JP2006247246A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To impart a new game property different from a conventional one and to improve the interest of a player in a game machine which generates a special game state advantageous to the player by the establishment of a prescribed condition. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine comprises: a variable display device for variably displaying identification patterns by the passing of a game ball through a pattern operation gate; a start port to be opened in the case that the identification pattern stopped and displayed at the variable display device is a specified pattern; a variable ball entrance to be opened for prescribed time by the entry of the game ball to the start port; a plurality of specified areas where the game ball which enters the variable ball entrance passes through; a winning pattern display means for displaying a winning pattern relating to the passing of the game ball to the specified areas; and a special game state generation means or generating the special game state relatively advantageous to the player in the case that the display form of the winning pattern in the winning pattern display means becomes a specified mode while the variable ball entrance is opened. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine that generates a special game state advantageous to a player when a predetermined condition is established.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various game contents called so-called seven machines, feathers, rights, or arrangement balls have been widely used as ball game machines. Of these, the Seven machines will generate a special game state in which the big prize opening repeats opening and closing a predetermined number of times when the display state of the variable display device that changes the pattern by entering the starting opening becomes a specific pattern. It is comprised (refer patent document 1). In addition, the wings are opened when a movable piece called a wing provided in the accessory is released by entering the starting opening and the game ball guided to the inside of the accessory by the wing passes through a specific area. -It is comprised so that the special game state which repeats closure may be generated a predetermined number of times (refer patent document 2).
JP 2004-194736 A JP 2004-180741 A

  However, in the conventional gaming machines, all the gaming machines until the special gaming state is generated are similar to each other and are becoming more ruined. For this reason, there is a problem that the game becomes monotonous, it becomes impossible to give the player a sense of tension with the game, and the interest is reduced.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above points, the present invention provides a gaming machine that generates a special gaming state that is advantageous to a player when a predetermined condition is established, and is intended to provide a new gaming property different from the conventional one and improve the interest of the player. And

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a variable display device in which an identification symbol is variably displayed by passing a game ball through the symbol operation gate, and an identification symbol that is stopped and displayed by the variable display device are specified. A starting opening that is opened when it is a symbol, a variable entrance that is opened for a predetermined time by the entry of a game ball into the start opening, and a plurality of specific areas through which game balls that enter the variable entrance pass , A winning symbol display means for displaying a winning symbol related to the passage of a game ball to a plurality of specific areas, and when the winning symbol display mode in the winning symbol display means becomes a specific mode, relative to the player And a special gaming state generating means for generating a special gaming state advantageous to the above.

  In this way, a special gaming state is established in which a plurality of specific areas through which game balls that have entered the variable entrance hole pass are provided and a specific mode is established with a winning symbol displayed in association with the passing of the game balls in the specific area With this occurrence condition, it is possible to incorporate into the pachinko gaming machine the gaming characteristics of a combination type gaming machine that establishes a winning symbol combination. Thereby, a new game can be given to the pachinko gaming machine, and the interest can be improved. Note that in this specification, the entry of a game ball includes the passage of a game ball, and the passage of the game ball includes the entry of a game ball.

  In the invention according to claim 2, the special game state generating means is configured to wait until the predetermined entrance condition is established after the variable entrance is opened during the occurrence of the special game state. In the case of one round, the round is configured to be performed for a predetermined number of rounds, and the special gaming state generation means generates the number of rounds based on the winning symbol display mode when generating the special gaming state. It is characterized by determining.

  In this way, by determining the number of rounds in the special gaming state based on the display mode of the winning symbol at the time of generating the special gaming state, it is possible to give a new gameability to the pachinko gaming machine. Can be improved.

  In the invention according to claim 3, the special game state generating means is configured to wait until the predetermined entrance condition is closed after the variable entrance is opened during the generation of the special game state. In the case of one round, this round is configured to be performed for a predetermined number of rounds, and the special game state generation means displays the winning symbol display pattern established in one round during the generation of the special game state. The number of round continuations is determined based on

  In this way, by determining the number of rounds in the special gaming state based on the display pattern of the winning symbol established in one round during the occurrence of the special gaming state, it is possible to give the pachinko gaming machine a new gaming property. In addition to being able to be awarded, it is possible to improve the interest by effectively using the winning symbols even in the special gaming state.

  As "when determining the number of rounds to be continued based on the winning symbol display mode established in one round", it continues for each round based on the winning symbol display mode established in each round in the special gaming state. The number of rounds may be determined by determining whether or not, or the number of rounds to be continued may be determined based on the display pattern of a winning symbol established in a specific round in the special gaming state.

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

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the gaming machine 1 includes a main body frame 2, a middle frame 3, a front frame 4, an upper plate portion 5, a lower plate portion 6, a locking device 9, a game board 20, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 20 is omitted. Further, the middle frame 3 is not clearly shown in FIG. 1 because the front frame 4 and the like are arranged on the front side.

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

  The lower plate portion is provided with a launcher unit (not shown) constituting launching means for launching a game ball onto the game board 20, and a ball feeder (not shown) for supplying the game ball to the launcher unit. Furthermore, although not shown in the lower plate portion, a ball feed count switch for detecting a game ball supplied to the launcher unit 10 and a shot ball count switch for detecting a game ball launched from the launcher unit 10 A foul ball detection switch for detecting a game ball that has not reached the surface of the game board 20 among the game balls launched from the launching device unit 10 is provided. Furthermore, the lower plate portion is provided with a speaker 266 (see FIG. 10) that generates a sound effect or the like corresponding to the gaming state. Note that the speaker 266 of the present embodiment is configured to include a middle / high tone speaker (tweeter) and a low tone speaker (woofer).

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

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

  In addition, two prize ball LED display portions 4g are provided between the two upper LED display portions 4f. A sector-shaped error LED display unit 4h is provided above the prize ball display LED display unit 4g. The error LED display unit 4h of the present embodiment is configured to be capable of displaying errors in a plurality of stages as will be described later. The error LED display section 4h is lit or blinks in red when a serious error occurs and in orange when a minor error occurs. In the present embodiment, for example, a case where it is necessary to open the front frame 4 for restoration or to perform work or a part needs to be replaced is regarded as a serious error. Is a minor error.

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

  The upper plate part 5 is provided on the lower side of the front frame 4 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. The upper dish portion 5 includes a dish outer edge portion 5a provided with a ball removal button, a game ball rental button, a return button, and the like, and a discharge port 5b for discharging the game ball from the inside of the gaming machine 1. ing. Furthermore, a first audio output unit 5c is formed in a substantially central part of the upper plate part 5 in which a plurality of long holes and a large number of small holes are formed in the upper part. The first audio output unit 5c is connected to a middle / high tone speaker (tweeter) of the speakers 266 via a duct, and the sound from the middle / high tone speaker is output via the duct. A volume switch board 267 (see FIG. 10) is provided on the back surface of the upper plate part 5.

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

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

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

  At the right end of the lower plate part 6, a launching handle 8 is provided for a player to operate a launching device unit (not shown). The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a as contact detection means for detecting that the player is touching. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed. The firing stop switch 8b of this embodiment is provided in the touch switch circuit and is electrically connected in series with the touch switch 8a.

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

  Next, the surface structure of the game board 20 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 20. The game board 20 is a substantially rectangular wooden plate-like body that is detachably attached to the middle frame 3 on the front side, and the back side is covered by a back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 3) described later. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular gaming area 21 is formed in the gaming board 20 by an outer rail 22 and an inner rail 23 provided on the surface of the gaming board 20. In the game area 21, there are a central device 24, a normal symbol operating gate 26, a start opening (ordinary electric accessory) 28, a large winning opening (special electric accessory) 30, 31, a left winning opening 35, 36, and a right winning opening. Gaming devices such as 37 and 38 are arranged. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, in the game area | region 21, many obstacle nails are arrange | positioned in consideration of the positional balance with each game device.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a central device (center accessory) 24 is arranged at the center of the game area 21. The central device 24 is provided with a normal symbol display device 25. The normal symbol display device 25 includes a symbol display unit 25a that can display an arbitrary symbol. As the normal symbol display device 25, a liquid crystal display device, a dot matrix, or the like can be used. The normal symbol display device 25 is a specific example of the variable display means of the present invention.

  Although not shown in the symbol display unit 25a of the normal symbol display device 25, a normal symbol display area for displaying a plurality of normal symbols (identification symbols) while changing them one after another in a predetermined direction, and then stopping and displaying them. (Identification information display area) is provided. Specifically, the left symbol display area for displaying the left symbol, the middle symbol display area for displaying the middle symbol, and the right symbol display area for displaying the right symbol in this order in the arrangement direction set in a substantially horizontal row. It is formed side by side. Each normal symbol display area has a symbol variation direction set in a direction substantially orthogonal to the arrangement direction of these display areas, in this case, in the vertical direction. Each symbol display area can display symbols composed of, for example, “0” to “7”.

  The normal symbol operating gate 26 is provided on the left side of the central device 24. Inside the normal symbol operation gate 26, a normal symbol operation gate detection switch 26s for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 26, the normal symbol display device 25 starts displaying the fluctuation of the normal symbol.

  In this embodiment, a random number for determination of success / failure is prepared and is used for determination of whether or not to activate the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 26. . A winning value is set in advance for the random number for determining whether or not the game is successful. If the random number for determining whether or not the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 26 matches the winning value, the winning value is determined to be a winning value. .

  The normal symbol display device 25 starts the variable display of each normal symbol displayed on the symbol display unit 25a when the game ball enters the start port 28, and stops the display after a predetermined time has elapsed. If the normal symbols that are stopped and displayed on the symbol display unit 25a are determined to be winning in the determination of success / failure, for example, the same number of numbers such as “7 · 7 · 7” and “3 · 3 · 3” (so-called double eyes) ) Is determined to be a combination of winning symbols, and if it is determined to be unacceptable in the determination of success / failure, a winning symbol consisting of a combination other than the winning symbol (for example, “1, 2, 3”, “7, 3, 7”) So-called “breaking eyes”. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with a combination of hit symbols set in advance, the start port (normal electric accessory) 28 is opened.

  Below the normal symbol display device 25, a normal symbol hold display unit 27 is provided. The normal symbol hold display unit 27 is composed of four LEDs, and can hold up to four game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operation gate 26 during normal symbol fluctuations. The number of symbol hold is displayed. Each time the next variable display starts, the number of unstarted times (the number of holdings) is consumed, the LEDs of the normal symbol holding display unit 27 are turned off one by one, and the number of normal symbol holdings decreases by one.

  The start port 28 is provided above the central position of the normal symbol display device 25. The start port 28 is a so-called tulip type, and is formed so that a pair of wing pieces are opened and closed on the left and right. Inside the start port 28, there are provided a start port winning detection switch 28s (see FIG. 4) for detecting the passage of the game ball and a start port solenoid 28c (see FIG. 6) for operating the wing piece. Yes. A protrusion 29 is provided above the start port 28. When the pair of wing pieces are in an upright state, the game ball is closed, and when the pair of wing pieces is opened to the left and right, the game ball is opened. It becomes an open state where the possibility of entering the ball becomes large.

  The opening time of the start port 28 is set to be 6 seconds in total. The opening pattern of the start port 28 can be selected from a pattern that opens 2 seconds × 3 times, a pattern that opens 3 seconds × 2 times, and a pattern that opens 6 seconds × 1 times. When the game ball enters the start port 28, the special winning ports 30, 31 are opened for a predetermined time (in this example, 0.5 seconds). If a game ball enters the start opening 28 when the grand prize opening 30 or 31 is open, the big prize opening 30 or 31 based on the entry is not opened, and only the payout of the prize ball is made. Will be performed.

  The big winning openings 30 and 31 are provided on both side surfaces of the central device 24. A first big prize opening 30 is provided on the left side of the central device 24, and a second big prize opening 31 is provided on the right side of the central device 24. The large winning openings 30 and 31 are provided with large wing pieces for opening and closing the large winning openings 30 and 31. Inside the prize winning openings 30, 31 are the prize winning entrance detection switches 30s, 31s (see FIG. 6) for detecting the passing of the game ball, and the prize winning solenoids 30c, 31c for operating the wing pieces. (See FIG. 6). Note that the special winning entrances 30 and 31 are specific examples of the variable entry entrance according to the present invention.

  The wing piece portions of the special winning openings 30 and 31 are turnable left and right with the lower end as the center, and the special winning openings 30 and 31 are opened and closed by turning the wing piece portions. In a state in which the big winning openings 30, 31 are closed, the game balls cannot enter the big winning openings 30, 31. On the other hand, in the state where the special winning openings 30 and 31 are opened, the wing piece portion is opened to the left and right, so that the game ball is easily introduced into the special winning openings 30 and 31 by the wing piece portion. By entering the game balls into these special winning openings 30 and 31, a predetermined number (9 in this example) of game balls are paid out as prize balls.

  A plurality of specific areas 32 are provided below the normal symbol hold display unit 27 in the central device 24. The specific area 32 includes a plurality of (9 in this example) entrances into which game balls can enter. The game balls that have entered the big winning openings 30 and 31 enter any of the plurality of specific areas 32.

  An obstacle member 33 is provided between the normal symbol hold display portion 27 and the specific area 32. The obstacle member 33 is configured as a number of obstacle nails in order to adjust the probability of entering the specific area 32. The entrances of No. 4 and No. 6 are entrances that are advantageous to the player who can easily establish a specific mode to be described later by entering the game balls. It is difficult to enter the ball compared to the mouths (Nos. 1 to 3, 5 and 7 to 9).

  Inside the specific area 32, there are provided entrance detection switches 32s (see FIG. 6) for detecting the entrance of game balls to the entrances. A winning symbol display device 34 having a plurality of winning symbols (in this example, “1” to “9”) corresponding to the specific region 32 is provided on the front side of the specific region 32. In the winning symbol display device 34, the winning symbol corresponding to the specific area 32 where the game ball has been detected is lit and displayed. The condition device starts to operate when a specific mode is established with the winning symbol that is lit. The “specific mode” at which the condition device starts to operate can be arbitrarily set, but in this embodiment, two or more winning symbols are continuously lit and displayed. The winning symbol display device 34 shows a specific example of the winning symbol display means of the present invention.

  The condition device is a device that is a condition for operating the accessory continuous operation device. Specifically, the condition device is composed mainly of a main control unit 200 described later, and starts operating when a winning symbol is lit and displayed in a specific manner, and activates the accessory continuous operation device. . The accessory continuous operation device is a device that is configured mainly by a main control unit 200 to be described later, and continuously opens the special winning opening (special electric accessory) 30, 31.

  With the start of the operation of the accessory continuous operation device, a special game state (a big hit state) in which the big winning openings 30, 31 are continuously opened is started. In the special gaming machine state, by opening the special winning openings 30 and 31, a profit is given to the player regarding the entry of the game balls into the special winning openings 30 and 31. The main control unit 200 corresponds to the special game state generating means of the present invention. The special game state is realized by repeatedly executing a special electric accessory game process S500 (see FIG. 17) described later.

  A game ball receiving state is established by opening the special winning openings 30, 31. The game ball receiving state is ended when a predetermined end condition is established, and the open big winning openings 30, 31 are closed. As a predetermined end condition, when the opening time of the big winning holes 30, 31 after the start of the game ball receiving state reaches a predetermined opening time, or after starting the gaming ball receiving state, the player enters the big winning holes 30, 31. This may be when the number of played balls has reached a predetermined number (10 in this embodiment). The “predetermined opening time” may be, for example, one opening time when the special winning openings 30 and 31 are continuously opened (for example, 30 seconds × one opening), and a plurality of short opening times. It may be the total opening time when repeated (for example, opening for 18 seconds per second).

  When the round from the start of the game ball receiving state to the closed state due to the establishment of a predetermined end condition is defined as one round, the above-mentioned accessory continuous operation device ends when the predetermined number of rounds end. After a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed from the end of the game ball receiving state, the big prize opening 30, 31 is opened again to enter the game ball receiving state, and the next round starts. Such a game ball receiving state in which one round is from the start to the end of the round is repeatedly continued until a predetermined number of continuous rounds is finished and the operation of the accessory continuous operation device is finished.

  In the present embodiment, the number of consecutive rounds in the special gaming state is determined based on the winning symbol display mode. In this embodiment, the number of consecutive rounds is determined based on the number of consecutive winning symbols that are continuously lit and displayed. Specifically, when the winning symbol is displayed continuously in two lights (for example, “1” and “2” are lit), the number of continuous rounds is two rounds, and the winning symbol is displayed in three consecutive lights ( For example, “1”, “2”, and “3” are lit up) and the number of consecutive rounds is 5 rounds, and the winning symbols are lit up when there are 4 consecutive winning symbols (for example, “1”, “2”, “3”)・ If “4” is lit, the number of continuation rounds is 15 rounds.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a first left winning opening 35 and a second left winning opening 36 are provided at the lower left of the central device 24 in the game area 21. Inside these, left winning opening passing detection switches 35s and 36s (see FIG. 6) are respectively provided. A first right winning opening 37 and a second right winning opening 38 are provided at the lower right of the central device 24. Inside these, right winning opening passing detection switches 37s and 38b (see FIG. 6) are provided.

  Next, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of the back mechanism board 102 of the gaming machine 1.

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

  A ball removal lever 107 is provided on the right side of the tank rail 106. A game ball payout device 109 is provided on the downstream side of the ball removal lever 107. Further, on the downstream side of the tank rail 106 and above the game ball payout device 109, a case rail for guiding the game ball payout device 109 by changing the traveling direction of the game ball flowing down the tank rail 106 ( A game ball guiding path) 108 is provided.

  Below the tank rail 106, there is a rear case 111 to which the effect symbol display device 24 is attached on the front side and the lamp interface board case 112, the symbol control board case 113, and the sound lamp control board case 114 are respectively attached to the rear side. Is provided. A main control board case 115 is provided below the back case 111, a power supply board case 116 is provided below the main control board case 115, and a payout control board case 118 is provided at the lower right portion of the back mechanism panel 102. Is provided. Various control boards described later are stored in these board cases.

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

  Next, the electronic control device of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the electronic control device.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the electronic control device includes a main control unit (game control unit) 200 and sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 connected to the main control unit 200. The sub control unit includes a prize ball control unit (payout control unit) 230, a sound lamp control unit 260, and a symbol control unit 280. The main control unit 200 includes a main control board 200a, and the sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 include a payout control board 230a, a sound lamp control board 260a, and a symbol control board 280a as peripheral control boards, respectively.

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

  For example, a command such as a prize ball instruction signal for instructing a prize ball payout, a game start permission signal for instructing a game start permission, and various launch control commands are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230. Various launch control commands include ball feed permission / prohibition, launch permission / prohibition, game start permission, and the like. Also, various lamp control commands and various audio control commands are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sound lamp control unit 260.

  The main control unit 200 to the symbol control unit 280 via the sound lamp control unit 260, a normal symbol display control command for instructing display control of a normal symbol, or a special symbol display control command for instructing display control of this special symbol. Various symbol control commands including are transmitted.

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

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the CPU 400 provided on the main control board 200a of the main control unit 200. As shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 400 includes a CPU core 401, a built-in RAM 402 (hereinafter also simply referred to as RAM), a built-in ROM 403 (hereinafter also simply referred to as ROM), a memory control circuit 404, a clock generator 405, an address decoder 406, A watchdog timer 407, a counter / timer 408, a parallel input / output port 409, a reset / interrupt controller 410, an external bus interface 411, and an output control circuit 412 are provided.

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

  Returning to FIG. 4, the board external terminal board 201, the start opening winning detection switch 28 s, the normal symbol operation gate detection switch 26 s, the board surface relay board 210, and the game frame relay board 220 are connected to the main control unit 200. The start opening winning detection switch 28 s detects that a game ball has entered the start opening 28. The normal symbol operation gate detection switch 26 s detects that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 26.

  The board external terminal board 201 is provided with a plurality of test signal terminals for connecting an external test apparatus (not shown). These test signal terminals are used for gaming machines, and can send a signal such as a prize ball signal or a ball entrance signal to the test apparatus.

  Next, the board surface relay board 210 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the board surface relay board 210. The board surface relay board 210 relays switch signals and the like between various switches provided on the game board 20 surface and the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the board surface relay board 210 includes a specific area entrance detection switch 32s, a prize opening passage detection switch 35s, 36s, 37s, 38s, a grand prize entrance entrance detection switch 30s, 31s, various solenoids 28c, 30c and 31c are connected.

  The specific area entry detection switch 32 s detects an entry of a game ball into any entry slot in the specific area 32. The winning opening passing detection switches 35 s, 36 s, 37 s, and 38 s are used to detect the entry of game balls into the winning openings 35, 36, 37, and 38. The big prize opening entrance detection switches 30 s and 31 s detect that a game ball has entered the big prize openings 30 and 31. These game ball detection switches can be configured by proximity switches or photo sensors. As the various solenoids 28c, 30c, 31c, there are a start opening solenoid 28c for opening / closing the start opening 28, a large winning opening solenoid 30c, 31c for opening / closing the large winning opening 30, 31 and the like.

  Next, the game frame relay board 220 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing signal input / output with respect to the game frame relay board 220. The game frame relay board 220 relays switch signals and the like mainly between various switches and the like provided on the middle frame 3 and the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a fire ball count switch 221 and a foul ball detection switch 222 are connected to the frame relay board 220. Further, a ball feed count switch 254 is connected to the frame relay board 220 via a ball feed relay board 251 described later.

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

  Next, returning to FIG. 4, the payout control unit 230 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the frame external terminal board 122, the switch relay terminal board 231, the CR connection board 234, the launch control section 250, and the like are connected to the payout control section 230. The switch relay terminal board 231 is connected to a tank ball cut switch 232 and a lower pan full switch 233. The tank ball cut switch 232 is also connected to the frame external terminal board 122.

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

  The payout control unit 230 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing signal input / output with respect to the payout control unit 230. As shown in FIG. 8, the prepaid card unit 13 and the CR display board 235 are connected to the payout control unit 230 via the CR connection board 234. A ball rental button 236 and a return button 237 are connected to the CR display board 235. The CR display board 235 is a board for inputting / outputting signals such as a rental ball and the remaining number of cards to / from the CR unit 13.

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

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

  Next, the firing control unit 250 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the launch control unit 250. As shown in FIG. 9, the launch control unit 250 is connected to the launch handle 8, the origin sensor 251, the launch motor 252, the ball feed relay terminal plate 253, and the like. A launch start signal from a launch start switch (not shown) indicating whether or not the player has rotated the launch handle 8 by a predetermined amount or more from the launch handle 8 to the launch control unit 250, and the player touches the launch handle 8. A touch signal or the like from the touch switch 8a indicating whether or not there is input.

  The origin sensor 251 detects whether or not the rotation axis of the firing motor 252 is at a predetermined origin position (origin angle). The launch motor 252 operates a spear for driving the game ball sent to the launch position into the game area 21, and operates when the player operates the launch handle 8.

  Connected to the ball feed relay terminal plate 253 are a ball feed solenoid (not shown) and a ball feed count switch 254 for feeding the game balls stored in the upper plate part 5 one by one to the launch position of the launcher unit. Yes. As described above, the signal from the ball feed count switch 254 is transmitted to the main control unit 200 via the game frame relay board 220. The signal from the origin sensor 251 is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 via the firing control unit 250.

  Next, the sound lamp control unit 260 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the sound lamp control unit 260. The sound lamp control board 260a provided in the sound lamp control unit 260 is provided with arithmetic circuit components (not shown) having a CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output ports and the like and a sound generator (not shown). The input / output port is connected to the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a winning symbol LED board 262, various board LED boards 263, various game frame LED boards 264, and the like are connected to the sound lamp controller 260 via a lamp interface board 261. The lamp interface board 261 is provided with drive circuits for various lamps, and is configured as a separate board independent of the sound lamp control board 260a.

  The winning symbol LED board 262 is for turning on the LED of the corresponding winning symbol display device 34 when a game ball enters one of the specific areas 32. A game effect LED board or the like is connected to the board surface LED board 263 and the game frame LED board 264. These lamps are turned on / off or blinking in accordance with the progress of the game to enhance the gaming effect.

  Further, an amplifier board 265 is connected to the sound lamp control unit 260. A speaker 266 and a volume switch board 267 are connected to the amplifier board 265. From the speaker 266, various sounds, sounds, and the like are output in accordance with the progress of the game. The volume switch board 267 is for setting the output volume of the speaker 266 in accordance with an operation of a volume switch (not shown). The sound lamp control unit 260 is provided with a mode switch 268. The mode changeover switch 268 is configured as a DIP switch and is operated by a game hall employee when the power is turned on. The mode changeover switch 268 can change the background and the appearing character in the effect symbol display device 24.

  Next, the symbol control unit 280 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the symbol control unit 280. Arithmetic circuit components (not shown) having a CPU, RAM, ROM, input / output port, VDP (video display processor), etc. are provided on the symbol control board 280a provided in the symbol controller 280. It is connected to the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the symbol control device 280 is connected to a symbol display device substrate 281 that operates the normal symbol display device 25. In the symbol control unit 280, the CPU performs display control of the normal symbol display device 25 using the RAM as a work area according to a control program stored in the ROM. The ROM of the symbol control board 280a stores symbol image data such as a normal symbol variation mode and a stop symbol.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 12 shows an example of a main job executed by the CPU 400 based on a program stored in the ROM of the main control unit 200. The main job shown in FIG. 12 includes a game start process S200, a normal symbol game process S300, a normal electric game game process S400, a special electric game game process S500, and a special game process S600 after executing the power-on process S100. The step is repeatedly executed every time the timer is reset. In this embodiment, the reset period is set to 2 ms.

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

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

  On the other hand, if the backup flag is set in the RAM, it is determined that the power is restored when the power is turned off, and a checksum is calculated from the contents of the RAM protected when the power is turned off (S105). (S106). If these checksums do not match, it is determined that the contents of the RAM are broken, and the RAM initialization process of S104 is performed. When the contents of the RAM are backed up normally, the following power recovery process is performed.

  First, the stack pointer immediately before power-off is restored and the backup flag is cleared. Next, a return setting is made to return to the gaming state when the power is turned off, the CPU peripheral device is initialized, and the register is returned to the state immediately before the power is turned off. Thereafter, the program is resumed by returning to the program execution position immediately before the power is turned off.

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

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

  Next, prize ball control in S204 to S207 is performed. First, each winning opening is checked by a winning opening switch, and when a game ball wins (wins) a winning opening, winning detection information is stored in the RAM (S204, S205). Next, when there is saved prize ball detection information, a prize ball number designation command corresponding to the acquired game ball is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 (S206, S207).

  Next, the normal symbol game process S300 will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b). First, it is determined by the normal symbol operation gate detection switch 26s whether or not the game ball has passed the normal symbol operation gate 26 (S301). As a result, when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 26 (S301: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of pending operation of the normal symbol display device 27 is less than 4 (S302). If the number of normal symbols held is less than 4 (S302: YES), a random number for determining whether or not normal symbols are stored is stored (S303).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the accessory continuous operation device is operating (S304). As a result, if it is determined that the accessory continuous operation device is operating (S304: YES), the process directly returns. On the other hand, if it is determined that the accessory continuous operation device is not operating (S304: NO), whether or not the special electric accessory is operating, that is, whether or not the special winning openings 30, 31 are open. Is determined (S350).

  As a result, if it is determined that the special winning opening (special electric accessory) 30, 31 is operating (S305: YES), the process directly returns. On the other hand, when it is determined that the special winning opening (special electric accessory) 30, 31 is not operating (S305: NO), it is determined whether the start port (normal electric accessory) 28 is operating. (S306). As a result, when it is determined that the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is in operation (S306: YES), the process returns as it is, and it is determined that the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is not in operation. If it is detected (S306: NO), it is determined whether or not the normal symbol is changing (S307).

  As a result, when it is determined that the normal symbol is not fluctuating (S307: NO), it is determined whether or not the normal symbol is in the stop display time (S308), and it is determined that the normal symbol is being displayed. In this case (S308: NO), the process proceeds to S316 described later, and when it is determined that the normal symbol display time is not being reached (S308: YES), it is determined whether or not the normal symbol holding number is zero ( S309).

  As a result, when it is determined that the number of normal symbol hold is zero (S309: YES), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the number of normal symbol hold is not zero (S309: NO), it is determined whether or not the normal symbol is appropriate. (S310), the normal symbol change time is set (S311), and the normal symbol change is started (S312).

  If it is determined in S307 that the normal symbol is changing (S307: YES), it is determined whether the normal symbol change time has passed (S313), and the normal symbol change time has passed. If it is determined that there is not (S313: NO), the process returns as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined that the normal symbol variation time has elapsed (S313: YES), the normal symbol variation is stopped (S314), and the normal symbol stop display interval is set (S315).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the interval between the normal symbols has been stopped (S316). If it is determined that the interval between the normal symbols has not been stopped (S316: NO), the process returns as it is. If it is determined that the normal symbol stop display has elapsed (S316: YES), the normal symbol stop symbol activates (opens) the start port (normal electric accessory) 28. It is determined whether or not the combination is (S317). As a result, when it is determined that the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol combination (S317: YES), the operation of the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is started (the start port 28 is opened) ( S318) If it is determined that the stop symbol of the normal symbol is not a winning symbol combination (S317: NO), the routine returns as it is. In this embodiment, when the start port 28 is opened in the process of S318, the opening time is 6 seconds (for example, 2 seconds × 3 times, 3 seconds × 2 times, 6 seconds × 1 times). Etc.).

  Next, the ordinary electric accessory game process S400 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is operating (opening) (S401), and it is determined that the starting port (normal electric accessory) 28 is not operating (opening). If this happens (S401: NO), the process returns. On the other hand, if it is determined that the starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is operating (opening) (S401: YES), a game ball wins (enters a ball) at the starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 28. ) Is determined (S402).

  As a result, if it is determined that the game ball has not won the start opening (ordinary electric accessory) 28 (S402: NO), the process proceeds to S405 described later, and the start opening (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is reached. If it is determined that the game ball has been won (S402: YES), it is determined whether or not the special winning opening (special electric accessory) 30, 31 is operating (opening) (S403). .

  As a result, when it is determined that the special winning opening (special electric accessory) 30, 31 is in operation (opening) (S403: YES), the process proceeds to S405, which will be described later, and the special winning opening (special electric drive) In the case where it is determined that the bonuses 30 and 31 are not in operation (opened) (S403: NO), the special winning opening (special electric bonuses) 30 and 31 are actuated (opened) once (S404). . In the present embodiment, the opening time of the special winning openings 30, 31 by the process of S404 is set to 0.5 seconds.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the operating time (opening time) of the starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 has elapsed (S405), and the operating time (opening time) of the starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 has elapsed. If it is determined that it has not been made (S405: NO), it is determined whether or not there is a predetermined number of winnings in the ordinary electric accessory (S406).

  As a result, when it is determined that there is no regular prize winning for the ordinary electric accessory (S406: NO), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the regular electric bonus has been awarded for the prescribed prize ( S406: YES), when it is determined that the operation time (opening time) of the start port (normal electric accessory) 28 has elapsed (S405: YES), the operation of the start port (normal electric accessory) 28 Is stopped (the start port 28 is closed) (S407).

  Next, the special electric accessory game process S500 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the ordinary electric accessory is in operation (S501). If it is determined that the ordinary electric accessory (starting port 28) is in operation (S501: YES), the process directly returns. If it is determined that the ordinary electric accessory (starting port 28) is not in operation (S501: NO), is the number of continuous lighting of the winning symbol displayed on the winning symbol display device 34 being two? It is determined whether or not (S502).

  As a result, when it is determined that the number of continuous lighting of the winning symbol is 2 (S502: YES), the number of continuous rounds in the special gaming state is set to 2 rounds (S503), and the accessory continuous operation device is operated. It starts (S504) and turns off the winning symbol on the winning symbol display device 34 (S505).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of continuous lighting of the winning symbol is not 2 (S502: NO), it is determined whether or not the number of continuous lighting of the winning symbol displayed on the winning symbol display device 34 is 3. (S506). As a result, when it is determined that the number of continuous lighting of the winning symbol is 3 (S506: YES), the number of continuous rounds in the special game state is set to 5 (S507), and the accessory continuous operation device is activated. It starts (S504) and turns off the winning symbol on the winning symbol display device 34 (S505).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of continuous lighting of the winning symbol is not 2 (S506: NO), it is determined whether or not the number of continuous lighting of the winning symbol displayed on the winning symbol display device 34 is 4 or more. Determination is made (S508).

  As a result, if it is determined that the number of continuous lighting of the winning symbol is 4 or more (S508: YES), the number of continuous rounds in the special gaming state is set to 15 rounds (S509), The operation is started (S504), and the winning symbol on the winning symbol display device 34 is turned off (S505).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of continuous lighting of the winning symbol is not 4 or more, that is, when it is determined that the winning symbol is not continuously lit and displayed (S508: NO), the accessory continuous operation device Is not started, and the winning symbol on the winning symbol display device 34 is turned off (S505).

  In addition, the lighting display of the winning symbol of the winning symbol display device 34 is performed as follows. First, a game ball is made to enter the start opening 28 for 6 seconds when the start opening 28 is open (the ordinary electric accessory is operating) by the process of S318 described above. Then, each time a game ball enters the start port 28, when the game ball is inserted into the big prize opening 31, 32 that is opened for 0.5 seconds by the process of S404 described above, It passes through any one of the specific areas 32. As the game ball passes, the corresponding winning symbol is lit up.

  Accordingly, the number of continuously lit lighting of the winning symbols determined in S502, S503, and S504 varies greatly depending on the number of game balls that have entered the starting port 28 and the number of game balls that have entered the big winning ports 31, 32. Is done. That is, in this embodiment, since it is necessary to enter the game balls into the big winning openings 31 and 32 as well as the game balls into the start opening 28, it is possible to realize a highly entertaining game performance that has not been achieved conventionally.

  Next, the special game process S600 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not the accessory continuous operation device is operating (S601). As a result, when it is determined that the accessory continuous operation device is not in operation (S601: NO), the process returns as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the accessory continuous operation device is in operation (S601: YES), it is determined whether or not the special winning opening (special electric accessory) 30, 31 is in operation (opening). Determination is made (S602).

  As a result, when it is determined that the special winning opening (special electric accessory) 30, 31 is in operation (opening) (S602: YES), the special winning opening (special electric accessory) 30, 31 is determined. It is determined whether or not an operation end condition (closing condition) is satisfied (S603). As a result, when it is determined that the operation end condition (closed condition) of the special winning opening (special electric accessory) 30, 31 is not satisfied (S603: NO), the process directly returns. On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation completion condition (closing condition) of the special winning opening (special electric accessory) 30, 31 is satisfied (S603: YES), the special winning opening (special electric accessory) 30 , 31 is stopped (the special winning openings 31, 32 are closed) (S604).

  When it is determined in S602 that the special winning opening (special electric accessory) 30, 31 is not in operation (opening) (S602: NO), the operation end condition (special game state end) of the accessory continuous operation device It is determined whether (condition) is satisfied (S605). As a result, when it is determined that the operation end condition (special game state end condition) of the accessory continuous operation device is not satisfied (S605: NO), the winning prize opening (special electric accessory) 30, 31 It is determined whether or not the operation stop time (closing time) has elapsed (S606). As a result, when it is determined that the operation stop time (closing time) of the special winning opening (special electric accessory) 30, 31 has not elapsed (S606: NO), the process returns as it is, and the special winning opening (special When it is determined that the operation stop time (closed time) of the electric parts 30 and 31 has elapsed (S606: YES), the operation of the special prize opening (special electric parts) 30 and 31 is started ( The special winning openings 30, 31 are opened) (S607).

  If it is determined in S605 that the operation end condition (special game state end condition) of the accessory continuous operation device is satisfied (S605: YES), the operation of the accessory continuous operation device is stopped (special game state). (S608).

  Next, the power-off generation process S700 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. This power cut-off generation process is performed when a non-maskable interrupt occurs due to a power cut due to a power failure or the like.

  First, the used register is saved in the RAM, and the value of the stack pointer is saved (S701, S702). Next, in order to check the remaining number of prize balls of the game ball payout device 109, the payout sensor 109j is monitored for a predetermined time (84 ms in this example), and the game ball passing through 212b is monitored for a predetermined time (in this example). 84 ms) (S703, S704). Next, a checksum is calculated and stored, and a backup flag is set (S705, S706). Next, access to the RAM is prohibited and infinite loop processing is performed until a system reset occurs (S707). The RAM data is compensated by a backup power supply unit (not shown). If a system reset occurs, the process proceeds to the power-on process S100.

  As described above, there are provided a plurality of specific areas 32 through which game balls that have entered the big winning openings 30 and 31 pass, and a specific aspect is established by a winning symbol that is lit and displayed corresponding to the specific area 32 through which the game balls have passed. By making this a condition for generating a special gaming state, it is possible to incorporate into the pachinko gaming machine the gameability of an arranged ball gaming machine (combined gaming machine) that establishes a combination of winning symbols. Thereby, a new game can be given to the pachinko gaming machine, and the interest can be improved.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment mainly in the method for determining the continuation round of the special gaming state. Only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described below.

  In the first embodiment, when the special game state is started, the number of continuous rounds in the special game state is determined based on the display mode established by the winning symbol of the winning symbol display device 34. In the embodiment, it is determined whether or not the next round continues in each round after the start of the special gaming state. In the present embodiment, the continuation condition for the next round is that the winning symbol displayed on the winning symbol display device 34 established during one round is in a predetermined round continuation mode. When a predetermined round continuation mode is established with a winning symbol during one round, the rounds are continued one by one up to a predetermined number of rounds (15 in this example). In the present embodiment, the “predetermined round continuation mode” is a case where a predetermined number of winning symbols that are lit and displayed on the winning symbol display device 34 are continuously lit and displayed.

  Specifically, during the 1st to 4th rounds after the start of the special gaming state, when the winning symbol is displayed in three consecutive lights (for example, the winning symbol display mode is “1, 2, 3” or “7, 8, 9 ”), and after 5 rounds, the winning symbols are lit and displayed continuously for four consecutive times (for example, the winning symbol display mode is“ 1, 2, 3, 4 ”or“ 6 ”).・ If it becomes “7 ・ 8 ・ 9”), the next round will continue.

  The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment ends when the condition that the next round continues during one round is satisfied, that is, when the round continuation mode in which the winning symbols are displayed continuously in three or four consecutive times is established. To do. For this reason, if the condition that the next round continues before reaching the upper limit (10 in this example) of the number of game balls that can be entered in the big winning openings 30 and 31 in one round is obtained in that round. The number of awarded balls is reduced. For this reason, in this embodiment, the round continuation mode is not established in the winning symbol before reaching the upper limit of the number of game balls that can be entered in the big winning openings 30, 31 in one round.

  FIG. 20 shows the periphery of the specific area 32 of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20, in this embodiment, three obstacle nails (triangular nails) that make it difficult for a game ball to enter the entrance are located above the entrance No. 5 in the specific area. Has been placed. The No. 5 entrance is set to be more difficult to enter than the No. 4 and No. 6 entrances (see the first embodiment) where entry is difficult. A stopping member 40 is provided above the specific entrance in the specific area 32. In this embodiment, a stopping member 40 is provided above the third and seventh entrances. The stopping member 40 can be moved in the front and back direction of the game board 20 by a solenoid (not shown), and a stop state in which the tip protrudes from the game board 20 and a stop release state in which the tip is located on the same plane as the game board 20 are provided. Can be switched.

  From the start of the round in the special game state, a predetermined number of game balls are in a protruding state until it can be confirmed that they have entered the big winning holes 30, 31. At this time, when the game ball flows down to the third or seventh entrance of the specific area 32, the game ball is stopped on the stopping member 40. For this reason, it is easy to enter the No. 1, No. 2, No. 8, No. 9, and No. 4 and No. 6 entrances where entry is more difficult than the entrance entrances that are easy to enter in the specific area 32. Even if the ball enters, the game ball does not enter the entrances of No. 3, No. 5, No. 7. Therefore, the round continuation mode is not established with the winning symbol displayed on the winning symbol display device.

  The stopping member 40 is entered when the end condition of one round is satisfied, that is, when the opening time of the big winning openings 30 and 31 reaches a predetermined opening time (30 seconds in this example), or when entering the big winning openings 30 and 31. When the number of played balls reaches a predetermined number (10 in this example), the stop state is changed to the stop release state. Thereby, when the game ball is stopped by the stopping member 40, the game ball enters the entrance opening below the stopping member 40. Then, when the round continuation mode in which the winning symbols are lit and displayed in three or four consecutive times is established, the next round starts after the round ends.

  As described above, by determining the number of continuation rounds in the special gaming state based on the display pattern of the winning symbol established in one round in the special gaming state, a new gameability can be given. Interest can be improved. Furthermore, in the case of performing a lottery on whether or not the next round will continue based on the winning symbol display mode in each round in the special gaming state, it is possible to improve the interest of the player in each round.

  Further, by determining the number of consecutive rounds in the special game state based on the display mode of the winning symbol established in one round in the special gaming state, the winning symbol can be effectively used even in the special gaming state.

  In addition, a stop member 40 for stopping the game ball is provided above the specific area 32 so that the round continuation mode is not established in the winning symbol until the end of the round, so that the round ends before the predetermined end condition is satisfied. The number of prize balls obtained in one round can be increased as much as possible.

  In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the next round will be continued based on the display pattern of the winning symbol in each round of the special gaming state. However, the display pattern of the winning symbol is displayed in a specific round in the special gaming state. Based on this, the number of continuation rounds in the special gaming state may be determined. For example, three types of 2 rounds, 5 rounds, and 15 rounds are set as the number of continuous rounds, and the number of continuous rounds is set to 2 rounds at the start of the special gaming state. Then, in the second round of the special game state, when the display pattern of the winning symbol becomes the round continuation mode (for example, when the display is lit continuously for 4 consecutive times), the number of continuous rounds is extended to 5 rounds. Further, in the case of the fifth round in the special game state, when the display pattern of the winning symbol is the round continuation mode (for example, when the display is continuously lit for 4 consecutive times), the number of continuous rounds is extended to 15 rounds.

(Other embodiments)
In the configuration of the first embodiment, during the special game state, the number of game balls that have entered the big winning openings 30 and 31 during one round is counted, and the number corresponding to this number of winnings is won. You may comprise so that a symbol may be displayed on the winning symbol display apparatus 34. FIG. Thereby, the player can immediately grasp the number of balls entered into the big winning openings 30, 31 and can effectively use the winning symbols on the winning symbol display device 34 even in the special gaming state.

  In the above embodiment, the gaming machine provided with the two big winning ports 30, 31 has been described, but the number of big winning ports can be arbitrarily set, for example, one.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although it comprised so that the special winning openings 30 and 31 could open and close in the left-right direction, you may comprise so that it may open and close in the front-back direction (front and back direction) of the game board 20.

  In the above embodiment, the obstacle nail provided on the game board is used as the obstacle member 33 for adjusting the probability of entering the plurality of specific areas 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the obstacle member may be configured differently. Good. For example, a clown as a distribution unit that distributes the game balls to the plurality of specific areas 32 may be provided above the specific area 32. The croon can be configured as a mortar disk-like member in which crune holes corresponding to the plurality of specific regions 32 are formed. In this case, the game balls that have entered the winning prize openings 30 and 31 pass through one of the crune holes while turning on the croon and enter the corresponding specific area 32.

  Moreover, although the said Example demonstrated the gaming machine which has nine specific area | regions 32, the number of the specific area | regions 32 should just be two or more, and can be set arbitrarily.

It is a front view showing a gaming machine according to the present invention. It is a front view which shows schematic structure of a game board. It is a front view of the back mechanism board of a gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an electronic controller. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of CPU of a main control part. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to a board surface relay board. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to a game frame relay board | substrate. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to a payout control board. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to a launch control board. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to a sound lamp control board. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to a symbol control board. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the main job which the main control part of a game machine performs. It is a flowchart which shows the power-on process which the main control part of a game machine performs. It is a flowchart which shows the game start process which the main control part of a game machine performs. It is a flowchart which shows the normal symbol game process which the main control part of a game machine performs. It is a flowchart which shows the normal symbol game process which the main control part of a game machine performs. It is a flowchart which shows the normal electric accessory game process which the main control part of a game machine performs. It is a flowchart which shows the special electric accessory game process which the main control part of a game machine performs. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol game process which the main control part of a game machine performs. It is a flowchart which shows the special game process which the main control part of a game machine performs. It is a front view which shows the specific area | region of 2nd Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 20 ... Game board, 21 ... Game area | region, 24 ... Central apparatus, 25 ... Normal symbol display apparatus (variable display means), 25a ... Symbol display part, 26 ... Normal symbol operation gate, 28 ... Start-up opening ( Ordinary electric accessory), 30, 31 ... Large winning entrance (variable entrance), 32 ... specific area, 33 ... obstacle member, 34 ... winning symbol display device (winning symbol display means), 35, 36, 37, 38 ... winning a prize port, 200 ... main control part (win / fail judgment means, special game state generating means), 230 ... payout control part, 250 ... launch control part, 260 ... sound lamp control part, 280 ... symbol control part.

Claims (3)

A variable display device in which the identification symbol is variably displayed as the game ball passes through the symbol operating gate;
A starting opening that is opened when the identification symbol stopped and displayed by the variable display device is a specific symbol;
A variable entrance opening that is opened for a predetermined time by entering a game ball into the start opening;
A plurality of specific areas through which game balls entering the variable entrance hole pass;
A winning symbol display means for displaying a winning symbol related to the passage of the game ball to the specific area;
And a special game state generating means for generating a special game state that is relatively advantageous to the player when the display mode of the winning symbol in the winning symbol display means is a specific mode. Machine. When the special gaming state generating means makes one round from the opening of the variable entrance to the closed state due to establishment of a predetermined termination condition during the generation of the special gaming state, The round is configured to perform a predetermined number of rounds,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the special game state generation unit determines the number of rounds to be continued based on a display mode of the winning symbol when generating the special game state. When the special gaming state generating means makes one round from the opening of the variable entrance to the closed state due to establishment of a predetermined termination condition during the generation of the special gaming state, The round is configured to perform a predetermined number of rounds,
The said special game state generation means determines the said number of round continuations based on the display mode of the said winning symbol established in one round during the generation of the special game state. Gaming machine.

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