JP2006122153A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the interest of a player regarding a game to a big winning by giving difficulty to reach the big winning to the game, providing a special game state only to the player who conquers the difficulty and supplying big profits. <P>SOLUTION: A game ball hit into a game area is made to jump around by the presence of nails provided in a prescribed gauge array inside the game area and shows complicated behavior. In the game area, a start winning port 12 is provided on a prescribed position, and when the game ball enters the start winning port 12, a first winning detector 76 outputs first winning signals. A game control board 2 controls the opening/closing operation of a movable member 24 by the output of the first winning signals, and when the game ball is caught when the movable member 24 is opened and closed, the game ball is received into a winning device 6. A specified winning port 60 is provided inside the winning device 6, and when the game ball passes through the specified winning port 60, a big winning is attained and shifting to a special game state is executed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that gives a player a special benefit by shifting to a special gaming state.

  As a game machine of this kind, like a pachinko machine, a game ball is fired into a game area, and while playing a game ball in this game area, the player can aim for a big hit and whether or not it will be a big hit, the player There is known a gaming machine in a form that matches the taste (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In such a known gaming machine, the player makes maximum effort to win a big hit and exerts the maximum of his / her skill, and the value as the maximum consideration by the big hit (hereinafter referred to as “the consideration value”). Try to get). In the special gaming state in which the gaming machine is shifted by this jackpot, a round operation is performed for a predetermined round, and the player makes an effort to obtain his / her own skill and obtain more value in each round.
JP-A-6-218122

  However, in a known gaming machine, there is a case where a special game state cannot be continued due to some unexpected accident regardless of the skill of the player (so-called “punk”). In this case, for the player, despite having succeeded in winning the jackpot, it is impossible to obtain the consideration value that should have been originally obtained in this special gaming state.

  In this case, the player must continue to play the game while feeling uneasy that it will not be possible to proceed to the next round action even if the player succeeds in winning the big hit and enters the special game state. There was a possibility that the player could not enjoy in the state, and the willingness to play would be reduced.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a technique that can be enjoyed by a player in a special gaming state and does not reduce the game motivation.

(Solution 1)
The gaming machine of the present invention has a first winning detector for detecting that a game ball launched into the gaming area has won a start winning opening, and a second winning detector for detecting that the winning ball has been received by the winning device. A winning device that includes a winning detector and that allows a game ball to be received when a winning is received at the start winning opening, and a special gaming state when the game ball received by the winning device has passed a specific area A game control means for providing a consideration value as a consideration to the player in this special gaming state, a path through which the game ball received by the winning apparatus passes, and a predetermined operating condition And a movable body that changes the flow of the game ball passing through the path by operating when the game condition is satisfied, and the game control means has an operating condition of the movable body when transitioning to the special gaming state. Turn off In addition, after the game ball received by the winning device has passed through the specific area, a game value different from the consideration value is given within a range that does not affect the consideration value. It is characterized by this. The range that does not affect the consideration value here refers to, for example, a range that does not affect the number of prize balls that should be originally given to the player after shifting to a specific gaming state.

  First, since the special game state is a state in which a value is given to the player, the gaming machine is in a special game state (for example, a state in which a round operation that makes it easier to accept a lot of game balls by operating a winning device is repeated). After the transition, the player's willingness to play can be maintained immediately after that. In the gaming machine according to the present invention, each round operation is continued until the last round operation in the special gaming state, so that the player can enjoy the value for money without fail, so that the player can enjoy the special value with peace of mind. It is possible to continue while enjoying the game in the gaming state. However, it may be difficult for the player of the present invention to maintain the concentration that was exerted before the transition to this special gaming state because the player is too immersed in security. After shifting to the gaming state, the operating condition of the movable body is switched, or a gaming value different from the consideration value is given to the player.

  Specifically, in the gaming machine of the present invention, when moving to the special gaming state, the movable body is operated under an operating condition different from the operating condition before the transition to the special gaming state by switching the operating condition of the movable body. And change the flow of the game ball. The player feels the interest from the rarity of the change state of the flow of the game ball by contacting the flow of the ball rich in change.

  In addition, in the gaming machine of the present invention, after the transition to the special gaming state, if the game ball received by the winning device passes through a specific area by changing the flow according to the operation of the movable body, it is different from the consideration value. The game value is given to the player. This consideration value refers to a value given to a player as a consideration for allowing the player to receive a game ball in a special gaming state, for example.

  Here, since this gaming value does not affect the consideration value, it does not unnecessarily provoke gambling, but depending on the content of the value, it increases the player's willingness to play in a special gaming state It is something that can be done. Here, examples of the game value include a visual effect display that the player cannot see in the normal game state. In addition, as the consideration value, a prize ball given to a player when the game ball is received by the winning device can be cited.

  Players who are in contact with such rare game values in a special game state will not get bored at all even if they continue the monotonous work of accepting the game ball to the winning device, and their skill and concentration will be sufficient It will make an effort to gain more game value. Therefore, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, since the player does not feel bored in the special gaming state, the player's willingness to play in the special gaming state can be increased, and the operation of the gaming machine can be improved. it can. In addition, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, even before the transition to the special gaming state, the player continues the game in order to come into contact with such a rare gaming value. It is possible to improve the player's willingness to play before the game is performed and to increase the operation of the gaming machine.

(Solution 2)
In the above solution 1, it is preferable that the game control means provides a visual special effect as the game value.

  According to such a configuration, the player tries to contact a visual special effect (for example, display of a rare image) as a game value in a special game mode, and satisfies a predetermined operation condition and moves the movable body. They try to put their skills and concentration into the game balls in the winning device. Furthermore, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the player who is in contact with this visual special effect can continue to feel satisfaction, enhance the interest of the player in the special gaming state, and improve the operation of the gaming machine. Further, in the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to concentrate on the game and increase the game motivation even before shifting to the special game state in order to contact such visual special effects as soon as possible.

(Solution 3)
In either of the above solution means 1 or 2, a prize is awarded based on a prize ball signal output by the game control means when a game ball is awarded to the start prize opening or a game ball is awarded to the prize winning device. A payout control means for controlling the ball movement; and a prize ball payout device for executing a prize ball movement by the control of the payout control means, and the value of value is triggered by the fact that a game ball is received by the prize winning device. It is desirable that the prize ball be given to the player.

  According to such a configuration, in the special gaming state, the player is given a prize ball as a consideration value by allowing the winning device to accept the game ball, and is given another game value. For this reason, even a player who is accustomed to being awarded a prize ball in a special gaming state can enjoy the new gaming value given in a range that does not affect such consideration value, You can discover new ways of enjoying in the special gaming state and maintain the game motivation without losing interest.

(Solution 4)
In any one of the solving means 1 to 3, the game control further includes a change giving means for giving a change to a flow of the game ball passing through the path by operating the movable body in accordance with a predetermined operation. When the means shifts to the special game state, it is desirable that the operating condition of the movable body is that the change giving means is operated.

  According to such a configuration, when the player operates the movable body by operating the change imparting means with good timing in the special game state, the flow of the game ball on the route can be changed by the player's intention, Depending on the change in the flow of the game ball, the game ball can pass through the specific area. In this way, since the player can enjoy the game value by passing through the specific area of the game ball, the player concentrates on the operation of the change granting means and tries to contact the rare game value. Strive to fully demonstrate the skills of.

  For this reason, in the gaming machine of the present invention, in the special gaming state, the player operates the change imparting means by his / her own intention to operate the movable body to change the flow of the game ball. It is possible to make the player feel as if the player himself can form it. For this reason, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the player himself / herself feels that the player is forming a flow of the game in the special gaming state, so that the player's willingness to play increases and the operation of the gaming machine is improved.

(Solution 5)
In any one of the solving means 1 to 4, it is preferable that the movable body guides a game ball passing through the route to the specific area from the route by intervening in the route during the operation.

  According to such a configuration, when the player operates the change imparting means by a predetermined operation at a specific timing, the movable body intervenes in the path to change the flow of the game ball flowing through the path, and the game You can enjoy the thrill as to whether the sphere can be directed to a specific area. For this reason, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, the player can come into contact with the appearance of the game ball in a visually easy-to-understand manner in the special gaming state, so that additional gaming characteristics are added in the monotonous special gaming state. Can do.

(Solution 6)
In any one of the above solutions 1 to 5, the winning device guides the received game ball in the direction of the specific area and has a plurality of different probabilities that the game ball can be guided to the specific winning port. Preferably, the movable body is a ball path changing member that sends a game ball received in the winning device to one of the plurality of paths.

  According to such a configuration, when the player operates the change imparting means in the special game state, the ball path changing member operates to swing in a predetermined direction, and the game ball is moved along one of the plurality of paths. It can be sent out aiming. Since each of these paths has a different probability of guiding a game ball to a specific area, as a player, the operation timing of the ball path changing member is such that the game ball is sent to a path that can guide the game ball to the specific area as much as possible. Will come to trial and error.

  In this way, if the player tries to obtain the game value in the special game state, the operation timing of the ball path changing member is trial-and-error, and even in the special game state where the game ball needs to be accepted by the winning device, the player cannot visually recognize it. In a form that is easy to understand, it is possible to enhance the interest without adding boredom to the player and making the player feel bored.

(Solution 7)
In any one of the above solutions 1 to 6, the game balls that have passed through the route are distributed, the specific area guide unit that guides the distributed game balls to the specific area, and the distributed game balls are specified. It is desirable to further include a rotating body that is formed with a guide portion that guides to an area other than the area and rotates at a predetermined cycle.

  According to such a configuration, when the game state shifts to the special game state, the player operates the change applying unit in synchronization with the position of the specific area guide unit that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the rotating body, thereby The game ball flowing through the specific area guide unit is distributed to the specific area guide unit, and the player can have a slight expectation that the game ball may be guided to the specific area. For this reason, in the gaming machine of the present invention, even in a special gaming state that tends to be monotonous, it is possible to enhance the interest of the player by continuing the faint expectation and increase the operation of the gaming machine.

(Solution 8)
In the solving means 6 or 7, the change giving means is a plurality of buttons, and the game control means operates the ball path changing member and the movable body in response to operations of the plurality of buttons, respectively. It is desirable to let them.

  According to such a configuration, the player uses the plurality of buttons to operate the movable body and the ball path changing member at a predetermined timing by exhibiting his / her skill and concentration, and in a special gaming state You will have a light expectation that you may be able to enjoy the game value by guiding it to a specific area. In this way, the player continues the monotonous work of allowing the winning device to accept the game ball all the time, but is devoted to these multiple button operations, so the game motivation is impaired even in the special game state. Continue to play games while maintaining interest.

(Solution 9)
In the solving means 8, the change giving means outputs an operation instruction signal for instructing an operation of the movable body in response to a predetermined operation, and the game control means outputs the operation instruction signal only in the special game state. It is desirable that the operation instruction signal is regarded as invalid and is not recognized in a state other than the special gaming state.

  According to such a configuration, the game control means does not recognize the operation instruction signal from the change granting means as invalid in the special gaming state, so that the operation instruction signal reception waiting process from the change granting means, etc. There is no execution at all, and the processing load for this can be reduced. For this reason, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the reduced processing load in the special gaming state can be allocated to other processing, so that various processes can be executed in the special gaming state.

(Solution 10)
In the solving means 9, the change giving means is electrically connected to the game control means, and the game control means has an input port to which the operation instruction signal outputted by the change giving means is inputted. It is desirable that the operation instruction signal input to the input port includes a port input control unit that handles the operation instruction signal as valid or invalid.

  According to such a configuration, the game control means can handle the operation instruction signal input to the input port as invalid or valid as controlled by the control of the port control means in the special game state. For this reason, when the operation instruction signal of the input port is treated as invalid, there is no execution of the operation instruction signal waiting process for the operation instruction signal from the change imparting means, and the processing load can be reduced. it can. For this reason, in the gaming machine of the present invention, it is not necessary for the game control means to constantly monitor these input ports, and the processing load for that can be assigned to other processes, so there is room for more various processes. Can be executed. Here, handling the operation instruction signal as invalid means, for example, that the operation instruction signal reaching the input port is discarded and not used.

  The gaming machine of the present invention gives a game a difficulty until reaching a big hit, provides a special gaming state only to a player who has overcome this difficulty, and provides a large profit, and a game related to a game leading to a big hit Can enhance the interest of the person.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine will be described with reference to the corresponding drawings.

(1. Overview of Embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a pachinko machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pachinko machine 1 belongs to a so-called “feather” type.

  The pachinko machine 1 is roughly composed of a frame 2 and a game board 4, and the game board 4 is detachably installed inside the frame 2. A substantially circular game area is formed on the front surface (board surface) of the game board 4, and the model of the pachinko machine 1 is characterized by the board surface configuration here.

  In the game area, a center accessory 6 that is extremely eye-catching is arranged at substantially the center thereof, and this center accessory 6 functions as a winning device. In addition to the normal winning openings 8 and 10 arranged on the left and right of the center accessory 6, a pair of left and right one-time starting openings 12 are arranged at a lower position thereof, and one two-time starting opening 14 is arranged at a central position. . In addition, various ornamental bodies, decorative lamps, windmills, and a number of obstacle nails (not shown) are provided in the game area, but well-known components can be applied to these components. Therefore, the individual description is omitted here.

  One frame body 2 is provided with a large number of decorative lamps 2a on the front surface (glass frame), and these decorative lamps 2a are used for the purpose of producing effects by light-emitting decoration according to the progress of the game. Although not shown in FIG. 1, speakers are arranged inside the frame body 2, and these speakers are used for applications that produce effects by sound output according to the progress of the game.

  On the front side of the frame body 2, an upper plate 16 and a lower plate 18 are formed at positions below the game board 4, and these serve as a receiving tray for game balls. In addition, a launch handle 20 is disposed at the lower right corner of the front surface of the frame body 2, and the player can launch the game ball with a desired strength by twisting the launch handle 20. . In this embodiment, a push-type ball stop button 99 and a ball path change button 97 are arranged at the left position of the upper plate 16, and the ball stop button 99 and the ball path change button 97 are respectively being played by the player. In this situation, a push operation can be appropriately performed according to the player's intention.

(2. Winning device)
FIG. 2 specifically shows the center accessory 6 described above. The center accessory 6 has a pair of left and right movable pieces (blade members) 24. These movable pieces 24 are opened in the left-right direction as indicated by solid lines in the drawing, and are indicated by two-dot chain lines. It can be displaced between the closed position and the inner side. When these movable pieces 24 are in the open position, the big winning opening 26 of the center accessory 6 is opened. A big prize opening solenoid (not shown) is disposed behind the center accessory 6, and the pair of left and right movable pieces 24 are driven by the big prize opening solenoid.

(2-1. Grand Prize Winner)
Normally, when the center accessory 6 is not operated, the movable piece 24 is in the closed position as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2, and therefore the special winning opening 26 is closed. . On the other hand, when a prize is given to the above-mentioned one-time start port 12 or two-time start port 14 during the game, the center accessory 6 is actuated as a trigger. Thereby, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 2, the pair of movable pieces 24 move to the open position, and the big prize opening 26 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, about 0.4 seconds), and the game ball Allow winnings. The opening / closing operation of the movable piece 24 is performed by the number of opening / closing times (one or two times) respectively assigned to the once-starting port 12 and the twice-starting port 14. It should be noted that the opening time of the big winning opening 26 may be different depending on whether or not the winning opening 12 is won once and the starting opening 14 is won twice.

  In the center accessory 6, a big winning port count switch 28 is arranged corresponding to each of the left and right big winning ports 26. A game ball that has won a prize winning opening 26 is detected to pass by the corresponding prize winning count switch 28, that is, the number of winning prizes is counted.

  Further, a ball gathering passage 30 is formed in the center accessory 6 so as to connect between the left and right big winning openings 26, and the game balls received from the respective big winning openings 26 pass through the ball gathering passage 30. Rolls and gathers to the center position. In the vicinity of the center of the ball gathering passage 30, a ball inlet 32 opened in the back direction of the center accessory 6 is formed, and the game balls rolling on the ball gathering passage 30 and gathered at the central position are ball entrance 32. Pass through the center object 6 in the back direction.

(2-2. Ball path changing member)
A ball path changing member (seesaw-like member) 34 is disposed in the center accessory 6 at a position deeper than the ball approaching passage 30, and the game ball that has rolled through the ball inlet 32 is as follows. Here, the ball path changing member 34 is guided. The ball path changing member 34 has a ball guide surface 34a extending in the left-right direction, and the game ball can be guided in the left-right direction on the ball guide surface 34a. Further, the ball path changing member 34 can swing left and right as viewed from the front, and the swing at this time is visually recognized as if it is seesaw motion from the viewpoint of the player.

  In the state shown in FIG. 2, the ball path changing member 34 is tilted to the left (lower left), and in this state, the game ball rolls on the ball guide surface 34a and is guided to the left. Although not shown, conversely, when the ball path changing member 34 changes to the right side (downward), the game ball rolls on the ball guide surface 34a and is guided to the right.

(2-3. First and second passage routes)
As shown by broken lines in FIG. 2, a low probability path 36 and a high probability path 38 are formed in the center accessory 6 on the left and right sides of the spherical path changing member 34, respectively. These two paths 36 and 38 are arranged so as to be connected to the left and right ends of the ball path changing member 34, respectively. A game ball that rolls on the ball guide surface 34a to the left or right is a low probability path. 36 or a high probability route 38 to be sent.

  The low probability path 36 and the high probability path 38 extend in the left-right direction from the spherical path changing member 34, and are bent downward along both side edges of the center accessory 6. On the other hand, a liquid crystal display 40 is arranged in the center of the center accessory 6, and the two paths 36 and 38 extend from the upper edge of the liquid crystal display 40 so as to surround both sides thereof.

  Among these, the low probability path 36 is bent to the near side at a position below the liquid crystal display 40, and then extends to the right along the front end of the lower edge portion of the center accessory 6. The other high probability path 38 is bent leftward at a position below the liquid crystal display 40 and then extends along the lower edge of the liquid crystal display 40 to the vicinity of the center thereof. Further, a high probability path passing switch (production effect detection switch) 39 is arranged in the middle of the high probability path 38 in the center object 6, and a game ball passing through the high probability path 38 is a high probability path passing switch 39. Is detected. The low-probability path 36 and the high-probability path 38 are different from each other in that the received game ball is guided in the direction of the specific winning opening and the game ball is guided in the direction of the specific area to reach the specific area. It is a route.

(2-4. Ball stopping member)
A character body 42 is installed in the center accessory 6 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 40. This character body imitates a person who sweeps and cleans with a spear in his / her hand, and moves the head left and right while swinging the spear left and right by the action of a solenoid and an internal link mechanism (both not shown). It can move like shaking.

  In this embodiment, the character body 42 is arranged so that the tip (lower end) of the kite held by the character body 42 faces the vicinity of the end of the low probability path 36, and this kite-shaped member is exerted on the movement of the game ball. The ball stopping member 44 can be functioned. Specifically, when the position of the ball retaining member 44 is changed by the movement of the character body 42 as described above, the action on the game ball passing through the low probability path 36 differs depending on the position (left or right) at that time. It will be. The operation of the ball retaining member 44 will be further described later.

(2-5. Ball sorting member)
A rotating ball distributing member 46 is disposed in the center accessory 6 at a position below the liquid crystal display 40, and this ball distributing member 46 flows in the direction of the game ball in the center accessory 6. In view of this, it is positioned downstream of the low probability path 36 and the high probability path 38 described above. Although the outer shape is not clearly shown in FIG. 2, the ball sorting member 46 is formed of a disk-shaped rotating body having a thickness and is rotated in one direction by a motor (not shown).

  The ball distribution member 46 receives the game balls that have passed through the low probability path 36 or the high probability path 38, and determines the destinations of the specific prize opening (here, one aspect of the specific area) and the general prize opening. It works to distribute to either one. FIG. 2 does not show the specific winning opening and the general winning opening.

  Further, two ball discharge passages 48 and 50 are formed in the center accessory 6 below the ball sorting member 46, and one (here, the left side) of the ball discharge passages 48 has a specific area. A switch (specific winning opening detection switch) 52 is installed. The game ball that has entered the specific winning opening in the center accessory 6 (passed through the specific area) is detected by the specific area switch 52 and then released. The game ball that has entered the general winning opening is released as it is through the right ball release passage 50.

(3. Action of game balls)
Next, an operation mode (rolling / guidance / distribution) of the game ball in the center accessory 6 during the actual game will be described.

(3-1. When passing through a low probability route)
FIG. 3 shows this in a three-dimensional manner in a state where each part (upper and front side) of the center accessory 6 is partially cut or broken. When the game ball that has won the big winning opening 26 is guided to the left by the ball path changing member 34, the game ball is guided through the low probability path 36 as shown by the arrow in FIG. become.

  When the game ball guided through the low probability path 36 flows down to the lower edge of the center accessory 6, it rolls across the front side of the ball sorting member 46 and wraps around the back side. When the game ball reaches a position near the terminal end of the low probability path 36, the rolling direction is influenced by the ball stopping member 44.

  FIG. 4 specifically shows the inside of the center accessory 6. A plurality (eight in this example) of U-shaped notches are formed on the periphery of the ball sorting member 46 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Each of these cutouts can accept one game ball, one of which is a specific winning opening guide 46a, and the other (seven) cutouts are all general winning opening guide 46b. ing.

  The specific winning opening guide 46a has a notch deeper toward the center than the other general winning opening guide 46b, and is distinguished from the general winning opening guide 46b in terms of form. In addition, a decorative border is provided around the specific winning opening guide 46a so as to visually distinguish it, and the alphabet "V" is designed at a position near the center of the ball sorting member 46. Decorated body.

(3-1-1. When the ball stopping member is not operating)
The ball stopping member 44 can reciprocate so as to advance and retreat from the side (in this example, the right side) with respect to the low probability path 36. The center accessory 6 is equipped with a ball stop solenoid (hereinafter simply referred to as “solenoid”) 54, and this solenoid 54 is connected via a link mechanism (not shown). The ball stopping member 44 can be actuated (advanced / retracted). In the present embodiment, when the solenoid 54 is not energized (de-energized), the ball retaining member 44 is inoperative, and at this time, it is held in a state of being advanced with respect to the low probability path 36.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the ball retaining member 44 is not in operation, the tip portion thereof enters the low probability path 36 from the right side. In this state, the game ball that has passed through the low probability path 36 comes into contact with the tip of the ball retaining member 44 in the vicinity of the end thereof, and at this time, as shown by the arrow in the figure, it faces the ball distribution member 46. And is guided to roll.

  Each of the winning opening guide portions 46a and 46b is opened in the radial direction from the periphery of the ball sorting member 46, and therefore has a relative relationship capable of receiving a rolling game ball. On the other hand, since the ball sorting member 46 is rotated in a certain direction (clockwise as viewed from above) in the normal gaming state, etc., all the eight winning opening guides 46a and 46b have a probability of 1/8 each. A game ball may enter.

(3-1-2. During operation of ball stopping member)
Next, FIG. 5 shows the time of operation of the ball retaining member 44. When the solenoid 54 is energized, the ball retaining member 44 is activated, and the tip portion thereof is retracted outward from the low probability path 36. In this case, the game ball passing through the low probability path 36 passes through the side of the ball sorting member 46 as it is without coming into contact with the ball retaining member 44 in the vicinity of the terminal end. The above-described general winning opening 56 is formed at the terminal position of the low probability path 36, and the game ball that has reached this point enters the general winning opening 56 and is released through the above-described ball discharge passage 50 as it is.

(3-2. Passing through high probability path)
FIG. 6 shows an operation mechanism of the ball path changing member 34. As described above, a ball path changing portion solenoid (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “solenoid”) 58 is disposed in the center accessory 6 so as to be attached to the ball path changing member 34. In a state where the solenoid 58 is not energized (de-energized), the spherical path changing member 34 is in a state of falling to the left when viewed from the front as shown by a solid line in FIG. Will be described as a stopped state of the ball path changing member 34.

  On the other hand, when the solenoid 58 is energized, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 6, one end portion (the left end portion in this example) of the ball path changing member 34 is pulled up via the mechanism elements 58a and 58b. Therefore, as described above, the ball path changing member 34 falls to the right side (operating state).

  FIG. 7 shows a state where a game ball is guided through the high probability path 38 in the center accessory 6. When the game ball rolls at the timing when the ball path changing member 34 is actuated, the game ball is guided leftward and sent to the high probability path 38. In FIG. 7, each part (upper part and front side) of the center accessory 6 is shown in a partially cut or broken state.

(3-2-1. Non-uniform member)
Below the liquid crystal display 40, the downstream portion of the high probability path 38 extends so as to protrude above the ball sorting member 46, and a ball dropping portion 38a is formed at the terminal position. The ball dropping part 38a has a hole formed at the lower end thereof, and the game ball can be dropped through the hole. The ball dropping part 38 a is located just above the center (not necessarily the exact center) of the ball sorting member 46, and the game ball dropped from the hole falls onto the ball sorting member 46. .

  The hole at the lower end of the ball dropping portion 38a is formed to have a size that allows only one game ball to pass through, but a funnel-shaped (or tapered, mortar-shaped) smooth guide surface is formed above it. Has been. For this reason, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 7, when the game ball that has rolled on the high probability path 38 reaches the ball dropping part 38a, it turns along the funnel-shaped guide surface and gradually gains momentum. Drops into the hole at the bottom while weakening. At this time, the time required for the game ball to fall from the ball drop portion 38a is not always constant, and it becomes non-uniform depending on the rolling state of the game ball (the momentum and the entry path when entering the ball drop portion 38a). Even if it is a product of, the individual difference etc. of a product will arise. Or even if it restricts to the same pachinko machine 1, since it will be influenced by the inclination of the stand at that time, installation situation, secular change, etc., the time required for the game ball to fall through the ball drop part 38a (movement time) ) Is hardly constant. Note that such a function of the ball dropping portion 38a corresponds to a so-called “one-hole cloon”.

(3-2-2. Behavior on ball sorting member)
FIG. 8 shows the behavior of the game ball on the ball sorting member 46. A slightly larger stage 46c is formed at the center of the upper surface of the ball sorting member 46, and the game ball dropped from the ball dropping portion 38a as described above lands at the substantially center on the stage 46c. The periphery of the stage 46c is surrounded by four partition walls 46d, but a passage through which a game ball can pass is secured at a break portion between the partition walls 46d.

  On the other hand, the stage 46c has a shape whose upper surface is raised to a middle height. For this reason, there is a possibility that the game ball dropped on the stage 46c rolls in four directions through each cut portion as indicated by arrows in FIG. At this time, since one of the breaks is connected to the specific winning opening guide section 46a, the game ball dropped on the stage 46c can enter the specific winning opening guide section 46a with a probability of 1/4.

(3-3. Ball sorting operation)
FIG. 9 shows a ball sorting operation when a game ball enters the general winning opening guide 46b. As described above, the general winning opening guide 46b is a relatively shallow notch as viewed from the periphery of the ball sorting member 46, and its depth is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball. The entered game ball is transferred in the circumferential direction along with the rotation of the ball sorting member 46 while being pressed against the wall surface surrounding the ball sorting member 46 ((a) in FIG. 9).

  Although only a part is shown in FIG. 9, the specific winning opening 60 that is an aspect of the specific area in the present embodiment is formed below the ball sorting member 46, and the specific winning opening 60 is a ball. It is located on the inner side with a distance from the wall surface surrounding the sorting member 46. For this reason, even if the game ball is positioned above the specific winning opening 60 in the state of entering the general winning opening guide 46b, it cannot fall into the specific winning opening 60 from there, and passes through it. Will be transferred.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9 (b), the game ball circulates around as the ball distribution member 46 rotates, to the rear of the general winning opening 50 (clockwise at 2 o'clock). When transferred, the game ball is discharged from the general winning opening guide 46b. The released game ball rolls on the guide surface 62 and falls into the general winning opening 50.

  On the other hand, the specific winning opening guide 46a is a relatively deep notch, and the depth thereof is sufficiently larger than the diameter of the game ball. Furthermore, a ball stopper 46e is formed along the periphery of the ball sorting member 46 in the specific winning opening guide 46a, and the game ball that has entered the specific winning opening guide 46a is located deeper than the ball stopper 46e. Held in. Therefore, the game ball that has entered the specific winning opening guide 46a is transferred in the rotational direction while being located slightly away from the peripheral wall surface surrounding the ball sorting member 46, that is, slightly closer to the inside of the ball sorting member 46. It will be.

  FIG. 10 shows a state in which the game balls that have entered the specific winning opening guide 46a are transferred. As described above, the game ball that has entered the specific winning opening guide 46a is positioned on the inner side from the peripheral wall surface surrounding the ball sorting member 46 ((a) in FIG. 10). If the game ball is positioned above the ball, it can fall into the specific winning opening 60, that is, pass through the specific area. Further, the fall of the game ball to the specific winning opening 60 (hereinafter referred to as “V winning”) is detected by the specific area switch 52 described above. In the present embodiment, for the sake of convenience, words such as “special prize opening”, “V prize winning”, etc. are used, but this means that some kind of privilege is generated when the game ball falls to the special prize opening 60. However, it is not essential that the game ball is actually led to the back side of the board or awarded.

  As described above, when the ball distribution member 46 receives the game ball, the ball distribution member 46 rotates in a state where the ball is received in the specific prize opening guide part 46a or the general prize opening guide part 46b, thereby specifying the destination of the game ball in the specific prize opening. 60 and the general winning opening 50. The distribution destination is determined depending on whether the game ball enters the specific winning opening guide 46a or the general winning opening guide 46b. Which guide the game ball enters is determined when the game ball is received. It depends on the posture of the ball sorting member 46.

(3-3-1. Sorting operation in the case of low probability path)
When the game ball has passed through the low probability path 36, the ball sorting member 46 receives the game ball from the outer peripheral direction. In this case, there is a possibility that the game ball may enter all of the eight guide portions 46a and 46b, but in reality, any of the eight guide portions at the timing when the game ball rolls from the vicinity of the end of the low probability path 36. Depending on whether 46a and 46b are opposed to the game ball, the destination is naturally determined.

  Therefore, if the ball sorting member 46 takes an attitude in which the specific winning opening guide 46a is opposed to the gaming ball when the game ball is received, the gaming ball can enter the specific winning opening guide 46a as it is. After that, the destination is distributed to the specific winning opening 60.

  On the other hand, if the ball sorting member 46 is in a posture to make the general winning opening guide 46b relatively to the gaming ball when the game ball is received, the gaming ball enters the general winning opening guide 46b, and thereafter The destination can be sorted to the general winning opening 50.

  At this time, since there is one specific winning opening guide 46a out of all eight, as a result, when a game ball is guided through the low probability path 36, the probability of winning a V in the future is 1/8. . However, this probability is based on the premise that the game ball is guided to the ball stopping member 44. If the ball stopping member 44 is retracted as described above, it is not received by the ball sorting member 46. The general winning opening 50 may be entered as it is. In the present embodiment, no special benefits are prepared based on the fact that a game ball enters the general winning opening 50, but when a ball entering the big winning opening 26 is detected in the previous stage. A prize ball has been paid.

(3-3-2. Distributing operation in case of high probability path)
The same can be considered when the game ball is guided through the high probability route 38. In this case, since the ball distribution member 46 receives the game ball on the stage 46c, it is assigned to one of the specific prize opening guide part 46a or the three general prize opening guide parts 46b as described above. A game ball may enter. However, since the game ball tends to roll in a direction in which the downward inclination of the stage 46c is larger, the stage 46c is designed to have a certain inclination (for example, having a downward inclination on the front side, etc.) due to the design of the ball sorting member 46. Is given, the game ball is distributed based on the inclination.

  Therefore, considering the above inclination, if the ball distribution member 46 receives the game ball on the stage 46c and the posture for positioning the specific winning opening guide 46a is on the near side, the game ball is Since it is possible to enter the specific winning opening guide 46a according to the inclination, the destination is distributed to the specific winning opening 60 thereafter.

  On the other hand, if the ball distribution member 46 receives the game ball on the stage 46c, the game ball is positioned as a general prize opening if the other three general prize opening guide portions 46b are positioned on the front side. After entering the guide part 46b, the destination is distributed to the general winning opening 50.

  Therefore, when a game ball is guided through the high probability path 38, the probability of winning a V in the future is reduced to a quarter, and as a result, the probability of V winning is higher than in the case of being guided through the low probability path 36. It can be said that.

(4. Supplement of production elements)
The center accessory 6 is provided with decorative designs at various locations, and decorative lamps / LEDs (not shown in particular) are arranged therein as production elements. The decoration lamp / LED can perform an effect by light-emitting decoration according to the progress of the game, or can perform demonstration light emission while the pachinko machine 1 is waiting.

  FIG. 11 specifically shows the effect character 64 attached to the center accessory 6. The effect character 64 is arranged so that it can appear from between the left and right big prize openings 26 in the center accessory 6 (see FIG. 2). Specifically, the effect solenoid (character drive solenoid) shown in FIG. ) 66, and appears to be visually recognized by the player at this time.

  The effect character 64 is normally hidden in a state of being collapsed to the back side of the center accessory 6, but appears when the effect solenoid 66 is energized under certain conditions. That is, when the production solenoid 66 is energized, the production character 64 turns about 90 ° to the near side via the mechanism element 66a, and rises to the near side as shown in the figure.

  In the normal gaming state, for example, based on the relative relationship between the timing at which the game ball is detected by the big prize opening count switch 28 and the attitude (rotation angle) of the ball sorting member 46 at that time, The effect character 64 appears when it is easy to enter the guide portion 46a.

  As another aspect, the game ball is based on the relative relationship between the timing at which the game ball is detected by the special winning opening count switch 28 and the posture of the ball path changing member 34 (whether it swings to the left or right). Is the timing at which it is easy to be sent to the high probability path 38, and the effect character 64 appears.

  Further, in the case of the present embodiment, in accordance with the appearance of the production character 64, the surroundings are illuminated visually by a decoration lamp / LED illumination or a sound effect is generated, thereby producing a visual and auditory notice effect. It is intended to enhance the effect.

(5. Configuration of control system)
Next, a configuration for controlling the game operation and the rendering operation by the pachinko machine 1 will be described.

  FIG. 12 schematically shows a part of the configuration related to the electronic devices of the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 has a main control board (main board) 68 for controlling game operations and a sub-control board 70 (production control means) for controlling various performance operations. In addition to being connected through wiring, electronic devices are connected to each board. All of these boards are arranged on the back side of the pachinko machine 1 and are usually not visible to the player.

  Further, a payout control board 72 is connected to the main control board 68, and this payout control board 72 controls the operation of a prize ball apparatus (not shown). A discharge control board 74 is further connected to the payout control board 72, and this discharge control board 74 controls the operation of a not-shown launch motor.

  Note that the pachinko machine 1 is also equipped with a power supply unit board, an interface board (in the case of a CR machine), and the like.

(5-1. Main control board)
The main control board 68 includes electronic components such as a CPU, RAM, ROM, and input / output interface (not shown). The main control board 68 is connected to the above-mentioned large winning opening count switch 28 and the specific area switch 52, and also includes sensors such as a once starting opening switch 76, a twice starting opening switch 78, and other winning opening switches 80. It is connected. Among these, the once and twice start port switches 76 and 78 detect that the corresponding one and two start ports 12 and 14 have been won, respectively, and output detection signals to the main control board 68. . Further, the winnings of the normal winning ports 8 and 10 and the center winning item 6 to the big winning port are detected by a plurality of other winning port switches 80 corresponding to the respective winning ports, and the detection signal is detected by the main control board 68. Is output. On the other hand, the operation of the driving elements such as the special prize opening solenoid 82 is controlled based on a driving signal from the main control board 68.

  When the main control board 68 receives the detection signal output when the winning at the start ports 12, 14 is detected once or twice, the main control board 68 repeats the opening / closing operation of the movable piece 24. When the game ball accepted by the player is guided to the specific winning opening 26 via the low probability path 36 or the ball sorting member 46, the normal game state for controlling the normal game operation is shifted to the special game state.

  In addition, a ball stop button 99 is connected to the main control board 68, and in a special gaming state, a ball stop instruction signal as an operation instruction signal is output when the ball stop button 99 is operated. It has become. The main control board 68 recognizes the ball stop instruction signal output by operating the ball stop button 99 as valid only in the state of transition to the special game state, and recognizes a state other than the special game state (normal game state). In the state), the ball stop instruction signal is not recognized as invalid.

  The main control board 68 operates the ball stop solenoid 54 when the ball stop signal is output by operating the ball stop button 99 in the special gaming state. That is, the main control board 68 makes the operation condition of the ball stop portion solenoid 54 that this ball stop signal is output.

  The ball stop portion solenoid 54 operates to cause the ball stop member 44, which is the tip of the basket held by the character body 42 as a movable body, to intervene in the low probability path 36. When the ball stopping member 44 is caused to intervene in the low probability path 36 by operating the ball stopping portion solenoid 54 with good timing, it is possible to change the flow of the game balls in the low probability path 36. In the present embodiment, there is a case where the game ball can be guided to the specific winning opening guide portion 46 a formed on the ball sorting member 46 by such a change in the flow of the game ball.

  On the other hand, a ball path change button 97 is connected to the main control board 68, and a ball path change instruction signal as an operation instruction signal is triggered when the ball path change button 97 is operated in a special gaming state. It is the composition to output. The main control board 68 recognizes the ball path change instruction signal output by the operation of the ball path change button 97 as valid only in the state of transition to the special game state, and recognizes a state other than the special game state ( In the normal gaming state), the ball path change instruction signal is not recognized as invalid.

  The main control board 68 operates the ball path changing unit solenoid 58 when the ball path changing instruction signal is output by operating the ball path changing button 97 in the special gaming state. That is, the main control board 68 sets the operation condition of the ball path changing unit solenoid 58 to output the ball path change instruction signal. The ball path changing portion solenoid 58 has a function of swinging the ball path changing member 34 as a movable body, and in order to send the game ball received by the swing to the high probability path 38 or the low probability path 36. Operate.

  By operating the ball path changing portion solenoid 58 in a timely manner, there are cases where the game ball can be sent to the high probability path 38 instead of the low probability path 36. In the present embodiment, due to such a change in the flow of the game balls, the game balls may land on the stage 46c on the ball sorting member 46, and the game balls may be guided to the specific winning opening guide 46a with a high probability. It has a certain configuration.

  The main control board 68 outputs an effect operation instruction signal for operating the effect solenoid 66 to the sub control board 70 in conjunction with the operation of the ball path changing portion solenoid 58 in the special gaming state. It has become.

  Further, a ball allocating unit motor 84 is provided in the center accessory 6, and the sphere allocating unit motor 84 can rotate the sphere distributing member 46 based on a command signal from the main control board 68. it can. Further, a motor index sensor 86 is attached to the ball distribution motor 84, and an index signal is input from the motor index sensor 86 to the main control board 68.

  When the main control board 68 is a big hit and shifts to the special game state, the operation conditions of the ball stopping part solenoid 54 and the ball path changing part solenoid 58 for operating the ball stopping member 44 and the ball path changing member 34, respectively, are set. The normal operation condition is switched to the special operation condition. At the same time, the main control board 68 then guides the game ball further received in the center bonus 6 by the specific winning opening guide 46a, and the guided game ball further passes through the specific winning opening 46a. In addition to consideration for a player in a special gaming state (for example, a prize ball corresponding to a round action is illustrated), a predetermined game value that does not affect the prize ball corresponding to such a round action is given. The game operation in the special game state is controlled to be granted.

  Here, as the game value that does not affect the winning ball according to the round action, for example, providing a player with a visual special effect can be mentioned. That is, the main control board 68 transmits a special effect instruction signal for displaying a predetermined image to the sub-control board 35 in providing the special effect in the special game state.

(5-2. Sub-control board)
Further, as the effect element, the speaker 88, the effect lamp / LED 90 and the like are connected to the sub-control board 70. While the game by the pachinko machine 1 is in progress, the sub-control board 70 controls the production operation based on the command signal transmitted from the main control board 68, and controls the production by the sound output or the lighting decoration according to a certain production pattern. ing. The production solenoid 66 is also connected to the sub control board 70, and the appearance action of the production character 64 is controlled by the sub control board 70.

  In particular, after the transition to the special gaming state, the sub-control board 70 turns the effect character 64 in the collapsed state by about 90 ° by energizing the effect solenoid 66 when receiving the effect operation instruction signal from the main control board 68. Thus, the effect character 64 is made to rise for a predetermined period, and then made to fall again.

  As an effect element using an image, the liquid crystal display 40 is connected to the sub-control board 70 via the liquid crystal control board 92, and a drawing command for the liquid crystal display 40 is output from the sub-control board 70. It has become.

  In the present embodiment, when a game ball is sent to the high probability path 38 in the center object 6, the high probability path passage switch 39 is provided on the sub-control board 70 in order to perform an effect with a particularly high priority. It is connected. When the sub-control board 70 receives the detection signal from the high probability path passing switch 39, the sub-control board 70 performs a special effect display in preference to the normal display image.

  In this embodiment, when the sub control board 70 receives the special effect instruction signal from the main control board 68, the sub control board 70 controls an operation for displaying a rare image as the special effect. In other words, the sub-control board 70 controls the liquid crystal control board 92 and displays the rare image on the liquid crystal display 40 when the special effect instruction signal is received. Here, in the present embodiment, as a display method of this rare image, a rare image effect display operation is executed according to each round operation in the special game state.

(6. Details of control processing)
Next, the contents of the control process performed by the main control board 68 and the sub control board 70 will be described. In the following description, the control content related to the operation of the center accessory 6 is mainly taken up.

(6-1. When power is turned on)
FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing processing at power-on and the states of various switches. In FIG. 13 and subsequent figures, the “operating state” of each member means that the corresponding solenoid or motor is energized / driven, and conversely, the “stopped state” means that the solenoid or motor is not energized / driven. Means non-driven.

  When the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the CPU of the main control board 68 executes a self-diagnosis process and a power failure recovery process, and takes over the game contents backed up at the previous power-off and starts a normal process.

  Explaining along the timing chart of FIG. 13, first, the detection function of each of the start port switches 76 and 78 is validated by turning on the power. As a result, the first start port 12 and the second start port 14 each have a function (start function) for starting the operation of the center accessory 6 when a game ball enters and a function for performing a prize ball operation (prize ball function). Both are valid.

  Normally, when the power is turned on, the input signals from the start port switches 76 and 78 are not won, and the big prize port 26 is closed (the big prize port solenoid 82 is not energized). In this case, the function of the specific area switch 52 is disabled.

  On the other hand, in the center accessory 6, the ball path changing member 34 and the ball stopping member 44 are both stopped, but the ball sorting member 46 is activated when the power is turned on. At this time, the ball distribution member 46 is rotated at a constant predetermined rotation speed A (for example, about 1.9 seconds per rotation).

(6-2.1 times when winning at the starting point)
FIG. 14 shows the processing when there is a winning at the start port 12 once during the normal game. In this case, when a detection signal is input from the start port switch 76 to the main control board 68 once (no win → win), the main control board 68 invalidates the function (start function) of each start port switch 76, 78. And the function of the specific area switch 52 is activated. Then, the main control board 68 operates the special winning opening solenoid 82 after a predetermined time (for example, 1004 ms) has elapsed, and opens the special winning opening 26 once (for example, 400 ms). In the timing charts of FIG. 14 and subsequent figures, while the functions of the start port switches 76 and 78 are disabled, only the start function is disabled, and the prize ball function is still enabled.

  In connection with the opening operation of the big prize opening 26, the main control board 68 operates the ball path changing member 34 intermittently only twice according to a fixed pattern. As a result, the game ball won in the big winning opening 26 is guided to either the low probability route 36 or the high probability route 38.

  When there is a winning at the start port 12 once, the main control board 68 decelerates the ball sorting member 46 to a rotational speed C (for example, about 5.6 seconds per rotation) and the ball stopping member 44 is in an activated state. Alternately switch to and stop state. As a result, the ball stopping member 44 alternately retreats or enters the low-probability path 36, and in accordance with this, the character body 42 swings his / her head left and right. The operation state and the stop state of the ball retaining member 44 are periodically switched, and during this time, the solenoid 54 is driven with a duty ratio of about 50%. Therefore, in FIG. 14, the operation time a and the stop time b of the ball retaining member 44 are set to be substantially the same (a> b, a <b, a = b may be satisfied). Further, the operation time a and the stop time b of the ball retaining member 44 can be the same in FIG.

  Thereafter, the main control board 68 restores (enables) the functions of the start port switches 76 and 78 when a predetermined time (for example, 0.4 seconds) elapses after the special winning opening 26 is closed. At the same time, when a certain time (for example, 8 seconds) has passed since the special winning opening 26 is closed, the function of the specific area switch 52 is invalidated and the operation state of the ball sorting member 46 is set to the rotational speed A. Return (rotation speed C → A).

(6-3.2 When winning a prize at the starting point)
FIG. 15 shows the processing when there is a winning at the start port 14 twice during the normal game. In this case, when a detection signal is input to the main control board 68 from the start opening switch 78 twice (no win → winning), the main control board 68 invalidates the functions of the start opening switches 76 and 78 and specifies The function of the area switch 52 is activated. Then, the main control board 68 operates the special winning opening solenoid 82 after a predetermined time (for example, 1004 ms) has elapsed, and opens the special winning opening 26 intermittently twice (for example, every 400 ms). In addition, a predetermined waiting time (for example, 1004 ms) is secured between the first opening and the second opening.

  In relation to the opening operation (two times) of the special winning opening 26 as described above, the main control board 68 operates the ball path changing member 34 intermittently three times according to a certain pattern. As a result, a relatively large number of opportunities are provided for the game balls that have won the big prize opening 26 to be guided to the high probability path 38.

  When there is a prize at the start port 14 twice, the main control board 68 decelerates the ball sorting member 46 to the rotational speed C and switches the ball stopping member 44 alternately between the operating state and the stopped state. As a result, the ball stopping member 44 alternately retreats or enters the low-probability path 36, and in accordance with this, the character body 42 swings his / her head left and right.

  At this time, the operation time of the ball stopping member 44 is longer than that in the case where the winning at the start port 12 is once, and the number of times that the operation state and the stop state of the ball stopping member 44 are periodically switched is set. Yes. The drive duty ratio of the solenoid 54 is approximately 50% and may be the same as that at the time of winning the start port 12 once.

  Similarly, the main control board 68 returns (validates) the functions of the start port switches 76 and 78 when a predetermined time (for example, 0.4 seconds) elapses after the special winning opening 26 is closed. When a certain time (for example, 8 seconds) elapses after closing the special winning opening 26, the function of the specific area switch 52 is invalidated and the operating state of the ball sorting member 46 is returned to the rotational speed A. The (rotational speed C → A) process is the same as that when winning the start opening 12 once.

  In this embodiment, the rotational speed of the ball sorting member 46 is changed (A →) when the big winning opening 26 is opened in response to the winning at the first starting opening 12 or the second starting opening 14 in FIGS. C), for example, a game method in which several game balls are launched aiming at a specific rotation angle of the ball sorting member 46 and hitting a big hit thereby is not applicable.

  Here, in this embodiment, even if the ball stop button 99 or the ball path changing member 34 is operated before shifting to the special game state, the main control board 68 treats these operations as invalid, and signals according to the operation. Even if is entered, it is not recognized. Specifically, in the main control board 68, predetermined operation instruction signals (ball stop instruction signal and ball path change instruction signal) are input to the respective ports corresponding to the ball stop button 99 and the ball path change button 97, respectively. Then, the operation instruction signals can be recognized as valid signals, and it is possible to detect that the ball stop button 99 and the ball path change button 97 are operated.

  That is, the main control board 68 includes each port to which the operation instruction signal output from the ball stop button 99 and the ball path change button 97 that are electrically connected is input. It has a function as a port input control means that handles the operation instruction signal input to the port as valid or invalid. Here, handling the operation instruction signal as invalid means, for example, that the operation instruction signal reaching the input port is discarded and not used.

  When the operation instruction signal of the input port is treated as invalid, the main control board 68 does not execute any processing for waiting for reception of the operation instruction signal from the ball stop button 99 or the like. Can be reduced. For this reason, according to the present embodiment, the main control board 68 does not need to constantly monitor these input ports, and can allocate the processing load accordingly to other processing. You can have it.

(6-4. Special gaming state)
Next, FIG. 16 shows processing when a game ball wins a V prize in the center accessory 6, and FIGS. 17 to 22 show examples of screens associated with special effects, respectively.

  In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the passing of the game ball is detected by the specific area switch 52 in the normal game state (ON), that is, when winning V, this is used as a trigger for the big hit game (hereinafter referred to as “special game state ( It shifts to a jackpot game)). In this special game state, it is assumed that the ball sorting member 46 continues to rotate at a constant rotational speed.

  When shifting to the big hit game, the center accessory 6 is operated in a predetermined operation pattern. The operation pattern at this time is one in which the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 26 is periodically repeated, and the number of times of opening is set to 18 at the maximum. The function of the specific area switch 52 is enabled at a predetermined timing.

  As described above, a predetermined effect time is provided before the opening and closing of the movable piece 24 is started as a big hit game, and a so-called round lottery effect is performed during this time. The lottery itself is performed at the timing when the game ball wins at the first start port 12 or the second start port 14 which has been the trigger of the big hit, but the round lottery effect is an animation display by the liquid crystal display 40 and the speaker 88. It is executed by the sound output from. Since the ball path changing member 34 is held in a stopped state, the ball path changing member 34 remains fixed in a posture for guiding the game ball to the low probability path 36 during this period.

  When the above-described round lottery effect is completed and a player is notified of a winning round, the main control board 68 starts the opening / closing operation of the movable piece 24 in accordance with the jackpot game sequence. At this time, in this embodiment, a predetermined rare image is displayed as a special effect on the liquid crystal display 40 shown in FIG. This image is displayed in large size in the liquid crystal display 40, and if the result of the round lottery is, for example, 7 rounds, the display area of the liquid crystal display 40 is displayed in 9 divisions in total in 3 divisions vertically and horizontally The In addition, when 15 rounds are won in the round lottery, the display area may be divided into 16 parts by dividing the display area into 4 parts vertically and horizontally. In the present embodiment, the central square and the upper left square are disclosed in the first round. Further, the square of the “?” Mark displayed in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 40 is masked, and the square where the mark is not displayed is disclosed.

  In accordance with this, the main control board 68 is changed from the normal operating condition in which the ball stopping member 44 and the ball path changing member 34 are operated in the normal gaming operation before the big game hits the special gaming state to the special gaming state. The operation mode is switched to a special operation condition in which the ball stopping member 44 and the ball path changing member 34 are operated. In other words, the ball stopping member 44 and the ball path changing member 34 have different operating conditions in the normal game state and the special game state.

  In switching the operation conditions, in this embodiment, when the ball game stop button 99 or the ball path change button 97 is operated in the case of shifting to the special game state, the main control board 68 treats these operations as valid and operates them. It is configured to recognize when a ball stop instruction signal or a ball path change instruction signal corresponding to the signal is input. That is, the main control board 68 switches the operating conditions of the ball stopping member 44 and the ball path changing member 34 to special operating conditions.

  As described above, when the main control board 68 regards the operation of the ball stop button 99 and the ball path change button 97 as valid, the main control board 68 is triggered by the operation of the ball stop button 99 and the ball path change button 97, respectively. A predetermined drive signal is output to operate the ball retaining member 44 and the ball path changing member 34.

In the case of this embodiment, the jackpot game is reliably continued up to the number of rounds (up to 15 rounds) according to the round lottery result, and there is no case where the round is not continued (so-called “puncture”). That is, for example, when the lottery result is 15 rounds, continuation to the next round is surely scheduled for all the second to fourteenth rounds. The end condition of one round is, for example, that any of the following (1) to (2) is satisfied.
(1) When the number of times of opening / closing the special winning opening 24 reaches 18 times.
(2) When the number of game balls won in the grand prize opening 24 reaches ten.

  However, in the final round as a round lottery result, even if a game ball is detected by the specific area switch 52, the round is not continued.

  In addition, the round lottery is performed based on the counter value acquired by the main control board 68 at the timing when the game ball wins the first start port 12 or the second start port 14. There are 2 rounds, 7 rounds, and 15 rounds, and the probabilities are 1/3 each. In this way, the number of rounds is determined.

  When the number of rounds is determined in this way, the main control board 68 continues the round operation according to the jackpot game sequence up to the number of rounds. In this round operation, in this embodiment, after that, the game ball further received in the center bonus 6 passes through the specific area (specific winning opening), and the game is performed according to the round operation in the special game state. A game value within a range that is different from a prize ball (a consideration value) provided as a consideration to a player and does not affect the consideration value is given. This will be specifically described below.

  First, in the round operation, when a game ball is received in the center accessory 6 as the movable piece 24 opens and closes, the winning prize count switch 28 detects the game ball, and after a predetermined prize ball is made ( Giving consideration value), this game ball is arranged on the ball path changing member 34. The ball path changing member 34 is stopped during the round operation, and is in a state of guiding the game ball to the low probability path 36. Therefore, the game ball flows down along the low probability path 36 by the ball path changing member 34, passes through the vicinity of the character body 42, and rolls in the downstream direction of the low probability path 36 and falls to the general winning opening 50. It is supposed to be.

  In this way, the special gaming state is a state in which a consideration value is given to the player. Therefore, immediately after the transition to the special gaming state, the player can surely enjoy the consideration value by this special gaming state. In the present embodiment, since the continuation of each round operation is assisted in the special game state, the player can enjoy the game in the special game state with peace of mind because the player can surely enjoy the value for money. Can continue. In this special game state, there is no prize ball unless the game balls are continuously accepted in the center object 6, so that the player continues to fire the game balls so that the game balls are made into the center object 6.

  However, it seems that the player may be immersed in a sense of security by itself alone, and in this special gaming state, the player will be unable to continue to demonstrate his skill and concentration for the continuation of the round action. . In other words, if this happens, the player may feel bored in the special game state and the interest may be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, when the game state shifts to the special game state, the operation condition of the ball stopping member 44 and the ball path changing member 34 is first switched to the special operation condition. The operation of the ball retaining member 44 and the ball path changing member 34 is enabled by the operation. When the flow of the game ball is changed by the operation of the ball stopping member 44 and the ball path changing member 34, the player who comes into contact with the change is interested in the change in the flow of the game ball rich in such changes. It is done.

  In the present embodiment, the ball path changing member 34 can be swung by operating the ball path changing button 97 only once, for example, during one big hit. That is, normally, the player operates the ball stop button 99 to cause the ball stop member 44 to intervene in the low probability path 36 and change the flow of the game ball flowing through the low probability path 36 to enjoy a new game characteristic. can do.

  When the flow of the game ball is changed by the player's intention, if the game ball happens to be guided to the specific winning opening guide 46a formed in the rotating ball distribution member 46, the game The ball is further guided to the specific winning opening 26 and its passage is detected by the specific area switch 52. At this time, the player raises a sense of expectation as to what kind of event will occur in the future by guiding the game ball to the specific winning opening 26, and maintains the game motivation.

  In the present embodiment, when the player operates the ball stop button 44 by operating the ball stop button 99 so that the game ball passes through the specific winning opening 26 for each round, a part of the ball is displayed on the liquid crystal display 40. A rare image displayed by masking is disclosed in predetermined display units (for example, one square) for each round.

  For example, when the game ball is successfully passed through the specific winning opening 26 in the second round, as shown in FIG. 18, the central upper square is disclosed, and a rare image in the display area for a total of three squares is exposed. In this embodiment, it is disclosed for each round one by one clockwise from the upper left cell.

  Here, when the player cannot lead the game ball to the specific winning opening 26 in the middle round (for example, the third round), the corresponding square (upper right square) as shown in FIG. The player is unable to see a partially rare image (at the end of the fourth round).

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the rare cannot disclose the image in the middle round, for example, in the state where the rare image of the mass disclosure state shown in FIG. 20 is displayed in the final round, the player changes the ball path. When the button 97 is operated to cause the ball path changing member 34 to guide the game ball to the specific winning opening 26, all the squares that could not be disclosed in the middle round as shown in FIG. 22 are disclosed. All of the scarce images may be disclosed. In this way, a player who has been discouraged by failing to disclose a rare image about a midway cell will improve his gaming motivation again and will not feel bored in the special gaming state.

  Here, the state of the game ball when the player operates the ball path change button 97 will be described. First, when the ball path change button 97 is operated in this way, the main control board 68 recognizes this and drives the ball path changing portion solenoid 58. When the ball path changing portion solenoid 58 is driven, the ball path changing member 34 swings in a predetermined direction, and the game ball is sent to the high probability path 38. The game ball sent to the high probability path 38 is guided along the high probability path 38 to the upper part of the ball sorting member 46 which is the end position. Thus, the game ball passing through the high probability path 38 guides the game ball which is greatly different from the low probability path 36, and the player continues to maintain his interest without feeling bored with its unusualness.

  When the ball path change button 97 is operated, the main control board 68 also outputs a predetermined drive signal to the sub control board 70 to drive the effect solenoid 66. This effect solenoid 66 operates the effect character 64. When the effect solenoid 66 is actuated, the effect character 64 rises as shown in FIG. In this way, it can be visually recognized not only from the swinging state of the ball path changing member 34 but also from the behavior of the effect character 64 that the player has operated the ball path changing button 97. Therefore, it is possible to entertain the eyes of the player who has operated the ball path change button 97 in the special game state, and the player intentionally operates the ball path change member 34 which is a movable object in the center accessory 6. This makes it possible for the player to fully realize what he is doing.

  And since the above-mentioned ball drop part (one-hole croon) 38a is formed at the terminal position of the high probability path 38, the game ball falls while turning, causing unevenness in the time required for the fall. It will be. Thus, the game ball received in the center accessory 6 does not always exhibit the same behavior (movement time from entering the ball to being received by the ball sorting member 46) in the center accessory 6. It will disappear. This further prevents the player from feeling bored with the game.

  Further, the dropped game ball rolls on a stage 46c formed on the upper surface of the ball sorting member 46, depending on the rolling state of the game ball, to the general winning opening guide 46b or the specific winning opening guide 46a. It is held and led to the general winning opening 50 or the specific winning opening 26. With such behavior that makes the whereabouts of the game ball ambiguous, the player can be fooled and enjoy the game.

  In this embodiment, when a game ball is guided to the specific winning opening 26 for each round in the special game state, one square of a rare image displayed in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 40 is disclosed. Here, the rare image provided to the player may adopt a rarity as the number of rounds won by the round lottery increases. In this way, the player continues the game in an attempt to win a larger number of rounds. As described above, the player can enjoy a new game value separately from the consideration value, although it does not affect the previous consideration value.

  Here, since this gaming value does not affect the consideration value, it does not unnecessarily stigmatize, but depending on its value, it may increase the player's willingness to play in a special gaming state. It can be done. In the present embodiment, a rare image that cannot be viewed by the player unless the player enters the special game state is displayed on the liquid crystal display 40 as a special effect.

  Players who are in contact with such rare game values in a special game state will not get bored at all even if they continue the monotonous work of accepting the game ball to the winning device, and their skill and concentration will be sufficient It will make an effort to gain more game value. For this reason, according to this embodiment, since the player does not feel bored in the special game state, the player's willingness to play in the special game state can be increased, and the operation of the pachinko machine 1 can be improved. . In addition, according to the present embodiment, even before the transition to the special gaming state, since the player continues the game in order to contact such a rare gaming value, before the transition to the special gaming state. The player's willingness to play can be improved, and the operation of the pachinko machine 1 can be enhanced.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the player operates the ball stop button 99 and the ball path change button 97 in a special game state with good timing, when the player operates the ball stop member 44 and the ball path change member 34, respectively, The flow of the game ball on the route can be changed, and the game ball can pass through the specific winning opening 26 depending on the change of the flow of the game ball. In this way, since the player can enjoy the game value by passing through the specific winning opening 26 of the game ball, the player tries to touch this rare game value and the ball stop button 99 or the ball path change. Concentrate on the operation of the button 97 and try to fully demonstrate his skills.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, in a special game state, the player operates the ball stop button 99 and the ball path change button 97 with his / her own intention to operate the ball stop member 44 and the ball path change member 34 movable body, thereby playing the game ball. Since the flow of the game is changed, the player can feel the flow of the game ball as if the player himself / herself could form the flow. For this reason, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, in the special gaming state, the player himself falls into a sense of forming a game flow, so that the player's willingness to play increases and the operation of the pachinko machine 1 is improved.

  In the present embodiment, the center accessory 6 includes a low probability path 36, a high probability path 38 and a ball sorting member 34. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the player operates the ball path change button 97 in the special game state, the ball path changing member 34 operates to swing the game ball in a predetermined direction, and the game ball is moved to a plurality of paths. It can be sent aiming at either one of these. Since the paths 36 and 38 have different probabilities of guiding the game ball to the specific winning opening 26, the player sends the game balls to the high probability path 38 that can guide the game ball to the specific winning opening 26 as much as possible. Thus, the operation timing of the ball path changing member 34 is trial and error.

  In this way, if the player tries to obtain the game value in the special game state and the trial timing and error of the operation of the ball path changing member 34, even in the special game state in which the center ball 6 needs to accept the game ball. It is possible to enhance the interest without making the player feel bored by adding more playability in a form that is visually understandable to the player.

In the present embodiment, since the main control board 68 recognizes the operation of the ball stop button 99 and the ball path change button 97 only in the special game state, the ball stop button 99 and the ball path change button are changed to the special game state. No processing for waiting for reception of an operation instruction signal from 97 is executed at all, and the processing load for this can be reduced. For this reason, in this embodiment, in the special gaming state, the reduced processing load can be assigned to other processing, and therefore, more various processes can be executed in the special gaming state.
In this manner, the pachinko machine 1 shifts from the special game state to the normal game state, which is the normal game state, after the player enjoys the special game state while continuing to play the game.

(7. Supplement on timing chart)
Although the description of the processing with reference to the timing charts of FIGS. 13 to 16 is finished as described above, points to be supplemented with respect to the description of these drawings are listed below.

  (1) In FIGS. 13 to 16, symbols with arrows (A, B, C) shown accompanying the state change of the ball sorting member represent the rotation speed within the designated period. ing.

  (2) In FIG. 14 or FIG. 15, when the passage of the game ball is detected within the effective period of the specific area switch 52, the main control board 68 proceeds to the process of FIG.

  (3) In FIG. 16, the end timing of the opening operation of the big winning opening is the earlier of the 18th closing time or the 10 winning times, whichever comes first.

(8. Reference to other embodiments)
The above is the description of one embodiment, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. In the following, other embodiments will be described with some examples.

  In the above embodiment, the ball stop button 99 and the ball path change button 97 are illustrated as operation means for changing the flow of the game ball. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the flow of the game ball is changed only by one of them. Also good. Further, in the present embodiment, it is exemplified that the ball sorting member 46 is configured to rotate at a constant rotational speed in the special gaming state, but the present invention is not limited to this, and at a constant rotational speed in the normal gaming state. The structure which rotates may be sufficient.

  In the embodiment described above, the two paths 36 and 38 are formed in the center accessory 6, but an aspect in which three or more paths are provided may be employed. Further, the forms of the low probability path 36 and the high probability path 38 can be variously modified and do not need to be divided into the left and right sides in the center accessory 6.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view of a center character. It is a perspective view in case a game ball passes through a low-probability route in the center character. It is the top view which showed a mode that the game ball was guided to the ball | bowl stationary member and went to the distribution member in the vicinity of the terminal of a low probability path | route. It is the top view which showed a mode that a game ball fell to a general winning opening, without being guided by the ball | bowl stop member in the terminal vicinity vicinity of a low probability path | route. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the action | operation of a ball path | route change member. It is a perspective view in case a game ball passes through a high probability path within the center bonus. It is the top view which showed the destination (4 ways) of the game ball which fell on the stage through the high probability path | route. It is a figure showing the movement of the game ball which entered the general winning opening guide part of a ball distribution member. It is the perspective view which showed the relationship between a ball distribution member and a specific area switch. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the appearance action of a production character. It is the figure which showed roughly the control structure of the pachinko machine. It is a timing chart at the time of power-on. It is a timing chart in the case where a game ball wins a single start opening. It is a timing chart when a game ball wins at the starting port twice. It is a timing chart at the time of big hit. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of special production. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of special production. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of special production. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of special production. It is a figure which shows the operation example of the production | presentation character by special production. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of special production.

Explanation of symbols

1 Pachinko machine (game machine)
2 Game board 6 Center object (winning equipment)
26 Grand Prize Exit 28 Grand Prize Exit Count Switch (Second Prize Detector)
34 Ball path changing member (movable body)
36 Low probability path (path)
38 High probability path (path)
38a Ball drop part (one-hole croon)
39 High probability path switch (specific area switch)
40 Liquid crystal display (display)
44 Ball stop member (movable body)
46 Ball distribution member (rotating body)
52 Specific area switch

Claims (1)

A first prize detector for detecting that a game ball launched into the game area has won a start prize opening;
A movable piece that opens and closes the movable piece in response to a winning at the start winning opening allows a game ball to be received, includes a second winning detector that detects the received game ball, and is movable under a predetermined operating condition. A winning device including the body,
After controlling the normal game operation while operating the movable body under the operation conditions, and after determining the value-added game to be given when the game ball received in the winning device has passed a specific area , A game control board for shifting to the special game state and executing the determined value-added game to the end,
A game machine comprising: an effect control board that controls an effect operation according to the progress of the game.

Images