermined round has elapsed. Thus, if the game ball passes through the guide symbol operating gate 29, the first accessory operating port 32 can be opened with a high probability.

  When the game ball passes through the guidance symbol operation gate 29 by the left strike and the gate passage signal related to the guidance symbol is switched ON, the main control board 200a turns on the switching signal, and the test apparatus 50 performs the right strike. This right strike prevents the game ball from entering the first accessory operating port 32, and thus the special game state can be terminated while the first accessory operating port 32 remains open. Become. As a result, there is a possibility that the induction increasing device that has once ended in the first game after the end of the special gaming state is activated again.

  Then, when the operation of the induction increasing device is finished and the induction increasing device operation signal is switched to OFF, the main control board 200a turns the switching signal OFF. Thereby, the test apparatus 50 performs left-handed. The test apparatus 50 can easily perform a test fire test by a gaming method that obtains the maximum number of balls by switching ON / OFF of the switching signal as described above.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 19 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. After executing the power-on process S100, the main job shown in FIG. 19 is a game start process S200, a game management process S300, a winning symbol process S400, an accessory process S500, a score increasing apparatus process S600, a guidance increasing apparatus process S700, a guidance. 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, each of the 16 consecutive entrance ports 24 is checked by the 16 consecutive entrance port switch 203, and a combination in which a game ball enters the 16 consecutive entrance port 24 and wins 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) by a plurality of entrance ports switches (16 consecutive entrance ports switch 203, left and right entrance ports switch 211, and accessory operation port switches 212a and 212b). The entrance is monitored at the entrance 26 and the accessory operation ports 32, 33) (S306). When a plurality of entrance switches 203, 211, 212a, and 212b detect entry into any of the plurality of entrances 24, 26, 32, and 33, the entrance counter is incremented by 1 to enter the entrance. When the counter reaches 15 or more, 15 balls have been entered.

  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 region 39a or the guidance increase device non-operation region 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 the 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. 16 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, when 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 ball counter (S404). It is determined whether or not there is an incoming ball in each of the 16 entrance balls 24 by the 16 entrance ball switch 203 (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 is not obtained, the process proceeds to the second accessory processing as it is.

  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 entrance corresponding to the 16th winning symbol (score increasing device) is obtained by the 16 consecutive entrance entrance detection switch 203. 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 increase device is not operating, it is determined by the operation region switch 214 whether or not the game ball has passed the guidance increase device operation region 39a (S704). As a result, when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the guidance increase device operating region 39a, the guidance increase device is operated and returned (S705), 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. Further, the probability that the first accessory operating port 32 is opened is increased. Specifically, the probability that the first accessory operating port 32 is opened is increased to “1/1”.

  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 39a by the operation region switch 214 (S706), and it is determined whether or not 14 games (14 rounds) have been completed since the operation start of the guidance increase device. (S707). As a result, when the game ball has passed through the guidance increase device operation area 39a, or when 14 games have ended since the operation start of the guidance increase device, the operation of the guidance increase device is stopped (S78), 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 puncture has passed through the operation area 39a. 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 guidance symbol and accessory guidance device processing S800 will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 27 (a) and 27 (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. Note that the success / failure determination process here is a determination process of the success / failure related to the present symbol. 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 success / failure determination is acquired from the random number counter at the timing when the game ball passes through the guidance symbol operation gate 29.

  As a result, if it is determined that the value of the random number for success / failure determination is 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). S8055). On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the random number for success / failure determination is not a hit, a lost symbol displayed on the symbol display device 31 at the time of failure is set (S8053). Then, it is determined whether or not the induction increasing device is operating (S8054).

  As a result, if it is determined that the guidance increasing device is in operation, a hitting expected flag is set (S8055). On the other hand, if it is determined that the induction increasing device is not in operation, the process directly returns. The winning symbol and the off symbol displayed on the symbol display device 31 are determined using a symbol random number for symbol display.

  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, If the random number for winning / failing determination is not a hit (S8051: NO), and even when the outage stop symbol is set (S8053), if the guidance increase device is in operation (the special gaming state is occurring) The hit schedule flag is set. That is, when the game ball passes through the guide symbol operation gate 29 while the guide increase device is operating, the first accessory guide device is operated regardless of the result of the determination of whether or not the guide symbol is correct. Will be released.

  Next, returning to FIG. 27A, 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. 29 is performed (S814). Here, the aiming point is guided to the player so that the first actor operating port 32 remains open at the start of the first game after the end of the special gaming state, and thereby the continuous special gaming state This is to increase the probability of occurrence (so-called renso).

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

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the 12 games have ended, it is determined whether or not the first accessory operating port 32 is closed (S8143), and when the first accessory operating port 32 is closed. Transmits a symbol control command to the symbol control unit 280, and guides 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 hitting 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 hitting expected flag was 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. In some cases, 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 region (guide increase device operating region 39a). 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. Note that the gaming method in which the player makes irregular hits (right strike / left strike) based on the guide process corresponds to the game method in which the maximum number of balls is obtained in the test firing test by the test apparatus 50 described above. .

  Next, returning to FIG. 27 (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.

  As described above, when a switching signal for switching the launch intensity of the game ball is output from the main control board 200a to the test apparatus 50, and irregular hits such as right-handed and left-handed are required for this switching signal as the game progresses By switching to, the test apparatus 50 can know the timing at which the irregular hitting is necessary, and can test the gaming machine 1 while adjusting the firing force of the game ball launched on the game board 20. Thereby, it is possible to easily perform a test firing test of a gaming machine that needs to make a complicated irregular hit. As a result, the development time of the gaming machine can be shortened.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the switching signal is switched by software processing using a part of the test signal in the main control board 200a, so that, for example, the number of rounds is changed or the accessory guiding device is terminated. Even if there is a change in playability such as changing the conditions or determining the number of rounds by lottery, it is possible to easily deal with the trial test by changing the program, and there is no need to replace the substrate. In this way, it is possible to deal with trial fire tests of gaming machines having various game characteristics by simply changing the switching condition of the switching signal by changing the program.

  Specifically, for example, the number of games (number of rounds) from when the induction increasing device is activated until the operation is terminated is “3/3/3” as the pseudo-hit symbol that is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 31. In the case of a gaming machine having a gameability of 2 games in the case of “7/7/7” and 14 games in the case of “7/7/7”, the program relating to the switching condition of the switching signal in this gaming machine is as follows: do it.

  That is, when the pseudo hit symbol is “three, three, three”, the switching signal is turned on from the start of the operation of the induction increasing device to the end of the operation. On the other hand, when the pseudo hit symbol is “7, 7, 7”, the switching signal is turned ON when the induction increasing device is activated, as in the above-described embodiment, and the 13th or 14th time after the induction increasing device is activated. When the action activation signal is OFF at the time of starting the game, the switching signal is turned OFF. After that, the switching signal is turned ON when the gate passing signal related to the guidance symbol is turned ON, and the induction increasing device is ended. At that time, the switching signal is turned OFF.

  Even by such ON / OFF switching of the switching signal, the test apparatus 50 can easily perform a test firing test by a gaming method that obtains the maximum number of balls as in the above-described embodiment.

  As described above, even if the gaming machine has a different gaming property, it is possible to easily perform a test-fire test by simply changing the program related to the switching condition of the switching signal.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the content of the signal output to the test apparatus 50.

  30 and 31 are timing charts of various test signals output from the main control board 200a to the test apparatus 50 in the case where the maximum number of balls is obtained in the second embodiment. This corresponds to FIG. 18 of the example.

  In the first embodiment, a configuration is made such that one type of switching signal is output from the main control board 200a to the testing device 50 as a signal for switching the game ball firing force of the testing device 50 (see FIG. 18). In the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, two launch position designation signals are output from the main control board 200a to the test apparatus 50. The first launch position designation signal designates left-handed aiming at the left side of the game board 20 with respect to the test apparatus 50, and the second launch position designation signal is right-pointed toward the right side of the game board 20 with respect to the test apparatus 50. This specifies the strike. The test apparatus 50 adjusts the launch force of the game ball so that it is left-handed when the first launch position designation signal is ON, and the game ball is so that it is right-handed when the second launch position designation signal is ON. It is configured to adjust the firing force. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the first launch position designation signal and the second launch position designation signal correspond to the first signal of the present invention.

  First, the example shown in FIG. 30 will be described. In the example shown in FIG. 30, when the induction increasing device is not operating (when a big hit has not occurred), a signal related to irregular strikes (right strike / left strike) such as right strike or left strike is sent to the test apparatus 50. On the other hand, no signal is output, and a signal related to irregular hitting is output to the test apparatus 50 only when the induction increasing device is operating (when a jackpot is generated).

  First, when the induction increasing device is not in operation, both the first and second launch position designation signals are OFF. In this case, the test device 50 adjusts the launch force of the game ball so as not to make an irregular hit. To do.

  Then, after starting the operation of the induction increasing device, the main control board 200a turns on the second launch position designation signal while keeping the first launch position designation signal OFF. As a result, the test apparatus 50 makes a right-hand hit. In this way, when the guidance increasing device starts to operate, the right hand is made to make it easier for the game ball to enter the second accessory guiding device operating gate 30 and the second accessory operating port 33, and the second accessory. The probability that the guidance device and the score increasing device are activated can be increased.

  Then, after the operation of the induction increasing device is started, the count number obtained by counting the number of times the in-game signal is turned ON reaches a predetermined value, and when the predetermined number of rounds has elapsed, specifically, the 13th time after the operation of the induction increasing device is started. Alternatively, at the time when the 14th game (unit game) is started, if the accessory actuating signal is OFF (the first accessory actuating port 32 is closed), the main control board 200a outputs the first firing position designation signal. Is turned ON and the second launch position designation signal is turned OFF. Thereby, the test apparatus 50 performs left-handed. In this way, by left-handing when a predetermined round has passed after the operation of the induction increasing device is started, if the game ball passes the induction symbol operation gate 29, the first accessory operation port 32 is opened with a high probability. be able to.

  When the game ball passes through the guide symbol operating gate 29 by the left strike and the gate passing signal related to the guide symbol is turned ON, the main control board 200a turns OFF the first launch position designation signal and the second launch position designation signal. Set to ON. As a result, the test apparatus 50 makes a right-hand hit. This right strike prevents the game ball from entering the first accessory operating port 32, and thus the special game state can be terminated while the first accessory operating port 32 remains open. Become. As a result, there is a possibility that the induction increasing device that has once ended in the first game after the end of the special gaming state is activated again.

  When the operation of the guidance increase device is completed and the guidance increase device activation signal is switched to OFF, the main control board 200a turns off the first launch position designation signal and the second launch position designation signal. As a result, the test apparatus 50 does not make irregular hits.

  Next, the example shown in FIG. 31 will be described. In the example shown in FIG. 31, both the case where the induction increasing device is not activated (when the jackpot is not generated) and the case where the induction increasing device is activated (when the jackpot is generated) A signal related to right-handed / left-handed) is output to the test apparatus 50.

  In the example shown in FIG. 31, compared to the example shown in FIG. 30 described above, the main control board 200a sets the first launch position designation signal to ON and designates the second launch position when the induction increasing device is not operating. The only difference is that the signal is turned off. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 31, the test apparatus 50 is configured to perform left-handed when the induction increasing apparatus is not operated.

  Even in the configuration in which the launch intensity of the game ball of the test device 50 is adjusted by switching ON / OFF of the two launch position designation signals as described above, a test firing test by a gaming method that will obtain the maximum number of balls is tested. This can be done easily by the device 50.

(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, the test firing terminal in which the test signal terminal (external output terminal) of the main control unit 200 and the test apparatus 50 of the third party inspection organization are connected has been described. The external device connected to the output terminal) is not limited to a test device of a third party inspection organization. For example, a game machine manufacturer automatically launches a game ball for performing a test firing test in the development stage. It may be a device. As a result, a trial test at the development stage at a game machine manufacturer is facilitated, and the development period can be shortened.

  Further, 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, but the present invention is a combination type game machine having a unit game of 16 game balls. Is also applicable.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 28, while the induction increasing device is in operation, it is configured to set the hitting flag even when 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 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 block diagram which shows the test signal output to the test apparatus from the main-control part of the said Example. It is a timing chart of various test signals in the case of obtaining the maximum payout. 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 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 timing chart of various test signals in the case of obtaining the maximum payout in the second embodiment. It is a timing chart of various test signals in the case of obtaining the maximum payout in the second embodiment. 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, 20 ... Game board, 24 ... 16 continuous entrance (entrance area), 25 ... Winning symbol display device, 29 ... Guidance symbol operation gate, 31 ... Symbol display device (variable display device), 32 ... First action object operating port (variable entrance), 36 ... special game device, 200 ... main control unit (variable entrance device, special game generating device, signal output means, round number counting means, round number judging means), 230 ... Discharge control unit, 250 ... Launch control unit, 260 ... Sound lamp control unit, 280 ... Symbol control unit.

Claims (6)

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 one-unit game is performed and a prize mode is determined based on a combination of winning symbols displayed by the winning symbol display means during the one-unit game. 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 game ball passes the symbol operating gate;
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 generating device that generates a special game that increases the probability that the variable entrance will be opened when the game ball that entered the variable entrance enters a predetermined area;
A signal capable of outputting a first signal relating to the launch force adjustment of the game ball and a second signal relating to the progress of the game to an external device capable of adjusting the launch force of the game ball on the game board. Output means,
The combination type gaming machine, wherein the signal output means determines the establishment of a predetermined condition regarding the progress of the game based on the second signal, and switches the first signal based on the determination result. The first signal includes a first launch position designation signal for designating the firing force of the game ball in the first state with respect to the external device, and a second launch force of the game ball with respect to the external device. And a second launch position designation signal that designates the state,
The combination game machine according to claim 1, wherein the signal output means switches between the first launch position designation signal and the second launch position designation signal. The second signal includes a special game generation device operation signal indicating an operation state of the special game generation device,
The combination game machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition includes that the special game generating device is activated. The second signal includes at least a game in-progress signal generated until a game result is obtained during the one unit game, and a variable pitching device operation signal indicating an operating state of the variable pitching device. And
The signal output means counts a round number that counts the in-game signal generated from the start of operation of the special game generation device to the end of operation based on the special game generation device operation signal and the in-game signal. Means and round number determination means for determining whether or not the value of the round number has reached a predetermined value,
The predetermined condition is that during the operation of the special gaming state generating device, the round number determining means determines that the value of the number of rounds has reached a predetermined value, and the variable pitching device is not operating. The combination type gaming machine according to claim 3, further comprising: The second signal includes a symbol operation gate passing signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the symbol operation gate,
5. The combination type gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined condition includes that a game ball has passed through the symbol operation gate during operation of the special game state generation device. 6. The combination type gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined condition includes that the operation of the special game state generating device has ended.

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