JP2012135440A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which prevents a player from losing interest in games due to invalid balls (waste balls) generated during a jackpot game.SOLUTION: A plurality of game ball receiving ports are provided in a game ball flow-in region formed in a lower part of a game region. The central game ball receiving port is a big prize winning port 31a, and the adjacent right and left game ball receiving ports are discharge ports 32a, 32b. A decorative body 85 which covers the entire part of the discharge ports 32a, 32b and covers a region excluding the upper part of the big prize winning port 31a is provided forward of the ports. First guide paths 11S, 11T for guiding a game ball to the big prize winning port 31a and second guide paths 11L 11R for guiding a game ball to the discharge ports 32a, 32b are provided close to each other. The game ball flowing down in the first guide paths 11S, 11T is guided to the discharge ports 32a, 32b when a vertically retractable operating piece (31p) protrudes to the front side and is guided to the big prize winning port 31a when the operating piece moves toward the back side.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine and can be applied to a so-called seven machine, a winged article, a right article, or a ball-type gaming machine such as an arrangement ball.

  A ball-type game machine includes an outer frame, a main body frame (inner frame), a game board held by the main body frame, and a transparent plate (glass plate) that covers the board surface (front surface) of the game board. A front frame. In addition, in this type of gaming machine, various winning holes (large winning holes) are provided in a gaming area in which the outer rail and the inner rail are surrounded by a predetermined shape (approximately circular or approximately oval) on the surface of the gaming board. , Starting prize opening, other general prize winning openings, etc.), passing gates, variable display devices, obstacle nails and the like.

  In general, an out-port is provided at the bottom of the game area for discharging game balls that have not won any of the game ports out of the game area (outside the machine). In other words, the game ball that is launched by the launcher, enters the game area from the upper left ball entrance of the game area, and reaches the bottom of the game area without winning any of the winning holes. In such a case, it is discharged to the rear of the game board through an out port that opens to the front of the board.

  In this type of gaming machine, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to generate a big hit (that is, whether or not to win a big hit) due to the game ball winning the start winning opening. In such a case, in the variable display device, after the variable display using the special symbol is performed for a predetermined time, the stop symbol indicating the result of the lottery is stopped and displayed for a certain time (for example, 0.6 seconds). The Then, when the stop symbol indicating that the result of the lottery is winning (the result of the success / failure determination is a big hit) is stopped and displayed on the variable display device, the gaming machine starts a big hit game (special game), The opening / closing member (opening / closing member constituting the large winning device) is opened to change the closed large winning opening to the open state, so that the game ball can be won into the large winning opening. Thereafter, when a predetermined number of game balls are won in the special winning opening or when a predetermined time elapses, the opening / closing member is temporarily closed to close the special winning opening and applied to the opening / closing member. Complete one unit drive (one big hit round). When this “unit driving of the opening / closing member” is repeated a predetermined number of times (so-called “round number”), the gaming machine ends the big hit game.

  In this type of gaming machine, when a big hit game is started, game balls are continuously fired aiming at the big prize opening. There are many things (waste balls) that become invalid balls and are discharged out of the machine without winning a prize opening. However, the outro is generally provided at the lowermost part of the game area in a state separated from the big prize opening, so that the player can clearly see both the big prize opening and the outro. For this reason, it is easy for the player to notice that “the game ball that has not won the big winning opening during the big hit game” becomes an invalid ball (waste ball) and is discharged out of the machine from the outro. This puts unnecessary stress on the player (for example, gives an irritating feeling based on “I feel like I wo n’t win as if I was able to start a big hit game, but I thought it was a big win)” There is a risk of lowering interests.

  On the other hand, a gaming machine having a “configuration for suppressing the occurrence of invalid balls (waste balls) during a big hit game” is disclosed. That is, a gaming machine is disclosed in which an outro and a prize winning opening are provided in the out area at the lower end of the gaming area (hereinafter referred to as “conventional example”; see Patent Document 1). In this conventional example, the outro is provided in a mode in which a lower surface in the front-rear direction (depth direction) of the game board is opened, and a big prize opening is provided on the back side of the outro.

JP-A-2005-270537

  In the gaming machine according to this conventional example, the movement of the game ball guided to the outro (vertical drop) is completely different from the movement of the game ball guided to the winning prize opening (horizontal inflow to the back side). The player can easily identify whether the ball has won the grand prize opening or whether it has become an invalid ball and is discharged from the outro. For this reason, depending on this conventional example, it is difficult to suppress the above-mentioned “decrease in gaming interest during a big hit game”.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and the object of the present invention is to suppress the “deterioration of the game entertainment due to invalid balls (waste balls) generated during a big hit game”. It is to provide a gaming machine that can.

The gaming machine according to claim 1,
A game area is provided on the front to allow the game balls to flow down, and a plurality of winning holes including a start winning opening and a large winning opening, and game balls that have not won any of the winning openings are discharged as invalid balls outside the machine. A game board disposed in the game area,
When the game balls flowing down the game area win the winning prize opening, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to generate a big hit, and when the lottery result is a win, the large A gaming machine that executes a jackpot game that changes the winning opening to an open state,
A game ball inflow region for allowing a game ball that has flowed down the game region to flow in is formed across the left and right sides at the lower part of the game region, and a plurality of game ball receiving ports are arranged side by side in the game ball inflow region. And
Among the plurality of game ball entrances, one or more predetermined game ball entrances that are not located at the left end and the right end are used as the big prize opening, and among the game ball entrances located on both the left and right sides of the big prize opening , And at least the game ball entrance located on the left side of the grand prize winning opening,
On the front side of the plurality of game ball inlets in the game ball inflow region, a decorative body that covers the outro and the big prize opening is provided,
A first guiding path for guiding a game ball flowing down on the gaming area to the big winning opening and a gaming ball flowing down on the gaming area are guided to the out opening above the big winning opening and the out opening. And the second taxiway that is in close proximity to each other,
An operating piece that can be projected and retracted vertically with respect to the game area is provided, and when the operating piece protrudes toward the front side, the large winning opening is in the closed state, and a game ball flowing down the first guiding path is provided. When the operation piece is guided to the outro and the working piece is immersed deeply, the big prize opening is in the open state so that the game ball flowing down the first guiding path is guided to the big prize opening. It is characterized by comprising.

  In the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention, the big prize opening and the out mouth are arranged in a state adjacent to each other in the lateral direction, and the big prize opening and the outro are covered with a decorative body. Make the boundary difficult to understand from the front. Moreover, since the first guiding path for guiding the game ball to the big winning opening and the second guiding path for guiding the game ball to the out opening are provided in close proximity to each other, the player flows down around the big winning opening. It can be difficult to identify whether a game ball has won a big prize opening or has become an invalid ball and is discharged from the outro.

For this reason, it is possible to give the player the impression that many of the game balls that flow down around the big winning opening during the big hit game win the big winning opening (impression that no invalid ball is generated). Therefore, according to the gaming machine of the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the “decrease in gaming interest caused by invalid balls (waste balls) generated during big hit games”. In the present invention, the placement and adjustment of the obstacle nails around the big prize opening is a disadvantageous aspect for the player, and the game ball flowing down around the big prize opening is likely to be guided to the second taxiway. Even underneath, it has great significance in that it is difficult to give unnecessary stress to the player.
In the present invention, it is possible to variously select a range covered by the “decorative body” among the outro and the special winning opening. For example, (a) all of the outro and the big prize opening may be covered, or (b) a part of the outro and the big prize opening (for example, a portion excluding the upper part) may be covered. However, it is particularly desirable that (c) “cover the whole outro and cover the part other than the upper part of the prize winning opening”. By covering and not covering the “upper part of the big prize opening” with a decorative body, the impression that many of the game balls flowing down around the big prize opening during the big hit game are winning the big prize opening (invalid balls are generated. This is because it is easier to give a player an unnotified impression). Here, in (c) “embodiment covering the part excluding the upper part of the big prize opening with the decoration body”, “the part not covered with the decoration body in the big prize opening (that is, the upper part of the big prize opening)” , Can be selected from the following ranges. In other words, if the vertical width of the big prize opening is “L”, it can be selected from a range that is “L / 10” or more and “2L / 3” or less from the upper end of the big prize opening. If it is in the range of “L / 10” or more from the upper end of the big prize opening, it becomes easier for the player to be aware of the existence of the big prize opening (the presence of the big prize opening can be made conspicuous), and the upper end of the big prize opening. This is because, if the range exceeds “2L / 3” from the department, it is easier to stand out that “the game ball was not won in the big winning opening”.
Moreover, in the above-mentioned (a)-(c), the height position of the upper end part of the big winning opening and the outro arrange | positioned next to it may be the same, and may differ. For example, the height position of the upper end portion of the big prize opening is made higher than the height position of the upper end portion of the outro arranged next to it (hereinafter referred to as the “former embodiment”) or conversely. An embodiment (hereinafter referred to as “the latter embodiment”) can be exemplified. In the “form of the former”, even if it is a “simple-shaped decorative body having a substantially horizontal upper edge (for example, a belt-shaped decorative body), the upper edge is the same height as the upper end of the outro. Alternatively, it is positioned above the upper end portion of the outro and positioned below the upper end portion of the big prize opening, so that the above-mentioned mode (c) (covering the whole outro and excluding the upper part of the big winning opening) A mode of covering the part) ”can be realized. Also, in the “latter aspect”, the height position of the upper edge of the decorative body is lowered at the portion disposed in front of the big prize opening, thereby the above-mentioned aspect (c) And a portion covering the portion excluding the upper part of the special winning opening).

  In the present invention, among “a plurality (three or more) of game ball receiving ports arranged in parallel in the game ball inflow region”, the game ball receiving ports that are not located at the left end and the right end are defined as the big winning opening. In this case, the number of special winning openings may be one or two or more. When the number of the big winning holes is two or more, each of the big winning holes may be arranged in a state adjacent in the horizontal direction (a state that continues in the horizontal direction). You may arrange | position in the state which pinched | interposed the "receiving port (out port etc.)". If the number of the two or more big winning holes is arranged in the horizontal direction, is the gaming ball entrance located on the left side of the “two or more big winning holes” set as the outlet? The game ball entrances located on both the left and right sides of the “two or more big prize winning openings” are the out openings.

  In the invention of claim 1, the game ball entrances located on both the left and right sides of the grand prize opening may be the outlets (hereinafter referred to as “the former”, refer to claim 2), Only the game ball receiving port located on the left side may be the out port (hereinafter referred to as “the latter”). In the former case, the second guiding path is provided on both sides of the big prize opening. In the latter case, the game ball entrance next to the right prize winning opening can be a prize winning opening other than the big winning opening (a start winning opening or a general winning opening described later). In addition, in the invention of claim 1, the game ball receiving port located in the center of the game ball inflow region may be a big prize opening, or closer to the left end or the right end of the game ball inflow region than the center of the game ball inflow region. It is good also considering the game ball entrance located as a big prize opening.

  Examples of the decorative body include a plate-shaped decorative body (that is, a decorative board) and a modeled object with a character or the like. In addition, the decorative body may conceal the back of the decorative body in a state in which it cannot be visually recognized from the front, but may make the back of the decorative body difficult to visually recognize from the front. For example, the decorative plate constituting one specific example of the decorative body may be a concealment plate configured to be opaque, but a transparent plate that has been subjected to a process for reducing the transparency or a process for reducing the transparency is performed. It may be a translucent plate or the like. Here, the processing for reducing the degree of transparency includes: (a) means for generating irregular reflection on a transparent plate, a semi-transparent plate, etc. (scratches, slits, embosses, other irregularities on at least one of the front and rear surfaces, etc. (B) a process for applying a color (a process for coloring a base material formed to form a decorative board, a process for mixing a pigment into a material when forming a decorative board, etc.), ( c) A process for applying a pattern, (d) a process for applying a figure or other diagram, or a process combining two or more of the processes (a) to (d).

  The “plurality of game ball reception openings” may be, for example, juxtaposed in the horizontal direction (may be juxtaposed on a horizontal imaginary line), or juxtaposed on an imaginary line in the lateral direction while being inclined. Alternatively, they may be arranged side by side on an imaginary line extending in the horizontal direction while forming an arc. In addition, the number of game ball inlets provided in parallel in the game ball inflow region is not particularly limited as long as it is three or more. In addition, a plurality of game ball receiving openings can be provided in a state of opening toward the front of the game board surface. In this case, the game balls received at each game ball receiving opening are discharged to the rear of the game board surface ( For example, it can be discharged out of the apparatus by using a discharge guide section (to be described later).

  In front of each game ball entrance, a guide member (for example, a reception guide section described later) is provided that guides a game ball that protrudes from the top of the game board and reaches the corresponding game ball entrance. Also good. And as a guide member, the thing of the substantially pocket shape provided with the entrance which opens upwards, and a bottom part inclines toward the game ball | bowl entrance can be illustrated. When this guide member is provided in front of the winning a prize opening, it is possible to open or close the winning a prize opening by opening and closing the entrance with an operating piece that can be moved vertically. it can.

The gaming machine according to claim 2 is the gaming machine according to claim 1,
Among the plurality of game ball inlets, at least a game ball inlet located in the center of the game ball inflow region is set as the big prize opening, and game ball inlets located on both right and left sides of the big prize opening are the out holes. It is characterized by.

  In the gaming machine according to the second aspect of the present invention, since the outlets are arranged on both the left and right sides of the big prize opening located at the center of the game ball inflow area, the game balls can reach the periphery of the big prize opening from either the left or right direction. Even in this case, it can be difficult to identify whether the game ball that has been reached has won the big prize opening or has become an invalid ball and has been discharged from the outro. In the present invention, when a plurality of game ball entrances are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction, even if the game ball arrives around the big prize opening from either the left or right direction, It can be made equally difficult to identify whether it is an invalid ball and is discharged from the outro.

The gaming machine of the invention of claim 3 is the gaming machine of claim 1 or 2,
The opening shape of the prize winning opening is a substantially mountain shape, and the operating piece is inclined downwardly from the center of the upper part of the winning prize opening along the opening shape, and the upper part of the winning prize opening and the operating piece is The lower end spreading part except for is covered with the decorative body.

  In the invention of claim 3, since the opening shape of the big prize opening is a substantially mountain shape, the opening width of the big prize opening (the width along the lateral direction of the big prize opening) expands downward (a divergent shape). Becomes). In the big prize opening, the “upper part of the big prize opening” is arranged above the decorative body, and a portion having an opening width larger than the upper part is covered with the decorative body. For this reason, a game ball (a game ball that flows down the first taxiway or the second taxiway and flows behind the decorative body) flowing around the decorative body around the grand prize winning opening is awarded to the grand prize opening. It is even more difficult to discriminate whether it is an invalid ball or discharged from the outro.

The gaming machine according to claim 4 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
In the jackpot game, the jackpot round in which the jackpot in the closed state is changed to an open state according to a predetermined mode is performed a plurality of times,
As the jackpot game,
A basic jackpot game that repeats the basic jackpot round, which includes performing the operation piece in an immersive state for the first time once, a plurality of times;
An irregular jackpot game in which an irregular jackpot round is performed with the content that the actuating piece is immersed several times for a second time shorter than the first time;
It is characterized by performing.

  In other words, in the irregular jackpot round, the chance to win a game ball at the big prize opening is larger than the basic jackpot round because the big prize opening is repeatedly opened and closed during a single big hit round. (Possibility) becomes low (difficult to win). Therefore, if it is easy for the player to see that the “game ball that did not win the grand prize during the big hit game” becomes an invalid ball (waste ball) and is discharged from the outro to the outside of the machine, Opportunities for applying unnecessary stress to the game further increase, and there is a risk of further decline in interest during the big hit game. On the other hand, in the present invention, whether the gaming ball flowing down around the big winning opening in the gaming machine with an irregular big hit round has been won at the big winning opening or discharged as an invalid ball from the outro. Since it is difficult to identify, it is easy to maintain interest during the big hit game. The “first time” can be any one of “20 to 30 seconds”, and the “second time” can be any one of “0.05 to 10 seconds”. Can be exemplified. In addition, the total opening time in the “abnormal jackpot round” (the total opening time of the big prize opening, that is, the total immersion time of the operating piece) is any one of “0.1 to 13 seconds”. Can be illustrated.

In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The outlet is
A game ball entrance that constitutes the grand prize winning opening;
General winning opening other than the starting winning opening and the grand winning opening,
Arranged in a state sandwiched between,
The decorative body covers the general winning opening,
A third guiding path for guiding a game ball flowing down on the gaming area to the general winning award and the second guiding path may be provided in a state of being close to each other.

  In this case, even a game ball that is likely to be judged by the player if it is likely to be accepted into the out-port can increase the expectation for winning the general win-out, so the “invalidity that occurs during the big hit game” It is possible to further suppress the “decrease in gaming interest caused by a ball (waste ball)”.

  Here, in this specification, “front” and “front” indicate “front with respect to the gaming machine (that is, a direction close to the player)”, and “rear” and “back” indicate gaming machines. "Rear (that is, a direction away from the player)". Further, “left” indicates “left” as viewed from the player, and “right” indicates “right as viewed from the player”. Further, in “a member that can be opened and closed like a door (hereinafter referred to as a“ door type member ”)” such as a main body frame, a front frame, an upper plate member, a lower plate member, etc., “left”, “right” “Front”, “Rear” and the like are based on the case where these door-type members are in use, that is, in the closed state.

  As described above, according to the invention of each claim, it is possible to suppress the “decrease in game entertainment due to invalid balls (waste balls) generated during a big hit game”.

It is a perspective view which shows the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a front view which shows the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining a main body frame and the like of the gaming machine according to each embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows the game board of the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. (A) is a front view schematically showing a lower right display device of a gaming machine according to each embodiment, and (b) is a special symbol change executed by the lower right display device of the gaming machine according to each embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows a display mode, (c) is a front view which shows roughly the display screen of the presentation display apparatus of the game machine which concerns on each Example. (A) is a front view schematically showing a lower left display device of the gaming machine according to each embodiment, (b) is a front view schematically showing a variable start winning device of the gaming machine according to each embodiment. It is. (A) is a schematic perspective view for demonstrating the attachment hole of the lower unit provided in the game board main body (The attachment hole of other board components, such as a main accessory apparatus, is abbreviate | omitted), (b) is A game board body to which the lower unit is attached (other board parts such as a main accessory device are omitted). It is a perspective view of a lower unit. It is a perspective view of a lower unit (state which removed the decoration board). It is a perspective view for demonstrating the attachment position etc. of a big prize opening unit. It is a perspective view of a base member. It is a front view of a base member. It is a partial perspective view of a base member. It is a partial front view of a base member. It is a rear view of a base member. It is a top view for demonstrating a big prize opening unit. It is a top view for demonstrating a big prize opening unit. It is a perspective view of a big prize opening unit. (A) is a perspective view of a back cover member, (b) is a perspective view of a shutter member. (A) is a perspective view of an attachment member and a big prize opening solenoid, (b) is a perspective view of a big prize opening solenoid. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a big winning opening unit. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a big winning opening unit. It is a perspective view for demonstrating a big winning opening unit. It is a perspective view for demonstrating a big winning opening unit. It is a front view of the game board for demonstrating a big winning opening unit. It is a front view of the game board for demonstrating a big winning opening unit. It is a back view which shows the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. (A) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the probability etc. of the jackpot lottery in the normal probability mode of the game machine which concerns on each Example, (b) is a jackpot lottery in the high probability mode of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a probability etc. FIG. (A) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating 1st opening operation | movement A, (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating 1st opening operation | movement B, (c) is for demonstrating 2nd opening operation | movement. It is explanatory drawing of. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table used by the special figure 1 big hit lottery (1st big hit lottery) of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table used by the special figure 2 big hit lottery (2nd big hit lottery) of the game machine which concerns on each Example. (A) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the opening / closing pattern of the big prize opening in "basic jackpot game", (b) is the opening / closing pattern of the big prize opening in "15R irregular probability variation big hit game (A type)" It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating. (A) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the opening / closing pattern of the big prize opening in "15R irregular probability variation big hit game (B type)", (b) is the big prize in "15R irregular probability variation big hit game (C type)" It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the opening-and-closing pattern of an opening | mouth. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the opening / closing pattern of the big winning opening in "the 2nd big hit game". (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of a pseudo | simulation symbol. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation display performed with the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation display performed with the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation display etc. which are performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation display etc. which are performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation display etc. which are performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing which showed notably the mode that a command was output from the main control part in the gaming machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the game control process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the normal electric accessory game process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol game process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol game process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol game process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the success / failure determination process of the gaming machine according to each embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the symbol change start process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the big hit game start setting process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the big hit game process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the jackpot game end of the game machine which concerns on each Example. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining Example 2; FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining Example 3;

  Hereinafter, an embodiment showing the best mode for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each example described below, each specific example in which the invention according to each claim is applied to a gaming machine (pachinko machine) 1 referred to as a “seven machine” will be described.

(1) Mechanical structure a. First, the overall structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 and a gaming machine main body H attached to the outer frame 2. The outer frame 2 is fixed to an installation site provided in the island facility of the pachinko hall and supports the gaming machine main body H. The outer frame 2 includes an outer frame main body 21 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) configured by a substantially rectangular frame-like body, and a front plate portion 22 that covers a lower front portion of the outer frame main body 21.

  The gaming machine main body H is rotatably attached to the left end side of the outer frame 2 using upper and lower hinges H1 and H2 (see FIG. 1) on the left end side of the outer frame 2. The gaming machine main body H is a portion of the gaming machine 1 excluding the outer frame 2, and as shown in FIG. 1, the main body frame 3, the front frame 4, the upper dish member 5, and the lower dish member 6. The game board 10 (see FIG. 4), the back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 27), and the like are the main parts. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the main body frame 3 is fitted into the outer frame 2 and is pivotally supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 2. A locking device 7 is mounted on the right end side of the main body frame 3.

  The main body frame 3 is entirely made of plastic, and is constituted by a frame-like body as shown in FIG. The main body frame 3 includes a frame main body portion 3b including a window portion 3M in an upper half portion, and a protruding portion 3c protruding in a substantially rectangular frame shape from the back surface portion of the frame main body portion 3b. And the main body frame 3 comprises the holding | maintenance part for hold | maintaining the game board 10 using this protrusion part 3c.

  That is, the holding tool 3f is mounted on the protruding end surface of the projecting portion 3c in a state where the holding tool 3f can rotate on the left and right sides of the window 3M and the right and left sides of the window 3M. The game board 10 is held by the main body frame 3 by bringing the protruding end of the game board 10 into contact with the rear surface of the game board 10.

  When the main body frame 3 holds the game board 10, the “game area 11 configured on the front surface portion 10 a of the game board 10” can be viewed from the front of the main body frame 3 through the window 3 </ b> M. Further, a back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 27) is attached to the back surface portion of the game board 10 so as to cover the back surface portion. A game ball payout device 109 for paying out game balls to the upper plate member 5 is provided on the back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 27).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the main body frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the main body frame 3 so as to be openable and closable. The front frame 4 has a visual recognition window 41a at the center thereof. This viewing window 41a is provided in a state of penetrating the front and rear of the front frame 4, and is opened in a substantially circumferential shape corresponding to the outer peripheral shape of the game area 11 (see FIG. 4) formed on the board surface of the game board 10. When the front frame 4 is closed, the game area 11 disposed behind the front frame 4 can be viewed from the front through the viewing window 41a.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 4 includes a frame main body 41, a glass plate 43 attached to the frame main body 41, and a holder (not shown) for holding the glass plate 43 on the frame main body 41. Is provided. Speakers SP1 and SP2 (see FIG. 29) are built in on the left and right sides of the upper end of the front frame 4, respectively. In the gaming machine 1, speakers SP3 and SP4 (see FIG. 29) are also incorporated in the left and right ends of the front plate portion 22. In the gaming machine 1, sound effects and other sounds (sounds) corresponding to the gaming state are generated using the speakers SP1 to SP4.

  An upper plate member 5 and a lower plate member 6 are provided in a portion below the front frame 4 in the front portion of the gaming machine main body H. In other words, the upper plate member 5 is disposed below the front frame 4 and includes a receiving port 5b for receiving a game ball discharged from the gaming machine 1 inside the container. A ball rental display board 410 (see FIG. 29) and an effect button board 228 (see FIG. 29) are provided on the back side of the upper plate member 5, and an “effect button SW” is provided on the upper surface of the upper plate member 5. Arranged (see FIG. 1).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower plate member 6 is disposed below the upper plate member 5. At the approximate center of the lower plate member 6, a receiving port 6 a for receiving a game ball discharged from the upper plate member 5 is provided in the inside of the substantially container shape. An ashtray 6 b is provided at the left end of the lower plate member 6, and a firing handle 9 is provided at the right end of the lower plate member 6.

  A launcher unit (not shown) is disposed on the rear side of the front surface of the main body frame 3 (inside the main body frame 3) and located on the left end side below the game board 10, and this A launching handle 9 located at the right end of the lower pan member is connected to the launching unit. Here, the launcher unit is for launching a game ball sent out from a ball feeder (not shown) substantially vertically upward to reach the game area 11. The launch handle 9 is equipped with a touch switch (touch sensor) 9a for detecting that the player is touching, and in the vicinity thereof, the launch stop for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball is stopped. A switch 9b is attached.

b. Next, the configuration of the game board 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The game board 10 includes a game board main body 10A configured using a substantially rectangular plywood in front view, and various board components (the outer rail 12, the inner rail 13, and the main accessory attached to the game board main body 10A. Device 20, lower unit 80, etc.) are mounted. Note that a sheet-like object on which a cell image is printed is attached to the front surface of the game board main body 10A, but the illustration is omitted.

  The game board main body 10A includes a region forming portion 10B that is substantially circular in a front view, and a region outside 10C that is positioned around the region forming portion 10B. In addition, an outer rail 12 and an inner rail 13 that are both configured using a band-shaped metal plate are disposed on the front surface of the game board main body 10A. And the front surface part of the area | region formation part 10B comprises the game area | region 11, being enclosed by the substantially circular surrounding wall which this outer rail 12 and the inner rail 13 form.

  In this area forming portion 10B (that is, a part located in the game area 11 in the game board 10), a main accessory device 20 (so-called center accessory), a normal symbol operating gate (normal symbol operating port) 16, and A first start winning device 17a, a second start winning device 17b, a lower unit 80, a number of obstacle nails 18, a windmill 19 and the like are arranged.

  The main accessory device 20 includes an attachment member (decorative plate) 21 and an effect display device 27. Among these, the attachment member 21 is comprised by the plate-shaped body with which the front part of the area | region formation part 10B is mounted | worn, and occupies the center and upper right part of the game area | region 11 as shown in FIG. The attachment member (decorative plate) 21 is provided with a window portion forming hole 21d, and the display content of the effect display device 27 located in the center of the game area 11 can be visually recognized from the player side by the window portion forming hole 21d. A display window 21e is configured. The display window 21e is substantially rectangular when viewed from the front.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the stage member 21 p is attached to the lower edge portion of the attachment member 21 so as to protrude forward, and the decorative member 21 </ b> A is provided at the other part of the peripheral portion of the attachment member 21. Is mounted in a state of protruding forward. The decorative member 21A includes a flange portion 21H protruding from the upper edge portion of the mounting member 21, a left decorative portion 21L protruding from the left edge portion of the mounting member 21, and a right decorative portion protruding from the right edge portion of the mounting member 21. 21R. A warp member 21T is integrated with the lower end side of the left decorative portion 21L.

  The warp member 21T is a member that has a substantially cylindrical shape and has an axis that is inclined downward to the right, and forms a game ball passage (a so-called “warp passage”) 21w inside. That is, at the upper end portion of the left side surface portion (warp member 21T) of the left decorative portion 21L, the entrance of the warp passage 21w (one opening portion of the warp member 21T) opens obliquely upward to the left, and the warp passage 21w. (The other opening of the warp member 21T) opens toward the stage portion 21p (inside the main accessory device 20). That is, the warp passage 21w receives the game ball flowing down the game area 11 at the upper entrance, and then enters the stage portion 21p (inside the main accessory device 20).

  Moreover, the stage part 21p comprises the rolling surface of a game ball by the upper surface part. The rolling surface is configured as an inclined surface that descends from the left and right end portions toward the central portion, and is a raised portion that slightly protrudes upward at the central portion of the rolling surface.

  In the gaming machine 1, the game ball that has flowed down the game area 11 and reached the left end of the rolling surface through the passage 21w rolls right on the rolling surface, and further rolls leftward. . When the momentum of the game ball has declined, the game ball is discharged out of the main accessory device 20, but most of the game balls discharged from the center of the rolling surface will be described later with a certain probability. A prize is awarded to the “first start winning device 17a”. In the present embodiment, the first start winning device 17a cannot be won unless it rolls on the stage portion 21p (see FIG. 4), but without entering the main accessory device 20 (see FIG. 4). It is also possible to employ a configuration that allows winning to the first start winning device 17a (without rolling on the stage portion 21p).

  The effect display device 27 is constituted by a liquid crystal display device, and constitutes a specific example of variable display means, similarly to the lower right display device 60 described later. However, this effect display device 27 functions as an effect display device that executes effect display (variation display and stop display) in conjunction with the change display and stop display of the special symbol in the lower right display device 60. In the present embodiment, the lower right display device 60 constitutes a “present symbol variation display means” for performing a variation game using the present symbol (a specific example of a special symbol). The "designed symbol variation display means" for performing a variable game using a pseudo symbol (another specific example of a special symbol is shown) is configured.

  The display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 can display various symbols using the whole or a part thereof. On this display screen 27a, as shown in FIG.5 (c), three pseudo | simulation symbol display parts 27b-27d and the background screen display part 27h comprised by another part may appear. In this case, the three pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction on the display screen 27a. In each of the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d that appear in this manner, an effect display (fluctuation display) using “pseudo symbols”, a stop display, and the like are performed. Further, when the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d are displayed on the display screen 27a, the background screen display portion 27h is displayed by the other part of the display screen 27a. The background screen display unit 27h can display a symbol indicating a background (hereinafter referred to as a background symbol) or a symbol indicating a character (hereinafter referred to as a character symbol) together with the background symbol. . These “pseudo symbols”, “background symbols”, and “character symbols” indicate specific examples of “effect symbols” displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27. These “pseudo symbols” and “ The “design variation display (design variation)” is realized by the “background design” and the “character design”.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the lower unit 80 is attached to the game board main body 10 using an attachment hole 10E provided in the lower part of the game board main body 10A. The lower unit 80 includes a storage member 81, a base member 82, a decorative plate 85, a ball passage member 86, and a lower left display device 50 (see FIG. 4), as shown in FIGS. And a lower right display device 60 (see FIG. 4), a big prize opening unit 31 (see FIG. 10), and a first start winning device 17a.

  As illustrated in FIG. 8, the storage member 81 is configured in a substantially box shape that opens forward. The storage member 81 is disposed behind the game board main body 10A, and is an actuator or ball for driving a movable body (a decorative drive unit including an opening / closing door) constituting the lower unit 80. A passage member 86 (see FIG. 10 and the like) and the like are accommodated.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the base member 82 is disposed on the front surface side of the storage member 81. The rear portion is inserted into the mounting hole 10E, and the front portion is the game board body 10A. It arrange | positions in the state protruded ahead of the front-surface part. As shown in FIG. 11, the base member 82 includes a base body 82a disposed in a state of sealing the mounting hole 10E, a receiving guide portion 82b projecting forward from the front surface portion of the base main body 82a, and a substrate portion 82a. A discharge guide portion 82c protruding rearward from the rear surface portion.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the base body 82a includes a base portion 82d configured in an arc shape, a left mounting portion 82e provided in a direction of “the center of curvature of the base portion 82d” from the left end side of the base portion 82d, A right mounting portion 82f provided in the direction of “the center of curvature of the base portion 82d” from the right end portion side of the base portion 82d, and a region forming plate 82g that spans both ends of the base portion 82d. The base portion 82d has substantially the same radius of curvature as the inner rail 13, and the front surface thereof is substantially flush with the front surface of the game board main body 10A (the board surface of the game board 10, that is, the game area 11). (See FIGS. 21 and 22), with the substantially arc-shaped lower edge portion being along the inner side of the lower end portion of the inner rail 13 (the substantially arc-shaped portion including the lowermost portion). It is arranged with.

  The lower left display device 50 and a decorative member (not shown) are attached to the left attachment portion 82e, and the lower right display device 60 decoration member (not shown) is attached to the right attachment portion 82f. Details of the lower left display device 50 and the lower right display device 60 will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the region forming plate 82g is formed of a substantially plate-like body that is long on the left and right. The “game ball inflow region into which the game ball flowing down the game region 11 flows” is formed across the left and right ends of the lowermost part of the game region 11. In other words, in the gaming machine 1, the lowermost part (that is, the lowermost part of the game area 11) where the game ball flowing down the board surface of the game board 10 reaches is not the lowermost part of the inner rail 13 but the inner rail 13. It is a strip-like portion (a portion constituted by the region forming plate 82g) disposed horizontally above. That is, the lowermost part of the game area 11 is configured in a state of forming a string with respect to a portion having a substantially arc shape including the lowermost part of the inner rail 13.

  The region forming plate 82g is provided with a total of 11 through holes in the lateral direction, and each through hole constitutes a game ball receiving opening A1 to A11. Further, a mounting portion 82h extends upward from the central portion of the region forming plate 82g, and a first start winning device 17a described later is mounted on the mounting portion 82h (FIG. 21). , See FIG. The game ball receiving openings A1 to A11 are provided so as to penetrate the front and rear of the region forming plate 82g, and each has a size capable of receiving (passing) a game ball. In addition, the central portion of the region forming plate 82g is made higher than other portions of the region forming plate 82g (it is high even if the mounting portion 82h is excluded), and the height of the game ball receiving port A6 located in the center is It is made higher than other game ball receiving openings A1 to A5 and A7 to A11.

  The opening shape (front view) of the game ball receiving opening A6 located in the center is a substantially mountain shape. In other words, the game ball receiving opening A6 includes a top portion that is configured to be substantially horizontal, a portion that hangs down in a substantially C shape from both ends, and a bottom portion that is substantially horizontal. And this game ball entrance A6 comprises the big winning opening 31a which changes to an open state (game ball acceptance possible state) during a big hit game.

  The opening shapes of the game ball receiving openings A1 to A11 other than the big winning opening 31a are substantially circular or oval. That is, the game ball receiving opening A5 located on the left side of the special winning opening 31a and the game ball receiving opening A7 located on the right side have a horizontally long oval opening shape. These game ball receiving openings A5 and A7 constitute out-out ports 32a and 32b for discharging game balls that have not won any winning ports in the game area 11 to the outside of the game area 11.

  A game ball receiving port A4 arranged on the left side of the out port 32a located on the left side of the big winning port 31a and a game ball receiver arranged on the right side of the out port 32b located on the right side of the big winning port 31a Each of the entrances A8 has a substantially circular opening shape and constitutes general winning ports 41 and 43. The “general winning opening” is a winning opening other than “the big winning opening 31a that is opened during the big hit game” and “the start winning opening that is involved in the determination of whether or not to execute the big hit game”. Regardless of the gaming state of the gaming machine 1, it is simply a winning opening that is involved in the execution of the prize ball payout. In the gaming machine 1, the start winning opening is a winning opening constituted by the first start winning apparatus 17a and a winning opening constituted by the second start winning apparatus 17b.

  The game ball receiving opening A3 located on the left side of the general winning opening 41 and the game ball receiving opening A9 located on the right side of the general winning opening 43 have any substantially circular opening shape, and the out openings 33a and 33b are provided. Constitute. In addition, the game ball receiving port A2 located on the left side of the out port 33a and the game ball port A10 positioned on the right side of the out port 33b each have a substantially circular opening shape, and the general winning ports 40, 44 are provided. Configure. Furthermore, the game ball receiving port A1 located on the left side of the general winning port 40 and the game ball port A11 positioned on the right side of the general winning port 43 have a horizontally long oval opening shape, and the out port 34a. , 34b.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the receiving guide portion 82b is disposed so as to protrude forward from the front surface portion of the region forming plate 82g, and the discharge guide portion 82c is formed from the rear surface portion of the region forming plate 82g. It arrange | positions in the state which protrudes back. Then, the game balls that have flowed down to the reception guide portion 82b are guided (guided) to the discharge guide portion 82c through any one of the game ball reception ports A1 to A11 (see FIG. 12), and are thus arranged outside the game area 11. Is done.

  The reception guide portion 82b has pocket portions 82k and 82m, in which an entrance (an opening portion for allowing the game ball to enter) for allowing the game ball that has flowed down the game area 11 to open upward is provided as the game ball receiving ports A1 to A11 ( The configuration includes the same number as that shown in FIG. Further, the discharge guide portion 82c is a member for delivering the game ball that has flowed down to the receiving guide portion 82b to a ball passage member 86 described later (see FIG. 13). And the discharge | emission guide part 82c is provided with the structure which arranged the bowl-shaped part 82p opened upwards in the position except the back of the special winning opening 31a. Further, the bottom portions of the pocket portions 82k and 82m and the hook-shaped portion 82p all have a downward slope toward the rear. Hereinafter, the pocket portions 82k and 82m and the collar-shaped portion 82p will be described in more detail.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a pocket portion 82k having a substantially U-shaped cross section is provided in front of the special winning opening 31a. The pocket portion 82k is provided in a state that passes through the special winning opening 31a and reaches the rear of the region forming plate 82g. That is, in the front-rear direction intermediate portion of the pocket portion 82k, the bottom portion and both side edges on the lower end side are shared with the special winning opening 31a. When the game ball falls in the pocket portion 82k to a position located in front of the big winning opening 31a, the gaming ball uses the downward slope at the bottom of the pocket portion 82k and rolls in the direction of the big winning opening 31a. Then, it passes through the special winning opening 31a and rolls toward the rear of the pocket portion 82k.

  In the lower unit 80, as shown in FIG. 23, a space part into which a game ball enters is provided at a position behind the pocket part 82k, and the special winning opening 31a is configured by this space part. Then, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the game ball that has entered the special winning opening 31 a is detected by the special winning opening winning detection switch 31 s (see FIG. 28), and then the center rear in the storage member 81. It passes through a close passage route (not shown) and is discharged out of the lower unit 80.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the front (front side) of the game ball entrances (A1 to A5, A7 to A11, see FIG. 12) other than the “game ball entrance A6 constituting the big winning opening 31a” Are provided with pocket portions 82m (see FIG. 13) each having a substantially U-shaped cross section. The rear end edge of the bottom part of these pocket parts 82m is aligned with the lower end edge of the corresponding game ball receiving port (any one of A1 to A5 and A7 to A11). In addition, the internal space of these pocket portions 82m communicates with the corresponding game ball receiving port (any one of A1 to A5 and A7 to A11). For this reason, when a game ball falls into any one of these pocket portions 82m, the corresponding game ball entrance (any one of A1 to A5, A7 to A11) is utilized using the downward slope of the bottom portion. After rolling in this direction, it passes through the game ball entrance (any one of A1 to A5 and A7 to A11) and reaches the rear of the region forming plate 82g (see FIG. 13).

  Among the bottom portions of these pocket portions 82m, protrusions 82n are provided to make it easier to guide the game balls that have fallen into the pocket portion 82m backward from the portion located on the front edge side (FIG. 13, (See FIG. 14). The protrusions 82n are configured by “substantially right-angled triangular ribs in a side view”, and the rear side of the hypotenuse (upper end surface) is the pocket portion 82m while the hypotenuse (upper end surface) is arranged in a downward slope toward the rear. It is integrated with the bottom of the. Further, the height of the pocket portion 82m exceeds the diameter of the game ball (about 11 mm), and the pocket portions 82m adjacent to the left and right are partitioned while adjacent to each other. The game ball that has dropped into the pocket portion 82m does not move to the other pocket portion 82m.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the lateral width of the pocket portion 82k positioned in front of the out-ports 32a, 32b (the game ball receiving ports A5, A7, see FIG. 12) located on the left and right of the special winning opening 31a, The lateral width (about 2 of the diameter of the game ball) of the pocket portion 82m located in front of the outlets 34a and 34b (the game ball reception ports A1 and A11, see FIG. 12) located at the left and right ends of the reception guide portion 82b. Double width) is the lateral width of the pocket portion 82m located in front of other game ball entrances (A2 to A7, A8 to A10, see FIG. 12) (width slightly exceeding the diameter of the game ball) Has been bigger than.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 13, in the pocket part 82m located in front of the out mouths 32a and 32b located on the left and right of the big prize opening 31a, from the side of the big prize opening 31a on the boundary with the big prize opening 31a. An inclined surface 82r is provided to descend toward the pocket portion 82m. The height of the inclined surface 82r is lower than the diameter of the game ball (the inclined surface 82r serving as a boundary with the special winning opening 31a is lowered). When the special winning opening 31a is in a closed state, a game ball that rolls on the upper surface of a shutter member 31e (see FIGS. 10 and 18), which will be described later, is placed on the pocket portion 82m located on the side of the pocket portion 82k. It is easy to guide in the direction.

  As shown in FIG. 15, there is a substantially U-shape on the rear side (back side) of the game ball entrances (A1 to A5, A7 to A11) other than the “game ball entrance A6 that constitutes the big winning opening 31a”. The hook-shaped portions 82p (see FIG. 13) each having a cross section are arranged. The front end edge of the bottom of these bowl-shaped portions 82p is aligned with the lower end edge of the corresponding game ball receiving port (any one of A1 to A5 and A7 to A11). Moreover, the internal space of these bowl-shaped parts 82p is connected with the corresponding game ball | bowl entrance (any one of A1-A5, A7-A11).

  For this reason, a game ball that has passed through any one of the game ball inlets A1 to A5 and A7 to A11 and has reached the rear of the bowl-shaped portion 82p corresponding to the game ball inlet that has passed through the corresponding ball path Pass through member 86. The game ball that has passed through the ball passage member 86 passes through a passage (not shown) formed near the center rear of the storage member 81, and is discharged out of the lower unit 80. In addition, general winning detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s, and 44s are arranged in the ball passage member 86 into which the game balls that have passed through the general winning ports 40, 41, 43, and 44 enter, and either of them is controlled by these switches. It is detected that the game ball has won the general winning opening 40, 41, 43, 44.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a connecting wall 82o protrudes rearward from a portion of the rear surface (back surface) of the region forming plate 82g located at the periphery of the special winning opening 31a. The connecting wall 82o has a “shape excluding its bottom from a mountain shape (a roof-shaped shape)” and surrounds substantially the entire area excluding the bottom of the special winning opening 31a behind the region forming plate 82g. . As shown in FIG. 9, the rear end surface of the connecting wall 82o is in contact with the front end surface of a back cover member 31d, which will be described later. Cover).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the lower left display device 50 attached to the left attachment portion 82 e is disposed near the periphery of the game area 11 and obliquely below and to the left of the main accessory device 20. As shown in FIG. 6A, the lower left display device 50 includes a mounting plate 51 disposed on the front surface portion of the game board 10 and a decorative member (not shown) mounted on the front surface portion of the mounting plate 51. With. The mounting plate 51 is provided with a normal symbol hold display portion 52, a first special symbol hold display portion 55, and a second special symbol hold display portion 56.

  The normal symbol hold display unit 52 is configured by using two LEDs, and displays a so-called “number of hold for a normal symbol” with an upper limit of four. In other words, “the number of game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operation gate (normal symbol operation port) 16 but have not yet been digested (ie, the number of reserved balls)” is displayed as the upper limit number of four and undigested games. Each time a ball (hold) is digested, the “number of undigested game balls (ie, the number of reserves)” is sequentially decremented and displayed. Here, the “undigested game ball (that is, the holding ball)” related to the normal symbol has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 16, but the normal symbol display unit 63 (to be described later) indicates the result of the winning / failing lottery associated with the passage. This indicates a game ball in which neither display nor change display preceding this (in this embodiment, blinking display using an LED) is made.

  The first special symbol hold display section 55 and the second special symbol hold display section 56 are also configured by using two LEDs, and display the so-called “number of special symbols hold” up to four. In other words, the first special symbol hold display unit 55 gives four “the number of game balls that have won the first start winning device 17a (described later) but have not yet been digested (ie, the number of holds)”. In addition to displaying as the upper limit number, every time an undigested game ball (hold) is digested, the “number of undigested game balls (that is, the hold number)” is sequentially decremented and displayed. Further, the second special symbol hold display unit 56 gives four “the number of game balls that have won the second start winning device 17b (described later) but have not yet been digested (ie, the number of holds)”. In addition to displaying as the upper limit number, every time an undigested game ball (hold) is digested, the “number of undigested game balls (that is, the hold number)” is sequentially decremented and displayed. Here, the “undigested game ball (that is, hold)” related to the special symbols (the first special symbol and the second special symbol) has been won in the start winning device 17, but a special symbol display section (62a or 62b) refers to a game ball in which the result of the success / failure lottery (award / failure determination) associated with the passage is not displayed and the variation display preceding this is not performed.

  The normal symbol hold display unit 52, the first special symbol hold display unit 55, and the second special symbol hold display unit 56 display the number of holds in the same manner. That is, (a) two LEDs are turned off and “holding number” is “zero”, (b) one LED is turned on, one LED is turned off and “holding number” is It is “1”, (c) two LEDs are turned on and “holding number” is “2”, (d) one LED is blinked and one LED is turned on. The “hold number” is “3”, and (e) two LEDs are blinked to indicate that the “hold number” is “4”.

  Further, the lower right display device 60 attached to the right attachment portion 82f (see FIG. 11) is near the peripheral edge of the game area 11 and obliquely below and to the right of the main accessory device 20, as shown in FIG. It is arranged at the site. As shown in FIG. 5A, the lower right display device 60 includes a mounting plate 61 disposed on the front surface of the game board 10 and a decorative member (not shown) mounted on the front surface of the mounting plate 61. ). The mounting plate 61 is provided with a first special symbol display portion 62a, a second special symbol display portion 62b, a normal symbol display portion 63, and the like.

  The first special symbol display unit 62a, the second special symbol display unit 62b, and the normal symbol display unit 63 are all configured using a “7-segment display”. Among these, in the first special symbol display section 62a, the first determination result (first jackpot lottery) that is executed due to the winning of the game ball in the first start winning device 17a is shown. The special symbol is stopped and displayed after symbol variation (variation display). In addition, in the second special symbol display unit 62b, the result of the success / failure determination (second jackpot lottery) executed due to the winning of the game ball in the second start winning device 17b is stopped after the variable display. indicate. However, in at least one of the first special symbol display unit 62a and the second special symbol display unit 62b, the special symbol indicating the result of the big hit lottery and the result of the big hit lottery are displayed in a stopped manner through the variable display. May be. The contents of the display results of the first special symbol display unit 62a and the second special symbol display unit 62b will be described later. In addition, a game result (result of determination of success / failure) displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a and the second special symbol display unit 62b and a result of game (result of determination of success / failure) displayed on the effect display device 27. ) Are considered to match.

  The normal symbol display unit 63 starts the normal symbol variation display when the symbol variation start condition is satisfied due to the game ball passing through the normal symbol activation gate (normal symbol activation port) 16. In this normal symbol variation display, the normal symbol display section 63 displays the arithmetic numbers from “0” to “9” in this order, and then again displays the arithmetic numbers from “0” to “9”. It consists of “circular display” that repeats displaying in order. When the execution time of these variable displays elapses, the normal symbol stop symbol is executed for a certain period of time. At this time, when the stop symbol is “odd number”, it is a winning symbol, and when the stop symbol is “even number”, it is a missed symbol. The lottery means for performing the lottery to determine whether or not the ordinary electric accessory 17d should be opened is constituted by a main control unit 200A described later.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the decorative plate 85 is configured by using a plate-like body that is long in the horizontal direction, and is disposed in front (front side) of the receiving guide portion 82 b (see FIG. 11). The decorative plate 85 has a configuration in which a front surface and a rear surface of a colored translucent plate are embossed, and a pattern is attached to the front surface. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the decorative plate 85 is disposed in a state where the rear surface is in contact with the front end portion of the receiving guide portion 82b on the front side (front side) of all the game ball receiving ports A1 to A11. ing. The decorative plate 85 is fixed to the front end surface of the receiving guide portion 82b by screwing screws into attachment holes 82T (see FIG. 9) provided at both ends of the receiving guide portion 82b.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 14, the decorative plate 85 has a portion excluding the upper part of the game ball receiving opening A6 that constitutes the big winning opening 31a (from the lower end to the upper end of the game ball receiving opening A6). 2/3 portion) and other “game ball receiving ports (A1 to A5, A7 to A11)” (see FIG. 12) are also covered. For this reason, the decorative board 85 is in the state which covers all the outro 32a, 32b of both the right and left sides of the special winning opening 31a, and covers the site | part except the upper part of the special winning opening 31a. And since the decoration board 85 is a translucent board with which the process which reduces a transparency is given, it is difficult for a player to identify the back state. For this reason, from the front (front side) of the decorative plate 85, it is difficult to identify the boundary between the special winning opening 31a and the left and right outro 32a, 32b.

  As shown in FIG. 13, one ball passage member 86 is disposed behind each bowl-shaped portion 82p, and constitutes a path for a game ball behind the corresponding bowl-shaped portion 82p. The outlet portion of the ball passage member 86 is in communication with a passage route (not shown) formed near the center rear side (back side center) of the storage member 81.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the first starting prize-winning device 17a is attached to a mounting portion 82h (see FIG. 12) extending upward from the central portion of the region forming plate 82g. It is disposed at a position substantially below the center of the (rolling surface) (see FIG. 4). The first start winning device 17a is a non-variable (fixed) start winning device, and has a pocket shape with an opening (first start winning port) opened above. Then, the game ball falling from the center portion of the stage portion 21p (rolling surface) wins the first start winning device 17a through the opening (first start winning port) of the first start winning device 17a. The probability is high. In addition, a start opening winning detection switch 17s (see FIG. 28) for detecting the passage of the game ball is disposed inside the first start winning apparatus 17a.

  The second start winning device 17b is a variable (open / close) start winning device, and as shown in FIG. 4, in the game area 11, on the left side of the main accessory device 20, above the warp member 21T. It is arrange | positioned in the site | part which is located. As shown in FIG. 6B, the second start winning device 17b has an opening 17f (second start winning port) that can receive a game ball flowing down the game area 11 while opening obliquely upward to the left. And an ordinary electric accessory 17d that opens and closes the opening 17f (second start winning opening).

  The ordinary electric accessory 17d includes an opening / closing member 17e supported on the lower end side by a support shaft 171e perpendicular to the board surface of the game board 11, and an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c (see FIG. 28) for operating the opening / closing member 17e. It has. Then, the opening / closing member 17e rotates around the lower support shaft 171e, thereby closing the opening 17f (second start winning opening) so that the game ball cannot be won, It is possible to change to an open state in which the opening 17f (second start winning opening) is opened so that a game ball can be won. That is, when the driving of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c is started and the opening / closing member 17c rotates counterclockwise (front view), the second start winning device 17b changes from the closed state to the open state. Then, when the driving of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c is stopped, the opening / closing member 17c rotates clockwise in front view (front view), so that the second start winning device 17b is returned to the closed state.

  Note that a start opening winning detection switch 17t (see FIG. 28) for detecting the passage of the game ball is disposed inside the second start winning apparatus 17b. As the second start winning device 17b, a so-called “tulip type start winning device” may be used. That is, the ordinary electric accessory 17d may be provided with a pair of movable wing pieces arranged on the left and right sides and an ordinary electric agent solenoid for operating the pair of movable wing pieces. In this case, both movable wing pieces can be opened to the left and right so that the upper end sides are separated from each other around the lower support shaft. When the movable wing pieces are in a closed state where they are standing, the distance between the upper ends of the movable wing pieces is reduced. In addition, when the ordinary electric accessory solenoid is driven to tilt both movable blade pieces so that the upper end side is separated from the lower end side axis, the distance between the upper end portions of both movable blade pieces is increased. The open state is established. The game balls won in the first start winning device 17a or the second start winning device 17b are stored in the storage member 81 in the same manner as the game balls received in the game ball receiving openings A1 to A11 (see FIG. 12). It passes through a passage (not shown) formed near the center rear and is discharged out of the lower unit 80.

  In the gaming machine 1, when the second start winning device 17b is opened, the probability that a game ball flowing down the game area 11 wins the second start winning device 17b is a game ball flowing down the game area 11. Is higher than the probability of winning the first start winning device 17a. Then, when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 becomes the open extension mode (described later) and the time for the second start winning device 17b to be in the open state becomes long, the probability that the game ball wins the second start winning device 17b. Is much higher than the probability of winning the first start winning device 17a.

  On the other hand, as described above, when the second start winning device 17b is closed, it is impossible for the game ball to win the second start winning device 17b, so that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is extended and extended. When not in the mode, the probability that the game ball wins the second start winning device 17b is much lower than the probability that the game ball wins the first start winning device 17a. That is, when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 becomes the open extension mode, the case where the gaming ball wins the first start winning device 17a becomes a rare case, and when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is not the opening extension mode, The case that wins the second start winning device 17b is a rare case.

  Here, the “probability that the game ball wins the second start winning device 17b in the open state” is much higher than the “probability that the game ball wins the first start winning device 17a”. For this reason, when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is in the open extension mode, the probability that a start winning will be generated is higher than in the non-open extension mode (normal release mode), and the lower right display device 60 and the effect display. In the device 27, the frequency of executing the symbol variation of the special symbol (that is, the frequency of symbol variation execution) is improved. That is, in this gaming machine 1, when the open extension mode is entered, a game (specific game) is performed in which the frequency of symbol variation execution is improved as compared to normal (when in the non-open extension mode).

  The special prize opening unit 31 is a unit (device) for opening and closing the aforementioned special prize opening 31a, and constitutes a special prize winning device together with the special prize opening 31a. As shown in FIG. 9, the special winning opening unit 31 is incorporated in the lower unit 80 and disposed below the first start winning device 17a. As shown in FIG. 10, the main component of the big prize opening unit 31 is behind the big prize opening 31a, and “processes game balls discharged from the outro 32a on the left side of the big prize opening 31a. "Ball passage member 86 (indicated as 86 (L) in FIG. 10)" and "ball passage member 86 (86 (R) in FIG. 10) for processing game balls discharged from the outro 32b on the right side of the big prize opening 31a" It is arranged in a state sandwiched between “notation)”.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the special winning opening unit 31 includes a back cover member 31d, a shutter member 31e, a mounting member 31f, and a special winning opening solenoid 31c. Hereinafter, the details of the special prize opening unit 31 will be described. In FIGS. 16 and 17, hatching is displayed on a part of the shutter member 31 e for convenience of illustration.

  As shown in FIG. 19A, the back cover member 31d includes a front support portion 31g that supports the shutter member 31e so as to be movable back and forth, and a rear support portion 31h that supports the attachment member 31f in a fixed state. Among these, the front support portion 31g is a mountain shape that is slightly larger than the special winning opening 31a, and includes an outer wall portion 31j configured in a frame shape having an opening at the bottom. Further, the front end portion of the back cover member 31d (that is, the front end portion of the outer wall portion 31j) is connected to the rear end portion of the connecting wall 82o as shown in FIG. A cover for concealing the shutter member 31e). The outer wall portion 31j is fixed to the upper surface portion of the storage member 81 using a predetermined bracket B or the like (see FIGS. 21 and 22).

  As shown in FIG. 19 (b), the shutter member 31e includes an opening / closing body 31p configured in a substantially mountain shape, a transmission portion 31q provided in a substantially mountain shape behind the opening / closing body 31p, and a transmission portion 31q. Guide pieces 31r and 31r protruding rearward from the rear end portion are provided. Among these, the opening / closing main body 31p is inserted inside (inside) the outer wall 31j and can be moved back and forth (see FIGS. 14 and 18). The open / close main body 31p is formed in a mountain shape that is slightly smaller than the big prize opening 31a. When the sliding main body part 31p slides inside the outer wall 31j and moves forward, the opening / closing main body 31p protrudes forward from the big prize opening 31a. (See FIGS. 17, 22, and 24). The opening / closing body 31p constitutes a specific example of an “operating piece”.

  As shown in FIG. 19 (b), a cylindrical portion (square tube shape) 31u to which the driving force of the big prize opening solenoid 31c is transmitted is provided at the center of the rear end portion of the transmission portion 31q. Further, both guide pieces 31r, 31r are formed in a plate shape that is long in the front-rear direction, and each has two guide holes 31t penetrating in the thickness direction (left-right direction). The guide hole 31t is configured by using a long hole that is long in the front and rear direction.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the attachment member 31f is supported on the rear support portion 31h of the back cover member 31g, and supports the large winning opening solenoid 31c in a fixed state, while the guide pieces 31r and 31r of the shutter member 31e. Is a member that supports the front and rear to be movable back and forth. As shown in FIG. 20 (a), the attachment member 31f includes a bottom plate portion 87a having a substantially rectangular planar shape, and a rear support portion is mounted in a state in which the big prize opening solenoid 31c is mounted at the approximate center of the bottom plate portion 87a. It is supported on 31h.

  On the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 87a, the portions located on the left and right sides of the big prize opening solenoid 31c are respectively provided with support portions 87c for supporting the guide pins 87b in a rotatable state above the bottom plate portion 87a. Two are provided at the front and rear. The support portion 87c is composed of a pair of bearing members 87d and 87d facing left and right at a predetermined interval above the bottom plate portion 87a, so that the guide pin 87b whose axis is directed to the left and right is rotatable. I support it. A bush 87e attached to the guide pin 87b and disposed between each pair of bearing members 87d and 87d is rotatable around the axis of the guide pin 87b.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the left guide piece 31r is inserted between the left bearing members 87d and 87d of the big prize opening solenoid 31c, and between the right bearing members 87d and 87d of the big prize opening solenoid 31c. The right guide piece 31r is inserted. At that time, as shown in FIG. 21, the bush 87e disposed on the front side is slidably inserted into the guide hole 31t provided on the front side of each guide piece 31r. A bush 87e disposed on the rear side is slidably inserted into the guide hole 31t provided on the rear side.

  As shown in FIG. 21, since the guide hole 31t is configured by using a long hole that is long in the front and rear direction, the shutter member 31e is supported by the mounting member 31f via the bush 87e and the guide pin 87b. It can be moved back and forth. When the shutter member 31e is moved rearward and the bush 87e is brought into contact with the front end of the guide hole 31t, the front end of the opening / closing main body 31p is positioned so as not to protrude forward from the big winning opening 31a. The winning opening 31a is opened (see FIG. 16). That is, the opening / closing main body 31p (operating piece) is in a state of being immersed in the back side (back side as viewed from the player) from the game area 11.

  If the shutter member 31e is moved forward when the special winning opening 31a is in the open state, as shown in FIG. 22, the open / close main body 31p protrudes forward from the special winning opening 31a, and the front end side of the open / close main body 31p It moves above the pocket portion 82k "located in front of the big winning opening 31a. When the bush 87e is brought into contact with the rear end of the guide hole 31t, the front end of the opening / closing main body portion 31p covers the upper portion of the pocket portion 82k and is close to the decorative plate 85 (the diameter of the game ball is 1). Approximate distance of / 10 or less). As a result, the special winning opening 31a is in a closed state in which it is impossible to win a game ball (see FIG. 17). That is, the opening / closing main body 31p (operating piece) is in a state of protruding to the near side (the near side as viewed from the player) from the game area 11.

  When the special winning opening 31a is closed, as shown in FIG. 24, the open / close main body 31p covers the upper portion of the pocket portion 82k. The open / close main body 31p is formed in a substantially mountain shape, and the pocket portion 82m positioned in front of the out-ports 32a and 32b on both the left and right sides of the large winning opening 31a has a large boundary at the boundary with the large winning opening 31a. An inclined surface 82r is provided to descend from the winning opening 31a side to the pocket portion 82m side. And since this inclined surface 82r and the upper surface (top | upper surface) which becomes a downward inclination to the right and left of the opening-and-closing main-body part 31p form the downward inclination which rolls a game ball, when the special winning opening 31a is in a closed state In addition, the game ball falling on the opening / closing main body 31p is easily guided in the direction of the pocket portion 82m (see FIGS. 24 and 26).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 23, when the open / close main body 31p is retracted from above the pocket portion 82k and the big winning opening 31a is in the open state, the vicinity of the left side or the right side of the first start winning device 17a is The passing game ball easily falls into the pocket portion 82k (see FIG. 25).

  As shown in FIG. 20 (a), the driving force of the big prize opening solenoid 31c is applied to the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 87a of the mounting member 31f in front of the place where the big prize opening solenoid 31c is disposed. A support portion 87n is provided for supporting the crank member 87m for transmission to the member 31e so as to be tiltable. Moreover, the upper end part of the crank member 87m is inserted in the cylindrical part 31u (refer FIG.19 (b)) of the transmission part 31q.

  As shown in FIG. 20 (b), the big prize opening solenoid 31c is moved forward and backward by a main body 31v fixed to the upper surface portion of the bottom plate portion 87a of the mounting member 31f and a bearing (not shown) inside the main body 31v. The plunger 30w is slidably supported and can change the forward protrusion amount of the main body 31v, the plunger head 30x integrated with the front end side of the plunger 30w, and back and forth together with the plunger 30w, and the outer peripheral position of the plunger 30w. A solenoid coil (not shown) and a return means (return spring, not shown) are provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 20 (a) and 20 (b), a substantially U-shaped locking portion 30y is provided on the front end side of the plunger 30w. In a state where the portion is sandwiched, the crank member 87m is engaged.

  In this special prize opening unit 31, since energizing the solenoid coil generates a traction force in proportion to the current from the solenoid coil to the plunger 30w, the plunger 30w and the plunger head 30x are connected as shown in FIG. It moves rearward against the urging force of the return means (return spring). Since the intermediate portion of the crank member 87m is pulled rearward by the plunger head 30x, the crank member 87m is inclined rearward, and the upper end portion of the crank member 87m presses the tubular portion 31u rearward. As a result, the shutter member 31e moves rearward and the special winning opening 31a is opened.

  On the other hand, when the energization to the solenoid coil is stopped, the plunger 30w and the plunger head 30x are moved forward by the urging force of the return means (return spring) as shown in FIG. For this reason, since the intermediate part of the crank member 87m is pushed forward by the plunger head 30x, the crank member 87m is inclined forward, and the upper end of the crank member 87m pushes the cylindrical part 31u forward. Thereby, the shutter member 31e moves forward, and the special winning opening 31a is closed.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a large number of obstacle nails 18 are planted on the front surface portion of the game board 10 in a portion constituting the game area 11 in consideration of the position balance with each board component. In the gaming machine 1, the first guide paths 11S and 11T and the second guide paths 11L and 11R are in close proximity to each other around the big prize opening 31a using some of the obstacle nails 18. Is provided. That is, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, first guide paths 11S and 11T for guiding a game ball flowing down the game area 11 to the big prize opening 31a are provided in the vicinity of the left and right sides of the first start winning device 17a. On the left side and the right side of these, second guide paths 11L and 11R for guiding the game balls flowing down on the game area 11 to the out ports 32a and 32b are provided.

  By operating the firing handle 9, the game ball launched substantially vertically upward from the lower left side of the game area 11 rises in an arc shape while being sandwiched between the outer rail 12 and the inner rail 13 on the left side of the game area 11. After passing through the launch path Y (see FIG. 4), the game area 11 is reached after reaching the upper left portion of the game area 11. The game balls that have entered the game area 11 pass through the left side of the main accessory device 20 (hereinafter referred to as “left-handed ball”) and pass through the right side of the main accessory device 20 (hereinafter referred to as “left-handed ball”). , Called “Right-handed ball”).

  Among the “left-handed balls”, those that reach the periphery of the big winning opening 31a pass through the vicinity of the left side of the first starting winning device 17a, and among the “right-handed balls”, around the big winning opening 31a. What arrives passes near the right side of the first start winning device 17a. The first guiding paths 11S and 11T and the second guiding paths 11L and 11R are provided in close proximity to each other, and the decorative plate 85 covers a portion excluding the upper portion of the big winning opening 31a. It is in the state which covers all the outro 32a, 32b of both the right and left sides of the mouth 31a. In addition, the decorative plate 85 is subjected to a process of reducing the degree of transparency, and from the front, it is difficult to identify the boundary between the special winning opening 31a and the outro 32a and 32b on the left and right sides.

  Therefore, whether the game ball that reaches the periphery of the big winning opening 31a is either the “left hit ball” or the “right hit ball”, whether the game ball has won the big win opening 31a, It is difficult to identify whether it has been accepted by the side outro 32a, 32b. For example, as shown in FIG. 25, when the big prize opening 31a is in an open state, the game ball Y1 that has reached the vicinity of the left side of the first start prize-winning device 17a is guided to the first guiding path 11S and won a big prize. It is difficult to identify whether the mouth 31a has been won or the left side outro 32a has been accepted. In addition, as shown in FIG. 26, when the big winning opening 31a is in the closed state, whether the game ball Y2 guided to the first guiding path 11S has won the big winning opening 31a or on the left outro 32a. It has become difficult to identify what has been accepted. Unlike this embodiment, all “right-handed balls” may be discharged out of the machine as “out-balls”.

c. Next, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. That is, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 is a structure in which various devices are mounted on the large back pack 102, and the back pack 102 is pivotally supported by the pair of hinges 103 so as to be opened and closed. Yes.

  The back pack 102 stores a game ball tank 105 in which game balls are stored, a game ball payout device 109 for paying out game balls as prize balls or rental balls, and a main control board 200 constituting the main control unit 200A. A main control board case, a launcher control board case 130 storing a launch control board 260 for controlling the launcher unit, and a payout control board case storing a payout control board 240 for controlling the game ball payout device 109. 118, a relay terminal board for relaying the main control board 200 and various switches, and the like are mounted. The game ball payout device 109 constitutes a specific example of prize ball payout means.

  In addition, the game ball tank 105 is provided with a tank switch at the bottom, and can detect a broken ball. The game ball tank 105 and the game ball payout device 109 are connected by a tank rail 106. Further, in FIG. 27, a ball removal lever is provided on the right side of the tank rail 106, and a refilling ball breakage detection switch is provided on the downstream side of the tank rail 106.

(2) Configuration of Control Circuit Next, the configuration of the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The control circuit of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control unit 200A and a plurality of sub-control units (220A, 222A, 240A, 260A). That is, the main control unit 200A that is configured using the main control board 200 and that controls the basic progress of the game and whether or not the prize ball is involved, and a plurality of sub-control units (220A, 222A, 240A, 260A). And.

  The sub-control unit is configured by using (a) the sub-control board 220 and “sub-control that controls various effects of the game using symbol display, light emission of the lamp, sound effect, operation of the movable object, etc. The control unit 220A and the (b) effect display control board 222 are used, and “the effect of controlling various effects of the game using the symbol display, the light emission of the lamp, the sound effect, the operation of the movable object, etc. It is configured using a control unit 222A, (c) a payout control unit 240A that controls the operation of paying out a rented or winning ball, and (d) a launch control board 260. And a launch control unit 260A for controlling the launch of the game ball, which includes a primary sub-control unit (220A, 240A) directly connected to the main control unit 140, Via primary sub-control section Second sub-control unit (222A, 260A) connected to the main control unit 200A and is present.

  The control boards (200, 220, 222, 240, 260) constituting these control units (200A, 220A, 222A, 240A, 260A) are executed by a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, and the CPU. ROM in which various programs and data are stored, RAM in which the CPU stores temporary data when the program is executed, a peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with peripheral devices, and the CPU performs calculations Various peripheral LSIs such as an oscillator that outputs a clock of the above and a watchdog timer that monitors the runaway of the CPU are connected to each other via a bus. Note that the direction of the arrow in FIGS. 28 and 29 represents the direction in which data or signals are input / output. In FIG. 28, only the CPU 201, the RAM 202, and the ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 are shown. The PIO mounted on the main control board 200 and further the CPU mounted on another control board. Further, illustration of RAM, ROM, etc. is omitted.

  The main control unit 200A (main control board 200) receives game ball detection signals from the normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s, the start opening winning detection switch 17s, the general winning detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s, etc. After deciding whether or not the basic progression and the winning ball are relevant, the sub controller 200A (sub control board 220), the payout controller 240A (payout control board 240), the launch controller 260A (launch control board 260), etc. On the other hand, various signals (commands) described later are output. The main control unit 200A (main control board 200) is also connected to a count switch 8s that detects a game ball fired from the launcher unit.

  Further, the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) performs these operations by outputting signals to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c, the special winning opening solenoid 31c, the lower left display device 50, and the lower right display device 60. Direct control. That is, the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) functions as a success / failure determination unit and a big hit game execution unit. Further, predetermined signals (commands) determined by the CPU 201 constituting the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) are transmitted to the sub control board 220 and the payout control board 240, respectively.

  When the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) receives various signals (commands) from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200), it analyzes the contents of the signals (commands) and plays games according to the results. The production of. That is, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) controls the game effects based on the control signal from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200). The sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) functions as a “display control unit” for realizing a variable game (pseudo symbol change) in the effect display device 27.

  As shown in FIG. 29, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) includes an effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222), an amplifier board 224, a decoration drive board 226, and an effect button board 228. And are electrically connected to each other. The sub control board 220 includes a CPU 220a, a ROM 220b, and a RAM 220c.

  The CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 receives each control signal from the main control board 200 and controls each board such as the effect display control board 222, the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the effect button board 228. The ROM 220c stores data (especially information related to game decoration) necessary for controlling each board. The CPU 220a receives a display control command (that is, a display control signal) sent from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200), and analyzes the received display control command according to a program stored in the ROM 220c. Then, the CPU 220a configuring the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220), a newly generated command based on the display control command transmitted from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200), the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) The display control command transmitted from the control board 200) is transmitted to the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222) as a symbol control command.

  Speakers SP1 to SP4 that output predetermined sound effects are electrically connected to the amplifier board 224. Further, the decoration driving board 226 is connected to various LED boards on which various decoration LEDs (lamps) provided on the front frame 4 and the game board 10 are mounted. The decoration drive board 226 receives signals from the sub-control board 220A and performs control related to game decoration.

  As shown in FIG. 28, a relay terminal plate, a firing control unit 260A, a lower pan full tank switch 6s, and the like are connected to the payout control unit 240A. The payout control unit 240A is connected to a payout motor 109m, a front payout switch 109a, and a rear payout switch 109b constituting a game ball payout device (payout device) 109 via a relay terminal plate. Further, the main control unit 200A is connected to the payout control unit 240A so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. The game ball payout device 109 constitutes a specific example of prize ball payout means.

  The payout control unit 240A is responsible for various types of control related to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. For example, when the player operates the lending button 5c or the return button 5q, the operation signal is transmitted from the ball lending display board 410 to the payout control board 240 via the relay terminal board, and the payout motor 109m is based on the operation signal. A drive signal for driving the game ball is transmitted to the game ball payout device (payout device) 109 (the payout motor 109m).

  When the main controller 200A outputs a prize ball payout command, the payout control part 240A receives this command and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m to pay out the prize ball. The game balls to be paid out are detected by two payout switches (the front payout switch 109a and the rear payout switch 109b) and are input to the payout control unit 240A. Further, the number of prize balls paid out is also detected by the count switch 109c and counted by the main controller 200A.

  Next, the input / output relationship of signals or commands to the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) will be described. As described above, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) is connected to the effect display control board 222 and various boards such as the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the effect button board 228. Further, as described above, when the sub-control unit 220A receives various effect commands (display control commands, etc.) from the main control unit 200A, the sub-control unit 220A interprets the content of the command and (a) the effect display device 27 Specific display contents, (b) sound effects output from the speakers SP1 to SP4, and (c) specific modes of lighting or blinking of various LEDs and lamps 4b to 4f are determined. Next, a drive signal (various symbol control commands) of the effect display device 27 is output to the effect display control unit 222A to perform variable display and stop display of effect symbols (pseudo symbols, background symbols, character symbols, etc.). At this time, display data (still image data, moving image data, etc.) of the displayed effect symbols (pseudo symbols, background symbols, character symbols, etc.) is built in the effect display device 27 or the effect display control board 222. The data stored in the display ROM (not shown) is used.

  Sound effects are output from the speakers SP <b> 1 to SP <b> 4 by outputting sound signals to the amplifier substrate 224 in accordance with the pseudo symbol variation display and stop display. In addition, by supplying a signal to the decorative drive board 226 and outputting drive signals of the various LED lamps 4b to 4h from the decorative drive board 226, lighting / flashing operation of various lamps (LEDs 4b to 4h, etc.), etc. To control. Further, when the player operates the effect button SW provided on the front side of the upper plate member 5, this operation signal is supplied to the sub-control unit 220A. The sub-control unit 220A is configured to be able to reflect the operation result on various effect contents including the effect display device 27 based on the supplied operation signal.

(3) Game flow by the gaming machine 1 As described above, in this gaming machine 1, the game ball wins the first start winning device 17a or the second start winning device 17b (hereinafter referred to as “start winning”). Two types of symbol display devices: a stop symbol stop display (determined display) indicating the result of the success / failure determination (big hit lottery) performed based on the above and a symbol variation display performed before the stop display. It is executed almost simultaneously in the (lower right display device 60 and the effect display device 27). Here, a special symbol displayed on the lower right display device 60 (that is, the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b) (special symbols that are changed and displayed one after another on the 7-segment display body). Is a “main symbol”, and a “main symbol 200A (to be described later)” that governs the basic progress of the game determines “stop symbol” and “variation time (variation pattern)”. In the present embodiment, the determination of whether or not the game ball has been won due to the winning of the game ball to the first start winning device 17a (that is, the first winning / nothing determination) and the game ball to the second start winning device 17b. The winning / failing determination (that is, the second winning / failing determination) performed due to the winning is configured only by the big win lottery, but at least one of the winning / notifying determinations (particularly, the first winning / notifying determination) is determined by the big hit lottery or the small win lottery. It may be configured.

  On the other hand, the special symbol displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 is a “pseudo symbol”, and “a sub-control unit 220A that controls a game effect under the control of the main control unit 200A (described later). ) ”Is a special symbol in which the variation mode and the stop symbol are determined. Usually, these “pseudo symbol” symbol variations are executed for the same time as “main symbol”, and the “display contents (big hit, miss etc.)” of these “pseudo symbol” stop symbols are It is assumed that there is no contradiction with “display contents (big hit, miss, etc.)” of “main symbol” in the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b. In the present embodiment, when symbol variation effect display (variable game) such as reach display using a special symbol is performed, the symbol variation effect display is performed on the effect display device 27 (pseudo symbol). Hereinafter, the display content of this symbol and the pseudo symbol will be briefly described.

c-1. The symbol change display and stop display (determined display) of the special symbol resulting from the winning of the game ball to the first start winning device 17a are performed in the first special symbol display unit 62a, and the second start winning device The symbol change display and stop display (determined display) of the special symbol resulting from the winning of the game ball to 17b is performed in the second special symbol display unit 62b. That is, in the first special symbol display section 62a, the special symbol variation display of the special symbol is started due to the winning of the game ball to the first start winning device 17a. As shown in FIG. 5 (b), the symbol variation display is performed by the 7-segment display body constituting the first special symbol display unit 62a. The content is to perform “circular display” of “. In other words, the content is to “circulate and display” imperfect symbols that are not familiar to the player compared to arithmetic numbers and are difficult to identify and store. In the following description, the symbol (special symbol) displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a may be referred to as “first special symbol”.

  In the low probability mode (normal probability mode), if a winning / failing determination (first big hit lottery) is performed due to the winning of a game ball to the first start winning device 17a, as shown in FIG. 30 (a). The probability that the determination result indicating the jackpot is derived (the probability that the result of the jackpot lottery is won, that is, the “winning probability”) is about “1/400”. When the determination result indicating the big hit is derived, the big hit game execution means starts operating, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is changed to the big hit gaming state (special gaming state). When the big hit game is started, the main control unit 200A drives and stops the big prize opening solenoid 31c to “open and close the big prize opening 31a (hereinafter simply referred to as“ opening and closing operation ”). .) "Is executed.

  Here, “opening the big prize opening 31a” drives the big prize opening solenoid 31c to move the shutter member 31e backward, and the opening / closing main body 31p (operating piece) is located behind the game area 11 (game). It is done by immersing it in the back). The time (opening time) for maintaining the special winning opening 31a in the open state is defined according to the time (driving time) for driving the special winning opening solenoid 31c.

  On the other hand, in the “closing of the big prize opening 31a”, when the big prize opening 31a is in the open state, the driving of the big prize opening solenoid 31c is stopped, the shutter member 31e is moved forward, and the opening / closing main body 31p ( This is done by causing the operating piece) to protrude forward from the gaming area 11 (before viewing from the player). Then, a time (closing time) for maintaining the special winning opening 31a in the closed state is defined according to the time for stopping the driving of the special winning opening solenoid 31c (driving stop time).

  The gaming machine 1 performs the “opening operation” according to the following three operation modes (opening / closing patterns). That is, as shown in FIGS. 31 (a) to 31 (c), (i) “changing the big prize opening 31a to“ 0.2 seconds ”open state (hereinafter referred to as“ short open ”) twice. After repeating, the opening operation (hereinafter referred to as the “first opening operation”) is performed to change the special winning opening 31a to the “9.6 second” opening state (hereinafter referred to as “medium opening”) once. A)), (ii) an opening operation with the content of repeating “short opening” twice (hereinafter referred to as “first opening operation B”), and (iii) the special winning opening 31a is set to “26”. Second ”, an opening operation (hereinafter referred to as“ second opening operation ”) is performed.

  The “first opening operation B” is an opening operation that changes the special winning opening 31a to an open state in a manner in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter. By performing this first opening operation B, the special winning opening 31a is only opened “for a moment”. Therefore, even if game balls are continuously fired in the gaming area 11, The possibility of a game ball entering is very low (for example, the probability of entering 0.1%). In other words, the “first opening operation B” allows the game ball to enter the winning prize opening 31a, but does not reliably enter the game ball (opening operation with 100% possibility of entering). It is not an operation for “notification” or “production”. In other words, this is an opening operation in which no prize ball is scheduled to be paid out based on the game ball entering the big prize opening 31a.

  The “first opening operation A” is an opening operation that changes the grand prize winning opening 31a to an open state in a manner that makes it easier for a game ball to enter than the first opening operation B. When this first opening motion A is being performed, game balls are continuously launched into the game area 11, and when most of the game balls flow down toward the big prize opening 31a, a game of "1-8 balls" There is a possibility that a ball will enter the big winning opening 31a (8 balls may enter if the timing of the game ball firing is good). In other words, the “first opening operation B” means that if the game balls launched into the game area 11 continuously enter the big winning opening 31a, “the eight winning winning openings 31a (the prescribed number in this embodiment) ) Is an opening operation that allows a game ball to enter. In short, “although it is difficult to enter a specified number (8 in this embodiment) of game balls, although it is possible to enter at least one game ball into the big winning opening 31a”. Such a “first opening operation A” can be said to be an opening operation that schedules payout of a prize ball based on the entry of a game ball into the special winning opening 31a.

  The “second opening operation” is an opening operation that changes the grand prize winning opening 31a to an open state in a manner in which a game ball can easily enter compared to the first opening operation A and the first opening operation B. In other words, it is an opening operation that changes the special winning opening 31a to an open state in a manner that makes it easy to enter a game ball. If the game balls are continuously fired into the game area 11 during the second opening operation, “8” game balls almost certainly enter the grand prize winning opening 31a. That is, the “second opening operation” is “an opening operation that allows a specified number (eight in this embodiment) of game balls to enter the big winning opening 31a almost certainly”. This “second opening operation” can also be said to be an opening operation for paying out a prize ball based on a game ball entering the special winning opening 31a. However, when the grand prize opening 31a is opened by the “second opening operation”, more game balls can enter the big winning opening 31a than when the big opening 31a is opened by the “first opening operation A”. Increases nature. From this, it can be said that the “second opening operation” is an opening operation in which more prize balls are scheduled to be paid out than the “first opening operation A”.

  The opening times in the “first opening operation A”, “first opening operation B”, and “second opening operation” are not limited to those shown in this embodiment. For example, the opening time T3 of the “second opening operation” can be any time from 20 seconds to 30 seconds, and the duration of the “medium opening” of the “first opening operation A” is 5 seconds to The time can be any one of 11 seconds. Further, in the “first opening operation A” and the “second opening operation B”, the duration of the short opening can be any time of 0.05 to 0.5 seconds. Furthermore, in any of the “first opening operation”, “second opening operation”, and “third opening operation”, those having different opening times are mixed, and the opening operation having different opening times is performed once. The game may be executed in a big hit game or one big hit round (one round).

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the gaming state shifts to the big hit gaming state (special gaming state), the “big hit round” is uniformly executed over “15 times (round)”. When the “big hit round” of the “15th (15th round)” is finished, the big hit game is finished, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 becomes the normal gaming state. In this embodiment, at each start and end of each big hit round, the main control board 200 sends a “round number designation command (start of round and a command indicating the number of rounds to be started)” and A “round end command (command indicating that the round has ended)” is transmitted. Then, the CPU 220a mounted on the sub control board 220 determines the progress status of the currently executed big hit game (big hit round) based on the “round number designation command” and the “round end command” from the main control board 200. The various jackpot game-related effects according to the progress are executed by the effect display device 27 and the like.

  By the way, in the ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200, “data for specifying the mode of the jackpot game” is stored in association with the “type of jackpot symbol (described later)”. This “hit of jackpot game” is specified by “the number of executions of the jackpot round (number of rounds)” and “the contents of each jackpot round”. However, in this embodiment, regardless of the type of jackpot symbol, the “number of jackpot rounds” is uniformly “15 times (15 rounds)”.

  In the present embodiment, the end conditions of each jackpot round executed in the jackpot game are defined as follows. In other words, the release that is performed at the end of the “opening of the big winning opening 31a” scheduled in each big hit round (in the case of the big hit round that is opened only once) is executed, or the game ball When a predetermined waiting time (for example, 2 seconds) elapses after the number of entered balls reaches a specified number (eight in the present embodiment), the termination condition of the “big hit round” is satisfied. In this embodiment, after the big hit game is started, when the big hit round is repeated “15 times (round)”, the big hit game is ended. Furthermore, after performing the “effect related to the end of jackpot (ending effect)”, the gaming state is returned to the normal gaming state.

  In the present embodiment, the contents of the big hit game (big hit round) to be executed according to the mode of the big hit symbol that is stopped and displayed (determined display) on the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b. Or, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 after the big hit game ends will be different. In other words, different profits are given to the player in accordance with the jackpot symbol that is stopped (determined and displayed) on the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b. Hereinafter, this point will be described in detail.

  When a winning / failing determination (first jackpot lottery) is performed due to the winning of the game ball to the first start winning device 17a, and the determination result indicating the jackpot is derived, the main control unit 200A determines that “the type of jackpot (Type of jackpot symbol) "is determined by random number lottery (hereinafter referred to as" distribution lottery "). Then, as shown in FIG. 32, the “big hit type (type of jackpot symbol)” is changed to “basic first probability variation big hit (hereinafter, simply“ first probability variation big hit ”or“ 15R probability variation big hit ”, as shown in FIG. ”)”, “A type irregular first positive variation jackpot (hereinafter referred to as“ A type 15R irregular probability variation big hit ”)”, “B type irregular first positive variation big hit (hereinafter,“ "B type 15R irregular probability variation big hit"), "C type irregular first positive variation big hit (hereinafter referred to as" C type 15R irregular probability variation big hit ")", "normal big hit (hereinafter" 15R anomalous normal big hit ") and" second probability variable big hit (hereinafter also referred to as "15R latent probability big hit") ".

  A random number (big hit symbol determination random number) for performing the “distribution lottery” is acquired at the timing when the start winning is generated, similarly to a random number for determination of success / failure (such as a random number for big hit lottery). When the result of the first big hit lottery is a loss, the main control unit 200A may determine whether or not to generate a small hit by random number lottery (small hit lottery).

  In the following description, the jackpot game executed with the occurrence of the “first probability variable jackpot” is referred to as “basic jackpot game”. Is a big hit game. The jackpot game executed when the “15R irregular normal jackpot” or “15R latent probability variation jackpot” is triggered is referred to as a “second jackpot game (or“ an irregular second jackpot game ”). The “big hit game” executes “round game (big hit round)” in which “first open action A” is executed after executing “round game (big hit round)” in which “first open action B” is executed.

  The jackpot game that is executed when the “A type 15R irregular probable big hit” is triggered is called “A type irregular first jackpot game”, and the “B type 15R irregular probable big hit” is triggered The jackpot game to be executed is referred to as “B type irregular first big hit game”, and the jackpot game executed with the occurrence of “C type 15R irregular probability varying big hit” is referred to as “C type irregular first big hit game” This is called “game”. Then, the “A type irregular first big hit game” executes “round game (big hit round)” in which “second release operation” is performed, and then “round game ( Jackpot round) ”. In addition, in “B type irregular first big hit game” and “C type irregular first big hit game”, after executing “round game (big hit round)” in which “first opening operation A” is performed. , “Round game (big hit round)” for performing the “second opening operation” is executed.

  Also, any probability variation big hit (any one of the first probability variation big hit, 15R latent probability variation big hit, A type 15R irregular probability variation big hit, B type 15R irregular probability variation big hit, or C type 15R irregular probability variation big hit) However, after executing the corresponding jackpot game, there is a probability that the result of the success / failure determination will be a jackpot (the probability that the result of the first jackpot lottery will be won and the probability that the result of the second jackpot lottery will be won). High probability. As described above, the gaming state in which the probability that the determination result is a big hit is a high probability is the “high probability mode (high probability state)”.

  The “basic jackpot game” is a jackpot game in which the possibility of winning a prize ball is extremely high, and is a jackpot game that includes repeating the second opening / closing operation 15 times (15 rounds) with a predetermined interval in between. is there. That is, as shown in FIG. 34A, in this “basic jackpot game”, the second opening / closing operation is executed in each jackpot round. In each jackpot round, the opening time of the big winning opening 31a is “26 seconds”, and the scheduled execution time of the second opening operation elapses or the number of winning game balls to the big winning opening 31a is “8”. When "number" is reached, the process ends. Then, when a predetermined waiting time (for example, 2 seconds) elapses and the completed big hit round is not the final round, the subsequent big hit round is started. In each of the jackpot rounds in the “basic jackpot game”, the number of game balls won in the jackpot 31a before the time that the jackpot 31a is kept open (open time) reaches “26 seconds”. When the “specified number (eight)” is reached, the big hit round ends.

  In addition, the “irregular first big hit game” is a big hit game in which the prize ball payout amount is smaller than the “basic big hit game”, although the possibility of winning the prize ball is high. In other words, “A type irregular first big hit game”, as shown in FIG. 34 (b), each big hit round from “first big hit round (1R)” to “tenth big hit round (10R)” Then, the second opening / closing operation is executed. Then, the first opening / closing operation B is executed in each big hit round from the “11th big hit round (11R)” to the “15th big hit round (15R)”. Also in the “A type irregular first big hit game”, the time for which the big winning opening 31a is kept open is a predetermined time (“26 seconds” in 1R to 10R, “0.4 seconds in total in 11R to 15R”). If the number of game balls won at the big prize opening 31a reaches the “specified number (eight)” before “”), the big hit round ends. However, in 11R to 15R, it is unlikely that a game ball will win the big winning opening 31a.

  In the “B type irregular first big hit game”, as shown in FIG. 35A, the first opening / closing operation A is executed in the “first big hit round (1R)”. Then, the second opening / closing operation is executed in each big hit round from the “second big hit round (2R)” to the “15th big hit round (15R)”. In this “B-type irregular first big hit game”, the time for which the big prize opening 31a is kept open is a predetermined time (total 10 seconds for 1R, total 26 seconds for 2R to 15R). If the number of game balls won in the big prize opening 31a reaches the “specified number (eight)” before that, the big hit round ends.

  As shown in FIG. 35 (b), “C type irregular first big hit game” executes the first opening / closing operation A in “first big hit round (1R) and second big hit round (2R)”. To do. Then, the second opening / closing operation is executed in each big hit round from the “third big hit round (3R)” to the “15th big hit round (15R)”. In this “C-type irregular first big hit game”, the time for which the special winning opening 31a is kept open is a predetermined time (total 10 seconds for 1R and 2R, and total 26 seconds for 3R to 15R). If the number of game balls won at the big prize opening 31a reaches the “specified number (eight)” before the big win round 31), the big hit round ends.

  When the “15R irregular normal big hit” is generated, the second big hit game in which it is difficult to enter the game ball into the big winning device 31 is executed, and after the second big hit game is finished, the probability that the determination result is a big hit (Probability that the result of the first jackpot lottery will be won and the probability that the result of the second jackpot lottery will be won) is a low probability (normal probability). In addition, when the “15R latent probability variation big hit” occurs, the second big hit game is executed, and the probability that the determination result is a big hit after the end of the second big hit game (the result of the first big hit lottery is won) The probability and the probability that the result of the second jackpot lottery wins) is the high probability.

  Here, the “second big hit game” is a big hit game in which the possibility of winning a prize ball is lower than the “first big hit game”. As shown in FIG. In the thirteenth big hit round (13R) ", the first opening / closing operation B is executed. Then, the first opening / closing operation A is executed in the “14th big hit round (14R)” and the “15th big hit round (15R)”. Also in this “second big hit game”, the time for which the big winning opening 31a is kept open is a predetermined time (total of “0.4 seconds” for 1R to 13R, “total of 10 seconds” for 14R and 15R). When the number of winning game balls to the big winning opening 31a reaches the “specified number (eight)”, the big hit round ends. However, in 1R to 13R, it is unlikely that a game ball will win the big winning opening 31a.

  The main control unit 200A also determines that a big hit is determined (a second big hit lottery) due to the winning of the game ball to the second start winning device 17b, and a determination result indicating the big win is derived. “Type (type of jackpot symbol)” is determined by random lottery (hereinafter referred to as “distribution lottery”). As shown in FIG. 33, this random number lottery also determines that “big hit type (big hit symbol type)” is “basic first probability variation big hit (first probability variation big hit, 15R probability variation big hit)”, “A Type of irregular first probable big hit (A type 15R irregular probable big hit), "B type irregular first probable big hit (B type 15R irregular probable big hit)", "C type irregular The first probability variation big hit (C type 15R irregular probability big hit), “normal big hit (15R irregular normal big hit)” and “second positive variation big hit (15R latent probability big hit)”.

  The random number (big hit symbol determination random number) for performing this “distribution lottery” is also acquired at the timing when the start winning is generated, similarly to the random number for success / failure determination (random number for big hit lottery, etc.). When the result of the second big hit lottery is a loss, the main control unit 200A may determine whether or not to generate a small hit by random number lottery (small hit lottery). Further, in the “distribution lottery” when the result of the second big hit lottery is winning, the “first probable change” is compared with the “distribution lottery” when the result of the first big hit lottery is winning. The probability that “big hit (15R probability variation big hit)” is selected is high (see FIGS. 32 and 33).

c-2. On the display screen 27a of the pseudo-design effect display device 27, if the symbol variation start condition is satisfied due to winning (start winning) in the first start winning device 17a or the second starting winning device 17b, Symbol variation display (design variation display using pseudo symbols) is started. When the execution time of these symbol variation displays has elapsed, the pseudo symbol stop display (determined display) is executed for a certain time (about 0.6 seconds). At this time, stop display (determined display) of the pseudo symbol and stop display (definite symbol of the present symbol) by the lower right display device 60 (the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b). In the same manner as above, the result of the determination is displayed.

  In addition, on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, when the pseudo-variable display of the pseudo symbols is started, three pseudo symbol display portions appear, and the symbols using the “pseudo symbols” are displayed in each pseudo symbol display portion. Fluctuation display (display of pseudo symbols that are sequentially changed), stop display (display of stopped pseudo symbols), and the like are performed. The pseudo-variation display of this pseudo-design is based on the numbers “1” to “9” (numerical design) and the character “ba” (hereinafter referred to as “battle design”) that suggests the start of the battle effect described later. After displaying in order, it is again constituted by “circular display” that repeats displaying the numbers “1” to “9” and the characters “B” in this order. Further, the confirmed symbols that are confirmed and displayed on the pseudo-symbol display section include “a stop symbol that indicates a loss” and “a stop symbol that indicates a big hit”.

  Here, as described above, in this gaming machine 1, as “big hit”, “first probability variable big hit (15R probability variable big hit)”, “A type 15R irregular probability positive big hit”, “B type 15R irregular probability positive big hit” , “C type 15R irregular probability variation jackpot”, “15R variation regular jackpot” and “15R latent probability variation jackpot” are set. However, as shown in FIG. 37 (a), "1st probability variation big hit (15R probability variation big hit)", "B type 15R irregular probability variation big hit", "C type 15R variation certain variation big hit", "15R irregular normal big hit" And the stop symbol (pseudo symbol) indicating “15R latent probability variation big hit” is the same symbol.

  As shown in FIG. 37A, the stop symbol indicating “A type 15R irregular probability variation big hit” is configured by arranging three “identical numerical symbols” on the display screen 27a. On the other hand, "1st probability variation jackpot (15R probability variation jackpot)", "A type 15R variation probability variation jackpot", "B type 15R variation probability variation jackpot", "C type 15R variation probability variation jackpot", "15R variation normal variation jackpot" The stop symbol indicating “15R latent probability variation big hit” is constituted by a symbol combination in which the symbol (the middle symbol in this embodiment) to be stopped last among the three symbols is “battle symbol”. Further, the “off symbol” is composed of numeric symbols excluding “battle symbol”, and is configured by displaying a different numeric symbol on at least one of the three pseudo symbol display portions. .

  In this embodiment, the “first probability variation big hit (15R probability variation big hit)”, “B type 15R variation probability variation big hit”, “C type 15R variation probability variation big hit”, “15R variation normal big hit” and “15R latent probability variation”. When any one of “big hit” occurs, a battle effect is executed on the effect display device 27 during the big hit game (described later). In this case, a battle effect based on “1st probable big hit (15R probable big hit)”, “B type 15R irregular probable big hit” or “C type 15R irregular probable big hit”, that is, executed during “first big win game” In the battle effect, an effect in which a character (a friend character) who becomes a friend for the player wins is executed. On the other hand, in the battle production based on “15R irregular normal big hit” or “15R latency probability big hit”, that is, in the battle production executed during the “second big hit game (an irregular second big hit game)” An effect in which a character (enemy character) that becomes an enemy for the player wins, in other words, an effect in which the teammate character loses is executed. In this embodiment, when the “second jackpot game” based on “15R latency probability variation jackpot” is terminated, the effect display device 27 and the like notify the gaming machine 1 that the probability mode is the probability variation mode. Although not performed (that is, the latent probability changing state), the notification may be performed.

  Further, when displaying the “hit symbol (three identical symbol combinations or symbol combinations including a battle symbol)” on the effect display device 27, reach display is performed in the middle of the variable display which is the premise thereof. In addition, when the “stop symbol to show off” is displayed on the effect display device 27, the reach display is not performed in the middle of the fluctuation display (that is, the deviation fluctuation) as a premise thereof (hereinafter referred to as “simple deviation”). And reach display (hereinafter referred to as “reach out”). In addition, the reach display of the present embodiment is such that two of the pseudo symbols displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 are stopped at the same symbol and the other one of the pseudo symbols is changing. It is a display as content.

(4) Outline of Effect Display In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the effect display device 27 performs the following effects during the symbol variation display and the big hit game. In the following description, the mode of the opening operation of the special winning device 31 will also be described.

a. In the case of losing When a game ball wins (start win) to the first start winning device 17a or the second start winning device 17b, a special symbol variation start condition (presence / absence determination execution condition) is satisfied. As a result, the symbol change (fluctuation game) of the main symbol is started in the corresponding special symbol display units 62a and 62b, and the display screen 27a (see FIG. 38A and FIG. 38B) of the effect display device 27 is displayed. In the pseudo symbol display units 27b to 27d), the symbol variation effect display using the pseudo symbol is started.

  The execution time (variation time) of this symbol variation (variable game) varies depending on the variation pattern (normal variation pattern, shortened variation pattern) determined at the start of symbol variation in the corresponding special symbol display units 62a and 62b (described later). However, when this execution time elapses, the stop symbol of the main symbol is stopped and displayed on any of the special symbol display portions 62a and 62b, and the stop symbol of the pseudo symbol is stopped and displayed on the display screen 27a.

  Here, the “out-of-display” illustrated in FIG. 38A is “out-of-display with no reach effect (so-called“ normally out ”)”, and the “out-of-display” illustrated in FIG. This is an out-of-call display (so-called “out-going reach”) with a reach effect. Here, the reach display (reach effect) refers to, for example, a symbol other than a symbol that stops in the middle of the variable display (variable game) (hereinafter referred to as “final stop symbol”) as a predetermined symbol. This is a stunning display that indicates that there is a possibility that a jackpot display may be made depending on the type of the final stop symbol. For example, when the jackpot display is completed when all of the symbols of multiple symbols are the same, if the symbols other than the final stop symbol are stopped with the same symbol, the possibility of “special game execution (occurrence of jackpot)” "Indicates an effect display indicating the presence of" ".

b. In the case of a big win Even in the case of a big win, if a game ball wins (start win) to the first start winning device 17a or the second start winning device 17b occurs, the variation start condition (execution determination result condition) of the special symbol is set. To establish. As a result, the symbol change (variable game) of the main symbol is started in the corresponding special symbol display units 62a and 62b, and as shown in FIGS. 39 (a) and (b), the display screen 27a ( In the pseudo symbol display units 27b to 27d), the symbol variation effect display using the pseudo symbol is started.

  The execution time (variation time) of this symbol variation (variable game) varies depending on the variation pattern (normal variation pattern, shortened variation pattern) determined at the start of symbol variation in the corresponding special symbol display units 62a and 62b (described later). However, when this execution time elapses, the stop symbol of the main symbol is stopped and displayed on any of the special symbol display portions 62a and 62b, and the stop symbol of the pseudo symbol is stopped and displayed on the display screen 27a.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 39, when the stop symbol of the pseudo symbol is a stop symbol (three identical symbol combinations) indicating “A type 15R irregular probability variation big hit” as shown in FIG. In addition, in the effect display device 27, the big hit start display (fanfare display) is executed. Furthermore, after the basic jackpot game is started, the “display related to the first jackpot round (1R)” is made on the effect display device 27, and the jackpot 31a is opened according to the second opening operation. When the end condition of the “first jackpot round (1R)” is satisfied, after the big winning opening 31a finishes the second opening operation, the “display related to the first jackpot round (1R)” is terminated, Wait for the elapse of a predetermined interval time (that is, about 2 seconds of the aforementioned waiting time).

  Furthermore, after starting the “display related to the second big hit round (2R)”, the big winning opening 31a is opened according to the second opening operation, and the end condition of the “second big hit round (2R)” is satisfied. Then, the second opening operation is terminated, and the elapse of a predetermined interval time (about 2 seconds) is waited for. Thereafter, similarly, the “round display on the effect display device 27” and the “second opening operation” are performed until the number of rounds of the “big hit round” becomes “15”. Thereafter, the basic “first big hit game” is ended, and the probability mode of the gaming machine 1 becomes the high probability mode.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 39B, when the stop symbol of the pseudo symbol is a symbol combination (battle start symbol) including “battle symbol”, as shown in FIG. Display (fanfare display). Furthermore, after the first big hit game or the second big hit game is started, the “battle effect” is started on the effect display device 27. Specifically, a video showing a battle between a “squid character symbol” indicating a player's ally and a “octopus character symbol” indicating a player's enemy is displayed over almost the entire area of the display screen 27a. A so-called “battle effect” is executed.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 42, when the generated big hit is “first probability variation big hit (15R probability variation big hit)”, “B type 15R irregular probability variation big hit” or “C type 15R irregular probability variation big hit”, the effect display In the device 27, an image is displayed in which the “squid character” indicating the player's ally wins the “octopus character” indicating the player's enemy. Then, the “big hit round” is executed until the end condition of the “15th big hit round (15R)” is satisfied. When the end condition of the “15th big hit round (15R)” is satisfied, the “first big hit game” is ended, and the probability mode of the gaming machine 1 becomes the high probability mode.

  On the other hand, when the generated big hit is “15R irregular normal big hit” or “15R latency probability big hit”, the “octopus character” indicating the player's enemy on the effect display device 27 is “squid” indicating the player's ally. The image of winning the “character” is displayed. When the end condition of the “15th big hit round (15R)” is satisfied, the “second big hit game” is ended. In this case, if the generated big hit is “ordinary big hit (15R irregular normal big hit)”, the probability mode of the gaming machine 1 is set to the normal probability mode, and the generated big hit is “second probability variable big hit (15R latent probability big hit). ", The probability mode of the gaming machine 1 is set to the high probability mode.

(5) Command transmission The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment performs various controls in order to realize the above-described “variation effect display (symbol variation effect display)” and the like. When executing this control, various commands are transmitted from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) to the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220). Next, how this command is transmitted will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG.

  The main control unit 200A and the sub control unit 220A are connected by a 9-bit width parallel signal cable. Of these, one bit is allocated for outputting a strobe signal, and the remaining eight bits are allocated for command output. When a command is output from the main control unit 200A to the sub-control unit 220A, first, command data for 8 bits is output to an 8-bit signal cable assigned for command output, and then A 1-bit strobe signal is output. Further, the sub control unit 220A can reliably read the command transmitted from the main control unit 200A by reading the command data at the rising timing of the strobe signal.

  Here, examples of commands output from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) to the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220) include those illustrated in FIG. 43B. That is, there are (A) a variation pattern designation command (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “CHP”), (B) a special symbol stop information designation command (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “CJS”), and the like. . The variation pattern designation command is a command for designating a variation pattern, and a variation pattern for normal variation (described later) and a variation pattern for shortened variation (described later) according to the variation pattern table used at the time of starting winning. ) Is specified. The variation pattern designation command is a command for starting the variation of the pseudo symbol and designating the variation time of the pseudo symbol. The mode designation command is a command for designating the game mode set by the game mode setting means or designating that the gaming machine 1 is in the special variation mode.

(6) Overview of Game Control by Main Control Unit 200A FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of game control processing executed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200. In this game control process, each process such as a prize ball payout process (S80), a normal symbol game process (S100), a normal electric game game process (S200), a special symbol game process (S300), a big hit game process (S600), etc. Is executed repeatedly. Note that the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment is configured to execute the processing of S80 to S600 in FIG. 44 every time a timer interrupt with a period of 4 msec occurs after the power is turned on. That is, the processing of S80 to S600 in FIG. 44 is repeatedly executed every 4 msec.

  The above-mentioned CTC (counter / timer circuit) is set to generate an interrupt every about 2 msec. When an interrupt is generated by CTC, various random numbers are updated and various game balls are detected. The process of detecting the state of the switches (normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s, start opening prize detection switch 17s, general prize detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s, etc.) is performed. Then, in the game control shown in FIG. 44, the normal symbol game process (S100), the normal electric drive, while generating various interrupts and detecting the game state by generating interrupts almost twice during the round of control. An accessory game process (S200), a special symbol game process (S300), a big hit game process (S600), and the like are performed. During these processes, various signals are transmitted to various control boards including the sub-control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire gaming machine 1 proceeds. Hereinafter, the game control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

A. Prize ball payout processing (S80)
The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a process of paying out game balls as prize balls (prize ball payout process) (S80). That is, the state of the start opening winning detection switches 17s, 17t or the general winning detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s, 44s is detected to determine whether or not a game ball has entered. If a game ball has entered, this information is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. Based on the information stored on the RAM 202, a prize ball payout signal is output toward the payout control board 240. If the winning information for the start opening winning detection switch 17s or the like has already been stored on the RAM 202, an appropriate payout number including the previously stored information is designated and a payout signal is output. To do.

  When outputting a payout signal from the main control unit 200A to the payout control unit 240A, first, a strobe signal is output toward the payout control unit 240A (payout control board 240), and then signal data is output. On the other hand, when the CPU mounted on the payout control board 240 constituting the payout control unit 240A receives the payout signal, the CPU interprets the content of the signal and sends a drive signal to the payout motor 109m mounted on the prize ball payout device 109. Is output and award balls are paid out. The prize ball payout device 109 is provided with two payout switches (front payout switch 109a and rear payout switch 109b) for detecting the payout game balls. While detecting each one, a process of paying out the number of prize balls designated by the payout signal is performed.

B. Normal symbol game processing (S100)
When the normal symbol game process (S100) is started, the normal symbol display unit 63 starts to display the variation of the normal symbol. When the CPU 201 determines that the execution time of the normal symbol variation display has elapsed while repeatedly performing the game control process of FIG. 44, the CPU 201 performs the stop display of the normal symbol stop symbol. Furthermore, when the CPU 201 determines that the stop symbol stop display time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed while repeatedly performing the game control process of FIG. 44, the stop symbol activates the ordinary electric accessory 17d. It is determined whether it is a symbol to be activated (a normal symbol hit symbol) or not a symbol to be actuated (ordinary symbol deviating symbol).

  If the stop symbol is a symbol that activates the normal electric accessory 17d (a normal symbol hit symbol), whether or not the normal electric accessory release extension function is operating (that is, the open extension means is operating). If the opening extension means is in operation, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d is set to "opening time when the opening extension function is activated (for example, the above-mentioned 3 seconds)" The normal symbol game process (S100) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the opening extension means is not in operation, after setting the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d to “opening time when the opening extension function is not operated (for example, 0.5 seconds as described above)”, the normal symbol game process Is finished and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  Note that the CPU 201 does not operate the normal electric accessory 17d, does not execute the normal symbol variation display in the normal symbol display unit 63, and does not execute the normal symbol stop display, and further relates to the normal symbol. When it is determined that the number of holds is not “0”, the normal symbol variation display is started. Further, the number of holdings for the normal symbol is “+1” when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 16 and the number of holdings for the normal symbol is less than a predetermined number (four in this embodiment). It is set to “−1” every time the symbol variation display is started.

D. Normal electric game processing (S200)
FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing an outline of the ordinary electric game game process. When the normal electric game game process is activated while the CPU 201 performs the game control process of FIG. It is determined whether or not it is operating (whether or not the second start winning device 17b is in an open state). When it is determined that the second start winning device 17b is in an open state (S201; YES), the operating time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d (the second start winning device 17b is maintained in an open state). It is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (5 seconds in the open extension mode and 0.2 seconds in the normal release mode) (S202). If it is determined that the operating time has passed the predetermined time (S202; YES), the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 17d is stopped to bring the second start winning device 17b in the open state into a closed state (S206). The ordinary electric game game process is terminated.

  However, when the CPU 201 determines that a prescribed number (for example, eight) of game balls have entered the second start winning device 17b while the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning device 17b) is opened. Even when the aforementioned operating time (opening time) has not reached the predetermined time, the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 17d is stopped (S206), and the ordinary electric accessory game process is terminated. Further, in the gaming machine 1, when the ordinary electric combination 17d is operated, the ordinary electric combination solenoid 17c provided therein is driven, and a pair of wings of the second start winning portion 17b constituting the ordinary electric combination 17d. The one part is rotated outward, and the second start winning portion 17b is opened.

E. Special Symbol Game Processing Next, an outline of the special symbol game processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 46 to 51. When the special symbol game process is activated, as shown in FIG. 46, first, it is determined whether or not a game ball has won the first start winning device 17a or the second start winning device 17b (S302a). , S302b). If a negative determination (determination that the game ball has not won) is made in the processing of S302a and S302b (S302a; NO, S302b; NO), the processing from S308 shown in FIG. 47 is performed as it is. Transition.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that a game ball has won the first start winning device 17a (S302a; YES), the “number of special symbols held corresponding to the first start winning device 17” is less than a predetermined number (this implementation) It is determined whether or not the number is less than 4 (S304a). In the process of S304a, when it is determined that the number is less than the predetermined number (S304a; YES), a random number for determination (lottery random number) related to winning in the first start winning device 17a is acquired, and this random number for determination ( The random number for lottery) is stored at a predetermined address of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200, and “the number of special symbols held corresponding to the first start winning device 17a” is incremented by “+1” (S306a).

  Here, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a first start winning device 17a and a second start winning device 17b as start winning devices, and a special symbol corresponding to the first start winning device 17a. (A first special symbol; hereinafter also referred to as “special diagram 1”) and a special symbol corresponding to the second start winning device 17b (second special symbol; hereinafter also referred to as “special diagram 2”). With. In the situation where the determination random number based on the start winning to the first start winning device 17a and the determination random number based on the start winning to the second start winning device 17b are stored, the latter is preferential. (To be described later).

  Among the processes performed by the CPU 201, “each process executed due to a game ball winning in the first start winning device 17a (hereinafter referred to as a process related to the special figure 1)”, “ 46-51 regarding the same process among the "each process (hereinafter referred to as process related to special figure 2)" executed due to the game ball winning in the second start winning device 17b. The same number of steps (numerical numbers) is attached. Since the process with the same number of steps is basically the same process, one of “process related to special figure 1” and “process related to special figure 2” will be described in the following description. However, the description of the other may be omitted. In addition, “process for special figure 1” is distinguished by adding “a” in alphabet to “number of steps”, and “process for special figure 2” by adding “b” in alphabet to “number of steps”. There is.

  The determination random number (lottery random number) acquired in the process of S306a includes (a) a jackpot lottery (hereinafter referred to as “Special Figure 1”) executed due to the winning of a game ball to the first start winning device 17a. Lottery random numbers (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 1 big hit lottery random numbers”), (b) for determining the symbols to be stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display section 62a. Random numbers (hereinafter referred to as “Special Figure 1 Symbol Determination Random Number”), (c) Reach for determining whether or not to perform reach display in the pseudo-graphic variation display executed on the display surface 27a of the effect display device 27 Random numbers, etc. Unlike this embodiment, when a small lottery (hereinafter referred to as “Special Figure 1 small lottery”) is performed due to the winning of a game ball to the first start winning device 17a, in the process of S306a. The determination random numbers (lottery random numbers) to be acquired include lottery random numbers (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 1 small lottery random numbers”) used in the “special figure 1 small lottery”.

  If it is determined that the game ball has won the second start winning device 17b (S302b; YES), the “number of reserved special symbols corresponding to the second start winning device 17d” is less than a predetermined number (this implementation) It is determined whether or not the number of examples is less than four (S304b). In the process of S304b, if it is determined that the number is less than the predetermined number (S304b; YES), a determination random number (lottery random number) related to the second start winning device 17b is acquired, and this determination random number (lottery random number) is acquired. ) Is stored at a predetermined address of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200, and "the number of reserved special symbols corresponding to the second start winning device 17b" is incremented by "+1" (S306b). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S308 and subsequent steps.

  The determination random number (lottery random number) acquired in the process of S306b includes (a) a jackpot lottery executed (hereinafter referred to as “Special Figure 2”) due to the winning of a game ball to the second start winning device 17b. Lottery random numbers (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 2 big hit lottery random numbers”), (b) for determining the symbols to be stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display section 62b. Random number (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 2 symbol determination random number”), (c) reach for determining whether or not to perform reach display in the pseudo symbol variation display executed on the display surface 27a of the effect display device 27; Random numbers, etc. Unlike the present embodiment, when a small lottery (hereinafter referred to as “special drawing 2 small lottery”) due to the winning of a game ball to the second start winning device 17b is performed, in the process of S306b. The determination random numbers (lottery random numbers) to be acquired include lottery random numbers (hereinafter referred to as “special drawing 2 small lottery random numbers”) used in the “special drawing 2 small lottery”.

  In the process of S308, as shown in FIG. 47, it is determined whether or not a big hit game is being executed (S308). Specifically, if the big hit game flag (see the process of S460 in FIG. 47) is set (set to ON), a positive determination is made in the process of S308. The jackpot game flag indicates that the jackpot game execution means (a control program, which is stored in the ROM 203) is in operation.

  When the CPU 201 determines that the big hit game is being executed (S308; YES), the special symbol game process is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S308 that the jackpot game is not being executed (S308; NO), whether or not the special symbol is changing, that is, one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is determined. It is determined whether it is changing (S310). If the special symbol is not changing (S310; NO), it is considered that either the special symbol has not yet changed, or has been stopped and displayed as a stop symbol after the change display. Therefore, it is determined whether or not it is during the stop display time for displaying the stop symbol of the special symbol (in this embodiment, this stop display time is set to 0.6 seconds) (S312). If the special symbol is not variably displayed (S310; NO), and is not within the stop display time during which the special symbol is stopped (S312; NO), whether or not the variable display can be started. Is determined (S314a, S314b).

  The “condition for starting the variable display of the special symbol” is that either “the number of holds for the first special symbol” or “the number of holds for the second special symbol” is not “zero”. The CPU 201 of this embodiment preferentially determines whether or not “the number of holds regarding the second special symbol” is “zero” (S314b). In other words, when the “number of reserves related to the second special symbol” is not “zero”, the oldest determination random number (obtained in S306b, the special figure 2 big hit lottery random number) is read from a predetermined address in the RAM 202 (S316b). Then, the determination process for the second special symbol (special figure 2 determination process) is performed (S320b).

  In this success / failure determination process (S320b), as shown in FIG. 49, a process related to the big hit lottery (a process related to the second big hit lottery) is performed. That is, it is determined whether or not the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the high probability mode (S322). When the gaming mode is the high probability mode (S322; YES), the “high probability data table” and “S316b processing” are performed. This “big hit lottery” is performed using the read special figure 2 big hit lottery random number (S324), and when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the low probability mode (normal probability mode) (S322; NO), The big hit lottery is performed using the “low probability data table” and “the special figure 2 big hit lottery random number read out in the process of S316b” (S326). In the high probability mode, “the fluctuation shortening function that shortens the fluctuation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol as compared with the normal time is activated, and the opening extension function of the second start winning device 17b (normal electric accessory) is activated. There are “when activated” and “when the fluctuation shortening function and the open extension function are not activated” (described later).

  When the result of the jackpot lottery performed in the process of S324 or S326 is a jackpot (S330; YES), after setting the jackpot flag (set to ON) (S332), the success / failure determination process (S320b) is terminated. 2 ”(hereinafter referred to as“ special symbol 2 symbol variation start processing ”)” (S500b in FIG. 56). Further, when the result of the big hit lottery is out (S330; NO), “after setting the off flag (a flag indicating that no big hit has been generated) (set to ON) (S339), the success / failure determination processing (S320b) And the process shifts to the special figure 2 symbol variation start process (S500b), which is also the oldest determination process (S320a) executed due to the winning of the game ball to the first start winning device 17a. The determination random number (obtained in S306a, special figure 1 big hit lottery random number) is read (S316a), and the same process is performed according to FIG.

  In the special figure 2 symbol variation start process (S500b), as shown in FIG. 50, first, the variation setting process (S510, S540) and the like are performed based on the result of the success / failure determination process (S320b). That is, in the process of S502, when it is determined that the result of the success / failure determination process (S320) is “big hit” (S502; YES), the process proceeds to S510 and “big hit fluctuation setting process” is performed. In the jackpot variation setting process (S510), the symbol determination random number acquired in the process of S306b (see FIG. 46) is read, and the symbol (hit symbol) to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 82 is set (determined). Thereafter, a process of setting (determining) a variation pattern by random number lottery using a “variation pattern table selected in consideration of the determined jackpot symbol aspect and the gaming state (game mode) of the gaming machine 1” I do.

  On the other hand, in the process of S502, if it is determined that the result of the success / failure determination process (S320) is not “big hit” (S502; NO), the process proceeds to S540, and “outgoing fluctuation setting process” is performed. In this outlier variation setting process (S540), the variation pattern is determined by random lottery using “a variation pattern table selected in consideration of the gaming state (gaming mode) of the gaming machine 1 and whether or not the reach effect is performed”. The process of setting (determining) is performed. Thereafter, a symbol determination random number is acquired, and a process of setting a stop symbol is performed. Whether or not the reach effect is executed is determined based on the reach random number acquired in the process of S306b (see FIG. 46) and read.

  In this embodiment, the “shortening variation mode (short time mode)” refers to a state in which the variable time shortening function (short time function) is in operation, and is a game mode in which the opening extension means operates, that is, “ In the “high probability open extension mode” and the “normal probability open extension mode”, the variable time reduction function (time reduction function) operates. Therefore, in the description of the present embodiment, “shortening variation mode (short time mode)” can be read as “open extension mode”. In addition, a large number of variation patterns (for example, 20 types, 50 types, 100 types) are stored in the variation pattern table selected in S510 or S540. When the result of the determination is “out”, the “variation time specified when the shortened variation mode is set” can be made shorter than the “variation time identified when the shortened variation mode is not set”. High nature. Further, in the present embodiment, when the result of the determination is “displaced”, the number of reserved special symbols is considered. That is, when the number of reserved special symbols is further considered and the number of held is small (for example, when the number of held at the time of determining the variation pattern is “1”), a variation pattern that specifies a longer variation time is selected, When the number of holdings is large (for example, when the number of holdings at the time of determining the variation pattern is “3” to “4”), a variation pattern that specifies a shorter variation time tends to be selected. In addition, the variation time specified by the variation pattern selected when it is determined that the reach display is not performed is compared with the variation time specified by the variation pattern selected when the reach display is determined. There is a tendency to be shortened. Each “variation pattern table” is set in advance in the ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200.

  After the processing of S510 or S540, the CPU 201 starts the variation of the special symbol in the special symbol display unit 82 (S590) and indicates the start of the symbol variation toward the sub control unit 200A (sub control board 220). A predetermined command (design variation start command) is transmitted (S592). That is, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits a “variation pattern designation command (command for designating a fluctuation pattern)”, a “special symbol stop information designation command”, and the like to the sub control board 220. Further, the CPU 201 performs a process of subtracting “1” from the “number of reserved special symbols” and a process of transmitting a command for specifying the number of held after the subtraction to the sub-control board 220 (S595). ), The symbol variation start process (S500b) is terminated, the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  Here, the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command are output toward the sub-control board 220 together with the strobe signal as shown in FIG. This strobe signal is connected to the interrupt terminal of the CPU 220a mounted on the sub-control board 220. When the strobe signal is input, the CPU 220a on the sub-control board 220 receives each designation signal immediately and receives the designation signal. Analyze the contents. Although detailed explanation is omitted, the variation pattern is determined in consideration of various conditions such as whether or not the reach effect is performed and whether or not the symbol for stopping and displaying the special symbol is a winning symbol (big hit symbol). If the variation pattern is known, the time for the special symbol to be variably displayed can be determined. Further, if the special symbol stop information designation command is analyzed, whether the special symbol stops at the big hit symbol, stops at the dismissed symbol, or further stops at the big hit symbol, the big hit symbol is “first positive variation big hit (15R). Jackpot symbol indicating "probable big jackpot", "big hit symbol showing A type 15R irregular probability jackpot", "big jackpot symbol showing B type 15R irregular probability jackpot", "big jackpot symbol showing C type 15R irregular probability big jackpot" ", A big hit symbol indicating a 15R irregular normal big hit" and "a big hit symbol showing a 15R latent probability variable big hit".

  The CPU 220a mounted on the sub-control board 220 determines an effect mode on the effect display device 27 based on these pieces of information, and then outputs a pseudo-design display control signal to the effect display control board 222. Performs symbol change / stop display. Further, based on the variation time (variation pattern designation command) of the special symbol, it is also determined whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect on the effect display device 27, and what kind of reach effect is to be used. Then, the sub-control board 220 controls the effect display control board 222, the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the like according to the contents of the effect thus determined, thereby performing the effect of the determined contents.

  Returning to FIG. 47, when “the number of holdings related to the second special symbol” is “zero” (S314b; YES), and “the number of holdings related to the first special symbol” is not “zero” (S314a; NO). Reads out the oldest determination random number (obtained in S306a, the special figure 1 big hit lottery random number) from a predetermined address in the RAM 202 (S316a), performs a pass / fail determination process (S320a), and starts the special figure 1 symbol variation start process After performing (S500a), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Here, the success / failure determination process performed as the process of S320a is also performed according to the success / failure determination process shown in FIG. 49 similarly to S320b, and the special figure 1 symbol variation start process performed as the process of S500a is also similar to S500b. This is performed according to the symbol variation start process shown in FIG.

  Next, when it is determined that the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing in the process of S310 (see FIG. 47) of the special symbol game process (S300) (S310; YES), already Thus, the variation pattern of the special symbol and the stop symbol are determined, and the variation of the special symbol is started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S341). That is, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, it is determined whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed by setting a timer at the same time as the variation of the special symbol is started. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S341; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (S341; YES), the fluctuating first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped (S344), and the stop symbol is displayed. The symbol stop command is output toward the sub-control board 220 (S346). The symbol stop command is transferred to the effect display control board 222 via the sub control board 220. Then, after setting the stop display time for stopping and displaying the special symbol (S348), it is determined whether or not the set stop display time has elapsed (S350).

  If it is determined in S350 that the special symbol stop display time has not elapsed (S350; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated as it is, and the game control process shown in FIG. 44 is resumed. . On the other hand, when the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S350; YES), it is determined whether or not the stop display mode is a mode of jackpot (big jackpot symbol) (S352 of FIG. 48).

  If an affirmative determination is made in the process of S352, after performing the “big hit game start setting process (S450)”, the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. . When the “big hit game start setting process (S450)” is started, as shown in FIG. 51, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 stores the current game progress in a buffer for reference at the end of the “big hit game” described later. Information indicating the situation is set (stored) (S454). Specifically, the types of jackpots (15R irregular normal jackpot, 15R probability variation big hit, A type 15R irregular probability variation big hit, B type 15R irregular probability variation big hit, C type 15R irregular probability variation big hit, 15R latent probability variation big hit, And “game state flag state” are set (stored) (S454). In addition, a specific area of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 functions as a buffer used in the process of S454.

  Here, the “gaming state flag” is a flag indicating “the gaming state of the gaming machine 1”, that is, “probability change flag”, “fluctuation shortening flag”, “open extension flag”, and the like. In the process of S454, Data indicating whether these flags are “set to ON” or “set to OFF”, that is, data indicating the current gaming state (gaming mode) is set. Further, the “probability change flag” is a flag indicating that the gaming mode (gaming state) of the gaming machine 1 is in a high probability mode (mode in which the probability changing means operates), and the “change shortening flag” is a game of the gaming machine 1. It is a flag indicating that the mode (game state) is in a variation shortening mode (a mode in which the execution time of symbol variation display is likely to be shortened). Further, the “open extension flag” indicates that the game mode (gaming state) of the gaming machine 1 is set to the open extension mode (the “variable start winning device” such as the second start winning device 17b of this embodiment) is extended. Is a flag indicating that it is in a mode).

  Subsequent to the process of S454, a process of setting a big hit game flag (set to ON) is performed (S460). The game state of the gaming machine 1 is shifted to the “hit game state” by the setting of the “hit game flag” (the jackpot game execution means starts operating). Thereafter, a process of setting an opening pattern of the big winning opening 31a is performed in accordance with the generated big hit mode. That is, when the generated big hit is “15R probability variation big hit” (S472; YES), after setting the “normal opening pattern (opening pattern only for full opening)” (S476), the process proceeds to S482 and subsequent steps. Here, the “normal opening pattern” is “an opening pattern for performing a basic jackpot game”, and corresponds to “an opening pattern based on a second opening operation”. The “full open” opening operation means the second opening operation.

  When the generated big hit is “15R irregular normal big hit” or “15R latency probability big hit” (S472; NO, S474; YES), after setting “unopened irregular opening pattern” (S478), the processing after S482 Migrate to Here, the “unopened irregular opening pattern” is “an irregular opening pattern for playing the second jackpot game”, that is, “an opening pattern based on the first opening action A and the first opening action B”.

  When the generated big hit is “A type 15R irregular probability variation big hit”, “B type 15R irregular probability variation big hit” or “C type 15R irregular probability variation big hit” (S472: NO, S474: NO), “Full open” After the “abnormal release pattern” is set (S476), the process proceeds to S482 and subsequent steps. Here, “anomaly opening patterns with full open” include those shown in FIG. 34 (b), FIG. 35 (a), and (b). An opening pattern is set.

  Next, the processing after S482 will be described. Here, when the “hit game flag” is set in the process of S460, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 shifts to “hit game state” (the jackpot game execution means starts operating). In the gaming machine 1, the probability changing function, the time shortening function, and the opening extension function do not work while the “big hit game flag” is set (that is, when the big hit game execution means is in operation). For this reason, after performing a series of processes after S482 as follows, the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated.

  That is, in the process of S482, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set (set to ON) (S482). If it is not set (S482; NO), the process proceeds to S484 as it is and is set. If YES (S482; YES), the probability variation flag is canceled (set to OFF) (S483), and the process proceeds to S484. Then, in the process of S484, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON). If it is not set (S484; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is directly exited. 44 returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, in the processing of S484, when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S484; YES), after the fluctuation shortening flag and the open extension flag are canceled (set to OFF) ( S486, S487), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. In any case, when returning to the game control process of FIG. 44, a jackpot game process (FIG. 52) described later is started and a jackpot game is executed. If a positive determination is made in S482 and a negative determination is made in S484 through the processing in S484, the gaming state (gaming mode) of the gaming machine 1 before the “big hit” is “high”. “Probability normal variation mode”, that is, “latency probability variation mode”.

  Next, a process when a negative determination is made in the process of S352 of FIG. 48 will be described. That is, when the special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b is “disconnected symbol” (S352; NO), the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON). It is determined whether or not (S398). If the fluctuation shortening flag is not set (set to OFF) (S398; YES), the special symbol game process (S300) is directly exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S398; YES), that is, when the game mode at the time of occurrence of the deviation is “low probability shortening variation mode” or “high probability shortening variation mode” After the value of the fluctuation shortening counter is set to “−1” (S400), it is determined whether or not the value of the fluctuation shortening counter is “zero” (S404). If it is not “zero” (S404; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is directly exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Here, the “variation shortening counter” indicates the upper limit number of “the number of times the special symbol is to be changed while shortening the variation”. When the value becomes “zero”, the next variation of the special symbol is shortened. Is not done.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the process of S404 that the value of the variation shortening counter has become “zero” (S404; YES), the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is changed from the low probability shortening variation mode to the low probability normal variation mode. Or the high probability shortening variation mode is switched to the high probability normal variation mode. For this reason, the process of canceling the fluctuation shortening flag (set to OFF) (S410), the process of canceling the release extension flag (setting to OFF) (S416), and the process of transmitting the mode designation command to the sub control board 220 (S416). After performing S417), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. In the process of S417, a “mode designation command” for designating the low probability normal variation mode or the high probability normal variation mode is transmitted to the sub-control board 220. However, if a “probable big hit” occurs in any of the “low probability shortening variation mode” or “high probability shortening variation mode”, the initial value of the variation shortening counter is set to “10,000”. In this case, since a positive determination in S404 cannot occur, the “high probability normal fluctuation mode” does not occur under such circumstances.

F. Big hit game processing (S600)
When the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 repeatedly performs the game control process of FIG. 44 and determines that the “big hit game flag” is set as shown in FIG. 52 (S602; YES), the big hit The game process is started (S600), and the “big hit game (first big hit game or second big hit game)” is realized.

  FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing the flow of the big hit game process (S600). When each jackpot round is started, as described above, “the execution of the release operation scheduled in each jackpot round is completed, or the number of game balls entered is a specified number (8 in this embodiment). Then, the termination condition of the “big hit round” is satisfied. Thereafter, after a predetermined waiting time (for example, 2 seconds), if the “big hit game ending condition” is not satisfied, the next “big hit round” is started. When this “big hit round” is repeated a predetermined number of times (15 times in this embodiment), the big hit game is terminated. Hereinafter, detailed processing contents will be described with reference to FIGS. 52 to 53.

  Jackpot game ("Basic jackpot game", "A type irregular first jackpot game", "B type irregular first jackpot game", "C type irregular first jackpot game", or When the “second jackpot game”) is started (S602; YES), it is first determined whether or not the “big jackpot round” is being executed (S604). Here, the big winning opening 31a is kept closed in the “normal game state that is not the big hit game state”, and the “big hit round” is not yet executed immediately after the big hit game is started. For this reason, immediately after the start of the big hit game, it is determined that the “big hit round” is not being executed (S604; NO), and subsequently, it is determined whether or not the big hit game end condition is satisfied (S612). That is, it is determined whether or not “the number of executions of the big hit round” has reached the corresponding number of times of the big hit game (15 in this embodiment) (S612).

  However, immediately after the jackpot game is started, the condition for ending the jackpot game is not satisfied, so in the process of S612, a negative determination is inevitably made (S612; NO). Therefore, the process proceeds to S614, and it is determined whether or not a standby time (interval time, for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed (S614). That is, it is determined whether or not the stoppage time of the big hit round has elapsed (S614). Immediately after the big hit game is started, the big hit round is not executed. Therefore, it is inevitably determined that the waiting time has elapsed (S614; YES), and the big hit round is started. After that (S616), the big hit game process shown in FIG. 52 is once ended and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, after performing a series of various processes shown in FIG. 44, the big hit game process (S600) is started again. At this time, as described above, the time required for the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 to execute the game control process shown in FIG. 44 once is about 4 msec. Therefore, the big hit game process (S600) shown in FIG. 52 is also repeatedly executed about every 4 msec.

  When a positive determination is made in the process of S604, it is determined whether or not the “opening operation in the big hit round” has been completed (S606). For example, if the opening action scheduled in the big hit round is “first opening action A”, whether or not the total opening time of the big winning opening 31a has reached 10 seconds (opening of 0.2 seconds is 2 It is determined whether or not the opening of 9.6 seconds has been completed. Further, if the opening operation scheduled in the big hit round is the first opening operation B, whether or not the total opening time of the big winning opening 31a has reached 0.4 seconds (opening of 0.2 seconds). Whether it has been done twice). Furthermore, if the opening operation scheduled in the big hit round is the second opening operation, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the big winning opening 31a has reached 26 seconds.

  If a positive determination is made in the process of S606, after the big hit round is finished (S610), the big hit game process (S600) shown in FIG. 52 is exited, and the game control process of FIG. 44 is resumed. On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in the process of S606 (606; NO), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls won in the special winning opening 31a has reached a specified number (eight) (S608). Even when the number of winning game balls reaches the specified number (S608; YES), after the big hit round is finished (S610), the big hit game process (S600) shown in FIG. Return to the game control process. That is, when the number of winning game balls reaches a specified number, the opening operation is terminated without waiting for completion of the “opening operation scheduled in the big hit round”, and the big winning opening 31a is closed.

  On the other hand, if the “open action scheduled for the big hit round” is not completed (S606; NO), and if the number of winnings has not reached the specified number (S608; NO), the big hit round is continued. 52, the big hit game process of FIG. 52 is exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is the “big hit gaming state” (S602; YES), a positive determination is made in the processing of S606 while the game control processing of FIG. 44 is repeatedly executed. Alternatively, a positive determination is made in the processing of S608. Thus, one big hit round is completed.

  When the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is in the “big hit game state”, the big hit game process (S600) is executed again, and if it is determined that the “big hit round” is not being executed in S604 (S604; NO). It is determined whether or not the “big hit game” end condition is satisfied (S612). In other words, any jackpot game ("basic jackpot game", "A type irregular first jackpot game", "B type irregular first jackpot game", "C type irregular first jackpot game" In the “game” or “second jackpot game”), it is determined whether or not the “number of jackpot rounds” executed during the jackpot game has reached “15”. If the number of executed “big hit rounds” (number of rounds) has not reached the set number (S612; NO), after confirming that the interval time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed (S614; YES) A new jackpot round is executed (S616).

  On the other hand, in the process of S612, if it is determined that the termination condition of the “big hit game” is satisfied (S612; YES), after performing the following “big hit game end process (S700)”, the big hit game The process (S600) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. When the big hit game end process (S700) is activated, as shown in FIG. 53, the CPU 201 releases (sets to OFF) the big hit game flag (see S460 in FIG. 51) (S705), By referring to the big hit end reference buffer (refer to S454 in FIG. 51), the type of “big hit symbol which is the premise of the current big hit game (hereinafter referred to as“ current big hit symbol ”)” (“ 15R anomalous normal big hit "," 15R anomalous big jackpot "," A type 15R anomalous probability big jackpot "," B type 15R anomalous probability big jackpot "," C type 15R anomalous probability big jackpot "and" 15R latent probability big jackpot ") Information is acquired, and based on this information, processing for setting a game mode after the end of the big hit game is performed.

  In other words, when “this big hit symbol (the symbol stopped in the process of S344 in FIG. 47)” is “big hit symbol indicating 15R irregular normal big hit” (S720; NO), the fluctuation shortening counter is “40”. Is set (S770), the variation shortening flag is set (S775), and the release extension flag is set (S780). Then, after the mode designation command for designating that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 after the end of the big hit game is the “low probability shortening variation mode” is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S785), the big hit game end processing (S700) Exit.

  In addition, this big hit symbol is “probable big hit symbol (“ big hit symbol showing 15R probability variable big hit ””, “big hit symbol showing A type 15R irregular probability big hit”, “big hit symbol showing B type 15R irregular probability big hit”, If it is “one of the big hit symbol indicating C-type 15R irregular probability variation big hit” or “big hit symbol indicative of 15R latent probability variation big hit” (S720; YES), the probability variation flag is set (set to ON). After performing the process (S725), the process proceeds to S730. In the processing of S730, it is determined whether or not the current big hit symbol is a “latency probability variation symbol”, that is, “a big hit symbol indicating a 15R latent probability variation major hit” (S730). If an affirmative determination is made in S730, the process of setting “40” in the fluctuation shortening counter (S770), the process of setting the fluctuation shortening flag (S775), and the process of setting the release extension flag (S780). And do. Further, after the mode designation command for designating that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 after the big hit game is “high probability shortening variation mode” is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S795), the big hit game end processing (S700) Exit.

  On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in the processing of S730 (that is, the big hit symbol of this time is “big hit symbol showing 15R probability variation big hit”, “big hit symbol showing A type 15R irregular probability big hit”, “B type 15R If it is a big hit symbol indicating an irregular probability variation big hit or a “big hit symbol indicating a C type 15R irregular probability variation big hit”, a process of setting “10,000” in the fluctuation reduction counter (S760), and setting a fluctuation reduction flag Processing (S775) to perform, and processing to set the release extension flag (S780). Further, after the mode designation command for designating that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 after the big hit game is “high probability shortening variation mode” is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S785), the big hit game end processing (S700) Exit.

(7) Effects of the Example In the gaming machine 1 of the present example, the big winning opening 31a and the out outlets 32a and 32b are arranged in a state adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction, and the portion excluding the upper portion of the big winning opening 31a. And the structure which covers all of outro 32a, 32b with the decorative board 85 is employ | adopted. In addition, the first guide paths 11S and 11T for guiding the game balls to the grand prize winning port 31a and the second guide paths 11L and 11R for guiding the game balls to the out ports 32a and 32b are provided in close proximity to each other. For the player, it can be difficult to identify whether the game ball flowing down around the big winning opening 31a has won the big winning opening 31a or discharged as an invalid ball from the outro 32a, 32b.

  That is, when the special winning opening 31a is in an open state, the game ball that has reached the periphery of the special winning opening 31a has been guided to the special winning opening 31a by the first guiding paths 11S and 11T, or the second guiding path. It is difficult to identify whether it is guided to the outlets 32a and 32b by 11L and 11R, compared to conventional gaming machines (game machines that arrange the entire prize winning opening and the out mouth in a vertically visible state). It becomes. Further, the shutter member 31e for switching the prize winning opening 31a between the open state and the closed state slides (slides) in the front-rear direction of the game board 10, and is provided on the front side and the back side of the game board surface. Since it is a structure that appears and disappears, for a player who is located (sitting) on the front side of the game board 10, just looking at the periphery of the big winning opening 31 a covered with the decorative board 85, the size It is difficult to identify whether the winning opening 31a is in the open state or the closed state. For this reason, even when the grand prize winning port 31a is in a closed state, whether the game ball guided to the first guiding paths 11S and 11T has won the grand prize winning port 31a or received by the outro 32a on the left side thereof. It is difficult to identify.

  Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, during the big hit game, most of the game balls flowing down around the big winning opening 31a win the big winning opening 31a (impression that no invalid ball is generated). Can be given to the player. As a result, according to this gaming machine 1, it is possible to suppress the “decrease in gaming interest due to invalid balls (waste balls) generated during a big hit game”.

  In particular, in this gaming machine 1, since the shape of the opening of the big prize opening 31a is substantially mountain-shaped, the opening width of the big prize opening 31a (the width along the horizontal direction of the big prize opening 31a) expands downward. To do. And in the special winning opening 31a, the upper part is arrange | positioned upwards rather than the decoration board 85, and the part whose opening width is larger than the upper part is covered with the decoration board 85. FIG. Therefore, a game ball that flows to the rear of the decorative board 85 around the special winning opening 31a (a game ball that flows down the first guide path 11S, 11T or the second guide paths 11L, 11R and flows behind the decorative board 85). However, it becomes more difficult to identify whether the winning prize opening 31a has been won or whether it has become an invalid ball and is discharged from the outro 32a, 32b.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the second embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 54, the gaming machine of the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a general winning 43 is arranged on the right side of the big winning opening 31a, and the other is the same as the first embodiment. That is, the left side of the big prize opening 31a is located on the left side of the right and left sides of the big prize opening 31a, but the general prize 43 is arranged on the right side of the big prize opening 31a. And different.

  Also in the gaming machine of the second embodiment, the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained. That is, also in the gaming machine of the second embodiment, the game balls flowing down the game area 11 pass through the left side of the main accessory device 20 (left-handed ball) and pass through the right side of the main accessory device 20. There is a thing (right hit ball) (see FIG. 4). However, in the gaming area 11 (see FIG. 4), the game ball flow path on the right side of the main accessory device 20 is narrower than the game ball flow path on the left side of the main accessory device 20. The number of “hit ball” is much smaller than that of “left ball”. Therefore, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained even if only the left side of the game ball receiving openings adjacent to the big winning opening 31a is the out opening 32a.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, an example of application to the so-called “right-handed big winning opening 31a is shown. That is, the gaming machine of the third embodiment is not the center of the game ball inflow region as shown in FIG. Unlike the first embodiment, the point that the big prize opening 31a is provided on the right end side of the game ball inflow area, and the out port 32b adjacent to the right of the big prize opening 31a is located at the right end of the game ball inflow area. Is the same as in Example 1.

  The gaming machine according to the third embodiment has a game winning hole 31a which is the second from the right end among the gaming ball receiving openings arranged in the horizontal direction, and an outlet opening on the left and right sides of the big winning opening 31a. Although 32a and 32b are arranged, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and is not limited to the wording of each claim without departing from the scope described in each claim. Can be easily replaced by these, and improvements based on knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can be added as appropriate.

  That is, in each embodiment, the mode in which the big prize opening 31a is provided in the center of the game ball inflow area and the mode in which the big prize opening 31a is provided on the right end side of the game ball inflow area are exemplified. An example in which the big winning opening 31a is provided on the left end side can also be exemplified. For example, an out port may be provided at the left end of the game ball inflow region, and a big winning port may be provided right next to the out port. In this case, an out port may be provided right next to the big winning port, or a game ball receiving port other than the out port such as a general winning port may be provided. Furthermore, unlike each embodiment, in the game area 11, another big prize opening may be arranged at a position above the game ball inflow area.

  Furthermore, a large winning opening may be provided at a plurality of locations in the game ball inflow region, or the large winning opening may be provided side by side. For example, a mode in which a big winning opening is provided at the center of the game ball inflow region and the right end side, and a mode in which a plurality of big winning ports are arranged at the center of the gaming ball inflow region can be exemplified.

  In each of the embodiments, a mode in which a plurality of game ball reception ports are horizontally arranged is illustrated, but a mode in which a plurality of game ball reception ports are arranged in a right-downward slope or a left-downward slope can also be illustrated. In this case, the decorative body can be arranged in a right-down sloping shape or a left-down sloping shape in accordance with the arrangement form of the plurality of game ball receiving ports.

  Further, unlike each embodiment, the game ball flowing down the game area 11 may not pass through the right side of the main accessory device 20. That is, the area where the game ball flows down from the right side of the main accessory device 20 may be excluded.

  In each embodiment, the gaming machine 1 including one variable start prize device (second start prize device 17b) and one non-variable start prize device (first start prize device 17a) is illustrated. However, a gaming machine having only one variable starting prize device, a gaming machine having only a plurality of variable starting prize devices, a plurality of variable starting prize devices and one or a plurality of non-variable types. The invention of each claim can be applied to a gaming machine provided with a starting prize-winning device, and a gaming machine provided with one variable starting prize-winning device and a plurality of non-variable starting prize-winning devices.

  The present invention can be used in the field of manufacturing and selling gaming machines.

1; gaming machine (ball game machine),
2; outer frame,
10: Game board,
11: Game area,
11S, 11T; first taxiway,
11L, 11R; second taxiway,
17a; first start winning device (start winning port),
17b; second start winning device (start winning port),
27; production display device;
27a; display screen,
31; Grand prize opening unit,
31a;
31e; shutter member (operating piece is constituted by the opening / closing main body),
32a, 32b; Out port,
82g; region forming plate (member for forming the game ball inflow region across the left and right ends),
85; decorative plate (decorative body),
A1-A11; game ball entrance,
200; main control unit,
220A; sub-control unit,
222A; effect display control unit.

Claims (4)

A game area is provided on the front to allow the game balls to flow down, and a plurality of winning holes including a start winning opening and a large winning opening, and game balls that have not won any of the winning openings are discharged as invalid balls outside the machine. A game board disposed in the game area,
When the game balls flowing down the game area win the winning prize opening, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to generate a big hit, and when the lottery result is a win, the large A gaming machine that executes a jackpot game that changes the winning opening to an open state,
A game ball inflow region for allowing a game ball that has flowed down the game region to flow in is formed across the left and right sides at the lower part of the game region, and a plurality of game ball receiving ports are arranged side by side in the game ball inflow region. And
Among the plurality of game ball entrances, one or more predetermined game ball entrances that are not located at the left end and the right end are used as the big prize opening, and among the game ball entrances located on both the left and right sides of the big prize opening , And at least the game ball entrance located on the left side of the grand prize winning opening,
On the front side of the plurality of game ball inlets in the game ball inflow region, a decorative body that covers the outro and the big prize opening is provided,
A first guiding path for guiding a game ball flowing down on the gaming area to the big winning opening and a gaming ball flowing down on the gaming area are guided to the out opening above the big winning opening and the out opening. And the second taxiway that is in close proximity to each other,
An operating piece that can be projected and retracted vertically with respect to the game area is provided, and when the operating piece protrudes toward the front side, the large winning opening is in the closed state, and a game ball flowing down the first guiding path is provided. When the operation piece is guided to the outro and the working piece is immersed deeply, the big prize opening is in the open state so that the game ball flowing down the first guiding path is guided to the big prize opening. A gaming machine characterized by comprising.   Among the plurality of game ball inlets, at least a game ball inlet located in the center of the game ball inflow region is set as the big prize opening, and game ball inlets located on both right and left sides of the big prize opening are the out holes. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein:   The opening shape of the prize winning opening is a substantially mountain shape, and the operating piece is inclined downwardly from the center of the upper part of the winning prize opening along the opening shape, and the upper part of the winning prize opening and the operating piece is The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a lower end spread portion other than the lower end is covered with the decorative body. In the jackpot game, the jackpot round in which the jackpot in the closed state is changed to an open state according to a predetermined mode is performed a plurality of times,
As the jackpot game,
A basic jackpot game that repeats the basic jackpot round, which includes performing the operation piece in an immersive state for the first time once, a plurality of times;
An irregular jackpot game in which an irregular jackpot round is performed with the content that the actuating piece is immersed several times for a second time shorter than the first time;
The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the game machine is executed.

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