JP2008113765A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To regulate the rolling direction of a game ball and to reduce the predictability of the rolling direction in a game machine wherein drawing is performed on the basis of the behavior of the game ball inside a winning device. <P>SOLUTION: A horizontally supported stage and a supply mechanism for supplying the game ball onto the stage are provided inside the winning device, and a mechanism for performing drawing depending on which winning port provided around the stage the game ball supplied onto the stage enters is attained. The supply mechanism is provided with a rib 381 on the back surface of a port where the game ball falls and the game ball is prevented from going to the back. On the rib 381, a projection 382 which interferes with the game ball when it falls is formed, and a supply direction when the game ball is supplied to the stage and a rebound direction when the game ball after being supplied to the stage hits the rib 381 and rebounds are dispersed. In such a manner, it is made difficult to predict the movement of the game ball and the probability of winning is prevented from being intentionally raised by vibrating or the like. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a winning device for performing so-called mechanical lottery.

  A gaming machine such as a pachinko machine that wins a game ball fired on a game board surface at a predetermined winning opening has a winning device for electrically drawing a lottery to determine whether or not it is a big hit, Some have a prize-winning device in which a lottery is performed to determine whether or not the game is a big hit. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine that performs a lottery by dropping a game ball onto a rotating plate provided with a winning opening in the surroundings, and the game ball bounces back and enters any winning opening. ing. Hereinafter, the lottery method using the physical movement of the game ball will be referred to as a mechanical lottery method. In the mechanical lottery method, the lottery is performed based on the result of the game ball moving at the moment, so the process until the lottery result is determined is clear, and the player can have a fair sense of the lottery result. , There is an advantage that you can enjoy a sense of excitement in the process until the lottery results are determined.

JP 2004-202110 A

  In the mechanical lottery method, since the movement of the game ball cannot be predicted, the expectation of being throbbing before the lottery result is obtained increases. In order to enhance interest by improving this expectation, the conventional gaming machines have been devised such that the gaming machines are selectively passed through various branched paths before the lottery is made. However, the movement of the game ball is still predictable to some extent, and further enhancement of interest has been desired.

  In addition, the mechanical lottery method has a problem that the movement of the game ball is influenced by an excitation action on the gaming machine, and the lottery result can be intentionally influenced to some extent. For example, when the player pulls the lower plate of the gaming machine vigorously, the game ball moves backward due to the reaction, and the timing at which the specific winning opening is located behind the game ball is estimated. When such a pulling action is performed, it is possible to intentionally increase the winning probability to the specific winning opening. Such an act is an act that hinders the interest of the gaming machine in that it detracts from expectations for the lottery result, and it can also be said to be a kind of illegal gaming method in the sense that it differs from the originally planned gaming method. It also becomes a nuisance to others who are doing. In addition to the pulling action, such vibration can be performed by hitting various parts of the gaming machine or shaking in the left-right direction, but the pulling action has the greatest influence.

  The above-mentioned problem is not a problem peculiar to pachinko machines such as the second type and multi-function machines, but is a problem common to gaming machines that perform mechanical lottery using game balls. In view of these problems, it is an object of the present invention to increase the interest by making it difficult to predict the movement of a game ball.

  The present invention is directed to a gaming machine for performing a game in which a game ball launched on a game board surface is awarded to a prize opening provided on the game board surface, and a special prize opening having a privilege advantageous to the gaming state and the privilege. A game machine having a winning device that performs a mechanical lottery by assigning a rolling destination of a game ball to any of the general winning ports without a mark is targeted. For example, the winning device may be configured as a variable winning device in which the possibility of winning changes depending on opening or closing of one or more pairs of movable pieces. You may comprise as a type winning apparatus. Benefits advantageous to the gaming state are given in the form of, for example, payout of a prize ball, a so-called big prize opening or a prize-opening period in which a game ball called an accessory is easy to win, the number of times of opening. In the narrow sense, winning refers to a gaming state in which a prize ball is paid out, but in a broad sense, it generally refers to obtaining such advantageous benefits. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, winning is used in a broad sense.

  In order to perform the above-mentioned lottery, the prize-winning device is a plate-like member installed substantially horizontally, and a game ball freely rolls on the upper surface thereof, so that a specific prize-winning port arranged in the surroundings and the general prize-winning device There is a stage that distributes game ball prizes to one of the prize openings. The stage may be fixed in a fixed state, but may be swung or rotated around a vertical rotation axis. In order to enhance the interest by changing the positions of the specific winning opening and the general winning opening with time, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the stage is rotated. The stage can take various shapes such as a rectangle and a circle. In addition, the winning device is provided with a supply mechanism that drops and supplies the winning game balls in the device. The dropped game ball rolls on the stage and enters a specific winning opening or a general winning opening to perform a mechanical lottery.

  As a first configuration, the present invention further includes a supply direction diffusion mechanism that irregularly diffuses the supply direction of the game balls in the process of dropping until the game balls are dropped from the supply mechanism and then dropped onto the stage. ing. The supply direction diffusing mechanism may be configured as a part of the supply mechanism, or may be configured as another mechanism. By providing such a mechanism, the direction when the game ball is supplied to the stage can be changed irregularly. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the movement of the game ball on the stage, and the interest can be enhanced. In addition, since it becomes difficult to predict the movement of the game ball on the stage, it is difficult to intentionally increase the winnings to a specific winning opening etc. by exciting the gaming machine. You can also

  The supply direction diffusing mechanism can take various structures. For example, it is good also as an interference member provided in the position which can interfere with a game ball in the fall process from a supply mechanism. As an example, a structure in which a protrusion is provided on a support member attached to a supply mechanism can be employed. In addition to the supply mechanism, a protrusion or the like protruding from the game board may be used. According to these mechanisms, the supply direction can be effectively diffused with a simple structure. In order to diffuse the supply direction more diversely, it is preferable that the interference member is a cylindrical protrusion having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the game ball, or a plurality of interference members are arranged.

  The supply direction diffusing mechanism may be a mechanism that holds the magnet by moving relative to the supply mechanism so that a magnetic force that fluctuates can be applied to the game ball during the fall process. Since the magnetic force is invisible, the movement of the game ball can be further unpredictable and can be interesting. For example, the magnet may be reciprocated relatively in a direction intersecting with the falling direction of the game ball, or may be rotated so that the distance from the falling path is relatively varied. However, even in these mechanisms, the magnet moves so that the player does not lose the transparency and fairness of the mechanical lottery method in which a lottery is made by moving the game ball in front of the player's eyes. It is preferable to hold it so that it can be seen.

  The supply direction diffusion mechanism may be configured as a guide member for guiding the game ball in the fall process. As a guide member, it can be set as the cage | basket or rail-shaped member which guides the game ball discharged | emitted from the supply mechanism, for example. In order to use it as a supply direction diffusing mechanism, the guide member may be flexible enough to bend in accordance with the weight of the game ball and the falling speed. By doing so, the deflection of the guide member changes according to the weight of the game ball and the falling speed of the game ball at the time when the game ball is discharged from the supply direction, and the supply direction can be changed irregularly.

  Regardless of whether or not the above supply direction diffusing mechanism is provided, the present invention has a second configuration in which the direction in which the game ball rolls on the stage is irregular in the winning device including the above stage and the supply mechanism. It is good also as what is provided with the rolling direction spreading | diffusion mechanism to which it diffuses. By doing so, it is difficult to predict the movement after the game ball is supplied on the stage, and the interest can be enhanced. In addition, since it becomes difficult to predict the movement of the game ball on the stage, it is difficult to intentionally increase the winnings to a specific winning opening etc. by exciting the gaming machine. You can also

  The rolling direction diffusion mechanism can take various configurations. For example, a protrusion or an uneven shape formed on the upper surface of the stage may be used. By doing so, the rolling direction can be effectively made irregular with a simple structure. In order to enhance the diffusibility in the rolling direction, a large number of protrusions and uneven shapes may be provided, or irregular arrangement may be employed.

  The rolling direction diffusing mechanism may also be a mechanism that moves relative to the stage and holds the magnet so that a changing magnetic force can be applied to the game ball during rolling on the stage. Since the magnetic force is invisible, the movement of the game ball can be further unpredictable and can be interesting. For example, the magnet may reciprocate or rotate relatively in parallel with the stage, or may rotate so that the distance from the stage varies relatively. However, even in these mechanisms, the magnet moves so that the player does not lose the transparency and fairness of the mechanical lottery method in which a lottery is made by moving the game ball in front of the player's eyes. It is preferable to hold it so that it can be seen.

  You may comprise a rolling direction spreading | diffusion mechanism using the supporting member which supports a stage. In order to use as a rolling direction diffusion mechanism, the support member may be flexible enough to change the inclination of the stage according to the position of the game ball. By doing so, the inclination of the stage changes according to the weight of the game ball and the falling speed of the game ball, and the rolling direction can be changed irregularly. The support member may have a structure that can vibrate the stage by elastic force.

  The winning device of the present invention may further include a restricting mechanism for restricting winning to the specific winning opening and the general winning opening within a predetermined restricting range including immediately behind the falling point of the game ball from the supply mechanism. The term “behind” means the back direction when the game board is viewed from the player side. As described above, it is the front-back direction of the game board that most affects the movement of the game ball during the vibration. By making it possible to restrict winning within the restriction range including directly behind the drop point, it becomes impossible or difficult to manipulate the probability of winning by vibration.

  The restriction mechanism can take various configurations. For example, it may be provided as part of the supply mechanism. Since the game ball is supplied from the supply mechanism, the reliability of the winning regulation immediately behind the falling point of the game ball can be improved by providing the game ball as a part of the supply mechanism. The restriction mechanism may be formed as a separate member from the supply mechanism, and may be attached to the supply mechanism, or the restriction mechanism and the supply mechanism may be integrally formed. The latter is preferable from the viewpoint of simplifying the manufacturing process.

  The restriction mechanism may be arranged as a mechanism different from the supply mechanism and the stage. By doing so, it is possible to avoid restrictions due to the shape and size of the supply mechanism and the stage as much as possible, and to provide a regulation mechanism with various shapes and sizes. In addition, the supply mechanism and the regulation mechanism can be separated from each other, and it is possible to avoid giving the player the impression that the supply direction of the game ball is restricted, thereby avoiding the loss of fairness and interest in the lottery. There is also an advantage that can be done.

  In the mechanical drawing, it is preferable that the movement of the game ball is not restricted as much as possible from the viewpoint of enhancing interest. In consideration of this point, the regulation range for regulating the winning of the game ball may be narrower than the diameter of the game ball. By doing so, winnings can be regulated while sufficiently suppressing the range in which the movement of the game ball is regulated. In addition, by setting the regulation mechanism in such a small structure with a narrow regulation range, the rebound direction of the game ball that collided with the regulation mechanism can be made irregular, and the interest can be enhanced accordingly. There is also.

  The restriction mechanism may be provided with a diffusion mechanism that irregularizes the rebound direction of the game ball. By doing so, it becomes difficult for the player to predict the movement of the game ball, so the feeling of throbbing in the process of waiting for the lottery result increases, and the interest can be enhanced. The diffusion mechanism is, for example, a method of forming a protrusion on a part of the regulation mechanism, a method of making a part of the regulation mechanism uneven, and a method of configuring a part of the regulation mechanism with a material that can be deformed by interference with a game ball Etc. can be provided.

  For example, the diffusion mechanism may be provided at a position where it can interfere with the game ball at the time of supply from the supply mechanism. By doing so, the supply direction of the game balls can be made irregular, and the interest can be further enhanced. As such a structure, for example, a method in which a regulating mechanism is provided as a part of the supply mechanism and a diffusion mechanism is provided in a part of the regulating mechanism can be employed.

  The present invention does not necessarily include all of the above-described features, and can be configured by appropriately omitting a part or combining the above-described features. Further, the supply direction diffusing mechanism, the rolling direction diffusing mechanism, and the regulating mechanism may be fixed mechanisms or movable.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine will be described along the following items with reference to the corresponding drawings.
1. Overview of one embodiment (FIG. 1)
2. Winning device (Figure 2)
2-1. Big prize opening 2-2. Ball path changing member 2-3. First and second passage paths 2-4. Ball stop member 2-5. 2. Ball distribution member 3. Operation of game ball 3-1. When passing through a low-probability route (Figure 3)
3-1-1. When the ball stop member is not operating (Fig. 4)
3-1-2. When the ball stop member is activated (Fig. 5)
3-2. When passing through a high-probability route (Figure 7)
3-2-1. Ball falling part 3-2-2. Behavior on the ball distribution member (Fig. 9)
3-3. Ball distribution operation (Fig. 10, Fig. 11)
3-3-1. Sorting operation in the case of low probability path 3-3-2. 3. Sorting operation for high probability path Production element supplement (Figure 12)
5. Configuration of control system (Fig. 13)
5-1. Main control board 5-2. Sub-control board 6. Content of control processing 6-1. When power is turned on (Fig. 14)
6-2.1 When winning a prize at the starting point (Fig. 15)
6-3.2 Winning the start opening twice (Fig. 16)
6-4. Special gaming state 6-4-1. Round operation (Figs. 17 and 18)
6-4-2. Continuation of round operation 6-4-3. Continuation plan means A. Execution of guidance operation Stop of guidance operation 6-4-4. Granting a prize opportunity (Figure 19)
A. B. Synchronize with opening / closing operation of big prize opening Non-uniformity when the ball falls 6-5. Final round (Figure 20)
7). Supplement regarding timing chart (FIGS. 14 to 20)
8). Round lottery effect processing (Figure 21)
8-1. Notification means (FIG. 22)
8-2. Temporary duration (Figures 24 and 25)
8-3. Promotion effect means (FIG. 26)
8-4. Production information (FIGS. 27 to 29)
A. Relationship between game progress and performance information (FIGS. 27 to 29)
B. C. Result notification at end of round Elevation reliability by display mode) (FIGS. 30 and 31)
8-5. Streaking effect means 8-6. Staging effect information (FIGS. 32 to 35)
9. Reference to other embodiments

  (1. Outline 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 addition, in this embodiment, a push-type effect button 22 is disposed at the left position of the upper plate 16, and the effect button 22 can be appropriately pushed by the player.

  (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 Opening) Normally, when the center character 6 is not operated, the movable piece 24 is in the closed position as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. The mouth 26 is in a closed state. 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 behind the ball approaching passage 30. The game ball that has been rolled through is received by the ball path changing member 34 here. 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 indicated by broken lines in FIG. 38 is formed. 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.

  (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 sorting member 46 is disposed in the center role 6 at a position below the liquid crystal display 40, and the ball sorting member 46 is a center role. When viewed in the flow direction of the game ball in the object 6, it is positioned downstream of the low probability path 36 and the high probability path 38. Although the outer shape is not clearly shown in FIG. 2, the ball sorting member 46 is a disk-shaped rotating body having a thickness, and is rotated in one direction by a motor (not shown) that supports the rotating body from below. Yes.

  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 51 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 discharge passage 51.

  (3. Operation of Game Ball) Next, an operation mode (rolling / guidance / allocation etc.) of the game ball in the center accessory 6 during an actual game will be described.

  (3-1. When Passing through Low Probability Path) FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional view of a portion (upper side and front side) of the center accessory 6 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. This figure represents the state which looked at the ball distribution member 46 from the upper direction. 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 Non-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. it can. 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 operation of the ball stopping 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-mentioned general winning opening 56 is formed at the end 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 51 as it is.

  (3-2. Passing through High Probability Path) FIG. 6 shows an operation mechanism of the spherical 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. Ball Falling Portion) Below the liquid crystal display 40, the downstream portion of the high probability path 38 is connected to a ball supply portion 380 extending so as to protrude above the ball sorting member 46. A sphere dropping unit 38 a is formed at the terminal position of the sphere supply unit 380. 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 38a is located almost directly above the center (not necessarily the exact center) of the ball sorting member 46, and the game ball falls onto the ball sorting member 46 from the hole.

  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 arrow in FIG. 7, when the game ball rolling on the high probability path 38 reaches the ball drop part 38a via the ball supply part 380, it turns along the funnel-shaped guide surface. , And gradually fall into the hole at the lower end, weakening the momentum. At this time, the time required for the game ball to fall from the ball drop part 38a is not 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 part 38a). Even if it is a product, individual product differences will occur. 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”.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the shape of the sphere supply unit 380. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the player side is referred to as “front” and the back side of the gaming machine is referred to as “rear” with the ball supply unit 380 attached to the game board. FIG. 8A shows a perspective view seen from the front upper side, and FIG. 8B shows a perspective view seen from the lower front side. FIG. 8C shows a state in which the sphere supply unit 380 is viewed from the left side (the direction of arrow V in FIG. 8A).

  As described above, the ball supply unit 380 is connected to the high probability path 38, and the game ball rolls from right to left in FIG. A sphere drop unit 380a is formed at the end of the sphere supply unit 380, and a rib 381 extends substantially vertically below the sphere drop unit 380a. The width w of the rib 381 can be arbitrarily set, but in the present embodiment, the dimension is slightly smaller than the diameter of the game ball.

  A rib-shaped protrusion 382 is provided on the rib 381. Although the shape of the protrusion 381 can also be arbitrarily determined, in this embodiment, when the game ball falls from the ball dropping portion 380a, the shape that can collide with the top of the protrusion 382 (region A in FIG. 8C) did. When the ball supply unit 380 is attached to the center accessory 6, the rib 381 protrudes downward to the extent that it does not interfere with the rotation of the ball sorting member 46, as shown in FIG. The operation of the rib 381 and the protrusion 382 will be described later.

  (3-2-2. Behavior on Ball Sorting Member) FIG. 9 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. However, since the rib 381 protrudes, the game ball cannot pass through the passage located just behind the stage 46c.

  On the other hand, the center part of the upper surface of the stage 46c is raised upward. For this reason, the game ball dropped on the stage 46c rolls in four directions as indicated by arrows in FIG. However, in the rearward direction (upward in FIG. 9), the game ball cannot pass through the passage because the rib 381 exists. At this time, since one of the breaks is connected to the specific winning opening guide 46a, the game ball dropped on the stage 46c enters the specific winning opening guide 46a with a probability of 1/4.

  (3-3. Ball Distributing Operation) FIG. 10 shows a ball distributing 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 game ball that has entered is transported 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. 10).

  Although only a part is shown in FIG. 10, 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. 10 (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. 11 shows a state in which the game ball that has entered the specific winning opening guide 46a is 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. 11). 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.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the rib 381 is present so that it cannot pass through the passage located behind the game board. Therefore, even when a game ball is present on the stage 46c, even if the game machine is vibrated, such as by pulling the game machine, the reaction ball avoids a situation in which the game ball passes through the rear passage and wins a prize. Can do. As a result, it is not possible to perform an operation of intentionally increasing the winning probability to the specific winning opening 60 by vibrating when the specific winning opening guide portion 46a is behind. In this sense, the gaming machine of this embodiment can improve the fairness of the mechanical lottery at the ball sorting member 46.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the rib 381 is formed with a protrusion 381. This protrusion 381 has two actions. First, the projection 381 can diffuse, that is, irregularly change the direction in which the game ball is supplied onto the stage 46c by colliding with the game ball falling from the ball dropping unit 38a. Since the supply direction on the stage 46c is diffused in this way, it becomes difficult for the player to predict the movement of the game ball on the stage 46c, so the feeling of throbbing until the lottery result is finalized is improved, Can be increased.

  Since the protrusion 382 has a semi-cylindrical shape, that is, has a substantially semicircular cross section, when the game ball rolling on the stage 46c collides, it also has a function of diffusing the rebound direction. As a result, the movement of the game ball on the stage 46c can be made more difficult to predict. However, it is not essential to provide the protrusion 382, and only the rib 381 may be attached to the sphere supply unit 380.

  (3-3-1. Distributing Operation in Case of Low Probability Path) When a game ball passes through the low probability path 36, the ball distribution 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 the Case of High Probability Path) A case where a game ball is guided through the high probability path 38 can be considered in the same manner. 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 enters. 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.) in 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. Supplementation of production elements) The above-mentioned center character 6 has decorative designs at various places, and decorative lamps / LEDs (not shown) are arranged inside as production elements. ing. 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. 12 specifically shows a notice effect character 64 attached to the center accessory 6. The notice 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) shown in FIG. Solenoid) 66, and appears to be visually recognized by the player at this time.

  The notice 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 effect solenoid 66 is energized, the notice effect character 64 turns about 90 ° to the near side via the mechanism element 66a, and rises to the near side as shown.

  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 notice effect character 64 appears when it is easy to enter the guide 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, the notice effect character 64 appears.

  Furthermore, in the case of the present embodiment, in accordance with the appearance of the notice effect character 64, the notice effect is visually and audibly produced by lighting up the surrounding area with a decoration lamp / LED illumination or generating a sound effect. It is intended to enhance the effect of.

  (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. 13 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 for controlling various performance operations. These boards are connected to each other through wiring. In addition, 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. . In addition, winnings in the normal winning openings 8, 10 and the center winning combination 6 are detected by a plurality of other winning opening switches 80 corresponding to each, and the detection signal is the main control board 68. Is output.

  On the other hand, the operation of the driving elements such as the above-mentioned large winning opening solenoid 82, the ball path changing portion solenoid 58 and the ball stopping portion solenoid 54 is controlled based on the driving signal from the main control board 68. Yes.

  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.

  (5-2. Sub-Control Board) 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 effect solenoid 66 is also connected to the sub-control board 70, and the appearance action of the notice effect character 64 is controlled by the sub-control board 70.

  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.

  (6. Content of Control Process) Next, the content 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. 14 is a timing chart showing processing when power is turned on and states of various switches. In FIG. 14 and subsequent figures, the “operating state” of each member means that the corresponding solenoid or motor is energized and driven, and conversely, the “stopped state” indicates 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. 14, 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 rotational speed A (for example, about 1.9 seconds per rotation).

  (6.2.1 When Winning the Start Port) FIG. 15 shows the processing when there is a win 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. 15 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%. Accordingly, in FIG. 15, 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 to Start Port Two Times) FIG. 16 shows a process when there is a win to the start port 14 twice during a 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 starting opening 12 once or the starting opening 14 twice 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.

  (6-4. Special Game State) Next, FIG. 17 shows a process when a game ball wins V in the center bonus item 6. In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a V prize is won in the normal gaming state, a special game state (big hit game) is given a privilege that a specific condition is satisfied.

  As shown in FIG. 17, when the passage of the game ball is detected by the specific area switch 52 (ON), the game shifts to a big hit game.

  (6-4-1. Round operation) When shifting to the jackpot 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.

  As described above, a predetermined production time is provided before the opening / closing of the big prize opening 26 is started as a big hit game, and a so-called round lottery production 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.

  When the main control board 68 receives the detection signal from the specific area switch 52, the main control board 68 first switches the operation state of the ball sorting member 46 to the rotation speed B (for example, about 3.7 seconds per rotation), and then the rotation speed A. Switch to.

  In this way, while the round lottery effect is in progress, the rotation speed of the ball sorting member 46 is switched to two stages. During this process, the main control board 68 outputs the third index signal from the motor index sensor 86. Upon reception, the rotation of the ball sorting member 46 is stopped there. In the case of this embodiment, when the ball sorting member 46 is stopped at the timing of receiving the index signal, in this state, the specific winning opening guide 46a moves to the end of the low probability path 36 (the direction in which a game ball can be received). Positioned relative to each other. Further, 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 the player is notified of the number of winning rounds, the main control board 68 starts the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 26 according to the sequence of the big hit game. In accordance with this, the main control board 68 activates the function of the specific area switch 52.

  (6-4-2. Continuation of Round Operation) In the case of this embodiment, the jackpot game can be continued up to 15 rounds, and the end condition of one round is, for example, any of the following (1) to (3) Is to be satisfied. (1) When the number of times of opening / closing the grand prize winning opening 26 has reached 18 times. (2) When the number of game balls won in the big winning opening 26 reaches ten. (3) When a game ball is detected by the specific area switch 52.

  In addition, the continuation condition to the next round in the big hit game is that the game ball is detected by the specific area switch 52, that is, V winning. However, in the fifteenth round, 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.

  (6-4-3. Continuation Plan Means) Regardless of the lottery result, the first round after the transition to the big hit game is always planned to be continued to the next round. Alternatively, when the lottery result is 15 rounds, continuation to the next round is scheduled for all the second to fourteenth rounds.

  (A. Execution of Guiding Operation) In these cases, as shown in FIG. 17, the ball path changing member 34 is in a state of guiding the game ball to the low probability path 36 during the round execution. The ball distribution member 46 is stopped in a posture that makes it easy to receive the game ball at the specific winning opening guide 46a, and the ball stopping member 44 has advanced toward the low probability path 36. Therefore, the first game ball that has won the big winning opening 26 during the round is first guided to the specific winning opening guide 46 a through the low probability path 36.

  Thereafter, when the number of winning balls to the big winning opening 26 increases from 2 to 5, the game ball (first winning prize) that has entered the specific winning opening guide 46a in the center role 6 From there, the following game balls (winning 2nd to 5th) stop in one row in the low probability path 36.

  However, if the sixth winning ball is counted before the opening of the big winning opening 26 reaches 18 times, as shown by the broken line in FIG. The control board 68 operates the ball retaining member 44. In this case, since the ball stopping member 44 is retracted to the outside from the low-probability path 36, the game balls (third to fifth) that have been stopped until then lose support, and remain in the low-probability path 36 as they are. It rolls in the downstream direction and falls to the general winning opening 50.

  Further, when the main control board 68 ends the round (one segment) for the time being, either the 10 winning balls are detected by the special winning opening count switch 28 or the special winning opening 26 is opened or closed 18 times. With the earlier timing as a trigger, the rotation of the ball sorting member 46 is resumed after a predetermined time (for example, 1.8 seconds) has elapsed. At this time, since the first winning ball has already entered the specific winning opening guide 46a, the gaming ball surely wins V. As a result, since the passing of the game ball is detected by the specific area switch 52, the continuation to the next round is confirmed.

  However, even if the continuation to the next round is scheduled as described above, if the player is not allowed to win the big winning opening 26, the continuation condition is not satisfied, and the big hit game ends there. . In this case, as shown in FIG. 17, when a predetermined time (for example, 8 seconds) elapses after the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 26 is stopped, the main control board 68 causes the functions of the start opening switches 76, 78. Is enabled while the function of the specific area switch 52 is disabled. At the same time, the main control board 68 returns the operating state of the ball sorting member 46 to the rotational speed A (high speed) and returns the ball retaining member 44 to the stopped state.

  FIG. 18 shows processing in rounds continued during the big hit game. The content of the processing is almost the same as in the case of FIG. 17, but here the passage of the game ball is detected by the specific area switch 52 because the period for the round lottery effect is not prepared. The time until the opening / closing operation is started (for example, 4 seconds) is shortened.

  (B. Stop of Guidance Operation) The processes in FIGS. 17 and 18 are the contents when continuation to the next round is scheduled. On the other hand, when the result of the round lottery is 2 rounds or 7 rounds, the continuation to the 3rd round or later or the 8th round or later is not scheduled in principle. For this reason, when the result of the round lottery is the second round or the seventh round, the process (guide operation) for actively shifting to the next round is not performed in the round (the second round or the seventh round).

  FIG. 19 shows the process when the continuation to the next round is not scheduled, that is, the process of the second round or the seventh round determined as the final round as a result of the round lottery. In this case, the main control board 68 once stops the ball sorting member 46 at a fixed position at the start of the second round or the seventh round (before the big prize opening 26 is opened), and then opens and closes the big prize opening 26. The rotation of the ball sorting member 46 is started in synchronization with the timing of starting the operation (time ts). Thereafter, the rotation of the ball sorting member 46 is maintained, and the ball sorting member 46 remains rotated at a constant speed B (medium speed) during the round.

  In accordance with this, the main control board 68 repeatedly executes the forward / backward movement of the ball retaining member 44. This operation is also performed in synchronization with the rotation of the ball distributing member 46. The member 44 is driven to a forward state and a backward state with a duty factor of approximately 50%.

  Therefore, at this time, the main control board 68 retreats the ball stopping member 44 at the timing when the specific winning opening guide 46a opposes, for example, near the end of the low probability path 36, and conversely the timing at which the general winning opening guide 46b opposes. Then, by advancing the ball stopping member 44, it is possible to stop the operation of guiding the game ball that has passed through the low probability path 36 to the specific winning opening guide 46a.

  (6-4-4. Granting of Winning Opportunities) If the V-winning is not made in the second round or the seventh round, the round continuation condition is not satisfied, so that the big hit game ends in the round. However, the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment has a specification that allows a round to be continued (a V prize can be made) by a player's technical intervention, and the specific specification will be described below.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the specification that the opportunity to enable V winning by technical intervention is provided only once at a specific timing during the round. The specific timing is a winning ball to the big winning opening 26. Is when the seventh count is reached. For example, the game ball (seventh) that has won the grand prize opening 26 at this specific timing is given an opportunity to win a V in the following manner, for example.

  First, the main control board 68 fixes the ball path changing member 34 in a stopped state until the number of winning balls to the big winning opening 26 reaches 6 counts (time ts to time tc). Any game balls that have won the winning opening 26 are sent to the low probability path 36. When the game ball is guided to the ball stopping member 44 in the vicinity of its end, the game ball enters the general winning opening guide 46b, and conversely, when it is not guided to the ball guiding member 44, it falls to the general winning opening 50 as it is.

  In contrast, when the winning ball reaches 7 counts (time tc), the main control board 68 operates the ball path changing member 34 for a predetermined time (for example, 1.2 seconds) using this as a trigger. As a result, the game ball won in the seventh count is almost certainly sent to the high probability path 38. In this case, since the game ball passes through the high probability path 38 and falls onto the stage 46a of the ball sorting member 46, the game ball can enter the specific winning opening guide 46a from there with a probability of 1/4.

  Also, in this case, the game ball won in the seventh count is given an opportunity to win a V regardless of the guiding operation by the ball stopping member 44, and the V winning probability at that time is a comparatively 1/4. It is set high. Therefore, even if the player is simply playing a game, if he can win 7 in the big prize opening 26, he will always have a chance of winning a V prize with a probability of a quarter, that is, challenge the continuation of the round. Have an opportunity to do. As a result, even a player who has played a game casually will know that there is a possibility that he can win a round continuation if he can win up to the seventh count, and the motivation for the game will increase naturally.

  The specifications of the pachinko machine 1 as described above are extremely excellent in that the content can be equally beneficial for all, regardless of whether or not the player specifically recognizes the contents as information. The utility of such specifications is remarkable when a player who is not very skilled (beginner), a player who is not familiar with information, a player who is not interested in technical intervention originally played a game with the pachinko machine 1, etc. Become.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the winning ball of the seventh count can be guided to a different route (high probability path 38), so that the player is given the opportunity of V winning by visual change. Is easy to recognize. Therefore, even if the player does not know the specifications of the technical intervention as information, the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment can easily understand the specifications just by looking at the movement of the game ball, It is easy to understand for everyone and can provide interesting games.

  (A. Synchronization with the opening and closing operation of the prize winning opening) The technical intervention specification by the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is not only a chance at the seventh count, but further advanced, more advanced elements Is added.

  In other words, in a round that is not scheduled to continue, the ball sorting member 46 starts rotating at the timing when the first opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 26 is started as described above (time ts). At this time, the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 26 is repeated at a constant cycle, and the rotational speed (angular velocity) of the ball sorting member 46 is constant. The posture (rotation angle) of the minute member 46 and the timing at which the special winning opening 26 is opened are synchronized with a certain relative relationship.

  For this reason, if the player has deeper observation and exploration, he / she should play the game after understanding the relative relationship between the timing of opening the special winning opening 26 and the rotation angle of the ball sorting member 46. Is possible. Therefore, for example, while the player observes the pachinko machine 1 well, if the player makes a 7th count at the opening timing, it is possible for the player to determine whether the player is likely to win a V. It is. Players who have arrived so far will have a greater enjoyment of technical intervention than other average players, and will be able to feel great satisfaction in continuing the round as a result.

  (B. Non-uniformity at the time of ball drop) However, if the behavior always continues mechanically, the player may get bored and the interest in technical intervention may be reduced by half. In this regard, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the above-described ball dropping portion (one-hole croon) 38a is formed at the terminal position of the high probability path 38. Unevenness will occur in the time required for the fall. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a rib 381 having a protrusion 382 is attached to the lower side of the ball dropping portion 38a, and the falling direction is diffused by the falling game ball colliding with the protrusion 382. Therefore, it is more difficult for the player to predict the behavior of the game ball.

  In this case, based on the relative relationship between the opening / closing operation timing of the big winning opening 26 and the rotation angle of the ball sorting member 46, it is assumed that the player can easily determine the opening timing at which the player can easily win V at the seventh count. However, the game ball does not always exhibit the same behavior (the movement time from when the ball is entered until it is received by the ball sorting member 46) at the point where it enters the special winning opening 26. Thereby, the arrival of the player's tiredness can be delayed, and the difference in the number of balls due to the difference in the technique of the player can be reduced.

  In addition, even if the player plays the game after understanding the general specifications, whether or not the round can be continued successfully by technical intervention depends on the individual differences of the pachinko machine 1 and variations due to accidental effects. Therefore, an interesting element from another viewpoint is added. Therefore, for players who are actively involved in technical intervention, the enjoyment of playing games while identifying the non-uniform factors due to individual product differences increases, so for players who have further studied the specifications and characteristics of the pachinko machine 1, In addition to the success of his own technical intervention, he can get great satisfaction with the achievements such as rounding around the hall and choosing a platform.

  (6-5. Final Round) FIG. 20 shows processing in the final round (15 rounds). Not only when the lottery was performed at the start of the opening 12 and 14, but when it was 15 rounds, despite the lottery result of 2 rounds or 7 rounds, if the big hit game could be continued up to 15 rounds, In the final round, the following processing is performed.

  Here, first, when a detection signal from the specific area switch 52 is input, the main control board 68 disables the function of the specific area switch 52 and does not enable it until the end of the round. Further, the main control board 68 temporarily stops the ball sorting member 46 based on the index signal from the motor index sensor 86, but the rotation of the ball sorting member 46 is synchronized with the timing at which the big winning opening 26 is opened. To start. Further, the ball retaining member 44 is switched to the operating state in accordance with this and maintained as it is until the end of the round. On the other hand, since the ball path changing member 34 remains in a stopped state until the end of the round, the game ball won in the big winning opening 26 passes through the low probability path 36 and is not received by the ball sorting member 46. It simply falls to the general winning opening 50.

  Through the above process, the V-winning is avoided in the final round. Therefore, when either of the winnings at the big winning opening 26 reaches 10 counts or the big winning opening 26 is opened 18 times, As a result, the final round ends, and the main control board 68 ends a series of big hit game processes.

  (7. Supplement on Timing Chart) The description of the processing with reference to the timing charts of FIGS. 14 to 20 is completed. Points to be supplemented about the description of these drawings are listed below.

  (1) In FIGS. 14 to 20, 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. 15 or FIG. 16, when the passing 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. 17 to FIG. 20, the end timing of the opening operation of the big prize opening is the earlier of the 18th closing time or 10 winning prizes.

  (4) In FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the portion indicated by the broken line as the change in the state of the ball stopping member during the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening is, as a rule, switched to the operation state of the ball stopping member 44 at 6 counts. Represents that. However, if the 6th count is not reached, the ball stopping member 44 operates at the 18th closing time of the grand prize winning opening 26, and if the 6th count is reached before the grand winning opening 26 is opened, Operates at 10 counts.

  (5) In FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, the portions indicated by broken lines as the state change of the ball sorting member and the ball retaining member when the specific area switch rises are shown in the previous round. If it is in operation, it is in the operating state at that time. Conversely, if it is in the stopping state, it indicates that it changes from the stopped state to the operating state at the rise of the detection signal by the specific area switch.

  (6) Similarly, in FIG. 20, the portion indicated by the broken line as the change in state of the ball retaining member when the specific area switch is started is in the activated state at that time if the ball retaining member was operating in the previous round. On the other hand, when the vehicle is stopped, it indicates that the detection signal is changed from the stopped state to the operating state at the rising edge of the detection signal by the specific area switch.

  (8. Round lottery effect process) Next, the round lottery effect process will be described in detail. As already described in (6-4-1. Round operation) above, the round lottery itself is performed when a winning is detected by each start port switch 76, 78 (decision means). In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the round lottery effect and the promotion effect are executed in the big hit game. At this time, the number of rounds selected by lottery is one of a relatively high stage (15 rounds), a relatively medium stage (7 rounds), or a relatively low stage (2 rounds). The lottery probabilities for each round are equally one third.

  FIG. 21 shows an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 40 when a big hit is made in the normal gaming state (when V is won). In this example, the screen up to that point is changed over, the “big hit” character is displayed on the screen in a decorative manner, and a state of a stunning operation by a plurality of characters is drawn. A voice message or sound effect is output from the speaker 88 with the output of these images.

  (8-1. Notification Unit) Next, FIG. 22 shows an example of an image displayed as an effect at the time of the round lottery. Such effect display is performed before the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 26 is started in the first round of the big hit game. Here, as a result of the round lottery, the number of rounds scheduled to be continued can be displayed in a stunning manner by changing the decorative pattern (designed with the numbers “2”, “7”, “15”). . In the present embodiment, three types of symbols are scrolled vertically on the screen, for example, in the vertical direction, and when a certain amount of time has passed, the scrolling is stopped and the symbols are stopped and displayed.

  (8-2. Temporary Continuation Period) FIGS. 24 to 25 show examples of images when symbols are stopped and displayed from the above scroll state. These images have the content of notifying the player of the result of the round lottery according to the type of symbols that are stopped and displayed, and the lottery result is 2 rounds (FIG. 23), 7 rounds (FIG. 24), or the maximum 15 The fact that it was a round (FIG. 25) is represented by a symbol.

  Before the stop display is made, the scrolled symbol (for example, “2”) is temporarily stopped, and after a short time, the symbol is changed to the next symbol (for example, “7”). In some cases, the display may change to the next symbol (for example, “15”) at a further interval, and a final stop display may be displayed there. Due to such a change in the display mode, an effect can be obtained in which the result of the round lottery is informed in a staged manner while making the player feel excited.

  If the lottery result based on the original probability of 1/3 is 7 rounds or the maximum 15 rounds, the correct lottery result is 7 rounds (FIG. 24) or 15 rounds (FIG. 25) in the round lottery effect. In some cases, it may be notified, and in some cases, an unreal lottery result is notified as an effect. Specifically, even though the true lottery result is 15 rounds, the round lottery effect may be notified as 7 rounds or 2 rounds. Alternatively, even though the true lottery result is 7 rounds, the round lottery effect may be notified as 2 rounds.

  In this way, the determination as to whether or not to notify the number of rounds that is not the true lottery result as an effect is made on the sub-control board 70 of the pachinko machine 1. When receiving a command indicating the real lottery result from the main control board 68, the sub control board 70 determines the number of rounds (maximum number of rounds) to be notified in the round lottery effect and the effect time, and based on this determination, the liquid crystal The display of the display device 40 is controlled. The appearance ratio of the number of rounds notified at this time is, for example, as described in Table 1 below.

From the appearance ratio shown in Table 1, the following is clear. That is, since the original lottery probability of each round is one third (about 33.3%), roughly, the one that is reported as 2 rounds in the round lottery effect (61.5%) Half of them show that the 7th or 15th round is the real lottery result. In other words, even if the round lottery effect is notified as 2 rounds, there are about half the cases where the promotion effect is promoted to 7 rounds or 15 rounds. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the 2nd and 7th rounds that are notified in the round lottery effect in the case of a big win are the contents (temporary duration, number of temporary continuations) that are provisionally notified including the true result. I can say that. However, when 15 rounds are notified, there is no case where they are demoted to 7 rounds or 2 rounds, so the lottery result is fixed to 15 rounds at this time. By configuring the round lottery production method in this way, the player can always face a big hit game with a sense of expectation for the round promotion.

  (8-3. Promotion Effect Unit) After the above round lottery effect is performed, the promotion effect is further performed by the sub-control board 70 during the big hit game. In this promotion effect, for example, what was reported as 2 rounds is changed to a number of rounds exceeding that, that is, there is a possibility of promotion, and the effect information indicating the number of rounds after promotion is displayed by an image The contents are displayed.

  In the present embodiment, the promotion effect is performed twice during the big hit game, the first time being the first round big hit game, and the second time being the sixth round big hit game. For example, if the round lottery effect is informed that there are two rounds, the first promotion effect is an effect of whether it is 2 rounds, or it is promoted to 7 rounds or 15 rounds. Also, if you were informed of 7 rounds, or if you were promoted from 2 rounds to 7 rounds in the 1st promotion effect, will you remain 7 rounds in the 2nd promotion effect or will you be promoted to 15 rounds? Is promoted. If the first round lottery effect has already been notified as 15 rounds, the promotion effect is not performed. Similarly, when the first round lottery effect has already been reported as 7 rounds, the promotion effect is not performed during the first round jackpot game.

  In any case, since the real lottery results are assigned in three ways with a probability of 1/3, if the round lottery production is instructed to produce as 2 rounds or 7 rounds, the promotion will be promoted thereafter. The ratio of the final promotion to the 7th round or the 15th round in the production (first or second time) will settle down to the promotion ratio shown in Table 2 below, for example.

FIG. 26 shows an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 40 when the promotion effect is started. In this example, the character information marked “promotion chance !!” is displayed large on the screen, and the symbol (here “2”) indicating the number of rounds that were temporarily informed is displayed large. Yes. In addition, sound information indicating “promotion chance” is output from the speaker 88 and a sound effect that excites the atmosphere is output.

  When a promotion effect is implemented in the big hit game, when a game ball is won first in the big winning opening 26 (first count) after the round operation is started, this is used as a trigger to display on the liquid crystal display 40 in FIG. Will appear and the actual promotion will begin.

  (8-4. Effect Information) FIGS. 27 to 29 show examples of effect information displayed on the liquid crystal display 40 in the first (first round) promotion effect, respectively. Here, the following three display modes are listed as effect information.

  (1) A mode in which a character imitating a police officer shoots down a symbol while shooting a handgun with a comical motion against a background of symbols representing rounds 2, 7, and 15 (FIG. 27).

  (2) On the ice against the background of the curling ground, the symbols representing 2, 7, and 15 rounds are drawn in three dimensions, and the video shows how these three three-dimensional symbols are slid while rotating horizontally in a state where they are arranged in a cage. Is displayed. Then, a three-dimensional symbol rotating by a character imitating a person with a spear in the direction of curling is guided in a curling manner, and the symbols to be positioned in front of the player are successively changed (FIG. 28). .

  (3) Patterns representing rounds 2, 7, and 15 are displayed in the depth direction against the background of the garden of a private house, and a character imitating a housewife is rhythmic in the manner of hitting a futon from behind. A mode in which the pattern to be positioned in front is changed one after another while hitting (FIG. 29).

  (A. Relationship between Progress of Game and Production Information) In the present embodiment, in the promotion production using the above-described display modes (1) to (3), each display mode (character action and design content) is different. It changes according to the progress of the game. That is, when a winning of a game ball is detected by the big winning port count switch 28 during the big hit game, a winning command is transmitted from the main control board 68 to the sub control board 70 based on this detection result. The sub-control board 70 controls the display of the number of counts (for example, “2C”, etc.) based on the received winning command, and controls the display modes (1) to (3) listed as effect information. I do. In the present embodiment, for example, the above-mentioned count number display is performed in the upper right part of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 40, and the numerical display is controlled so as to sequentially change as the number of winning prizes increases. This is a general count number display and is not included in the “change the display mode of effect information” in the present embodiment.

Thereby, the change of each display mode specifically becomes the following, for example.
(1) In the display mode of FIG. 27, symbols are shot down in order as the number of counts increases. When a specified count number (for example, 10 counts) is reached, the symbol is represented by the last remaining symbol without being shot down. Promotion to a round is confirmed. However, if the symbol “2” is left last, it is not promoted after all.

  (2) In the display mode of FIG. 28, as the number of counts increases, the positions of the three-dimensional symbols are switched in order, and when the specified number of counts is reached, the round is finally represented by a symbol facing the front. Promotion to is confirmed. Similarly, if the symbol “2” faces the front, it will not be promoted.

  (3) In the display mode of FIG. 29, the positions of the symbols are switched in order as the number of counts increases, and when the specified number of counts is reached, the promotion to the round represented by the symbol positioned at the front is finally achieved. Is confirmed. It is the same as (1) and (2) above that the symbol “2” is not promoted when the symbol “2” is positioned at the front.

  In this way, in this embodiment, it can be said that there is a device in the effect animation by the liquid crystal display 40 and the promotion effect animation itself for entertaining the player during the big hit game. Normally, the production of animation by this type of liquid crystal display is an effect that switches every time a predetermined time elapses using a production scheduler, whereas in this embodiment, during the big hit game The effect switching is triggered by the fact that the game ball that has entered the special winning opening 26 is detected by the special winning count switch 28. For this reason, it is not an effect of dressing up in advance, but an interesting effect linked to the progress of the game for the player.

  Also, in the promotion effect animations exemplified in the above (1) to (3), if the player wants to see each result quickly, the player appropriately sets the launch intensity (commonly referred to as “stroke”) of the game ball. Therefore, it becomes more interesting that it is necessary to make the game ball enter the big winning opening 26 as soon as possible, and the player is not bored.

  (B. Notification of the result by the end of the round) However, there is a possibility that an effect that the ending of the effect animation cannot be seen when the number of winnings per round is less than the prescribed number (10) will occur. In this regard, if there is no specified number of prizes in one round and the round is over (when the big prize opening 26 is closed for the 18th time), the sub-control board 70 adjusts the progress of the animation. The device has been devised to forcibly display the end of the promotion effect at the end of the round.

  (C. Promotion Reliability According to Display Mode) Here, in the present embodiment, the display modes (1) to (3) are listed as the images for the promotion effect. Which mode appears? This is due to the possibility of being promoted to a higher round (so-called reliability). Specifically, the above-described aspect (1) has a relatively low promotion reliability (or expectation), and the next aspect (2) has a relatively medium promotion reliability, and the last (3 ) Has a relatively high degree of reliability for promotion.

  It is left to the sub-control board 70 to determine in which display mode (1) to (3) the promotion effect is performed, and the sub-control board 70 has the lowest degree of reliability in promotion in the control of the promotion effect. (For example, when the real winning round is 2 rounds), the promotion effect can be controlled using the aspect of (1) above, and the reliability of promotion is moderate. When it can be determined (for example, when the real winning round is 7 rounds), the promotion effect can be controlled using the mode of (2) above. When the sub-control board 70 can be determined to have the highest degree of reliability of promotion (for example, when the real winning round is 15 rounds), the promotion effect can be controlled using the mode (3) above. it can.

  Thus, by changing the display mode for presentation according to the reliability of promotion (expectation of promotion to a higher round), it is possible to suggest the level of promotion possibility to the player. Further, the player can estimate the degree of reliability of promotion to some extent from the display mode at the time of promotion effect.

  30 and 31 show examples of images displayed on the liquid crystal display 40 as a result of the promotion effect. If two rounds are announced in the round lottery effect, and the first promotion effect is promoted to 7 rounds, the image shown in FIG. 30 is displayed, and if promoted to 15 rounds, the image shown in FIG. 31 is displayed. Is displayed. In these images, a symbol representing the number of rounds for which promotion has been established is displayed large in the center of the screen, and character information of “promotion” is displayed separately on both sides. Behind the pattern, a character imitating a police officer and a character imitating a person with a spear are lined up to show a comical expression. In accordance with the display of these images, sound information such as “promotion” is output from the speaker 88 in the voice color of each character, and a sound effect is output.

  (8-5. Screening effect means) If 7 rounds are notified in the above round lottery effect or the first promotion effect, it remains 7 rounds during the sixth round of jackpot game or is promoted to 15 rounds Promotional performance is performed. At this time, in this embodiment, in order to increase the interest of the production, the possibility of promotion to the 15th round from the content of the production animation by the liquid crystal display 40 in the third, fourth, and fifth rounds is implied.

  (8-6. Production Information with Streak) Although various methods are conceivable, in this embodiment, a series of production animations displayed in 3 to 5 rounds is given a story, and along the story. The production animation is going to progress. In other words, the comical characters that appear in the production animation change destinations in various places (inside sewer pipes, fields (or rivers), in front of dispatch stations, on the chimney of the public bath, etc.) Entertaining players by taking various actions.

  As an example, a character imitating a thief appears in a production animation displayed in 3-5 rounds, and a character imitating a police officer is drawn while looking around while changing destinations. Also, in the production animation, the thief shows the gesture of escaping by carrying the symbol representing “15”, and the police officers are desperately searching to recover this. As a result, in the production animation, the thief's right to promote 15 rounds was stolen, so a story as if police officers were desperately searching to regain it. There are a variety of performance animation patterns displayed along the story at this time, but there is a certain relationship between the content of the story and the possibility of promotion. If it is a person, it is possible to guess a promotion possibility from the production animation displayed in 3-5 rounds.

  However, in this embodiment, since there are 150 or more types of effect animation patterns displayed along the above-described story, it can be said that the implied method is slightly too complicated. For this reason, it is difficult for a player to feel the implied possibility of being promoted to 15 rounds from the contents of various production animations. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a method of implying that the possibility of promotion is higher as the character moves to a relatively high place in the production animation, and the possibility of promotion is lower as the character moves to a relatively low place. Is further adopted.

  FIGS. 32 to 35 show examples of images displayed by the liquid crystal display 40 in the promotion effect of the sixth round. Here, the following four examples are given as display modes of the staging effect information.

  (1) A character imitating a police officer at the end of the fifth round enters the manhole underground, and the same character follows the thief while running inside the sewer pipe in the sixth round (FIG. 32). In this aspect, a state in which a symbol representing 7 rounds currently informed and a symbol representing 15 rounds after promotion run together in the sewer pipe together with the character are drawn.

  (2) When a character imitating a police officer runs up the bank at the end of the fifth round, a character imitating an infant appears in the sixth round, and this character runs on a tricycle and runs in the field (Kawara) (FIG. 33). In this aspect, a state in which a symbol representing 7 rounds currently informed and a symbol representing 15 rounds after promotion run along the field together with the character are drawn.

  (3) A mode in which a character imitating a police officer fades out with the screen at the end of the fifth round, and the same character moves in front of the dispatching station in the sixth round (FIG. 34). In this aspect, a state in which a symbol representing 7 rounds currently informed and a symbol representing 15 rounds after promotion drop from the head of the character and crush the character are drawn.

  (4) When a character imitating a police officer moves toward the public bath chimney at the end of the fifth round, a character imitating a person with a spear in the sixth round appears, and this character is at the top of the chimney. The mode which is paying off (FIG. 35). In this aspect, a state in which a symbol representing 7 rounds currently informed and a symbol representing 15 rounds after promotion appear and exit from the chimney are drawn.

  The aspect of (1) above implies that the destination of the character is relatively low, and thus the possibility of promotion is relatively low. On the contrary, the mode (4) implies that the destination of the character is relatively high, and in this case, the possibility of promotion is relatively high. In this way, by associating the big direction and the possibility of promotion in the story development of the production animation, it is possible to easily suggest the possibility of promotion to the player even if the production of the complex pattern is used it can. In other words, by such a device, it is possible to satisfy the conflicting demands of preventing the player from getting bored with a complicated performance and making it easier for the player to guess the possibility of promotion at a high level.

  Furthermore, the player may become bored of the game by simply determining the possibility of promotion based only on the destination and moving direction of the character. For this reason, even if it is a display mode that moves to a sewer pipe that has a low possibility of promotion, multiple patterns (commonly called “iron plate patterns”) that can be surely promoted depending on the destination or action after that are provided. Devised to draw out the player's inquisitive mind.

  FIG. 36 shows an example of a display mode corresponding to the “iron plate pattern”. In this display mode, the character imitating an infant is drawn happily wearing a tricycle against the background of the garden of a private house, and a pattern representing 15 rounds after promotion is displayed along with the character. be painted.

  FIG. 37 shows an example of an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 40 when promotion to the 15th round is confirmed by the promotion effect of the sixth round. Here too, as with the promotion effect of the first round (FIG. 31), the symbol representing the 15th round after promotion is displayed large in the center of the screen, and the character information of “promotion” is displayed on both sides. The The same applies to the point that audio information, sound effects, and the like are output from the speaker 88.

  The above is the contents of the promotion effect using a series of effect animations. However, there is naturally a case where an effect that is not promoted (seven rounds) is performed as a result. In this case, a symbol representing 7 rounds currently informed at the end of the promotion effect is displayed large on the screen, so that the player is informed easily that there has been no promotion.

  However, in the present embodiment, even if it is a case where it was informed stating that there was no promotion once, there is also an effect in which this result is overturned and the result of promotion to 15 rounds is informed again, This further enhances the appeal to players. In this case, an effect screen that is not promoted once is displayed, but after that, for example, a character imitating a police officer appears, and an effect of generating a strange voice (“Still More!” Etc.) with a motivated expression is performed. Then, the result of the promotion to 15 rounds will be notified again, so from the player's point of view, it seems as if the player who gave up the promotion once was revived and gained the promotion. As a result, there will be more direct entertainment.

  In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment described above, the rib 381 and the protrusion 382 are provided in the ball supply unit 380 that supplies the game balls to the ball sorting member 46 in the center accessory 6. By virtue of the action of the rib 382, the act of intentionally increasing the winning probability to the specific winning opening guide 46a can be prevented from being successful by exciting the gaming machine, and the act can be suppressed. . In addition, the action of the protrusion 382 can diffuse the supply direction of the game ball and the rebound direction when it collides with the rib 381, making it difficult to predict the movement of the game ball, thereby making it more interesting for mechanical lottery. Can be increased.

(6. 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.

  (1) In one embodiment, there are three types of round distribution by lottery at the time of a big hit, but the specification of the round lottery is not particularly limited. Accordingly, the actual round lottery result (scheduled duration, scheduled number of times) may be a number other than 15 rounds, and the lottery result (temporary duration, number of times of temporary continuation) that is tentatively notified at the time of shifting to jackpot is Any number other than round may be used.

  (2) The various images (effect information, effect information with a scenario) listed in one embodiment are only preferable examples, and the specific contents of the image according to the model of the gaming machine and the game contents implemented as the present invention. Can be changed as appropriate.

  (3) In one embodiment, the action of a specific character is given as an example of the display mode of the effect animation. However, if the content can imply the possibility of promotion, the effect of pushing out some character to the front It is not necessary to adopt the contents. In one embodiment, if the character moves to a relatively high place in the production animation, it implies that the promotion is highly reliable. However, the character is in a specific direction (direction on the screen, relative to the background). It may be a mode that suggests the possibility of promotion by moving in a direction or the like.

  (4) Furthermore, the story expressed by the effect animation may be other than the content described in the embodiment.

  (5) In one embodiment, a so-called “feather” pachinko machine is taken as an example, but the gaming machine of the present invention may be a pachinko machine that performs a special symbol change and stop display by a symbol display. .

  In this case, for example, whether it is a probable big hit or a non-probable big hit is determined by a lottery triggered by a winning at the start opening (decision means), but in the transition from the normal gaming state to the special gaming state By displaying a big hit with a normal symbol (non-probable variable symbol) on the symbol display, it is possible to first notify that a low degree of privilege is given (notifying means). Then, during execution of the big hit round, it is possible to notify the possibility of the change to the probability variation symbol (rising up), and to display the process leading to the result of whether or not the change is made as promotion information (promotional presentation means) ). At this time, if the symbol display unit displays the process of changing to a probable variation symbol with a stunning animation in response to an increase in the number of winning prizes at the big prize opening, for example, the player is actively involved in the production. It becomes possible.

(6) FIG. 38 is an explanatory view showing a first modification of the sphere supply unit 380. The state which looked at the bulb | ball supply part 380 from the left (arrow V direction in Fig.8 (a)) was shown. In the modified example, the rib 381A has a shape curved forward as indicated by a two-dot chain line. The rib 381A has a structure that is flexible enough to change the degree of bending as indicated by an arrow F in accordance with the weight of the game ball and the speed at the time of dropping. When the game ball falls in this state, the game ball is pushed forward by the curved rib 381A as indicated by an arrow Vout in the figure. If the degree of bending changes, the direction in which the game ball is pushed out changes irregularly. Such a mechanism can also diffuse the supply direction when supplying the game ball to the stage 46c, and can enhance the interest in performing the mechanical lottery.

(7) FIG. 39 is an explanatory view showing a second modification of the sphere supply unit 380. The perspective view which looked at the bulb | ball supply part 380 from the left front direction was shown. In the modification, a rod-shaped member 385 with a magnet 386 attached is disposed in the vicinity of the sphere supply unit 380. The location and number of magnets 386 may be determined arbitrarily. The rod-shaped member 385 has a cylindrical shape, but various shapes such as a prism and a cone can be used. In the modification, the rod-shaped member 385 is rotated as shown by an arrow r by a motor (not shown). By doing so, the magnetic force acting from the magnet 386 on the game ball falling from the ball dropping unit 380a can be temporally changed. Since the behavior when the game ball falls according to the change of the magnetic force, the supply direction of the game ball to the stage 46c changes irregularly. Such a mechanism can also diffuse the supply direction of game balls, and can enhance the interest in performing mechanical lottery.

  The second modification is not limited to the illustrated example, and it is possible to adopt various movements and arrangements that can change the magnetic force acting on the game ball. For example, the rod-shaped member 385 may be reciprocated in the direction of the arrow p. The rod-shaped member 385 is not limited to the arrangement in which the axis is aligned in the illustrated front-rear direction, and may be arranged in the left-right direction.

(8) FIG. 40 is an explanatory view showing a ball sorting member 460 as a first modification. The state which looked at the ball distribution member 460 from the top was shown. In this modification, various protrusions 461 and grooves 462 are provided on the stage 460 c on the upper surface of the ball sorting member 460. The shape and number of the protrusions 461 and the grooves 462 may be arbitrarily determined. Only one of the protrusion 461 or the groove 462 may be provided. When a game ball is supplied onto the ball sorting member 460, the rolling direction of the game ball changes irregularly on the stage 460c due to the formation of these protrusions 461 and grooves 462. Also with such a mechanism, the rolling direction can be diffused and the interest in performing mechanical lottery can be enhanced. In addition, by spreading the rolling direction of the game ball in this way, it is difficult to predict the movement of the game ball when the mechanical lottery is performed. There is also an advantage that the operation of intentionally increasing the winning probability can be made impossible or difficult.

  The four partition walls around the ball distribution member 460 are further provided with a prevention wall 463 for preventing the game ball from passing through the rear passage. The prevention wall 463 is not a member that rotates together with the ball sorting member 460 but a member that is fixed at the position shown in the drawing. By providing the prevention wall 463, as in the case of the rib 381 shown in the embodiment, by restricting the game ball from entering the rear passage, an action such as vibration can be suppressed. In the modification, the prevention wall 463 has a corrugated shape as shown in the figure. By doing so, the rebound direction of the game ball colliding with the prevention wall 463 is irregularly diffused, so that it becomes difficult for the player to predict the movement of the game ball, so that the excitement can be enhanced and the vibration is applied as described above. The operation by can be made impossible or difficult.

(9) FIG. 41 is an explanatory view showing a ball sorting member 46 as a second modification. The state which looked at the mechanism which supports the ball distribution member 46 from the side was shown typically. As shown in the figure, the ball distribution member 46 is supported at the central lower portion by a rotating shaft 466 of a motor 465 via a spring 467. The spring 467 is such that the inclination of the ball sorting member 46 changes as shown in the figure due to the centrifugal force when the motor 465 is rotated as indicated by the arrow r1, the weight of the game ball on the ball sorting member 46, and the like. Have the flexibility. Even when such a mechanism is used, the inclination of the ball sorting member 46 changes depending on the state of the game ball on the ball sorting member 46, and the rolling direction of the game ball is affected. As a result, it is difficult for the player to predict the rolling of the game ball, so that it is possible to enhance the interest in performing the mechanical lottery.

  In the second modification, a mechanism for causing magnetic force to act on the game ball may be provided instead of or together with the above-described support method via the spring 467. For example, in the drawing, an example is shown in which a rod-shaped member 470 having a magnet 471 attached thereto is disposed below the ball sorting member 46. The location and number of magnets 471 may be determined arbitrarily. The rod-shaped member 470 has a cylindrical shape, but various shapes such as a prism and a cone can be used. When this rod-like member 470 is rotated as shown by the arrow r2, the position of the magnet 471 changes, so that the magnetic force acting on the game ball on the ball sorting member 46 changes. As a result, the rolling direction of the game ball in the ball sorting member 46 is diffused, and it is possible to enhance the interest in performing the mechanical lottery.

The rod-shaped member 470 may be reciprocated as indicated by an arrow d in addition to rotating.
In the example shown in the figure, only one bar-shaped member 470 is shown, but a plurality of bar-shaped members may be provided. Further, the rod-shaped member 470 may be disposed above the ball sorting member 46.

(10) In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which a lottery mechanism for performing mechanical lottery is incorporated in the center accessory 6, that is, a so-called variable winning device, but the lottery mechanism of the present invention does not include a movable piece. It can also be incorporated into the device. For example, the present invention can be configured as a winning device that performs mechanical lottery on the game balls that are entered after restricting the entry with nails instead of the movable piece provided in the center accessory 6.

  Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and it goes without saying that various configurations can be adopted without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The various structures shown in the examples and the modifications are examples, and various shapes and structures that have the same operation can be used. Also, the various features shown in the embodiments and the modified examples are not necessarily all provided, and can be used by omitting or combining them as appropriate.

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 explanatory drawing which shows the shape of the bulb | ball supply part 380. FIG. 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 operation | movement of a notice effect 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 (1st round). It is a timing chart at the time of big hit (scheduled continuation round). It is a timing chart at the time of big hit (the last round by lottery). It is a timing chart at the time of big hit (final (15) round). It is the figure which showed an example of the image displayed when it is a big win by V winning. It is the figure which showed an example of the image by which a symbol is scroll-displayed at the time of a round lottery effect. It is the figure which showed an example of the image displayed when notifying 2 rounds temporarily as a result of a round lottery. It is the figure which showed an example of the image displayed when notifying 7 rounds as a result of a round lottery. It is the figure which showed an example of the image displayed when notifying 15 rounds as a result of a round lottery. It is the figure which showed an example of the image displayed in the start of a promotion effect. It is the figure which showed the example (shooting) of the image displayed at the time of the promotion effect of the 2nd round. It is the figure which showed the example (curling) of the image displayed at the time of the promotion effect of the 2nd round. It is the figure which showed the example (duvet beating) of the image displayed at the time of the promotion effect of the 2nd round. It is the figure which showed an example of the image displayed when notifying the promotion to 7 rounds. It is the figure which showed an example of the image displayed when informing of promotion to 15 rounds. It is the figure which showed the example (inside a sewer pipe) of the image displayed at the time of the promotion effect of the 6th round. It is the figure which showed the example (field) of the image displayed at the time of the promotion effect of the 6th round. It is the figure which showed the example (before dispatch) of the image displayed at the time of the promotion effect of the 6th round. It is the figure which showed the example (on a chimney) of the image displayed at the time of the promotion effect of the 6th round. It is the figure which showed the example (garden tip of a private house) displayed at the time of the promotion effect of the 6th round. It is the figure which showed the example of the image displayed when the promotion to 15th round was decided by the promotion effect of the 6th round. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st modification of the bulb | ball supply part 380. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd modification of the bulb | ball supply part 380. It is explanatory drawing which shows the ball distribution member 460 as a 1st modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows the ball distribution member 46 as a 2nd modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 2 Game board 6 Center object 26 Large prize opening 28 Large prize opening count switch 40 Liquid crystal display 52 Specific area switch 68 Main control board 70 Sub control board 88 Speaker

Claims (8)

A gaming machine for performing a game in which a game ball launched on a game board surface is awarded to a prize opening provided on the game board surface,
It has a winning device that performs a mechanical lottery by allocating the rolling destination of a game ball to either a specific winning opening with a privilege advantageous to the gaming state or a general winning opening without such a privilege,
The winning device further includes:
It is a plate-like member installed almost horizontally, and the game ball freely rolls on the upper surface thereof, so that the game ball winning place can be placed in one of the specific winning opening and the general winning opening arranged around the periphery. The stage to sort,
A supply mechanism that drops and supplies a game ball that has won a prize in the winning device;
A gaming machine comprising: a supply direction diffusion mechanism that irregularly diffuses the supply direction of the game ball in the process of dropping until the game ball is dropped from the supply mechanism and then dropped onto the stage. A gaming machine according to claim 1,
The gaming machine, wherein the supply direction diffusing mechanism is an interference member provided at a position capable of interfering with a game ball in the fall process. A gaming machine according to claim 1,
The supply direction diffusing mechanism is a gaming machine that is a mechanism that holds the magnet by moving relative to the supply mechanism so that a magnetic force that varies in the game ball can be applied to the game ball during the dropping process. A gaming machine according to claim 1,
The said supply direction spreading | diffusion mechanism is a member which guides a game ball in the said fall process, Comprising: The game machine provided with the guide member which has the flexibility of the grade bent according to the dead weight and fall speed of a game ball. A gaming machine for performing a game in which a game ball launched on a game board surface is awarded to a prize opening provided on the game board surface,
It has a winning device that performs a mechanical lottery by allocating the rolling destination of a game ball to either a specific winning opening with a privilege advantageous to the gaming state or a general winning opening without such a privilege,
The winning device further includes:
It is a plate-like member installed almost horizontally, and the game ball freely rolls on the upper surface thereof, so that the game ball winning place can be placed in one of the specific winning opening and the general winning opening arranged around the periphery. The stage to sort,
A supply mechanism that drops and supplies a game ball that has won a prize in the winning device;
A gaming machine comprising: a rolling direction diffusion mechanism that irregularly diffuses a direction in which the gaming ball rolls on the stage. A gaming machine according to claim 5,
The rolling direction diffusing mechanism is a gaming machine having a protrusion or an uneven shape formed on the upper surface of the stage. A gaming machine according to claim 5,
The rolling direction diffusion mechanism is a gaming machine that is a mechanism that moves relative to the stage and holds a magnet so that a changing magnetic force can be applied to the game ball during rolling on the stage. A gaming machine according to claim 5,
The rolling direction diffusing mechanism is a gaming machine provided with a supporting member that supports the stage, and has a flexibility that allows the inclination of the stage to vary according to the position of the game ball.