JP2008200389A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can distributes game balls shot from a shooting device to arbitrary positions in a game area, does not influence on the rolling directions of distributed game balls and permits the rolling directions of the game balls to be predicted. <P>SOLUTION: A direction changing device 72 changing the rolling directions of game balls rolling along a guide rail is made astride the guide rail 30 to slide control it along the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 30. The angle of a guide face 73 in a guiding direction provided in the direction changing device 72 is adjustable. The slide control of the direction changing device 72 and the angle of the guide face 73 in the guiding direction can be operated on the basis of a manual operation mode by a player or automatic control mode. Consequently a game machine having a new interesting property can be provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that plays a game while rolling a game ball launched by a launching device in a game area.

  As such gaming machines, so-called pachinko gaming machines, arrange ball machines, sparrow ball gaming machines and the like are generally known. In the present invention, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example as a representative of this type of gaming machine. In an ordinary pachinko machine, a game ball is launched by a launching device whose launch intensity can be adjusted by a player, and the launched game ball rolls along a substantially arc-shaped guide rail (outer rail). Then, it will fly upward in the game area.

  The game ball that is driven into the game area rolls along the outer rail to the elastic member (rolling direction changing member) disposed at the extreme end portion on the right side of the outer rail, and collides with the elastic member. It will be bounced back in the direction it came. The game ball bounced back to the elastic member and then stalled, or the game ball stalled before colliding with the elastic member is configured to fall freely from above the game area.

  And although there are some variations depending on the player, the game ball can be freely dropped from the aimed position by adjusting the firing strength in the launching device. However, skill and time are required to allow the game ball to fall freely from the target position. That is, in order to allow the game ball to freely fall from the aimed position, it is necessary to try a game ball having a certain number of balls while adjusting the firing strength of the launching device.

  Therefore, for the purpose of reducing the number of test hit balls performed by the player, a video pachinko machine capable of displaying the target of the arrival position of the launched game ball on the game board every time the launch intensity of the launch device is adjusted (Patent Document) 1) is proposed.

  In this video pachinko machine, the target of the reaching position of the game ball is displayed on the game board in accordance with the amount of rotation of the handle for adjusting the launch intensity in the launch device. Then, when a predetermined time elapses after the rotation operation amount of the handle is fixed, the game ball is fired. According to this configuration, it is possible to easily adjust the firing strength of the launching device while confirming the target of the arrival position of the displayed game ball without trial hitting the game ball.

  In addition, a drop position adjusting member that is movable in the left-right direction along the inner peripheral surface of the outer rail within a predetermined range in the upper part of the game area in which the game ball launched from the launching device rolls along the outer rail. A provided ball supply structure for a gaming machine (see Patent Document 2) has been proposed. A ball guide wall is fixed to the drop position adjustment member, and the movement position of the drop position adjustment member along the inner peripheral surface of the outer rail can be adjusted by the player's operation. Yes.

In this ball supply structure of the gaming machine, when the player adjusts the movement position of the drop position adjusting member, the game ball rolling along the inner peripheral surface of the outer rail hits the ball guide wall and bounces downward. The position can be adjusted.
JP 2005-13350 A JP 2006-212262 A

  In the video pachinko machine described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to adjust the firing strength of the launching device so that the game ball can reach the position where the game ball is desired to fall freely in the upper part of the game area. However, at this time, the game ball reaches the position where it wants to fall freely while drawing a parabola away from the rolling state along the outer rail. That is, the game ball that has rolled from the left to the right toward the game board reaches the position where it wants to fall freely with the speed component in the right direction toward the game board.

  Therefore, although it is somewhat easy to drop the game ball to the right area toward the game area, in order to drop the game ball to the left area toward the left area, You will have to use the bounce from the collision. For this reason, it is difficult for a game ball to be awarded to the winning opening provided on the left side of the gaming area (the winning opening will be described later), and to aim for the winning opening provided on the left side of the gaming area. , It will require considerable technology.

  In the ball supply structure of the gaming machine described in Patent Document 2, the drop position adjusting member is moved along the inner peripheral surface of the outer rail. Therefore, a slit groove must be formed on the game board surface in the game area. Don't be. And since the slit groove | channel is formed in the game area | region, the game ball thrown in in the game area | region will pass on this slit groove | channel. When the game ball passes over the slit groove, the rolling direction and the rolling speed of the game ball are changed by the slit groove. In particular, the game ball bounced downward by hitting the ball guide wall is in a state where the rolling speed is decelerated, so the influence of the slit groove is great, and the game ball can be dropped in a desired direction. It becomes difficult.

  Further, since the ball guide wall is fixed with respect to the drop position adjusting member, the angle of the ball guide wall with respect to the inner peripheral surface of the outer rail changes as the drop position adjusting member moves. . For this reason, the falling direction of the game ball that is bounced downward by hitting the ball guide wall takes a different falling direction for each moving position of the dropping position adjusting member. Furthermore, since the game ball is configured to bounce downward by hitting the ball guide wall, there is a possibility that the game ball bounces in an unexpected direction against the player's intention.

  The present invention can distribute game balls fired by the launching device toward an arbitrary position in the game area, and does not affect the rolling direction of the distributed game balls. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of predicting the rolling direction in advance.

The object of the present invention can be achieved by the inventions described in claims 1 to 6.
That is, in the first aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine, the game area in which the game ball can roll, the launching device that launches the game ball, and the game ball launched by the launching device are guided into the game area. A guide rail, a direction change device straddling the guide rail as a guide rail, and slidably disposed along the guide rail; a guide rail that is disposed in the direction change device and is fired by the launch device; A guide surface for guiding a game ball rolling along the curved surface in a direction away from the guide rail, a sliding means for sliding the direction change device along the guide rail, and a game The first operation means that can be operated by the user, and the first drive control means that performs drive control of the sliding means on the condition that the first operation means has been operated. Features and not .

  According to the first invention of this application, since the direction changing device that can move along the guide rail has a configuration straddling the guide rail, the configuration for sliding the direction changing device is arranged on the game board surface and the guide. It is not necessary to provide it on the inner peripheral surface of the rail. For this reason, the game ball can roll to the guide surface of the direction change device without hindering the roll, and the game ball rolls even after the rolling direction is changed along the guide surface. There is no need to provide unnecessary members in the game area that obstruct the direction.

  In addition, since the game ball is configured so that the rolling direction can be changed along the curved guide surface, the change of the rolling direction can be smoothly performed, and the game ball collides with the guide surface and jumps. It is possible to prevent the game ball from changing its direction in an unexpected direction. For this reason, the player can predict in advance the direction in which the game ball is guided by the guide surface.

  Furthermore, since the direction in which the game ball is separated from the guide rail can be arbitrarily adjusted by the direction change device, the game balls are distributed to the left area, the right area, the central area, etc. in the game area. It is possible to easily roll the game ball in each region.

  In the second invention of the present application, in addition to the configuration of the first invention, a discharge port is provided at the lower end of the game area and discharges the game ball rolling inside the game area as a detaching ball outside the game area, The main feature is that the guide rail is a continuous rail that surrounds the game area and extends at least to the discharge port.

  According to the second invention of the present application, the guide rail is configured as a continuous rail that surrounds the game area and extends at least to the outlet of the off-ball, so that the direction change device can slide. The range can be the maximum length of the guide rail configured as a continuous rail.

  This allows the game ball to move away from the guide rail in the direction away from the guide rail, such as leaving the game ball away from the guide rail at the side of the game area, or away from the guide rail below the game area. Can be given. With this configuration, it is possible to configure a gaming machine based on a completely new idea that is not found in a conventional gaming machine, and it is possible to provide a gaming machine that causes a novelty and new interest that has never existed before.

  In the third invention of the present application, in addition to the configuration of the second invention, the invention includes a firing strength control means for controlling the firing strength of the game ball launched by the launching device to a constant strength at all times. The main feature of the controlled launch strength of the game ball is that the game ball fired by the launching device can roll to the outlet along the inner peripheral surface of the guide rail. .

  According to the third invention of the present application, by making the firing strength constant, the rolling direction of the game ball is left only to the direction changing device, and it is not necessary to intervene the technique for adjusting the firing strength. It is possible to provide a gaming machine in which a difference in skill between beginners is difficult to occur. As a result, a highly equitable gaming machine can be provided.

In addition, the configuration of the launching device can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the control burden of the launching control CPU that controls launching can be reduced compared to the conventional launching device that can adjust the launch intensity. .
Furthermore, as the launch strength, since the game ball is a launch strength that can roll to the discharge port along the inner peripheral surface of the guide rail, even if the direction changing device is at any position along the guide rail, The game ball can reach the direction changing device. In addition, the game ball that has reached the direction changing device can roll in a direction away from the guide rail by the guide surface.

  In the fourth invention of the present application, in addition to the configurations of the first invention to the third invention, an angle adjusting means for adjusting the angle of the guide direction of the guide surface, a second operating means operable by the player, The main feature is that it comprises second drive control means for controlling drive of the angle adjusting means on condition that the second operation means is operated.

  According to the fourth invention of the present application, in addition to the movement of the direction change device, the angle of the guide direction of the guide surface for moving the game ball away from the guide rail can be changed, so that the direction change device can be moved The game ball can be moved away from the guide rail in a wider variety of directions compared to.

  In the fifth invention of the present application, in addition to the configurations of the first invention to the fourth invention, an automatic control mode for automatically operating the first drive control means according to the gaming state in the gaming machine, On the condition that the first operation means is operated, a manual operation mode for operating the first drive control means and a mode switching means for switching between the automatic control mode and the manual control mode are provided. This is a key feature.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the manual control mode is selected, the player can arbitrarily operate the first operation means to set the sliding position of the direction change device. When the automatic control mode is selected, the sliding position of the direction change device can be automatically set according to the gaming state of the gaming machine.

Thus, selecting the manual control mode or selecting the automatic control mode can be performed based on the player's free will. Moreover, the automatic control mode and the manual control mode can be easily switched by operating the mode switching means. In particular, when the automatic control mode is selected, the game ball can be separated from the guide rail from the optimum position in the gaming state regardless of the superiority or inferiority of the skill of the player.
In addition, even when the manual control mode is selected or the automatic control mode is selected, the position at which the game ball is separated from the guide rail can be changed, greatly enhancing the interest of the game. Can do.

  In the sixth invention of the present application, in addition to the configuration of the fifth invention, the automatic control mode automatically activates the first drive control means and / or the second drive control means according to the gaming state in the gaming machine. The manual operation mode is the operation of the first drive control means and / or the second operation means operated on the condition that the first operation means is operated. A main operation mode in which the second drive control unit is operated on the condition that the mode switching unit is a mode switching unit that switches between the automatic control mode and the manual operation mode. There is no.

  According to the sixth invention of the present application, when the manual control mode is selected, the player arbitrarily operates the first operation means and / or the second operation means to slide the direction change device and / or the guide surface. The angle of the guide direction can be set. When the automatic control mode is selected, the sliding position of the direction change device and / or the guide direction angle of the guide surface can be automatically set according to the gaming state of the gaming machine.

  As described above, the manual control mode or the automatic control mode can be selected based on the player's free will. In particular, when the automatic control mode is selected, the skill of the player is selected. Regardless of the superiority or inferiority, the game ball can be separated from the guide rail at an optimal angle from an optimal position in the gaming state.

  Even if the manual control mode is selected or the automatic control mode is selected, the position and direction in which the game ball is separated from the guide rail can be changed. Can be greatly enhanced.

  According to the present invention, it is easy to launch a game ball toward an arbitrary position in the game area by using the direction change device. In addition, it is possible to provide a gaming structure having characteristics in the left area, the right area, the central area, and the like in the game area. This makes it possible to provide a gaming machine with an unprecedented new interest.

Further, in order to slide the direction change device along the guide rail, it is not necessary to provide a structure such as a slit in the game area that affects the rolling direction of the game ball. In addition, as the arrangement configuration of the launching device, the guide rail, and the like, since these arrangement configurations that have been conventionally used can be used, an increase in manufacturing cost can be suppressed.
Furthermore, the game ball that has been rolling along the guide rail has a configuration that can smoothly change its rolling direction along the curved guide surface, so that the game ball is not rebounded by the guide surface, The direction in which the game ball is guided can be predicted in advance.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. As an embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention, a so-called pachinko gaming machine (also referred to as “digital pachi”, hereinafter referred to as a pachinko gaming machine) will be described below as an example. In addition to the shapes, arrangement configurations, and gaming machine configurations described below, any shapes, arrangement configurations, and gaming machine configurations that can solve the problems of the present invention can be used. Can be adopted as the present invention.

  Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and can be effectively applied to a gaming machine in which a game ball is launched by a launching device. Changes are possible.

[Composition of gaming machine]
First, the external configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine 10, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the gaming board 14.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a glass door 11, a wooden frame 12, a base door 13, a game board 14, a dish unit 21, a liquid crystal display device 32 for displaying an image, and a launch for launching a game ball. The apparatus 130, the board unit 400, and a ball payout unit 500 that gives game value are included.

  The glass door 11 is pivotally attached to the base door 13 as shown in FIG. 2, and an opening 11a is formed at the center of the glass door 11 as shown in FIG. A transparent protective glass 19 is disposed in the opening 11a. The protective glass 19 is disposed so as to face a front surface of a game board 14 described later in a state where the glass door 11 is closed. The protective glass 19 needs to be disposed so as to face at least the entire game area 15, and the front area 16 of the game board 14 that does not correspond to the game area 15 (hereinafter referred to as outside the game area 16). ) Can also be configured to face the outside of the gaming area 16 so as to cover it.

  A control panel 67 is disposed below the opening 11a in the glass door 11. The control panel 67 includes a game ball lending operation unit 68, a menu operation unit 69 for menu screen display, menu selection, determination, and cancellation, a game operation unit 70 for performing operations related to the progress of the game, and the like. .

As will be described later, the game operation unit 70 provides guidance when the game ball is guided by the first operating means 95 capable of operating the direction change device 72 in the manual operation mode and the guide surface 73 provided on the direction change device 72. A second operating means 96 that can operate the direction angle in the manual operation mode is provided. Further, the game operation unit 70 is provided with mode switching means 97 including a changeover switch or the like that can switch the operation of the first operation means 95 and the second operation means 96 between the automatic control mode and the manual operation mode. Has been.
In the embodiment according to the present invention, the game operation unit 70 and the like correspond to an example showing operation means that can be operated by or for a player.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dish unit 21 is disposed on the base door 13 so as to be positioned below the glass door 11. As the dish unit 21, an upper dish 20 is provided above, and a lower dish 22 is provided below the upper dish 20. In the upper plate 20, a game ball for driving into a game area 15 described later can be stored. Further, the upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22 are provided with payout outlets 20a and 22a for lending game balls and paying out game balls (prize balls), and when predetermined payout conditions are satisfied. A game ball stored in a ball payout unit 500, which will be described later, is paid out.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the launching device 130 is disposed on the base door 13 so as to be located on the side of the dish unit 21. As shown in FIG. 1, the launching device 130 is provided with a launching handle 26 that can be operated by a player. The firing handle 26 is pivotably provided. When the player performs a turning operation of the firing handle 26, the game ball is fired and a pachinko game is started.

  On the back side of the firing handle 26, a firing motor (not shown), a ball feed solenoid (not shown) and the like are provided. With this configuration, a player who plays a game can operate the launch handle 26 and the like from the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

  On the periphery of the firing handle 26, a touch sensor (not shown), a firing stop switch (not shown), and the like are provided. When the touch sensor is touched, it is detected that the firing handle 26 is gripped by the player. When the launch handle 26 is gripped by the player and is turned, power is supplied to the launch motor, and the game balls stored in the upper plate 20 are sequentially launched into the game area 15. .

  When the firing handle 26 is rotated, the firing intensity in the launching device 130 is controlled to be constant by the firing intensity control means 98 (see FIG. 18) regardless of the amount of rotation. Even when the launch handle 26 is rotated, when the launch stop switch described above is operated, the launch of the game ball by the launch device 130 is stopped. As the operation means for causing the launching device 130 to launch the game ball, switches such as button operations can be used instead of using the launch handle 26 that is rotated.

  Note that the touch sensor provided on the firing handle 26 may be any sensor that can determine the state in which the player is holding the firing handle 26, such as a sensor that detects optically or a sensor that detects heat. Any type of sensor can be used as long as it can be used as a sensor.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 14 is disposed in front of the base door 13 so as to be positioned behind the protective glass 19 in the glass door 11. The game board 14 is entirely formed of a plate-shaped resin having transparency, and as the resin material having transparency, for example, an acrylic resin, a polycarbonate resin, a methacrylic resin, or the like is used. it can. That is, by configuring the game board 14 using a permeable member, a part or all of the rear area of the game board 14 can be configured to be visible from the front of the game board 14.

  On the front surface of the game board 14, a game area 15 in which the launched game ball can roll is formed. The game area 15 is an area surrounded by the guide rail 30 and the like, and is an area where the game ball can roll. The guide rail 30 is configured as a continuous rail that surrounds the game area 15, and extends to a discharge port 24 that discharges the game ball rolling inside the game area as a detached ball to the outside of the game area. In addition, an inner rail 31 is provided to guide the dislodging ball that rolls in the game area 15 on the left side toward the discharge port 24.

  Between the inner rail 31 and the guide rail 30, a guide passage 29 through which a game ball launched by the launching device 130 passes is formed. On the downstream side of the guide passage 29, a flexible gate member 28 that restricts the game balls that have jumped out of the guide passage 29 from returning into the guide passage 29 again is disposed.

  The inner rail 31 and the guide rail 30 may be configured as separate rails, or may be configured as an integral rail as shown in FIG. Note that the guide rail 30 and the outer rail 31 shown in FIG. 4 can be mounted on the game board 14. The guide rail 30 can be configured as a single continuous rail or can be configured as a plurality of divided rails. When configured using divided rails, the inner peripheral surface of the rail, the outer peripheral surface, and the upper edge of the rail may be configured to be smoothly continuous at the joint where the divided rails are joined together. is necessary.

  A plurality of obstacle nails (not shown) are provided in the game area 15 of the game board 14. The game ball launched by the launch device 130 can roll along the guide rail 30 provided on the game board 14. As will be described later, the game ball rolling and moving along the guide rail 30 is guided along the guide surface 73 of the direction changing device 72 that can slide along the guide rail 30 across the guide rail 30. The direction will be changed away from 30.

  The configuration and the like of the direction change device will be described in [Configuration of direction change device] described later. The game ball whose direction has been changed in the direction away from the guide rail 30 along the guide surface 73 of the direction change device 72 is progressing while colliding with a plurality of obstacle nails or the like provided in the game area 15. It will fall toward the bottom of the game board 14 while changing the direction.

  The game board 14 is configured as a game board that can be exchanged with another game board by a game hall manager or the like, and a variety of gaming machines can be provided by appropriately replacing the game board. It becomes like this.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a starting port 44, a shutter 40, and the like are provided in the center of the front surface of the game board 14. The variable display of the special symbol (an example of identification information) is executed on condition that a game ball has entered the start port 44. Further, as will be described in detail later, depending on the result of the variable display of this special symbol, a big hit gaming state (specific game state, so-called “hit”) that is relatively advantageous to the player over the normal gaming state is obtained. When the big hit game state is reached, the shutter 40 is controlled to be in the open state, so that the game ball can be easily received in the big prize opening 39.

  As described above, the base door 13 provided with the glass door 11, the game board 14, the dish unit 21, and the launching device 130 is pivotally attached to the wooden frame 12, as shown in FIG. An opening 13 a is formed at the center of the base door 13. Therefore, the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 disposed behind the base door 13 can be viewed from the front of the gaming machine 10 through the gaming board 14 and the protective glass 19 having transparency. In addition, above the base door 13, speakers 46L and 46R are disposed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a special symbol display device 33 is disposed at the upper center of the game board 14. The special symbol display device 33 is a display device capable of 7-segment display, and performs variable display of special symbols in a special symbol game. The special symbol in the special symbol display device 33 is constituted by a single symbol row, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the special symbol display device 33 may be constituted by a plurality of symbol rows.

  This special symbol is a symbol consisting of numbers, symbols, and the like. In this embodiment, by displaying each segment of 7 segments appropriately in combination, a number from “0” to “9”, a symbol “−” is displayed. Can be used. As the special symbol display device 33, the variable display of the identification information is performed on the condition that the game ball has passed through the start port 44 (an example of the start region) in the game region 15.

  “Variable display” is a concept that can be displayed in a variable manner. For example, a “variable display” that is actually displayed in a variable state, a “stop display” that is displayed in a stopped state, etc. It is. Further, as “variable display”, “derivation display” in which identification information is displayed as a result of the special symbol game can be performed. Further, the period from the start of the variable display to the derivation display is referred to as a single variable display.

  In this special symbol display device 33, the special symbol is derived and displayed, and the special symbol derived and displayed is displayed in a specific display mode (for example, a mode in which any number from “0” to “9” is derived and displayed, Based on the so-called “hit display mode”), the gaming state is shifted to a jackpot gaming state (specific gaming state) that is advantageous to the player. In addition, when the special symbol derived and displayed is in a non-specific display mode (for example, a mode in which “-” is derived and displayed, a so-called “out-of-phase”), the game state does not shift to the big hit gaming state.

  In addition, the special symbol that is derived and displayed is a special display mode (for example, a mode in which “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “9” is derived and displayed, On the basis of the so-called “special jackpot display mode”), the gaming state is shifted to a jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player, and when the jackpot gaming state is completed, the gaming state is shifted to a probability changing state.

  On the other hand, the special symbol derived and displayed is a non-special display mode (for example, “0”, “2”, “4”, “6”, “8”) that is not a special display mode among the specific display modes. The game state is shifted to a jackpot gaming state that is advantageous to the player based on the fact that the game is derived and displayed, so-called “normal jackpot display mode”), and when the jackpot gaming state ends, the player The time shifts to a relatively advantageous time. Then, after transitioning to the short-time state, when the variable display of the identification information is performed 100 times without transitioning to the big hit gaming state, transition is made to the normal gaming state that is not particularly advantageous for the player. It will be.

  In the probability variation state, the probability of shifting to the big hit gaming state is improved relative to the normal gaming state. In the short time state, the variable information display time for the identification information is shorter than in the normal game state, and the time for the blade member 48 to be in the open state is controlled to be longer. For this reason, in the short time state, the possibility of shifting to the big hit gaming state is improved compared to the normal gaming state.

  A game state that shifts to the big hit gaming state when the special symbol derived and displayed is in a special display mode, and shifts to the probable change state after the end of the big hit gaming state is referred to as a special big hit gaming state. Further, a game state that shifts to a big hit gaming state when the special symbol that is derived and displayed becomes a non-special display mode, and shifts to the normal gaming state after the end of the big hit gaming state is referred to as a normal big hit gaming state.

  In addition, in the special big hit that becomes the probability change state after the big hit gaming state, the upper limit round number of round control in the big hit gaming state is 15 rounds. That is, the gaming state is shifted to the first jackpot gaming state that is relatively advantageous to the player. On the other hand, in a normal big hit that does not change to a promiscuous state after the big hit gaming state, the upper limit round number of round control in the big hit gaming state is two rounds.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the above-described liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed on the base door 13, and the liquid crystal display device 32 has a display area 32a for displaying an image related to a game. The liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed behind (on the back side of) the game board 14 through the opening 13a. Further, the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed so that the display area 32a overlaps with the whole or a part of the game board 14 through the opening 13a in the depth direction from the back side.

  In the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, images relating to various games, such as decorative symbols for performing variable display in accordance with variable display of special symbols in a special symbol game, background images for games, effect images, and the like, are in a predetermined form. Will be displayed. In other words, the liquid crystal display device 32 displays an effect image related to the game. In other words, the liquid crystal display device 32 includes a display area 32a that displays the effect image related to the game in a visually recognizable manner.

  In addition, on the liquid crystal display device 32, decorative symbols corresponding to a plurality of symbol rows (three rows in the present embodiment) are variably displayed in accordance with the special symbol variable display on the special symbol display device 33. In other words, the liquid crystal display device 32 can perform variable display of decorative symbols in each of a plurality of symbol rows (display rows). When the derivation display of the decorative symbols is performed in the plurality of symbol columns and the result of the variable display of the special symbols in the special symbol display device 33 is a specific display mode, the combination of the plurality of derivation decorative symbols displayed is It becomes a specific combination (for example, a mode in which all of “0” to “9” are derived and displayed in each of a plurality of symbol sequences, so-called “hit display mode”), and the game state is determined for the player. It will shift to an advantageous jackpot gaming state.

  Further, when the result of variable display of special symbols in the special symbol display device 33 is a special jackpot display mode, a combination of a plurality of derived symbols that are derived and displayed is a special combination of specific combinations (for example, A mode in which all of “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “9” are derived and displayed in each of the plurality of symbol rows, so-called “special jackpot display mode”) Thus, the gaming state is shifted to a big hit gaming state advantageous to the player, and when the big hit gaming state is completed, the gaming state is shifted to a probability changing state.

  On the other hand, when the result of variable display of the special symbol in the special symbol display device 33 is the normal jackpot display mode, the combination of the plurality of derived symbols that are derived and displayed is not a special combination of the specific combinations. A special combination (for example, a mode in which each of a plurality of symbol rows is derived and displayed in a state where any one of “0”, “2”, “4”, “6”, “8” is aligned, so-called “ The normal jackpot display mode ") is set, and the gaming state is shifted to the jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player, and when the jackpot gaming state is completed, the gaming state is shifted to the normal gaming state.

  In this way, the liquid crystal display device 32 performs variable display of decorative symbols. In addition to these decorative symbols, the liquid crystal display device 32 displays a background image, an effect image for effect, and the like. In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 32 that displays these decorative symbols and effect images corresponds to an example of a display unit that displays a result of determination as to whether or not to shift to the big hit gaming state.

  As described above, when a game is played from the front of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the player, that is, when the glass door 11 is closed, a liquid crystal display is provided on the back side of the game board 14 having transparency. The apparatus 32 is disposed, and a protective glass 19 having transparency is disposed on the front side of the game board 14. Thus, the image displayed on the display area 32a in the liquid crystal display device 32 can be visually recognized by the player through the gaming board 14 and the protective glass 19 having transparency.

  A liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed on the back of the gaming board 14 having transparency, and by providing various effects in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, a novel display effect that is not found in conventional gaming machines is provided. Can improve the interest. Further, in the conventional gaming machine, there is a possibility that the size of the game area is reduced by increasing the size of the display area. Further, if a configuration in which various images are displayed without increasing the size of the display area, it may be complicated for the player to visually recognize the various images.

  Therefore, by executing various display effects on the liquid crystal display device 32, it is possible to execute a wide variety of effects independent of the size of the display area on the liquid crystal display device 32, and to improve the interest. In addition, since a gap is provided between the game board 14 and the liquid crystal display device 32 disposed behind the game board 14, an impact applied to the obstacle nail is adjusted when the obstacle nail is adjusted. Conduction to the display device 32 can be prevented.

  Thus, the liquid crystal display device 32 can be prevented from being damaged by the tip of the obstacle nail or the impact applied to the obstacle nail, and the product life of the liquid crystal display device 32 can be prolonged. It should be noted that the liquid crystal display device 32 may be provided with holes for the arrangement of an accessory, a winning opening, a ball channel, a reel, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 32 composed of a liquid crystal display panel is adopted as a portion for displaying an image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other modes may be used. For example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) is used. The display device may include a cathode ray tube, a dot LED (Light Emitting Diode), a segment LED, an EL (Electronic Luminescence), plasma, or the like.

  The above-described wooden frame 12 is a wooden frame body, and a base door 13 is pivotally attached to the front thereof. In the present embodiment, the configuration using the wooden wooden frame 12 is exemplified, but the configuration is not limited thereto, and may be another mode, for example, a configuration using a metal or resin frame. It is good. An opening 12a is formed in the center of the wooden frame 12, and the base door 13, the liquid crystal display device 32, a substrate unit 400, which will be described in detail later, a ball dispensing unit 500, and the like are disposed in the opening 12a.

  The substrate unit 400 described above is pivotally attached to the rear of the base door 13. The board unit 400 incorporates various boards (not shown) on which a circuit for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 10 is formed, and these boards are covered by a board case (not shown). Yes.

  The above-described ball dispensing unit 500 is pivotally attached to the rear of the base door 13. The ball payout unit 500 includes a ball storage tank (not shown) for storing game balls and a ball passage case (not shown), and the game balls stored in the ball storage tank are described above. It can be led to the outlets 20a, 22a.

In the game area 15 of the game board 14, various bonuses are provided. An example of various types of accessory will be described below with reference to FIG. 3, but is not limited thereto.
For example, a special symbol display device 33 is provided above the center of the game area 15 of the game board 14. In addition, a normal symbol display device 35 that performs variable display of normal symbols is provided on the right side of the special symbol display device 33. This normal symbol is information including numbers, symbols, and the like, for example, symbols such as “◯” and “x”.

Further, above the game board 14, special symbol hold display devices 34a to 34d (indicated by reference numeral 34 in FIG. 18) for displaying the number of reserved symbols in the special symbol game, and the normal symbol hold for displaying the number of reserved symbols in the normal symbol game. A display device 37 is provided.
A jackpot round number display device (not shown) that displays the upper limit number of rounds in the jackpot gaming state is provided at the upper right of the game board 14.

  Also, ball passage detectors 54a and 54b are provided above the game area 15 of the game board 14. When the ball passage detectors 54a and 54b detect that a game ball has passed in the vicinity thereof, the normal symbol (not shown) fluctuation display on the normal symbol display device 35 is started, and a predetermined time has elapsed. After that, the variable symbol display is stopped. This normal symbol is information composed of numbers, symbols, and the like, and is displayed with symbols such as “◯” and “x”, for example.

When the normal symbol is a predetermined symbol, for example, “◯” is stopped and displayed, blade members (so-called normal electric accessories, hereinafter referred to as normal electric combination) provided on both the left and right sides of the starting port 44 described later. 48) from the closed state to the open state, making it easier for the game ball to enter the starting port 44.
In addition, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the blade member 48 is in the open state, the blade member 48 is closed and returned to a state where it is difficult for the game ball to enter the start port 44.
Below the game area 15 of the game board 14, game ball general winning openings 56a to 56d are provided. Further, a shutter 40 that can be opened and closed with respect to the big prize opening 39 is provided below the game area 15 of the game board 14.

As described above, when the special symbol derived and displayed is in a specific display mode, the gaming state is shifted to the big hit gaming state, and the shutter 40 is in an open state (first state) in which the game ball can be easily received. It is driven to become. Further, this special winning opening has a general area (not shown) having a count sensor 104 (see FIG. 18), and a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls pass through the area, or for a predetermined time. The shutter 40 is kept open until (for example, 30 seconds) elapses. In other words, when either of the conditions that a predetermined number of game balls have been won or a predetermined time has passed in the open state in the open state is established, it is difficult to accept the game balls. The state will be restored.
Subsequently, the shutter 40 which has been changed from the open state to the closed state is again driven to the open state on condition that the upper limit number of rounds has not been reached.

  Above the shutter 40, a start opening 44 having a start winning ball sensor 116 (see FIG. 18) is provided. When a game ball wins at the start opening 44, a special symbol game, which will be described later, is started, and the state shifts to a variable display state in which the special symbol is variably displayed. In this embodiment, the predetermined variable display start condition is that the game ball has won the start opening 44 (the game ball has passed through the start area).

  In other words, when a predetermined variable display start condition is satisfied (provided that the game ball has passed through the start area), the special symbol is variably displayed. In the embodiment, the example in which the predetermined variable display start condition is that the game ball has won the start opening 44 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another mode may be used.

  If a game ball wins the starting hole 44 during the variable display of the special symbol in the special symbol game, the special based on the winning of the game ball at the starting hole 44 until the special symbol in the variable display is derived and displayed. Execution (start) of variable symbol display is suspended. That is, when the predetermined variable display execution condition is satisfied but the predetermined variable display start condition is not satisfied (when the predetermined variable display hold condition is satisfied), the predetermined variable display start condition is satisfied. The execution (start) of variable symbol special display is suspended.

  If the special symbol is derived and displayed in a state where the execution of the variable display of the special symbol is suspended, the execution of the variable display of the special symbol that is suspended is started. In addition, the special symbol variable display executed when the special symbol is derived and displayed is once. For example, in the state where execution of variable display of special symbols is held three times, when a special symbol is derived and displayed, one of the variable displays of special symbols held is executed once, and the remaining two symbols are displayed. The batch is held.

  An upper limit is set for the number of times the execution of the variable display of the special symbol is suspended. For example, the variable display of the special symbol is suspended up to four times. Thus, when the variable display of the identification information in the special symbol game is suspended, the special symbol suspension display device 34 displays the number of suspensions.

  Similarly, in the normal symbol game, when a game ball passes in the vicinity of the ball passage detectors 54a and 54b during the normal symbol variation display, until the normal symbol in the variation display is derived and displayed, Execution (start) of variable symbol display based on the passage of the game ball to the ball passage detectors 54a and 54b is suspended. If the normal symbol is derived and displayed in the state where the execution of variable display of the normal symbol is suspended, the variable symbol of the held regular symbol is started after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  Further, the execution of variable display of the normal symbol executed when the normal symbol is derived and displayed is one time. The number of executions of the variable display of the held normal symbol (so-called “the number of reserved symbols related to the normal symbol”, “the number of reserved symbols in the normal symbol game”) is displayed by the normal symbol holding display device 37. In addition, an upper limit is set for the number of times that execution of variable symbol display is suspended. For example, variable symbol variable display is suspended up to four times. When the variable display of the identification information in the normal symbol game is held in this way, the normal symbol hold display device 37 displays the hold number.

  In the present embodiment, the example has been described in which the variable symbol display is suspended with the upper limit being four times. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other modes may be used. It is also possible to suspend variable display of special symbols up to multiple times. Furthermore, it is also possible to configure so that any number of suspensions can be made without setting an upper limit. Of course, the variable display of the special symbol can be configured not to be suspended.

[Configuration of direction change device]
The structure of the direction change apparatus in a present Example is demonstrated using FIGS. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an arrangement configuration in which the direction change device 72 is disposed across the guide rail 30, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the direction change device 72. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the internal configuration and the like of the direction change device 72, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view including a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the ratchet mechanism 83 on the drive unit 72a side of the direction changing device 72. FIG.

  10 shows a side view of the direction changing device 72 in the straddling portion 74 as viewed from the drive unit 72a side, and FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional view of the direction changing device 72 in the straddling portion 74. Among these, the side view which looked at the guide surface drive part 72b side is shown. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of power supply terminals 80a to 80c for taking out power supplied to the drive motors 75a and 75b and the electromagnetic solenoid 84 arranged on the drive unit 72a side.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the direction changing device 72 is disposed on the inner side of the guide rail 30 and the driving portion 72 a disposed on the outer side of the guide rail 30 with the straddling portion 74 straddling the guide rail 30 interposed therebetween. The guide surface drive unit 72b is provided. As shown in FIG. 7, the drive unit 72a is driven by a drive motor 75a that slides the direction change device 72 along the guide rail 30, and a guide surface 73 as shown in FIGS. Further, there is provided an electromagnetic solenoid 84 for controlling engagement / disengagement of the ratchet mechanism 83 by controlling engagement / disengagement between the ratchet locking piece 83b in the ratchet mechanism 83 and the ratchet gear 83a provided in the drive gear 77. It is arranged.
7 to 9 and 14 is a bearing that freely interferes with the shaft such as the gear shaft and the drive shaft 78.

  In this way, the drive motor 75a for driving the drive gear 77, the drive motor 75b for changing the angle of the guide direction on the guide surface 73, and the electromagnetic solenoid 84 for operating / inactivating the ratchet mechanism 83 are respectively arranged outside the guide rail 30. Therefore, the game ball can be configured not to be affected by the magnetic force in the drive motor 75a, the drive motor 75b, and the electromagnetic solenoid 84.

  The drive motor 75a serves as a drive source for forward and reverse rotation of a drive gear 77 that slides the direction change device 72 in the front-rear direction along the guide rail 30. The drive motor 75a rotates at a high speed, but the drive gear 77 can be rotated at a low speed with a high torque via the speed reduction mechanism 76a. As the speed reduction mechanism 76a, a planetary gear mechanism is used in the illustrated example, but other speed reduction mechanisms can also be used.

  In the planetary gear mechanism, a sun gear 93a is attached to the drive shaft of the drive motor 75a, and the planetary gear 93c meshed with the fixed gear 93b fixed to the drive unit 72a and the sun gear 93a is connected to the drive shaft of the drive motor 75a. It is rotatably supported by a carrier 93d provided concentrically. A gear 93e provided on the carrier 93d is engaged with the drive gear 77. With the reduction mechanism 76a using this planetary gear mechanism, the drive gear 77 can be rotated at a low speed with a high torque by using the rotation extracted from the drive motor 75a that rotates at a high speed.

  A concave groove 30a is formed on the outer surface of the guide rail 30 in parallel with the sliding direction of the direction changing device 72, and an external gear 30b meshing with the drive gear 77 is guided to the inner bottom of the concave groove 30a. It is formed along the longitudinal direction of the rail 30. By rotating the drive gear 77 meshing with the external gear 30b, the direction changing device 72 can be slid along the guide rail 30 in the front-rear direction.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the rolling movement direction of the game ball that has been rolling through the guide passage 29 is changed along the guide surface 73. At this time, an impact force is applied to the direction change device 72 through the guide surface 73 of the direction change device 72 in a direction away from the guide passage 29 side, that is, to the right in FIG.

  In the following, the direction in which the drive gear 77 rotates in the direction in which the direction change device 72 is slid leftward in FIG. 17 will be referred to as the normal rotation direction of the drive gear 77, and the rotation direction opposite to the normal rotation direction. Is referred to as the reverse rotation direction. Also, the direction change device 72 sliding leftward in FIG. 17 is the forward direction of the direction change device 72, and the direction changing device 72 sliding rightward in FIG. The backward direction of the change device 72 is assumed.

  In order to prevent the direction change device 72 from moving in the backward direction due to the urging force from the game ball abutting on the guide surface 73, the drive gear 77 is allowed to rotate in the forward rotation direction and in the reverse rotation direction. Is provided with a ratchet mechanism 83 for preventing the rotation of the rotation.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the ratchet mechanism 83 is meshed with a ratchet gear 83a having a crown-shaped ratchet gear 83a in which one side of the tooth surface is formed as an inclined surface and the other side is formed as a vertical surface, along the inclined surface. The locking rod 83b can be moved up and down, and the locking rod 83b is urged by a spring 83c in a direction to mesh with the ratchet gear 83a. An electromagnetic solenoid 84 is disposed at the end of the locking rod 83b. When the electromagnetic solenoid 84 is excited, the locking rod 83b is attracted to the electromagnetic solenoid 84 side, and the meshing state with the ratchet gear 83a is released. At this time, the ratchet mechanism 83 is deactivated. .

  When the electromagnetic solenoid 84 is de-energized, the locking rod 83b is urged in the direction of meshing with the ratchet gear 83a by the urging force of the spring 83c, and the ratchet mechanism 83 can be put into an operating state. When the drive gear 77 rotates forward while the ratchet mechanism 83 is in an operating state, the locking rod 83b moves up and down along the inclined surface of the ratchet gear 83a, and the rotation of the drive gear 77 is allowed. Conversely, when the drive gear 77 rotates in the reverse direction, the locking rod 83b and the vertical surface of the ratchet gear 83a come into contact with each other, and the reverse rotation of the drive gear 77 is prevented.

Therefore, when the drive gear 77 rotates forward and the direction change device 72 is slid forward, or when the direction change device 72 is stopped, the game ball launched by the launch device 130 is guided to the guide surface. By changing the direction along the direction 73, even if a force that causes the direction change device 72 to move backward in the reverse direction is applied by the pressing force from the game ball, the direction change device 72 may move backward in the reverse direction. Can be prevented.
When the direction change device 72 is reversely slid by rotating the drive gear 77 in the reverse direction, the meshing state of the locking rod 83b and the ratchet gear 83a can be released by exciting the electromagnetic solenoid 84, and the ratchet mechanism 83 becomes inactive.

  The operation of rotating the drive gear 77 in the forward direction or rotating it in the reverse direction while exciting the electromagnetic solenoid 84 can be performed by operating the first operation means 95 disposed in the menu operation unit 69 shown in FIG. The first operating means 95 includes a push button 95a that forwardly slides the direction change device 72 by rotating the drive gear 77 forward, and an electromagnetic solenoid that reversely slides the direction change device 72 by rotating the drive gear 77 reversely. And a push button 95b for exciting 84.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the guide surface 73 has a curved surface, and the angle of the guide direction for changing the direction of the game ball by the curved surface can be adjusted by the guide surface driving unit 72b. A drive motor 75b for driving the guide surface drive unit 72b is disposed in the drive unit 72a of the direction changing device 72. The rotation of the drive motor 75b is decelerated by a reduction mechanism 76b composed of a plurality of gear groups, and the drive shaft 78 is rotated at a low speed with high torque. A male screw is formed on the drive shaft 78, and a rotating operation member 79 formed with a female screw is screwed onto the male screw of the drive shaft 78. The rotation actuating member 79 is configured to be non-rotatable with respect to the male screw of the drive shaft 78 and to be linearly slidable in the axial direction of the drive shaft 78.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the guide surface drive unit 72 b of the direction changing device 72 includes a turning operation member 79 that slides linearly by the rotation of the drive shaft 78, and an outer side formed on the edge side of the turning operation member 79. A guide surface 73 or the like whose rotation amount is controlled is provided by a convex strip protruding in the direction. The guide surface 73 is configured by a leaf spring or the like having a curved surface recessed at the inner side of the guide surface drive unit 72b with one end edge side fixed to the guide surface drive unit 72b side and the other end edge side as a free end edge.

  Then, due to the elastic force of the guide surface 73 whose one end edge side is fixed to the guide surface drive part 72b side, the convex strip formed on the end edge side of the turning operation member 79 abuts on the back surface side of the guide surface 73. ing. That is, by the elastic force of the guide surface 73, the guide surface 73 is always urged in a direction that reduces the angle of the guide direction.

  When the rotation actuating member 79 is linearly slid by the rotation of the drive shaft 78, the protrusions of the rotation actuating member 79 that are in contact with the back side of the guide surface 73 as shown in FIGS. The angle of the guide surface 73 in the guide direction can be changed by sliding the back surface of 73. That is, if the turning operation member 79 slides to the right in FIG. 8, the angle of the guide surface 73 increases, and if it slides to the left of FIG. 8, the angle of the guide surface 73 in the guide direction. Will decrease.

  The drive motor 75b for rotating the drive shaft 78 can be controlled by operating the second operation means 96 disposed in the menu operation unit 69 shown in FIG. By operating the second operating means 96, the forward / reverse control of the drive motor 75b can be performed, and the rotating operation member 79 is selectively slid rightward and leftward in FIG. The angle of 73 guide directions can be changed. For example, by pressing the operation button 96a of the second operation means 96, the drive motor 75b can be rotationally driven in a direction in which the angle of the guide direction of the guide surface 73 increases, and the operation button of the second operation means 96 By pressing 96b, the drive motor 75b can be rotationally driven in a direction in which the angle of the guide surface 73 in the guide direction decreases.

  The operation signal from the first operation means 95 and the operation signal from the second operation means are respectively input to the first drive control means 99 and the second drive control means 100 shown in FIG. The first drive control means 99 outputs a control signal for controlling the drive motor 75a and the electromagnetic solenoid 84 based on the operation signal from the first operation means 95. The control signal output for controlling the drive motor 75a from the first drive control means 99 is output to the electrode wire members 92b and 92c planted on the outer peripheral surface of the guide rail 30 shown in FIG. The electric power is input to the drive motor 75a and the electromagnetic solenoid 84 through the power supply terminals 80b and 80c that are in sliding contact with 92b and 92c.

  Further, the control signal output for controlling the drive motor 75b from the second drive control means 100 is output to the electrode wire member 92a planted on the outer peripheral surface of the guide rail 30 shown in FIG. The signal is input to the drive motor 75b through the power supply terminal 80a that is in sliding contact with the 92a.

  The first drive control means 99 and the second drive control means 100 are automatically controlled by a control signal from the sub CPU 206 shown in FIG. 18 in addition to manual operation by the operation from the first operation means 95 and the second operation means 96. Can be controlled by mode. That is, in the automatic control mode, a control signal is output from the sub CPU 206 to the first drive control means 99 and the second drive control means 100 according to the gaming state, and the optimum sliding according to the gaming state at that time The direction change device 72 can be positioned at a position. Further, the angle of the guide direction of the guide surface 73 can be controlled so that the angle of the optimum guide direction according to the gaming state at that time is obtained.

  For example, when the game state is changed to the big hit game state, when the state changes to the probability change state or the short time state, the release mode of the blade member 48b is advantageous, so the sub CPU 206 controls the direction change device 72 to move to the right game area 15 side. In addition, the angle of the guide surface 73 in the guide direction can be automatically controlled. As the sub CPU 206 controls the direction changing device 72 in this way, it is possible to create a situation in which it is easy to enter the starting port 44b from the blade member 48b, which is advantageous in the open mode. On the other hand, in the normal gaming state, since the opening mode of the blade member 48b is disadvantageous, it is difficult to enter the starting port 44b in the game area 15 on the right side. As described above, when the state changes to the probability change state or the time reduction state, the sub CPU 206 automatically controls the direction change device 72 to a state advantageous to the player, so that the interest of the player can be greatly enhanced.

  In this case, in order to select and switch between the manual operation mode for controlling the first drive control means 99 and the second drive control means 100 and the automatic control mode, a mode switching means 97 is provided in the menu operation section 69. Can do. The mode switching means 97 shown in FIG. 1 illustrates a changeover switch that can be switched between a manual operation mode (M) and an automatic control mode (A).

  The above-described configurations of the speed reduction mechanisms 76a and 76b and the configuration of the ratchet mechanism 83 are merely examples, and a speed reduction mechanism and a ratchet mechanism based on other configurations can also be used. In addition, as an example of the configuration of the first operation means 95 and the second operation means 96, a push button type switch has been described, but other configurations such as a switch of a type that slides a lever may be used. it can. As the drive motors 75a and 75b, a DC motor, an AC motor, a stepping motor, or the like can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in order to improve the slidability of the direction change device 72 straddling the guide rail 30, at least one ball roller or the like for sliding guidance is provided on the ceiling surface 74a of the straddle 74. I can keep it. As shown in FIG. 11, cylindrical guide members 82a and 82b can be provided on the side surface 74c of the straddling portion 74 on the guide surface driving portion 72b side. In order to adjust the gap distance between the direction change device 72 and the guide rail 30 straddling the guide rail 30, the cylindrical guide members 82a and 82b may be configured to be able to protrude and retract with respect to the side surface 74c of the straddling portion 74. it can.

  By providing the cylindrical guide members 82a and 82b, the contact with the guide rail 30 becomes a line contact, and rattling between the guide rail 30 and the direction change device 72 can be prevented. Instead of providing the cylindrical guide members 82a and 82b, a rotatable rubber roller or the like may be provided.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the power supply terminals 80 a to 80 c provided on the side surface 74 b on the driving unit 72 a side in the straddling portion 74 may be configured as an elastic piece bent in a bifurcated manner as shown in a perspective view in FIG. 12. it can. The sliding contact state with the electric wire members 92a to 92c can always be maintained by using the elastic force of the elastic piece bent in two. Furthermore, by arranging the arrangement positions of the power supply terminals 80a to 80c in a balanced manner on the left and right as shown in FIG. 10, the direction changing device 72 is utilized by utilizing the elastic force of the power supply terminals 80a to 80c. And the gap between the guide rail 30 can be adjusted.

  As a configuration for rotating the guide surface, instead of the configuration using the drive shaft 78, the operation mechanism of the operation member 87 for rotation using the eccentric pin 85a and the link member 86 as shown schematically in FIG. Can also be used. In this operating mechanism, an eccentric pin 85a is erected on a disc 85 that rotates at a reduced speed by a driving force from a driving motor (not shown). The link member 86 is formed in a bent shape and is configured to rotate around a pin disposed in the bent portion.

  A long hole 86a formed on one end side of the link member 86 is loosely fitted to the eccentric pin 85a, and a long hole 86b formed on the other end side of the link member 86 is erected on the rotating operation member 87. Loosely fit the pin. Further, the rotation actuating member 87 is configured so as to be able to reciprocate in the linear direction similarly to the rotation actuating member 79 shown in FIG.

  The rotational motion of the drive motor can be converted into a linear motion so that the rotation actuating member 79 can reciprocate linearly, and the angle of the guide surface 73 in the guide direction can be adjusted. In order to reciprocate the rotation actuating member 79, the drive motor (not shown) has only to be rotated in a certain direction, so that only one operation button is provided in the second operation means 96. It will be. As the drive motor (not shown), the drive motor 75b in FIG. 7 described above can also be used.

  Further, as a configuration for rotating the guide surface, as shown schematically in FIG. 14, a female screw portion 88b and a female screw portion 88b that engages with the male screw 88a and a female screw portion 88b are moved along with the movement of the female screw portion 88b. An operating mechanism that causes the operating piece 89 attached to 88b to slide in and out can also be used. In this operation mechanism, the rotation of a drive motor (not shown) is transmitted as the rotation of the male screw 88a, and is taken out as a linear motion by the female screw portion 88b whose rotation is restricted by the rotation of the male screw 88a. This is a mechanism for moving the operating piece 89 in and out by movement. Then, the angle of the guide direction on the guide surface 73 that is rotatably attached to the tip end of the operating piece 89 can be changed.

  In this operating mechanism, it is necessary to provide a sliding support portion 89a in order to restrict the sliding direction of the operating piece 89. Further, since it is necessary to rotate the drive motor (not shown) forward and backward, as the second operation means 96, an operation button for rotating the drive motor forward and an operation button for rotating the drive motor are provided as shown in FIG. Is desirable.

  Further, as a drive mechanism for sliding the direction change device 72 along the guide rail 30, as shown schematically in FIG. 15 and FIG. It is also possible to adopt a configuration using a drive mechanism attached to the direction change device 72. By forming the wire guide groove 30c for slidingly guiding the drive wire 90 on the outer surface of the guide rail 30, the drive wire 90 can be slid smoothly and stably.

  As described above, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 17, the direction change device 70 can be slid along the guide rail 30 by approximately a half or more, so that the configuration in the game area 15 can be variously configured. become able to. For example, it is also possible to arrange the starting port or the like sideways using a configuration in which a game ball can be driven into the game area 15 from the side. Further, the game area 15 can be divided into several areas so that each area has a unique configuration. In this way, it becomes possible to have a novel game configuration that could not be configured with a conventional pachinko gaming machine, and the fun of the game can be greatly enhanced.

[Electric configuration of gaming machine]
A block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in this embodiment is shown in FIG.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 is mainly composed of a main control circuit 60 as game control means and a sub control circuit 200 as effect control means. The main control circuit 60 controls the game. The sub-control circuit 200 controls the production according to the progress of the game.

As shown in FIG. 18, the main control circuit 60 includes a main CPU 63, a main ROM (read only memory) 64, and a main RAM (read / write memory) 65, which are control means. The main control circuit 60 controls the progress of the game.
The main CPU 63 is connected to a main ROM 64, a main RAM 65, and the like, and has a function of executing various processes in accordance with programs stored in the main ROM 64. Thus, the main CPU 63 functions as various means described later.

  In the main ROM 64, a program for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the main CPU 63 is stored. In addition, a big hit determination table and an effect to be referred to when a big hit is determined by random number lottery are selected. Various tables such as an effect condition selection table to be referred to at the time are also stored. A specific program will be described later.

  In the present embodiment, the main ROM 64 is used as a medium for storing programs, tables, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other storage medium can be used as long as it is a computer-readable storage medium. For example, it may be recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a ROM cartridge. These programs may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded after the power is turned on and recorded in the main RAM 65 or the like.

In addition, each program may be recorded on a separate storage medium. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main CPU 63, the main ROM 64, and the main RAM 65 are provided separately, but a one-chip microcomputer in which these are integrated may be used.
The main RAM 65 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 63. Specific examples of data stored in the main RAM 65 include the following.

The main RAM 65 includes a control status flag, a high probability flag, a jackpot determination random number counter, a jackpot symbol determination random number counter, a presentation condition selection random number counter, a big prize opening number counter, a big prize opening prize counter, a waiting time timer, A prize winning opening time timer, a variable relating to an output including data indicating the number of holdings in the special symbol game, data for supplying a command to the sub-control circuit 200 described later, a variable, and the like are positioned.
The control state flag indicates the control state of the special symbol game. The high probability flag indicates whether or not to relatively increase the probability of shifting to the big hit gaming state.

  The jackpot determination random number counter is for determining the jackpot of a special symbol. The jackpot symbol determination random number counter is for determining a special symbol derived and displayed when the jackpot of the special symbol is determined. The effect condition selection random number counter is for determining a variation display pattern of the special symbol and the decorative symbol. These counters are stored and updated by the main CPU 63 so as to sequentially increase by “1”, and various functions of the main CPU 63 are executed by extracting random numbers from the counters at a predetermined timing.

  In the present embodiment, such a random number counter is provided and the main CPU 63 stores and updates the random number counter so as to increase it by “1” according to the program. You may comprise so that an apparatus like a generator may be provided. Further, a reach determination random number counter for determining whether or not to reach may be provided.

  The waiting time timer is for synchronizing processing executed in the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200. The big prize opening time timer is for measuring the time for driving the shutter 40 and opening the big prize opening 39. The timer in this embodiment is stored and updated in the main RAM 65 so as to be subtracted by the predetermined cycle at a predetermined cycle. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU itself may include a timer. .

The big prize opening number counter indicates the number of times the big prize opening 39 is opened in the big hit gaming state (so-called “round number”). The grand prize winning prize counter indicates the number of game balls that won the big prize winning opening 39 during one round and passed through the count sensor 104. Furthermore, the data indicating the number of reserved items is retained when the game ball is won at the start port 44, but the variable symbol cannot be displayed. Indicates the number of times.
In this embodiment, the main RAM 65 is used as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 63. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a readable / writable storage medium may be used.

  The main control circuit 60 also includes a reset clock pulse generating circuit 61 that generates a clock pulse of a predetermined frequency, an initial reset circuit 62 that generates a reset signal when the power is turned on, and a sub-control circuit 200 to be described later. IC 66 for serial communication is provided. These reset clock pulse generation circuit 61, initial reset circuit 62, and serial communication IC 66 are connected to the main CPU 63.

  The reset clock pulse generation circuit 61 generates a clock pulse every predetermined cycle (for example, 2 milliseconds) in order to execute a system timer interrupt process to be described later. The serial communication IC 66 corresponds to transmission means for transmitting various commands to the sub control circuit 200 (various means included in the sub control circuit 2000).

  Various devices are connected to the main control circuit 60. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, a special symbol display device 33, a special symbol hold display device 34, a normal symbol display device 35, and a normal symbol hold display device 37 , Big hit round number display device 41, count sensor 104, general winning ball sensor 106, 108, 110, 112, passing ball sensor 114, 115, starting winning ball sensor 116, ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118, large winning ball solenoid 120, A backup clear switch 124 or the like is connected.

  The special symbol display device 33 performs variable display of special symbols in the special symbol game in accordance with a signal from the main control circuit 60. The special symbol hold display device 34 displays the number of hold of variable symbol variable display in the special symbol game in response to a signal from the main control circuit 60. The normal symbol display device 35 performs variable display of the normal symbol as identification information in the normal symbol game in response to a signal from the main control circuit 60. The normal symbol hold display device 37 displays the number of hold of the variable symbol variable display in the normal symbol game in response to a signal from the main control circuit 60.

  The big hit round number display device 41 displays the upper limit round number in the transferred big hit gaming state according to the signal from the main control circuit 60. The count sensor 104 is provided in the special winning opening 39. The count sensor 104 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game ball passes through the region at the special winning opening 39.

  The general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, and 112 are provided in the general winning ports 56a to 56d. The general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, and 112 supply a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game balls pass through the general winning ports 56 a to 56 d.

The passing ball sensors 114 and 115 are provided in the ball passing detectors 54a and 54b. The passing ball sensors 114 and 115 supply a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through the ball passing detectors 54a and 54b.
The start winning ball sensor 116 is provided at the start port 44. The start winning ball sensor 116 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball wins the start opening 44.

  The ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118 is connected to the blade member 48 via a link member (not shown), and makes the blade member 48 open or closed according to a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 63. .

The big prize low solenoid 120 is connected to the shutter 40 shown in FIG. 1, and drives the shutter 40 in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 63 to make the big prize opening 39 open or closed.
The backup clear switch 124 is built in the pachinko gaming machine 10 and has a function of clearing backup data in the event of a power interruption or the like in accordance with the operation of the game hall manager.

  The main control circuit 60 is connected with a payout / firing control circuit 126. The payout / launch control circuit 126 is connected to a payout device 128 that pays out game balls, a launch device 130 that fires game balls, and a card unit 150. Specifically, the payout / launch control circuit 126 has a CPU (not shown) for controlling the payout / launch control circuit 126, and a ROM (program for causing the CPU to execute processing) ( And a RAM (not shown) which is a work area of the CPU. Further, a lending operation unit 68 is connected to the card unit 150, and an operation signal is supplied to the card unit 150 in accordance with the operation.

  The payout / launch control circuit 126 receives a prize ball control command supplied from the main control circuit 60 and a lending ball control signal supplied from the card unit 150, and transmits a predetermined signal to the payout device 128. Then, the paying device 128 pays out the game ball. In addition, the payout / launch control circuit 126 performs a control of launching the game ball by supplying a launch signal to the launch device 130.

  The payout device 128 is employed as an example of a payout means for paying out game media when the launched (injected) game media passes through a predetermined area. Further, the payout / launch control circuit 126 is employed as an example of a payout control unit that performs drive control of the payout unit.

  Further, the launching device 130 is provided with a device for launching a game ball such as the launching motor and the touch sensor described above. When the shooting handle 26 is gripped by the player and is rotated in the clockwise direction, power is supplied to the shooting motor, and the game ball stored in the upper plate 20 is moved into the game area 15 by the shooting motor. Fired sequentially at a constant firing intensity. That is, regardless of the rotation amount of the launch handle 26, the launch device 130 launches a game ball into the game area 15 with a constant launch intensity.

  Note that such a launching device 130 is employed as an example of a launching unit that launches a game medium in response to a player's operation. Further, the payout / firing control circuit 126 is employed as an example of a firing control unit that controls driving of the firing unit.

  Further, the sub-control circuit 200 is connected to the serial communication IC 66. This sub-control circuit 200 controls the display control in the liquid crystal display device 32 according to various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60, the control related to the sound generated from the speaker 46 (46L and 46R in FIG. 1), the decorative lamp. Control of the lamp 132 including (not shown) and the like is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the command is supplied from the main control circuit 60 to the sub control circuit 200, and the signal is not supplied from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60. The sub-control circuit 200 may be configured to transmit a signal to the main control circuit 60 as necessary.

  The sub control circuit 200 includes a sub CPU 206, a program ROM 208 serving as storage means, an image data ROM 209 storing data related to images, a work RAM 210 serving as a temporary storage area, and a display control circuit 250 for performing display control in the liquid crystal display device 32. The sound control circuit 230 controls the sound generated from the speaker 46, and the lamp control circuit 240 controls the lamp 132 including a decorative lamp.

  The sub control circuit 200 executes an effect corresponding to the progress of the game in accordance with a command from the main control circuit 60. The sub control circuit 200 is connected to a menu operation unit 69, a game operation unit 70, and the like that can be operated by a player, and an operation signal is supplied to the sub control circuit 200 according to the operation (operation state). The

  The sub CPU 206 is connected to a program ROM 208, an image data ROM 209, a work RAM 210, and the like. The sub CPU 206 has a function of executing various processes in accordance with the program stored in the program ROM 208. In particular, the sub CPU 206 controls the sub control circuit 200 in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60. The sub CPU 206 functions as various means described later.

  The program ROM 208 stores a program for controlling the game effect of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the sub CPU 206, and also stores various tables such as a table for making a decision regarding the effect. The program ROM 208 stores a plurality of types of effect patterns relating to the game, and in particular displays step-up notice effect images (continuous effect images) that are displayed in a plurality of stages during variable display of identification information. An effect pattern (continuous effect pattern) including a step-up notice effect to be stored is stored.

In this embodiment, such a program ROM 208 corresponds to an example of effect pattern storage means.
In the present embodiment, the program ROM 208 is used as a storage means for storing programs, tables, etc., but the present invention is not limited to this, and any other storage medium can be used as long as it is a computer-readable storage medium equipped with a control means. For example, it may be recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a ROM cartridge. Of course, the main ROM 64 may be used as the storage means.

  Further, these programs may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded after the power is turned on and recorded in the work RAM 210 or the like. Furthermore, each program may be recorded on a separate storage medium.

  The image data ROM 209 stores data related to images. Specifically, in the image data ROM 209, data for viewing an object for rendering a stereoscopic image (for example, data of polygons constituting the object, data indicating the type of texture, texture data setting, etc.), viewpoint Data on the position, the viewpoint direction, and the like are stored, and are supplied to the buffer 254 of the display control circuit 250 described later after the power is turned on by the sub CPU 206.

  In the present embodiment, the image data ROM 209 can be attached to and detached from the pachinko gaming machine 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other known configurations may be employed. In the present embodiment, the image data ROM 209 is used as a storage unit for storing data relating to an image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any storage medium that can be read by a computer provided with a control unit may be used. For example, it may be recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM and a DVD-ROM, or a ROM cartridge. In this embodiment, the image data ROM 209 can be attached to and detached from the pachinko gaming machine 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image data ROM 209 may not be attached or detached. Further, it may be provided inside the display control circuit 250 as a storage means.

  Of course, the main ROM 64 may be used as the storage means. Further, the data regarding these images may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded after the power is turned on and recorded in the work RAM 210, a buffer 254 described later, or the like. Furthermore, each program may be recorded on a separate storage medium. Further, the above-described program ROM 208 and image data ROM 209 may be integrated, and further, a program, a table, image data, and the like may be stored in another storage medium.

  In the present embodiment, the main control circuit 60 including the main CPU 63 and the main ROM 64 and the sub control circuit 200 including the sub CPU 206 and the program ROM 208 are separately configured. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the main CPU 63 and the main ROM 64 are not limited thereto. In this case, the program stored in the program ROM 208 or the image data ROM 209 is stored in the main ROM 64 and is executed by the main CPU 63. May be.

  Of course, it may be configured only by the sub control circuit 200 including the sub CPU 206 and the program ROM 208. In this case, the program stored in the main ROM 64 is stored in the program ROM 208 and executed by the sub CPU 206. You may comprise.

The work RAM 210 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. For example, various variables such as an effect display selection random number counter for selecting an effect pattern are positioned.
In this embodiment, the work RAM 210 is used as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other configuration may be adopted as long as it is a readable / writable storage medium.

  The display control circuit 250 is a circuit that performs display control of the liquid crystal display device 32, and includes an image data processor (hereinafter referred to as VDP) 252, a buffer 254 that buffers image data, and a D / D that converts image data as an image signal. It is comprised from A converter (not shown) etc. The display control circuit 250 is a device that can perform various processes for causing the liquid crystal display device 32 to display an image in accordance with data supplied from the sub CPU 206.

  The above-described sub CPU 206 supplies all or part of the image data related to the image stored in the image data ROM 209 (for example, data of a plurality of objects) to the display control circuit 250 when the power is turned on (reset), In the display control circuit 250, the VDP 252 receives all or part of the image data and stores it in a part of the buffer 254.

  Then, the sub CPU 206 determines the viewpoint position and the viewpoint direction according to the type of the object to be arranged in the virtual space, its arrangement position, and the operation on the operation unit, and displays an image at a predetermined timing. (For example, data including the type of object, arrangement position, viewpoint position and viewpoint direction, etc.) is supplied to the display control circuit 250. Further, in the display control circuit 250, the VDP 252 reads the object data temporarily stored in the buffer 254 based on the received image display command, and arranges the object and the viewpoint in the virtual space.

  Furthermore, the VDP 252 determines the texture set for the object. The VDP 252 generates stereoscopic image data such as an object viewed from the viewpoint based on the positional relationship between the object thus determined and the viewpoint. The VDP 252 temporarily stores, in the buffer 254, image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32, such as various image data such as generated stereoscopic image data and decorative design image data indicating a decorative design.

  The VDP 252 supplies the image data stored in the buffer 254 to the D / A converter at a predetermined timing. The D / A converter converts image data as an image signal, and supplies the image signal to the liquid crystal display device 32 at a predetermined timing, whereby an image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32. In other words, the display control circuit 250 performs control for causing the liquid crystal display device 32 to display an image relating to the game.

  As described above, the sub CPU 206 determines the type of the object arranged in the virtual space, the position of the object, the texture set for the object, the viewpoint position, and the viewpoint direction. Further, the display control circuit 250 arranges the determined type of object at the determined arrangement position, and arranges the viewpoint in the determined viewpoint direction at the determined viewpoint position.

  Further, the display control circuit 250 sets a texture for the object. Then, the display control circuit 250 generates a stereoscopic image viewed from the viewpoint position by calculating the positional relationship in the virtual space between the object for which the texture is set and the viewpoint position for each predetermined time. .

  The display control circuit 250 performs control to display the generated stereoscopic image on the liquid crystal display device 32. The image data ROM 209 stores in advance a plurality of types of objects arranged in the virtual space and a plurality of types of textures that are set for these objects and have different brightness, hue, and saturation. These data are temporarily stored.

  In the present embodiment, such a display control circuit 250 corresponds to an example of an image generation unit and an image display control unit. In this embodiment, the image data ROM 209 and the buffer 254 correspond to an example of an object storage unit and a texture storage unit.

  In the present embodiment, data indicating the type of object, the position of the object, the texture to be set for the object, the viewpoint position, and the like are stored in the image data ROM 209 and the buffer 254. The program may be stored in a storage medium (for example, the program ROM 208) other than the ROM 209 and the buffer 254.

  The audio control circuit 230 includes a sound source IC that performs control related to audio, an audio data ROM that stores various audio data, an amplifier (hereinafter referred to as AMP) for amplifying audio signals, and the like.

  This sound source IC controls sound generated from the speaker 46. The sound source IC selects one sound data from a plurality of sound data stored in the sound data ROM in accordance with a sound generation command supplied from the sub CPU 206. The sound source IC reads the selected sound data from the sound data ROM, converts the sound data into a predetermined sound signal, and supplies the sound signal to the AMP. The AMP amplifies the sound signal and generates sound from the speaker 46. The lamp control circuit 240 includes a drive circuit for supplying a lamp control signal, a decoration data ROM storing a plurality of types of lamp decoration patterns, and the like.

[Description of special symbol game]
The special symbols are variably displayed on the special symbol display device 33 shown in FIG. Specifically, in the case where the special symbol is derived and displayed, when a predetermined variable display start condition is satisfied, the special symbol variable display is executed.

  Then, on the condition that the special symbol that is displayed in a stopped state and the derived display is in a non-specific display mode (for example, “-” that does not change from “0” to “9”, etc.), the jackpot gaming state is set. The game state is shifted to the big hit game state on the condition that the current game state such as the normal game state is maintained and a specific display mode (for example, “0” to “9”, etc.) is obtained. The Rukoto.

[Game machine operation]
The processing executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 is shown in FIGS. 19 to 21 and FIGS. 57 to 66. Further, the state transition of the special symbol control process (FIG. 21) executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[Main processing]
First, as shown in FIG. 19, initial setting processing such as RAM access permission, backup restoration processing, and work area initialization is executed (step S11). Then, as will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 21, a special symbol control process related to the progress of the special symbol game, the special symbols displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 and the special symbol display device 33, and the decorative symbols is executed (step S15). .
Then, the main CPU 63 executes normal symbol control processing relating to the progress of the normal symbol game and the normal symbols displayed on the normal symbol display device 35 (step S16). Further, the main CPU 63 executes a symbol display device control process for controlling display of variable symbols such as special symbols and normal symbols in accordance with the results of the execution of steps S15 and S16 (step S19).
As described above, in the main process, after the initial setting process in step S11 is completed, the processes in step S15, step S16, and step S19 are repeatedly executed.

[System timer interrupt processing]
Even when the main CPU 63 is executing the main process, the main process may be interrupted and the system timer interrupt process may be executed. The following system timer interrupt process is executed in response to a clock pulse generated from the reset clock pulse generation circuit 61 every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds). This system timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 20, the main CPU 63 executes a random number update process so as to increase the count values of the big hit determination random number counter, the big hit symbol determination random number counter, etc. by “1” (step S42). In this process, the main CPU 63 executes an input detection process for detecting the winning or passing of the game ball to the start port 44 or the like (step S43). In this process, the main CPU 63 stores, in a predetermined area of the main RAM 65, data for paying out the game ball on condition that the game ball has won at various winning ports.

  And, a waiting time timer for synchronizing the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200, a big prize opening time timer for measuring the opening time of the big prize opening 39 that is opened when a big hit occurs, etc. Various timer update processes are executed (step S44). Then, an output process is executed in order to supply a signal for drive control based on various variables to a solenoid, a motor or the like (step S46). If this process ends, the process moves to a step S47.

  In step S47, command output processing is executed. In this process, the main CPU 63 supplies various commands to the sub-control circuit 200. Specifically, these various commands include a demo display command, a derived symbol designation command indicating the type of special symbol derived and displayed, a variation pattern designation command indicating a variation display pattern of the special symbol, and the like. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S49.

  In the process of step S49, the main CPU 63 executes a payout process such as transmitting a prize ball control command for causing the payout device 128 to perform a prize ball to the payout / firing control circuit 126. Specifically, the main CPU 63 supplies to the payout / firing control circuit 126 a prize ball control command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls as a result of the game balls winning in various winning holes. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished, the address is returned to the address before the occurrence of the interrupt, and the main process is executed.

[Special symbol control processing]
The subroutine executed in step S15 in FIG. 19 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 21, the numerical values drawn on the sides of step S72 to step S80 indicate the control state flags corresponding to those steps, and one step corresponding to the numerical value according to the numerical value of the control state flag. Will be executed and the special symbol game will proceed.

  First, as shown in FIG. 21, a process for loading a control state flag is executed (step S71). In this process, the main CPU 63 reads the control state flag. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S72.

  In steps S72 to S80 described later, the main CPU 63 determines whether or not to execute various processes in each step based on the value of the control state flag, as will be described later. This control state flag indicates the state of the special symbol game, and enables one of the processes from step S72 to step S80 to be executed. In addition, the main CPU 63 executes processing in each step at a predetermined timing determined according to a waiting time timer or the like set for each step.

  Further, before reaching the predetermined timing, the process ends without executing the process in each step, and another subroutine is executed. Of course, the system timer interrupt process is also executed at a predetermined cycle.

  In step S72, a special symbol memory check process is executed. Although the details will be described later with reference to FIG. 23, the main CPU 63 checks the number of holdings when the control state flag is a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check, and determines the big hit if there is a holding number. , Derived special symbol, variation pattern of special symbol, etc. are determined. Further, the main CPU 63 sets a value (01) indicating special symbol variation time management in the control state flag, and sets the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern determined in the current process in the waiting time timer.

  That is, it is set so that the process of step S73 is executed after the fluctuation time corresponding to the fluctuation pattern determined this time has elapsed. On the other hand, if there is no pending number, a demonstration display process for displaying a demonstration screen is performed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S73.

  In step S73, a special symbol variation time management process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 63 sets the control state flag to a value (01) indicating special symbol variation time management, and when the variation time has elapsed, sets the value (02) indicating special symbol display time management to the control state flag. Set, and set the waiting time after determination (for example, 1 second) in the waiting time timer. That is, it is set so that the processing of step S74 is executed after the waiting time after determination has elapsed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S74.

  In step S74, a special symbol display time management process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 63 determines whether or not it is a big hit when the control state flag is a value (02) indicating special symbol display time management and the waiting time after determination has elapsed. In the case of a big hit, the main CPU 63 sets a value (03) indicating the big hit start interval management in the control state flag, and sets a time (for example, 10 seconds) corresponding to the big hit start interval in the waiting time timer.

  That is, after the time corresponding to the big hit start interval elapses, the setting of step S75 is performed. Further, the main CPU 63 sets data indicating a gaming state command indicating the type of the big hit gaming state to be transferred in a predetermined area of the main RAM 65. The data indicating the gaming state command stored in this way is supplied as a gaming state command from the main CPU 63 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 in FIG. Based on the received game state command, the sub CPU 206 of the sub-control circuit 200 can recognize the transition to the big hit gaming state and the type of the big hit gaming state to be transferred.

  On the other hand, the main CPU 63 sets a value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game when it is not a big hit. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S80. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S75. The main CPU 63 that executes such processing corresponds to an example of a big hit transition control means.

  In step S75, a big hit start interval management process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 63 has a value (03) indicating the big hit start interval management in the control state flag, and when the time corresponding to the big hit start interval has elapsed, Based on the data read from the ROM 64, the variables located in the main RAM 65 are updated.

  The main CPU 63 sets a value (04) indicating that the special winning opening is being opened to the control state flag, and sets an open upper limit time (for example, 30 seconds) to the special winning opening open timer. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S77. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S76.

  In step S76, a waiting time management process before reopening the big winning opening is executed. In this process, the main CPU 63 sets the special prize opening number counter when the control status flag is a value (06) indicating the big prize opening reopening waiting time management and the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed. Update the memory so that it increases by 1 ″. The main CPU 63 sets a value (04) indicating that the special winning opening is open in the control state flag. The main CPU 63 sets the opening upper limit time (for example, 30 seconds) in the big prize opening time timer. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S77. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S77.

  In step S77, a special winning opening opening process is executed. In this process, when the control status flag is a value (04) indicating that the big prize opening is being opened, the main CPU 63 has passed the condition that the big prize opening prize counter is “10” or more, and the opening upper limit time ( It is determined whether or not any of the conditions that the big prize opening time timer is “0” is satisfied (a predetermined closing condition is satisfied).

When the main CPU 63 determines that any one of the conditions is satisfied, the main CPU 63 updates a variable positioned in the main RAM 65 in order to close the special winning opening 39. The main CPU 63 sets a value (05) indicating monitoring of the winning ball residual ball in the control state flag. The main CPU 63 sets the extra winning ball remaining ball monitoring time (for example, 1 second) in the waiting time timer. That is, it is set so that the process of step S78 is executed after the winning ball residual ball monitoring time has elapsed.
Note that the main CPU 63 does not execute the above-described processing when none of the conditions is satisfied. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S78.

  In step S78, a special winning opening residual ball monitoring process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 63 indicates that the control status flag is a value (05) indicating monitoring of the winning ball remaining ball and when the remaining winning ball monitoring time has elapsed, It is determined whether or not the condition is equal to or greater than the maximum number of times of opening (the final round, specifically, 15 rounds in the probable big hit gaming state and 2 rounds in the normal big hit gaming state).

  When this condition is satisfied, the main CPU 63 sets a value (07) indicating the jackpot end interval in the control state flag, and sets a time corresponding to the jackpot end interval in the waiting time timer. In other words, after the time corresponding to the big hit end interval has elapsed, the setting of step S79 is executed. On the other hand, when this condition is not satisfied, the main CPU 63 sets a value (06) indicating management of the special winning opening reopening waiting time in the control state flag.

  Further, the main CPU 63 sets a time corresponding to the interval between rounds in the waiting time timer. In other words, after the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed, the setting of step S76 is executed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S79.

  In step S79, a big hit end interval process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 63 sets a value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game when the control state flag is a value (07) indicating the jackpot end interval and the time corresponding to the jackpot end interval has elapsed. Set to flag. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S80.

  Then, when it is determined that the main CPU 63 shifts to the probability changing state, the main CPU 63 performs control to shift to the probability changing state by setting a high probability flag, and the big hit symbol is determined not to shift to the probability changing state. In this case, control for shifting to the time reduction state is performed by setting the time reduction flag. In addition, the main CPU 63 sends data indicating a gaming state command indicating a transition to the probability changing state when shifting to the probability changing state, and a gaming state command indicating a transition to the time shortening state when shifting to the time shortening state. The indicated data is set in a predetermined area of the main RAM 65.

    The data indicating the gaming state command stored in this way is supplied as a gaming state command from the main CPU 63 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the processing in step S47 of FIG. Based on the received gaming state command, the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 can recognize that the state is shifted to the probability changing state or the time saving state. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S80.

  In step S80, a special symbol game end process is executed. In this process, when the control state flag is a value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game, the main CPU 63 stores and updates the data (starting storage information) indicating the number of holdings so as to decrease by “1”. Then, the main CPU 63 updates the special symbol storage area in order to perform the next fluctuation display. Further, when the main CPU 63 shifts to the normal gaming state, the main CPU 63 sets data indicating a gaming state command to the effect of shifting to the normal gaming state in a predetermined area of the main RAM 65.

  The data indicating the gaming state command stored in this way is supplied as a gaming state command from the main CPU 63 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 in FIG. Based on the received game state command, the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 can recognize that the state is shifted to the normal game state.

Further, the main CPU 63 counts the number of times that the identification information is variably displayed in the time reduction state, and when the number reaches a predetermined number (for example, 100 times), the main CPU 63 clears the time reduction flag. Control to shift from the state to the normal gaming state is performed.
The main CPU 63 sets a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S72. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  As described above, the special symbol game is executed by setting the control state flag. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, the main CPU 63 sets the control status flag to “00”, “01”, “02”, when the big hit determination result is lost in the case where the big hit gaming state is not set. By setting “08” in order, the processing of step S72, step S73, step S74, and step S80 shown in FIG. 21 is executed at a predetermined timing.

  Further, the main CPU 63 sets the control state flag in the order of “00”, “01”, “02”, “03” when the result of the big hit determination is a big hit when it is not the big hit gaming state, The processing of step S72, step S73, step S74, and step S75 shown in FIG. 21 is executed at a predetermined timing, and control to the big hit gaming state is executed.

  Further, when the control to the big hit gaming state is executed, the main CPU 63 sets the control state flags in order of “04”, “05”, “06”, thereby performing step S77 shown in FIG. The processing of step S78 and step S76 is executed at a predetermined timing, and the specific game is executed.

  When a specific game is being executed and the end condition (specific game end condition) for the big hit gaming state is satisfied, “04”, “05”, “07”, and “08” are set in this order. Accordingly, the processing from step S77 to step S80 shown in FIG. 21 is executed at a predetermined timing, and the big hit gaming state is ended. The specific game end condition is that the big hit game state is ended on the condition that the maximum number of consecutive big hit rounds (the upper limit round number, for example, 2 or 15 rounds in this embodiment) has ended.

[Special symbol memory check processing]
The subroutine executed in step S72 in FIG. 21 will be described with reference to FIG.
First, as shown in FIG. 23, it is determined whether or not the control state flag is a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check (step S101), and the control state flag is a value indicating a special symbol storage check. If it is determined that there is, the process proceeds to step S102. If it is not determined that the control state flag is a value indicating a special symbol storage check, this subroutine is terminated.

  In step S102, it is determined whether or not the reserved number is “0”. If it is determined that the data indicating the reserved number is “0”, the process proceeds to step S103, and the reserved number is stored. If it is not determined that the data indicating “0” is “0”, the process proceeds to step S104.

  In step S103, a demonstration display process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 63 stores in the main RAM 65 a variable for supplying a demonstration display command to the sub-control circuit 200 in order to perform a demonstration display. As a result, the sub-control circuit 200 can recognize that the customer waiting state (predetermined waiting state) has been entered. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  In step S104, a process of setting a value (01) indicating special symbol variation time management as a control state flag is executed. In this process, the main CPU 63 stores a value indicating special symbol variation time management in the control state flag. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S105.

  In step S105, a big hit determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 63 reads out the high probability flag, and selects one jackpot determination table from a plurality of jackpot determination tables having different numbers of jackpot determination values (big hit determination values) based on the read high probability flag. . For example, in the jackpot determination table at normal time, two jackpot determination values are set, but in the jackpot determination table at high probability, ten jackpot determination values are set, and based on the high probability flag By selecting the jackpot determination table, the probability of shifting to the jackpot gaming state is different.

  Thus, when the high probability flag is a predetermined value (for example, “77”), that is, when the gaming state is a probable variation state, the probability of transition to the big hit gaming state (specify the result of variable symbol special display) The probability of the display mode is improved over the normal time. Then, the main CPU 63 refers to the jackpot determination random number extracted at the time of starting winning and the selected jackpot determination table.

  That is, the main CPU 63 determines whether or not to make a big hit gaming state advantageous to the player by establishing a predetermined big hit judgment condition such as a game ball having passed through the starting port 44 (starting area) in the gaming area 15. Judgment will be made. In the present embodiment, the main CPU 63 that executes such processing corresponds to an example of a big hit determination means. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S106.

  In step S106, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit. In this process, the main CPU 63 determines whether or not it is a big hit based on the result of the reference in step S105. If the main CPU 63 determines that it is a big hit, it moves the process to step S107, and if it does not determine that it is a big hit, moves the process to step S108.

  In step S107, the main CPU 63 extracts the jackpot symbol random number extracted at the time of starting winning, and determines whether or not to shift to the probability variation state based on the jackpot symbol random value. Then, the main CPU 63 determines a special symbol based on whether or not to shift to the probability changing state, and stores data indicating the special symbol in a predetermined area of the main RAM 65. If the main CPU 63 determines to shift to the probability changing state, the main CPU 63 performs control to shift to the probability changing state in step S79 described above.

  The data indicating the special symbol stored in this way is supplied to the special symbol display device 33. As a result, the special symbol is derived and displayed on the special symbol display device 33. Further, the data indicating the special symbol stored in this way is supplied as a derived symbol designation command from the main CPU 63 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 in FIG. As a result, in the sub control circuit 200, the decorative design corresponding to the special design is derived and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S109.

  On the other hand, in step S108, a missing symbol determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 63 determines the special symbol as the missing symbol, and stores data indicating the special symbol in a predetermined area of the main RAM 65. The data indicating the special symbol stored in this way is supplied to the special symbol display device 33.

  As a result, the special symbol is derived and displayed on the special symbol display device 33. Further, the data indicating the special symbol stored in this way is supplied as a derived symbol designation command from the main CPU 63 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 in FIG. As a result, in the sub control circuit 200, the decorative design corresponding to the special design is derived and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S109.

  In step S109, a variation pattern determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 63 extracts a rendering condition selection random value. The main CPU 63 selects a variation pattern determination table (not shown) for determining the variation pattern based on the special symbol determined in steps S107 and S108.

  Then, the main CPU 63 determines a variation pattern based on the rendering condition selection random number extracted from the rendering condition selection random number counter and the selected variation pattern determination table, and stores it in a predetermined area of the main RAM 65. The main CPU 63 determines the variation display mode (in particular, the variation display time) of the special symbol based on the data indicating such a variation pattern.

  That is, the sub CPU 206 determines the variation pattern of the identification information based on the determination result as to whether or not to shift to the big hit gaming state. In the present embodiment, such a main CPU 63 corresponds to an example of a variation pattern determining unit. The data indicating the variation pattern stored in this way is supplied to the special symbol display device 33.

  Based on the data indicating the variation pattern supplied to the special symbol display device 33, the special symbol display device 33 performs variation display based on the variation pattern determined by the special symbol. That is, the main CPU 63 performs display control of the special symbol display device 33 that performs variable display of special symbols.

  Further, the data indicating the variation pattern stored in this way is supplied as a variation pattern designation command from the main CPU 63 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 of FIG. The sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 executes an effect display according to the received variation pattern designation command. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S110.

  In step S110, a process of setting a variation time corresponding to the determined variation pattern in the waiting time timer is executed. In this process, the main CPU 63 calculates the fluctuation time based on the fluctuation pattern determined by the process of step S109 and the fluctuation time table indicating the fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern, and sets a value indicating the fluctuation time. Store in the waiting time timer. Then, a process of clearing the storage area used for the current variation display is executed (step S111). When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

[Sub-control circuit main processing]
On the other hand, the sub-control circuit 200 executes the sub-control circuit main process. The sub control circuit main process will be described with reference to FIG. The sub-control circuit main process is a process that starts when the power is turned on.

  First, as shown in FIG. 24, the sub CPU 206 executes initial setting processing such as RAM access permission and work area initialization (step S201). If this process ends, the process moves to a step S202.

  In step S202, the sub CPU 206 executes random number update processing. In this process, the sub CPU 206 updates random number values of various random number counters positioned in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S203.

  In step S203, the sub CPU 206 executes command analysis processing. That is, the received command is analyzed, and processing corresponding to the analyzed command is executed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S204.

  In step S204, the sub CPU 206 executes display control processing. That is, the sub CPU 206 performs image display control in the liquid crystal display device 32. Then, the sub CPU 206 executes a sound control process for controlling the sound generated from the speaker 46 (step S205) and a lamp control process for controlling the light emission of various lamps 132 (step S206). When this process ends, the process is moved again to step S202.

  As described above, in the sub control circuit main process, after the initial setting process in step S201 is completed, the processes from step S202 to step S206 are repeatedly executed.

[Command interrupt processing]
In the sub control circuit 200, a command interrupt process is executed at a predetermined timing (for example, a timing at which a command is received). This command interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.
First, as shown in FIG. 25, the sub CPU 206 saves the register (step S221), and stores various received commands received from the main control circuit 60 in a command buffer located in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. (Step S222). Then, the sub CPU 206 restores the register saved in step S221 (step S223). When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

[Timer interrupt processing]
Further, the sub control circuit 200 executes the timer interrupt process at a predetermined timing (for example, every 2 ms, etc.). This timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 26, the sub CPU 206 saves the register (step S241) and executes various timer update processes (step S242). Then, the sub CPU 206 executes switch input processing (step S243). In this process, the sub CPU 206 executes various processes according to the player's operation.

In the present invention, in particular, when the mode switching means 97 is switched to the manual operation mode, the first operation means 95 and the second operation means 96 are operated by the player, or the mode switching means 97 is automatically controlled. This is executed when a control signal is output from the sub CPU 206 to the first drive control means 99 and the second drive control means 100 when the mode is switched.
Then, the sub CPU 206 restores the register saved in step S241 (step S244). When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

[Switch input processing]
The subroutine executed in step S243 in FIG. 26 will be described with reference to FIG.
First, as shown in FIG. 27, the sub CPU 206 detects the mode switched by the mode switching means 97 (S250). When the mode switching means 97 is switched to the manual operation mode, Steps S251 to S254 are executed. When the mode switching means 97 is switched to the automatic control mode, Steps S256 to S259 are executed.

  In step S251, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the first operating means 95 is operated. If it is determined that the first operating means 95 is operated, the sub CPU 206 moves to step S252 and outputs an operation signal from the first operating means 95. Based on the first control means 99 is controlled. Then, the direction change device 72 is slid forward or backward. Further, when the sliding direction of the direction changing device 72 is the reverse direction, the control for releasing the operation of the ratchet mechanism 83 is also performed. In step S251, when the first operating means 95 is not operated, the process proceeds to step S253.

  In step S253, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the second operation means 96 is operated. When it is determined that the second operation means 96 is operated, the sub CPU 206 moves to step S254 and uses the operation signal from the second operation means 96 as an operation signal. The second control means 100 based on the control is performed. In step S253, when the second operation means 96 is not operated, and when the process of step S254 is completed, this subroutine is terminated.

  When the sub CPU 206 determines that the automatic control mode is selected in step S250, the process proceeds to step S256, and whether a control signal for controlling the first control means 99 according to the current gaming state is output. A determination is made whether or not. When the control signal is output, the process proceeds to step S257, and the direction change device 72 is slid forward or backward in accordance with the control signal. At this time, when the sliding direction of the direction changing device 72 is the reverse direction, control for canceling the operation of the ratchet mechanism 83 is also performed. In step S256, when the control signal for controlling the first control means 99 is not output, the process proceeds to step S258.

  In step S258, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a control signal for controlling the second control means 100 is output according to the current gaming state. When the control signal is output, the process proceeds to step S259, and the guide direction angle of the guide surface 73 is adjusted according to the control signal. In step S258, when the control signal for controlling the second control unit 100 is not output, and when the process of step S259 is ended, this subroutine is ended.

  The technical idea of the present invention can be applied to a device or the like to which the technical idea of the present invention can be applied.

It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a pachinko gaming machine. (Example) It is a disassembled perspective view in a pachinko gaming machine. (Example) It is a front view of a game board. (Example) It is a front view of a guide rail. (Example) It is a perspective view which shows the arrangement configuration of a guide rail and a direction change apparatus. (Example) It is a perspective view of a direction change apparatus. (Example) It is the schematic which shows the internal structure etc. of a direction change apparatus. (Example) It is a cross-sectional view on the guide surface drive unit side of the direction change device. (Example) It is a perspective view containing the partial cross section explaining a ratchet mechanism. (Example) It is a side view in the drive part side of a direction change apparatus. (Example) It is a side view in the guide surface drive part side of a direction change apparatus. (Example) It is a perspective view of a feed terminal. (Example) It is the schematic which shows the drive mechanism of the guide surface concerning another structure. (Example) It is the schematic which shows the drive mechanism of the guide surface concerning another structure. (Example) It is the schematic of the direction change apparatus concerning another structure. (Example) It is a principal part enlarged view in FIG. (Example) It is the schematic explaining the manual position of a direction change apparatus. (Example) It is a block diagram which shows the control circuit of a pachinko gaming machine. (Example) It is a block diagram which shows a main process. (Example) It is a block diagram which shows a system timer interruption process. (Example) It is a block diagram which shows a special symbol control process. (Example) It is a block diagram for description of special symbol control processing. (Example) It is a block diagram which shows a special symbol memory check process. (Example) It is a block diagram which shows a sub control circuit main process. (Example) It is a block diagram which shows a command interruption process. (Example) It is a block diagram which shows a timer interruption process. (Example) It is a block diagram which shows switch input processing. (Example)

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine, 14 ... Game board, 15 ... Game area, 26 ... Launch handle, 29 ... Guide passage, 30 ... Guide rail, 30a ... Recessed groove, 30b ... spur gear, 30c ... wire guide groove, 31 ... inner rail, 32a ... display area, 39 ... big prize opening, 44 (44a, 44b) ... start opening, 60 ... Main control circuit, 63 ... Main CPU, 70 ... Game operation unit, 72 ... Direction change device, 72a ... Drive unit, 72b ... Guide surface drive unit, 73 ... Guide surface, 75a, 75b ... drive motor, 76a, 76b ... deceleration mechanism, 77 ... drive gear, 78 ... drive shaft, 79 ... actuating member for rotation, 79a ... convex part , 83 ... Ratchet mechanism, 84 ... Electromagnetic solenoid, 85 ... Disc, 8 a ... eccentric pin, 86 ... link member, 87 ... actuating member for rotation, 88 ... rotation transmission mechanism, 89 ... actuating piece, 90 ... drive wire, 91 ... Drive motor 92 ... Electrode wire member 95 ... First operation means 96 ... Second operation means 97 ... Mode switching means 99 ... First drive control means 100 ... Second drive control means 126... Discharge / launch control circuit 130... Launch device 200 .. sub-control circuit 206.

Claims (6)

A game area in which a game ball can roll,
A launcher that launches a game ball;
A guide rail for guiding a game ball launched by the launching device into the game area;
A direction change device disposed across the guide rail as a guide rail and slidable along the guide rail,
A guide surface that is disposed in the direction change device and guides a game ball that is launched by the launching device and rolls along the guide rail in a direction away from the guide rail while being along a curved surface;
Sliding means for sliding the direction change device along the guide rail;
A first operation means operable by the player;
A first drive control means for controlling the driving of the sliding means on the condition that the first operating means has been operated;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising: Provided at the lower end of the game area, and has a discharge port for discharging the game ball rolling in the game area as a detachment ball outside the game area,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the guide rail is a continuous rail that surrounds the gaming area and extends at least to the discharge port. A launch intensity control means for controlling the launch intensity of the game ball launched by the launch device to a constant intensity at all times,
The launch strength of the game ball controlled by the launch strength control means is a strength that allows the game ball launched by the launch device to roll to the discharge port along the inner peripheral surface of the guide rail. The gaming machine according to claim 2. Angle adjusting means for adjusting the angle of the guide surface in the guide direction;
A second operating means operable by the player;
A second drive control means for controlling the drive of the angle adjustment means on the condition that the second operation means is operated;
The game machine according to claim 1, comprising: An automatic control mode for automatically operating the first drive control means in accordance with a gaming state in the gaming machine;
On the condition that the first operation means has been operated, a manual operation mode for operating the first drive control means,
Mode switching means for switching between the automatic control mode and the manual operation mode;
A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: The automatic control mode is an automatic control mode in which the operation of the first drive control means and / or the operation of the second drive control means is automatically performed according to the gaming state in the gaming machine,
The second drive control means is operated on the condition that the manual operation mode is activated on the condition that the first operation means is operated and / or on the condition that the second operation means is operated. It is a manual operation mode that activates,
The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the mode switching means is a mode switching means for switching between the automatic control mode and the manual operation mode.

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