JP2014144254A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine that is equipped with ball trays for retaining game balls and is capable of facilitating the discharge of the game balls from the ball trays.SOLUTION: A Pachinko machine 10 comprises: an outer frame 11; a body frame supported to the outer frame 11 turnably; and a front door frame 14 supported to the body frame turnably. On the front surface side of the front door frame 14, an upper tray 33 and a lower tray 34 are disposed that each open upward. Game balls dispensed from a dispenser are retained in the upper tray 33 or the lower tray 34. The front surface side of the body frame 13 is provided with a symbol display device, which is visible from the front of the game machine. The symbol display device is able to display performance of promotion, so that the performance of promotion is not displayed on the symbol display device when a prize is won in a promotion notification lottery which is conducted by an audio-lamp control device, in the case where the lower tray 34 is full.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  A pachinko machine, which is a type of gaming machine, is provided with a payout device for paying out game balls according to the game state, and a ball tray such as a lower plate for storing game balls paid out from the payout device. For example, when a game ball wins a prize opening in a game area provided on the front side of the pachinko machine, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out from the payout device to the ball tray as prize balls for the player. Also, if the pachinko machine is equipped with a full detection sensor that detects that the ball tray is full of game balls, the game ball can be dispensed when the full state of the ball tray is detected by the sensor. Is stopped (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  For example, as a result of a lottery performed in accordance with winning in a predetermined winning opening, when a gaming state shifts to a big win state, a larger amount of gaming balls are paid out as a payout ball than when the gaming state is in a normal state. Here, if the game ball continues to be paid out even though the ball tray is full, an abnormality such as the game ball being clogged in the drive unit that is driven to pay out occurs in the payout device etc. There is a risk. On the other hand, as described above, in the configuration in which the payout of the game ball is stopped when the ball tray is full, the occurrence of the abnormality is suppressed. Further, if the payout information relating to the payout of game balls is stored in a storage device or the like, a predetermined number of game balls will be reliably given to the player even if the payout is stopped halfway.

  Further, if the payout information is output to the hall computer installed in the game hall, the setting of the pachinko machine is finely adjusted based on the total result of the payout information. For example, for pachinko machines where the average number of payout balls in the period when the gaming state is in the jackpot state is smaller than other pachinko machines in the game hall, the setting is made so that the number of payout balls in the jackpot period increases. For a pachinko machine having a large average number of payout balls in the period in which the gaming state is in the normal state, the setting may be adjusted so that the payout balls in the normal period are reduced.

JP 2006-130335 A

  However, if the payout of the game ball from the payout device is stopped when the ball receiving tray becomes full during the jackpot period, the payout ball corresponding to the jackpot state may be paid out after the end of the jackpot period. As shown in FIG. 44 (a), when the gaming state is in the jackpot state at the jackpot period from timing t10 to t20 and is in the normal state at the normal period from timing t20 to t30, the payout corresponding to the jackpot state is during the jackpot period. When the process ends, as shown in FIG. 44B, the number of payout balls decreases after the jackpot period ends. On the other hand, for example, when the payout is stopped at the timing t11 during the jackpot period, the payout does not end during the jackpot period. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 44C, at the timing t21 when the payout is resumed. The number of payout balls increases. In this case, the actual number of balls to be dispensed will decrease during the jackpot period compared to the original number of balls to be dispensed with, but will increase during the normal period, and the length of the period during which the ball tray is full. There is a possibility that inconvenience may occur that the corresponding error is included in the payout information.

  Also, if the settings of the pachinko machine are adjusted based on the payout information including the error, the adjustment contents are greatly affected by the length of the period when the ball tray is full, and the settings of the pachinko machine are appropriate. There is a risk that it will be in a state that is not. For example, for pachinko machines that do not need to be adjusted, settings are adjusted so that the number of payout balls increases during the jackpot period, or settings are adjusted so that the number of payout balls decreases during the normal period. If it is broken, it cannot be said that the settings of the pachinko machine are in an appropriate state.

  Note that inconveniences such as errors included in the payout information are not limited to pachinko machines, but may also occur in other gaming machines that have at least one ball tray for storing gaming balls. is there.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can facilitate discharge of game balls from a ball tray in a gaming machine including a ball tray that stores game balls.

The present invention
A payout means for paying out game balls according to game results;
A ball tray for storing the game balls paid out from the payout means in a dischargeable state;
A storage state detection means capable of detecting a storage state of the game ball in the ball tray;
Display means capable of displaying a specific effect according to the game situation;
When the storage state detected by the storage state detection unit is not a specific state, the display unit can display the specific effect, and when the storage state is the specific state, the display unit It is characterized by comprising display control means for effect display control so as not to display a specific effect.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in the gaming machine provided with the ball tray which stores a game ball, discharge | emission of the game ball from a ball tray can be promoted.

The front view which shows the pachinko machine in one embodiment. The perspective view which expand | deploys and shows the main structures of a pachinko machine. The perspective view which expand | deploys and shows the main structures of a pachinko machine. The rear view which shows the structure of a pachinko machine. The rear view which shows the structure of a front door frame. The front view which shows the structure of a main body frame. The front view which shows the structure of a game board. The rear view which shows the structure of a main body frame. The perspective view which shows the back surface structure of a game board. The rear view which shows the state which removed the main controller unit from the game board. The perspective view which shows the structure of a main controller unit. The front view which shows the structure of a back pack unit. The exploded perspective view of a back pack unit. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure of a payout apparatus. The block diagram which shows the electrical constitution of a pachinko machine. Explanatory drawing which shows the display content of a symbol display apparatus. Explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the various counters used for game control. The flowchart which shows the timer interruption process by CPU of a main control circuit. The flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. The flowchart which shows a start winning process. The flowchart which shows a main process. The flowchart which shows a normal process. The flowchart which shows a lower plate full determination process. The flowchart which shows a command setting process. The flowchart which shows a 1st specific lamp part control process. The flowchart which shows a fluctuation | variation start process. The flowchart which shows a jackpot symbol determination process. The flowchart which shows a game state transfer process. The flowchart which shows a variable winning apparatus opening / closing process. The flowchart which shows a signal output process. The flowchart which shows the interruption process at the time of input by CPU of a payout control board. The flowchart which shows a main process. The flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. The flowchart which shows a command determination process. The flowchart which shows a full command process. The flowchart which shows a prize ball control process. The flowchart which shows a lending ball control process. The flowchart which shows the lower plate full determination process by CPU of an audio | voice lamp control apparatus. The flowchart which shows a jackpot display process. The flowchart which shows the process at the time of open | release. The flowchart which shows a high probability state process. The flowchart which shows notification sound control processing. The flowchart which shows the notification sound control process by CPU of the audio | voice lamp control apparatus in another pachinko machine. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating background art.

  First, the invention that can be extracted from the present embodiment will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary.

Means 1. A payout means (payout device 224) for paying out game balls according to the game result;
A ball tray (upper plate 33, lower plate 34) for storing the game balls paid out from the payout means in a dischargeable state;
A storage state detection means (game ball detection sensor 57) capable of detecting a storage state of the game ball in the ball tray;
Display means (symbol display device 91) capable of displaying a specific effect according to the game situation;
When the storage state detected by the storage state detection unit is not a specific state, the display unit can display the specific effect, and when the storage state is the specific state, the display unit A gaming machine comprising display control means (audio lamp control device 143) for effect display control so as not to display a specific effect.

  According to the means 1, a game ball is paid out from the payout means in accordance with the game result, and the paid-out game ball is stored in the ball tray. The storage state of the game balls in the ball tray can be detected by the storage state detection means. Here, since the ball tray can discharge the game ball, the storage state of the ball tray can be changed by discharging the game ball.

  In addition, when the display control means performs the effect display control, it is possible to display the specific effect on the display means when the storage state in the ball tray is not the specific state, and when the storage state is not the specific state, No display is made. Here, since the ball tray can discharge the game ball, even if the ball tray is in a specific state, the specific state can be canceled by discharging the game ball from the ball tray. Therefore, when the ball tray is in a specific state, it is necessary for the player to discharge the game ball from the ball tray to cancel the specific state in order to enjoy the specific effect. In this case, it is possible to cause the player to discharge the game ball from the ball tray. Therefore, discharge of the game ball from the ball tray can be promoted while making the player enjoy the specific effect.

Mean 2. Special lottery means (function to execute step S901 of the variation start process in the main control device 162) for performing special lottery for determining whether or not to shift to a special game state advantageous to the player over the normal game state,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display control means performs the effect display control when the special lottery is won.

  According to the means 2, the special lottery is performed by the special lottery means, and when the special lottery is won, the effect display control by the display control means is performed. Therefore, when the ball tray is in the specific state, in order for the player to know that the special lottery has been won, it is necessary to discharge the game ball from the ball tray and cancel the specific state. Therefore, it is possible to promote the discharge of the game balls from the ball tray while notifying the lottery result of the special lottery.

Means 3. Special transition means (a function of executing steps S1103 to S1105 of the game state transition process in the main control device 162) for transitioning to the special game state when the special lottery is won;
Display lottery means (function of executing step S1001 in the jackpot symbol determination process in the main control device 162) for performing a display lottery on whether or not the display of the specific effect on the display means is possible under the special gaming state. ,
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the display control means performs the effect display control under the special gaming state when the display lottery is won.

  According to the means 3, when the special lottery is won, the game state is shifted to the special game state by the special lottery means. In addition, display lottery is performed by the display lottery means, and when the display lottery is won, effect display control is performed by the display control means in the special game state. Therefore, when the current game state is the special game state and the ball tray is in the specific state, in order for the player to know that the display lottery has been won, it is necessary to discharge the game ball from the ball tray and cancel the specific state.

  Here, since the special game state is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state, it is considered that a large amount of game balls are paid out from the payout means to the ball tray as a benefit given to the player. In this case, since the ball tray is likely to be in a specific state, it is necessary to discharge more game balls from the ball tray. Therefore, when it is necessary to discharge the game ball from the ball tray, it is possible to cause the player to perform a game ball discharge operation from the ball tray.

Means 4. High probability lottery means (main control device) for performing a high probability lottery to determine whether or not to shift to a high probability state in which the probability of winning the special lottery is higher than that in the normal gaming state compared to that in the normal gaming state A function to execute step S902 of the gaming state transition process in 162),
The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the display control means performs the effect display control when the high-probability lottery is won.

  According to the means 4, a high probability lottery is performed by the high probability lottery means, and when the high probability lottery is won, the display control means performs an effect display control. Therefore, when the ball tray is in a specific state, in order for the player to know that the high-probability lottery has been won, it is necessary to discharge the game ball from the ball tray and cancel the specific state. As a result, it is possible to promote the discharge of game balls from the ball tray while notifying the lottery result of the high probability lottery.

  Means 5. The display control means does not display the specific effect on the display means when the high probability lottery is not won, and if the display lottery is won when the high probability lottery is won. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein effect display control is performed, and if the display lottery is not won, the specific effect is displayed together with the transition to the special game state.

  According to the means 5, when the high probability lottery is not won, the specific effect is not displayed on the display means, and when the high probability lottery is won, the specific effect can be displayed on the display means. However, when winning the high-probability lottery, if the display lottery is won, the display control means will perform the effect display control. Is displayed. Therefore, even if the specific effect is not displayed on the display means along with the transition to the special game state, there is an expectation that the specific effect may be displayed on the display means in the special game state unless the ball tray is in the specific state. Can be held by a player. That is, it is possible to promote the discharge of game balls from the ball tray while enhancing the expectation for the game.

Means 6. When the high probability lottery is won, the high probability transition means (the function of executing step S1111 of the game state transition processing in the main control device 162) for transitioning to the high probability state after the end of the special gaming state,
The display means can display a high-probability effect suggesting that the high-probability state is present as the specific effect,
The display control means includes
Display determination means for determining whether or not the specific effect is displayed on the display means in the special gaming state when the high-probability lottery is won (step S2403 of high-probability state processing in the audio lamp control device 143) Function to execute)
When it is determined by the display determination means that the display of the specific effect is not performed, and when the display of the specific effect is performed without displaying the high probability effect on the display means. Means 4 or 5, comprising display execution means (function to execute steps S2404 and S2405 of high probability state processing in the sound lamp control device 143) for displaying the high probability effect on the display means. Gaming machine.

  According to the means 6, when the high probability lottery is won, the high probability transition means shifts to the high probability state after the special gaming state ends. In this case, the display determination unit determines whether or not the specific effect is displayed on the display unit in the special gaming state. If the specific effect is displayed, the high-probability effect is displayed on the display unit. If a specific effect is not displayed, a high-probability effect is displayed on the display means. Here, since the high-probability effect is an effect that suggests that the current state is in a high-probability state, even if the high-probability lottery was won, the specific effect was not performed under the special gaming state That is, when the ball tray is in the specific state under the specific game state, the player is not suggested to that effect even if the current state is the high probability state. Therefore, in order for the player to know the current state under the high probability state, it is necessary to discharge the game ball from the ball tray under the special game state. As a result, it is possible to promote the discharge of the game ball from the ball tray while suggesting the current state to the player.

Means 7. A gaming area that is provided at a position where it can be seen from the front of the gaming machine and where the game ball flows down,
A specific winning device (variable winning device 83) which is provided in the game area and can be switched between an open state in which a game ball can enter and a closed state in which it is difficult to enter,
A special winning device control means (a function of executing a specific winning port opening / closing process in the CPU 311) for opening and closing the specific winning device under the special gaming state;
The game ball is paid out to the ball tray from the payout means based on the game ball entering the specific winning device,
In any one of the means 3 to 6, the display control means performs the effect display control when the number of times the specific winning device that is executed under the special gaming state is released reaches a specific number. The gaming machine described.

  According to the means 7, the special winning device is controlled to open and close by shifting to the special gaming state, and the gaming ball is paid out from the paying means to the ball tray based on the game ball entering the specific winning device. For this reason, in the special gaming state, when a specific winning device is released, a large amount of game balls are paid out to the ball receiving tray, and when the specific winning device is opened a specific number of times, the ball receiving tray reaches a specific state. is assumed. On the other hand, since the display control means performs effect display control when the number of times the specific winning device is released reaches the specific number, the game from the ball tray is required at the timing when the game ball needs to be discharged from the ball tray. It is possible to cause the player to perform a ball discharge operation.

Means 8. The display control means includes
If the game ball is not discharged from the ball tray until the number of times of opening reaches the specific number of times, the specific number of times is set so that the ball tray is in the specific state with the game ball paid out from the payout means. The gaming machine according to claim 7, further comprising a specific number of times setting means for setting (a function of executing step S2303 of the opening process in the sound lamp control device 143).

  According to the means 8, if the game ball is not discharged from the ball tray until the number of times the specific winning device is released reaches the specific number, the ball tray is in a specific state with the game ball paid out from the payout means. For this reason, since it becomes possible to display a specific effect on the display means after the ball tray is in a specific state, it is possible to cause the player to cancel the specific state of the ball tray for the purpose of displaying the specific effect. it can.

  Means 9. The specific number setting means sets the specific number to any one of a plurality of times including a number corresponding to the final opening of the specific winning device in the special gaming state, and the number of opening reaches the specific number. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein it is determined whether or not the game has been performed.

  According to the means 9, it is determined by the specific number setting means whether or not the number of opening of the specific winning device has reached the specific number. The specific number of times is set to any one of a plurality of times including the number corresponding to the final opening of the specific winning device in the special gaming state. Under the special gaming state, it is considered that the number of game balls stored in the ball tray increases as the number of times the specific winning device is released increases. Therefore, when the number of times corresponding to the final opening of the specific winning device is set to the specific number, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the ball tray will be in the specific state after the specific effect is displayed on the display means. Therefore, the timing at which the specific effect can be displayed can be matched with the timing at which the game ball needs to be discharged from the ball tray.

Means 10. Display operation means (selection switch 38) for performing a display operation by a player to display the specific effect on the display means when the storage state is not the specific state;
The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 9, wherein the display control means performs the effect display control when the display operation is performed on the display operation means.

  According to the means 10, when the storage state of the ball tray is not the specific state, when the player performs a display operation on the display operation means, the effect display control is performed by the display control means. In this case, it is possible to give the player the gameability that the specific effect is performed by performing the display operation. In other words, even if a display operation on the display operation means is executed, if the ball tray is in a specific state, a specific effect is not performed, so that the player ejects the game ball from the ball tray in order to obtain the game performance. It is necessary to cancel the specific state. Therefore, discharge of game balls from the ball tray can be promoted while making the player enjoy the game.

Means 11. Main control means (main control device 162) for overall management of games;
A display operation detection means (selection switch sensor 39) for detecting that the display operation for the display operation means has been executed and outputting a detection result to the display control means;
The display control means executes display operation determination means for determining whether or not the display operation for the display operation means has been performed based on the operation information (performs step S2308 in the process when the sound lamp control device 143 is opened). 11. The gaming machine according to means 10, which has a function).

  According to the means 11, the detection result detected for the display operation on the display operation means is output from the display operation detection means to the display control means. For this reason, even if an unauthorized signal is output from the unauthorized substrate in place of the display operation detecting means, the unauthorized signal is input to the display control means instead of the main control means, and the main control means performs unauthorized control. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconvenience. Further, whether or not the display operation has been performed is determined by the display operation determination unit, and the display operation determination unit is provided in the display control unit. For this reason, it becomes possible to promote the discharge of game balls from the ball tray while suppressing an increase in the processing load of the main control means that manages and manages the game.

Means 12. A discharge operation means (lower plate lever 36) by which a player performs a discharge operation to discharge the game balls stored in the ball tray from the ball tray;
Operation state detection means (lower plate lever sensor 37) for detecting the operation state of the discharge operation means;
Based on the detection result by the operation state detection means, the discharge operation determination means for determining whether or not the discharge operation to the discharge operation means has been performed (step S2103 in the lower plate full determination process of the sound lamp control device 143 is executed. Function)
Specific period determination means for determining whether or not the continuous period during which the discharge operation is continuously performed on the discharge operation means has reached a specific period (execution of step S2106 in the process of determining whether the audio lamp control device 143 is full in the lower pan is performed Function)
The display control means enables the display of the specific effect on the display means when the specific period determining means determines that the duration has reached the specific period. 11. The gaming machine according to any one of 11 above.

  According to the means 12, since the game balls stored in the ball receiving tray are discharged from the ball receiving tray when the discharging operation means is executed, the game balls are easily discharged from the ball receiving tray. It becomes possible. Here, when the discharge operation with respect to the discharge operation means is executed, it is considered that a plurality of game balls are discharged in order from the ball tray, and therefore, the continuous period in which the discharge operation is continuously performed is a specific period. If it has reached, a sufficient amount of game balls are discharged from the ball tray during that period. Furthermore, when the continuation period has reached the specific period, the specific effect can be displayed on the display means. For this reason, when the ball tray is in the specific state, it is necessary for the player to continuously perform the discharge operation on the discharge operation means for a specific period in order to enjoy the specific effect. Thereby, it is possible to further promote the discharge of the game ball from the ball tray while making the player enjoy the specific effect.

Means 13. Main control means (main control device 162) for overall management of the game, and sub-control means (audio lamp control device 143) that plays an auxiliary role of the main control means,
The operation state detection means outputs a detection result related to the operation state to the sub-control means,
The sub-control means determines whether or not the discharge operation has been performed on the discharge operation means based on the detection result (S2103 in the lower plate full determination process of the audio lamp control device 143, and The gaming machine according to the means 12, characterized by having S2307) in the processing at the time of opening.

  According to the means 13, the detection result relating to the operation state of the discharge operation means is output from the operation state detection means to the sub-control means. For this reason, even if an unauthorized signal is output from the unauthorized substrate in place of the operation state detecting means, the unauthorized signal is input to the sub-control means instead of the main control means, and the main control means performs unauthorized control. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconvenience. Further, it is determined by the discharge operation determining means whether or not the discharge operation has been performed on the discharge operation means, and the discharge operation determining means is provided in the sub-control means. For this reason, it becomes possible to promote the discharge of game balls from the ball tray while suppressing an increase in the processing load of the main control means that manages and manages the game.

Means 14. Informing means (speaker unit 26) for informing predetermined specific information;
A game ball detection means (game ball detection sensor 57) for detecting a game ball in the ball tray or a guide passage (front door side lower plate path 52) for guiding a game ball to the ball tray;
Storage determination means for determining whether or not a game ball is stored up to a specific position in the ball tray or the guide passage based on the detection result of the game ball detection means (lower plate full determination processing of the main controller 162) When,
Notification control means (sound) for executing notification by the notification means when the storage determining means determines that the game ball is stored up to the specific position and the discharge operation means is not performed. The game machine according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising: a notification sound control process of the lamp control device 143.

  According to the means 14, when the game ball stored in the ball tray or the guide passage has reached the specific position and the discharge operation to the discharge operation means is not performed, the specific information is notified by the notification means. Is done. Here, if the game ball stored in the ball tray or the guide passage reaches a specific position, if there is a possibility that the game ball is not normally paid out from the payout means to the ball tray. It is preferable that the game ball is discharged from. On the other hand, in this case, since the specific information is notified by the notification means if the discharge operation is not performed on the discharge operation means, it is possible to prompt the player to perform the discharge operation on the discharge operation means, It is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconvenience that the game balls are not paid out normally.

  Means 15. 15. The gaming machine according to claim 14, wherein the notification control means stops execution of notification by the notification means when the discharge operation is being performed on the discharge operation means.

  According to the means 15, when the discharge operation with respect to the discharge operation means is being performed, the notification of the specific information being executed by the notification means is stopped. For example, if the notification is continued even though the player has performed the discharge operation and the game ball is discharged from the ball tray, the player may feel uncomfortable. On the other hand, in this configuration, since the notification by the notification unit is stopped with the execution of the discharge operation on the discharge operation unit, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconvenience that the player feels uncomfortable.

Means 16. Transition means for transitioning to a normal gaming state or a special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state (game state transition processing of the main controller 162);
Normal information setting means (S2504 in the notification sound control processing of the sound lamp control device 143) for setting the specific information as normal information when the shift means shifts to the normal gaming state;
Special information setting means (S2505 in the notification sound control processing of the sound lamp control device 143) for setting the specific information as special information when the transition means shifts to the special gaming state. The gaming machine according to means 14 or 15.

  According to the means 16, when in the normal gaming state, the specific information notified by the notification means is set as normal information by the normal information setting means, and when in the special gaming state, the specific information is set as the special information setting. Special information is set by means. Normally, when in the special game state, the amount of game balls paid out from the payout device as a privilege given to the player is larger than that in the normal game state, and is stored in the ball tray and the guide passage. It is considered that the game ball can easily reach a specific position. Therefore, if the special information is a content that further encourages the player to perform the discharge operation on the discharge operation means compared with the normal information, it is appropriate to pay out the game ball from the payout means to the ball tray even in the special game state. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconvenience such as not being performed.

Means 17. Second period determination means for determining whether or not the duration during which the discharge operation is continuously performed on the discharge operation means has reached the second period (S2707 in the notification sound control process of the sound lamp control device 143) When,
When it is determined by the second period determining means that the duration has reached the second period, and the storage determining means determines that the game ball is stored up to the specific position, the specific information is The gaming machine according to any one of means 14 to 16, further comprising abnormality information setting means (S2708 in the notification sound control processing of the sound lamp control device 143) for setting the abnormality information.

  According to the means 17, the continuation period during which the discharge operation for the discharge operation means is continued has reached the second period, and the game balls stored in the ball tray and the guide passage have reached the specific position. If there is, the specific information notified by the notification means is set as the abnormality information. For example, when the duration of the discharge operation reaches the second period, it is considered that the game ball is normally discharged from the ball tray if the game ball has not reached the specific position, and the game ball is at the specific position. If it has reached, it is considered that the game balls are not normally discharged from the ball tray. In this case, by notifying the abnormality information from the notifying means, it becomes possible for a player or the like to detect that the game ball has reached a specific position as an abnormality in the gaming machine.

Means 18. Setting the number of game balls to be paid out from the payout means to a predetermined number according to the game result, and payout setting means for storing the predetermined number (S1714 in the command determination process of the payout control device 242);
A payout control means (S2001 in the prize ball control process of the payout control device 242) for causing the payout means to pay out the predetermined number of game balls;
Payout disapproval means for disallowing payout of game balls by the payout means when the storage determining means determines that the game ball is stored up to the specific position (S1803 in flag processing of the payout control device 242) When,
A payout permitting unit (S1806 in the flag processing of the payout control device 242) that permits payout of the game ball by the payout unit when the storage determining unit determines that the game ball is not stored up to the specific position; The gaming machine according to any one of means 14 to 17, characterized in that:

  According to the means 18, the payout control means executes payout control for paying out a predetermined number of game balls from the payout means based on the ball number information. Further, when the game ball has reached a specific position, the payout disapproving means prohibits the payout of the game ball by the payout means, and when the game ball has not reached the specific position, the payout permission means causes the game by the payout means Dispensing of balls is permitted. Here, since the payout number of game balls set according to the game result is stored in the payout setting means, payout of game balls is not permitted while a predetermined number of game balls are being paid out. However, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out before and after the non-permission period. Furthermore, since it is possible to promote the discharge of game balls from the ball tray, it is possible to quickly pay out a predetermined number of game balls after the number of game balls to be paid out is set. ing.

Means 19. Transition means for transitioning to a normal gaming state or a special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state (game state transition processing of the main controller 162);
Period signal output means (S1306 and S1309 in the signal output processing of the main controller 162) for outputting a signal indicating the period of the special game state to the management apparatus (hall computer 430) that performs totalization of input information When,
A game ball detection means (count sensor 259) for detecting a game ball paid out from the payout device;
The management apparatus comprises payout information output means (S1302 in the signal output processing of the main control device 162) for outputting information relating to payout of the game balls detected by the game ball detection means. The gaming machine according to means 18.

  According to the means 19, a signal indicating a period in the special gaming state is output by the period signal output means to the management apparatus that counts the input information, and information regarding payout of the game ball in the payout apparatus is provided. Output by the payout information output means. Therefore, in the management device, information on the number of game balls paid out from the payout device in the period in the special gaming state, information on the number of game balls paid out from the payout device in the period in the normal gaming state, etc. It is possible to tabulate. Here, when the payout of the game ball is not permitted by the payout disapproval means, a predetermined number of game balls set during the special game state are actually played after the special game state ends. There is a risk of inconvenience of being paid out during the state period. On the other hand, since it becomes a structure which can accelerate | stimulate discharge | emission of the game ball from a ball tray, it becomes possible to suppress generation | occurrence | production of the said inconvenience. As a result, in the management device, it is possible to aggregate information in which the relationship between the type of gaming state and the actual number of paid-out gaming balls corresponding to the gaming state is appropriate.

Means 20. A gaming machine front body (front door frame 14) that constitutes a gaming machine front portion,
The ball tray is provided on the front side of the gaming machine front body so that the storage state of the game balls in the ball tray is visible from the front side of the gaming machine,
20. The means according to claim 12, wherein the discharging operation means is provided on the front side of the front side of the gaming machine so that the discharging operation can be performed from the front side of the gaming machine. Gaming machine.

  According to the means 20, the storage state of the game balls in the ball tray can be visually confirmed, and the discharge operation for the discharge operation means can be executed from the front side of the gaming machine. Therefore, the player can execute the discharge operation on the discharge operation means while checking the storage state of the ball tray, and can discharge the game ball from the ball tray at an appropriate timing as necessary. It becomes possible.

  Means 21. The gaming machine according to claim 20, wherein the discharging operation means is provided on the front side of the ball tray.

  According to the means 21, since the discharge operation means is provided on the front side of the ball tray, the storage state of the ball tray and the discharge operation means can be simultaneously recognized. Thereby, it becomes easy to perform discharge operation with respect to the discharge operation means while visually checking the storage state of the ball tray.

Means 22. As the ball tray, a first ball tray (upper plate 33) capable of storing and discharging game balls,
A second ball tray (lower plate 34) for storing game balls surplus in the first ball tray;
A gaming machine that takes a game ball used for a game from the first ball tray,
The discharge operation means performs a discharge operation for discharging a game ball stored in the second ball receiving tray from the second ball receiving tray. Game machines.

  According to the means 22, the game balls used for the game are taken from the first ball tray, and the game balls surplus in the first ball tray are stored in the second ball tray. Accordingly, during the game, when the second ball tray is in a storage state where it is necessary to discharge the game ball, it is considered that a sufficient amount of game balls are stored in the first tray, so it is used for gaming. This makes it possible to promote the discharge of game balls from the second ball tray while suppressing the occurrence of inconvenience such as a lack of game balls to be played.

  The basic configuration of various gaming machines to which the above means can be applied is shown below.

  Pachinko machine: operation means (game ball launching handle 41) operated by a player, game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball based on the operation of the operation means, and the fired A ball path (inner and outer rail portions 101 and 102) for guiding a game ball to a predetermined game area, and each game component arranged in the game area, and a predetermined ball entry portion (various types) among these game components A gaming machine that gives a privilege to a player when a game ball enters the switch 152-155).

  Revolving type gaming machine such as a slot machine: equipped with a picture display device for variably displaying a plurality of pictures, variably starting display of the plurality of pictures due to the operation of the start operation means, and due to the operation of the stop operation means In addition, the game machine is configured such that the variable display of the plurality of patterns is stopped when a predetermined time elapses and a privilege is given to the player according to the pattern after the stop.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as “pachinko machine”), which is a type of gaming machine, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the main configuration of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 4 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10. FIG. In FIG. 2, the configuration in the game area of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted for convenience.

  The pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and a gaming machine main part 12 that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 11. The outer frame 11 is configured by connecting wooden plates to four sides and has a rectangular frame shape. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall by attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island facility.

  The gaming machine main part 12 includes a main body frame 13 as a base body, a front door frame 14 disposed in front of the main body frame 13, and a back pack unit 15 disposed behind the main body frame 13. . The main body frame 13 of the gaming machine main part 12 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the outer frame 11. Specifically, the main body frame 13 can be rotated forward with the left side as the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation front end side in front view.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a front door frame 14 is rotatably supported on the main body frame 13, and can be rotated forward with the left side as a rotation base end side and the right side as a rotation front end side in a front view. It is said that. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the backpack unit 15 is rotatably supported on the main body frame 13, and when viewed from the front, the left side is the rotation base end side and the right side is the rotation front end side. It is possible to move.

  Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. In the following description, FIGS. 1 to 3 are referred to, and FIG. 5 is referred to for the configuration of the back surface of the front door frame 14. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the front door frame 14.

  The front door frame 14 is provided so as to cover the entire front side of the main body frame 13. A window portion 21 is formed on the front door frame 14 so that almost the entire gaming area described later can be viewed from the front. The window portion 21 has a substantially oval shape and is fitted with a transparent glass 22. Around the window portion 21, light emitting means such as various lamps are provided. For example, an annular illumination part 23 incorporating a light emitting means such as an LED is provided along the periphery of the window part 21. In the annular illumination part 23, lighting or blinking is performed in accordance with a change in the gaming state at the time of a big hit or a predetermined reach. In addition, an error display lamp unit 24 that is turned on at the time of a predetermined error is provided at the center of the annular illumination unit 23 and at the uppermost part of the pachinko machine 10, and a prize that is turned on while the prize ball is being paid out on the left and right sides. A ball lamp portion 25 is provided. In addition, a speaker unit 26 is provided at a position close to the left and right prize ball lamp units 25 to output a sound effect corresponding to the gaming state.

  Below the window portion 21 in the front door frame 14, an upper bulging portion 31 and a lower bulging portion 32 that bulge to the near side are provided side by side. An upper pan 33 that opens upward is provided inside the upper bulging portion 31, and a lower pan 34 that also opens upward is provided inside the lower bulging portion 32.

  The upper plate 33 has a function of temporarily storing game balls paid out from a payout device described later and guiding the game balls to a game ball launching mechanism described later while aligning the game balls in a line. The upper bulging portion 31 is provided with an upper plate button (not shown) that can be pressed, and when the upper plate button is pressed, a game ball is moved from the upper plate 33 through the ball passage. When the pressing operation is released, the discharge of the stored balls from the upper plate 33 to the lower plate 34 is stopped.

  The lower tray 34 has a function of storing game balls surplus in the upper tray 33 as storage balls. That is, when the upper plate 33 is filled with game balls and becomes full, the game balls paid out from the payout device are stored in the lower plate 34. The lower tray 34 can store a predetermined amount of game balls, and the lower tray 34 is arranged so that the storage state of the game balls can be viewed from the front of the gaming machine. A ball hole having a size and shape allowing a game ball to pass therethrough is formed at the bottom of the lower plate 34, and a lower plate that can be operated from the front of the gaming machine on the front side of the lower bulge portion 32. A lever 36 is provided.

  The lower plate lever 36 can be moved to an open position and a closed position. The lower plate lever 36 is moved to the open position when the ball removal operation is performed, and is in the closed position when the ball removal operation is not performed. More specifically, the lower plate lever 36 is biased to the closed position side by a biasing member such as a spring, and moves to the open position when an external force is applied by a player or the like against the biasing force. It has become. The ball release hole of the lower plate 34 is closed and opened as the lower plate lever 36 moves, and the ball release hole is closed and slightly opened (opened smaller than the outer diameter of the game ball). If the lower plate lever 36 is moved to the closed position, the ball removal hole is greatly opened (opened larger than the outer diameter of the game ball, that is, more than one game ball is opened). The dish lever 36 has moved to the open position. Therefore, when the lower plate lever 36 is in the closed position, the game balls are not discharged from the lower plate 34, and when the lower plate lever 36 is in the open position, the game balls can be discharged from the lower plate 34. . Note that the operation of moving the lower tray lever 36 to the open position performed by a player or the like is referred to as a ball removal operation.

  When the ball removing operation is performed on the lower plate lever 36, the game balls stored in the lower plate 34 are sequentially discharged from the ball removing hole, so that the ball removing operation on the lower plate lever 36 is continued. The longer the period that is being performed, the more game balls are discharged from the lower plate 34. Therefore, for example, even when the lower plate 34 is filled with game balls, the ball removing operation for the lower plate lever 36 is continuously performed for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) or longer (hereinafter also referred to as a ball removing continuous operation). In addition, it is possible to discharge almost all of the game balls stored in the lower plate 34. In this case, the lower tray 34 can store a predetermined amount of game balls again.

  The lower plate lever 36 detects that the lower plate lever 36 has moved to the open position (a game ball has been discharged from the lower plate 34), that is, a ball removing operation has been performed. A dish lever sensor 37 is provided. When the ball removal hole of the lower plate 34 is closed and slightly opened, the lower plate lever sensor 37 does not detect the ball removal operation, and the game ball is not discharged from the lower plate 34. On the other hand, when the ball removal hole of the lower plate 34 is opened largely, the ball removal operation is detected by the lower plate lever sensor 37, and the game balls stored in the lower plate 34 are discharged from the lower plate 34. Will be.

  A push-type selection switch 38 that can be operated by a player is provided on the front side of the upper bulging portion 31. The selection switch 38 can be pressed, and a selection operation for selecting display contents of a symbol display device 91 to be described later is performed by the pressing operation. The selection switch 38 is provided with a selection switch sensor 39 that detects that a selection operation has been performed on the selection switch 38. The selection switch 38 has a built-in lamp (not shown) so that the lamp is turned on when the selection operation is valid and is turned off when the selection operation is invalid. Yes.

  A game ball launching handle 41 is provided on the right side of the lower bulging portion 32 so as to protrude toward the front side. By operating the game ball launch handle 41, a game ball is launched from a game ball launch mechanism described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, a passage forming unit 50 is attached to the back surface of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 50 is formed of a synthetic resin, and includes a front door side upper dish passage 51 that communicates with the upper dish 33 and a front door side lower dish passage 52 that communicates with the lower dish 34. In the passage forming unit 50, a receiving portion 53 that protrudes rearward and opens upward is formed at an upper corner portion thereof, and the receiving portion 53 is divided into left and right portions by a partition wall 54, whereby the front door side upper plate is formed. A passage 51 and an entrance portion of the front door side lower dish passage 52 are formed. The upstream side of the front door side upper dish passage 51 and the front door side lower dish path 52 are connected to a game ball distributing section described later, and the game balls that have entered the front door side upper dish path 51 are guided to the upper plate 33, The game balls that have entered the door-side lower dish passage 52 are guided to the lower dish 34.

  The front door side lower dish passage 52 is provided with a game ball detection sensor 57 for detecting a game ball, and the game ball detection sensor 57 is positioned on the upstream side of the lower dish 34. The game ball detection sensor 57 is configured by a magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and detects a game ball based on a change state of a magnetic field within a detection range. In the game ball detection sensor 57 in the present embodiment, a game ball detection signal is generated when a game ball is detected.

  For example, when the lower plate 34 is filled with game balls, the game balls flowing down from the upstream side of the front door side lower plate passage 52 are not discharged to the lower plate 34, and these game balls are not discharged to the front door side lower plate passage. The game ball is continuously detected by the game ball detection sensor 57. Therefore, in this case, it can be said that the lower plate 34 is full. On the other hand, when the lower plate 34 is not filled with game balls, the game balls flow down without staying in the front door side lower plate passage 52, and detection of the game balls by the game ball detection sensor 57 is not continued. . Therefore, in this case, it can be said that the lower plate 34 is not full. As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not the lower plate 34 is full based on the detection result of the game ball detection sensor 57. Further, when the ball removing operation is performed on the lower plate lever 36 after the lower plate 34 becomes full, the ball removing operation is continued for a while, so that the ball stays in the lower door passage 52 on the front door side. The game ball that has been flowing begins to flow, and the full state of the lower plate 34 is eliminated. In this case, the duration of the ball removing operation for the lower plate lever 36 is defined as a full release time.

  As the game ball detection sensor 57, a type that generates a signal indicating that a game ball has been detected and a signal that indicates that a game ball has not been detected, and a type that detects that a game ball has accumulated in the vicinity are provided. It may be done.

  Protrusion shafts 61 and 62 are provided on the upper and lower ends of the rotation base end side (the right side in FIG. 5) on the back surface of the front door frame 14. These projecting shafts 61 and 62 constitute an assembly mechanism for the main body frame 13. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of hook metal fittings 63 extending rearward are arranged in the vertical direction on the rotating front end side (left side in FIG. 5) on the back surface of the front door frame 14. These hooks 63 constitute a locking mechanism for the main body frame 13.

  Next, the main body frame 13 will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a front view of the main body frame 13.

  The main body frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 71 whose outer shape is substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11. Support metal fittings 72 and 73 are attached to an upper end portion and a lower end portion of the rotation base end side (left side in FIG. 6) on the front surface of the resin base 71. Although illustration is omitted, shaft holes are formed in the support fittings 72 and 73, and the projecting shafts 61 and 62 of the front door frame 14 are inserted into these shaft holes, so that the front door with respect to the main body frame 13. The frame 14 is rotatably supported.

  Insertion holes 74 for inserting the metal fittings 63 provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14 are provided on the rotation front end side (right side in FIG. 6) on the front surface of the resin base 71. The pachinko machine 10 is configured such that a locking device for locking the main body frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is hidden behind the main body frame 13. Accordingly, the front door frame 14 is locked to the main body frame 13 so as not to be opened by the hook metal 63 being locked to the locking device via the insertion hole 74.

  A cylinder lock 75 for performing an unlocking operation of the locking device is installed at the lower right corner of the resin base 71. The cylinder lock 75 is integrated with the locking device. When the key inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 75 is turned to the right, the front door frame 14 is unlocked with respect to the main body frame 13. When the key inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 75 is turned counterclockwise, the lock of the main body frame 13 with respect to the outer frame 11 is released.

  A substantially elliptical window hole 76 is formed at the center of the resin base 71. A game board 81 is detachably attached to the resin base 71. The game board 81 is made of plywood, and the game area formed on the front surface of the game board 81 is exposed to the front surface side of the main body frame 13 through the window hole 76 of the resin base 71.

  Here, the structure of the game board 81 is demonstrated based on FIG. The game board 81 has a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in the front-rear direction by being subjected to router processing. Each opening is provided with a general winning port 82, a variable winning device 83, an operating port 84, a through gate 85, a variable display unit 86, and the like. A total of four general winning ports 82 are provided on the left and right. When a game ball enters the general winning port 82, the variable winning device 83, and the operation port 84, it is detected by a detection switch described later, and a predetermined number of award balls are paid out based on the detection result. In addition, an out port 87 is provided at the lowermost part of the game board 81, and game balls that have not entered various winning ports etc. are discharged from the game area through the out port 87. The game board 81 is provided with a large number of nails 88 in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game ball, and various members (instruments) such as a windmill.

  The variable display unit 86 is provided with a symbol display device 91 for variably displaying symbols with a winning at the operation port 84 as a trigger. The variable display unit 86 is provided with a center frame 92 so as to surround the symbol display device 91. A first specific lamp portion 93 and a second specific lamp portion 94 are provided on the center frame 92. Reserving lamp portions 95 and 96 are provided at the upper and lower portions of the center frame 92, respectively. The lower holding lamp unit 95 corresponds to the symbol display device 91 and the first specific lamp unit 93. The number of times that the game ball has passed through the operation port 84 is held up to four times, and the holding lamp unit 95 is turned on. The number of reserved items is displayed. The upper holding lamp unit 96 corresponds to the second specific lamp unit 94, and the number of times that the game ball has passed through the through gate 85 is held up to four times, and the number of holdings is displayed by lighting the holding lamp unit 96. It has become so.

  The symbol display device 91 is configured as a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display, and display contents are controlled by a display control device described later. On the symbol display device 91, for example, symbols are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right, and these symbols are variably displayed as they are scrolled up and down. When a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on a preset active line, a special gaming state (hereinafter referred to as a jackpot) occurs.

  In the first specific lamp unit 93, the emission color is switched in a predetermined order using a winning at the operation port 84 as a trigger, and the game state shifts to a jackpot state when stopped in a predetermined color. . More specifically, the first specific lamp unit 93 is provided with LEDs of three color emission types of red, green, and blue. Then, red light is turned on with a winning at the operation port 84 as a trigger, and when a predetermined time elapses in this state, the emission color is switched to green light. Then, when the predetermined time elapses with the green light turned on, the emission color is switched to blue light. Thereafter, the emission color is repeatedly switched in the order of red, green, and blue until the emission color switching stop time comes. Accordingly, red, green, and blue are repeatedly displayed in this order on the first specific lamp unit 93. Finally, when red or green is stopped and displayed, the jackpot is generated and the gaming state thereafter shifts to the jackpot state. When blue is stopped and displayed, the jackpot is not generated and the jackpot is generated. Does not transition to the state.

  In the second specific lamp unit 94, the emission color is switched in a predetermined order triggered by the passage of the game ball through the through gate 85, and when the stop color is displayed in a predetermined color, the operation port 84 is displayed. The accompanying electric accessory is opened for a predetermined time.

  The variable winning device 83 is normally in a closed state in which a game ball cannot be won or difficult to win, and is switched to a predetermined open state in which a game ball is easy to win in the case of a big win. As an opening mode of the variable winning device 83, the variable winning device 83 repeats a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winnings as one round and a plurality of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) as an upper limit. What is opened is common.

  An inner rail portion 101 and an outer rail portion 102 are attached to the game board 81, and a guide rail is constituted by the inner rail portion 101 and the outer rail portion 102. A game ball is guided to the upper part of the game area.

  The game ball launching mechanism 110 is attached below the window hole 76 in the resin base 71 as shown in FIG. The game ball launch mechanism 110 includes an electromagnetic solenoid 111, a launch rail 112, and a ball feed mechanism 113, and the output shaft of the solenoid 111 moves in the expansion / contraction direction by the input of an electrical signal to the solenoid 111. Then, the game ball placed on the firing rail 112 is launched toward the game area by the ball feeding mechanism 113.

  There is a gap of a predetermined interval between the inner rail rails 101 and 102 attached to the launch rail 112 and the game board 81, and below this gap is formed in the passage forming unit 50 of the front door frame 14. A foul ball passage 55 is provided. Therefore, if the game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 does not reach the upper part of the game area and returns to the guide rail constituted by the inner and outer rail portions 101 and 102, the foul ball is Enter the foul ball passage 55. The foul ball path 55 communicates with the front door side lower dish path 52, and the game balls that have entered the foul ball path 55 are discharged to the lower dish 34.

  In the resin base 71, a passage forming portion 121 is provided on the left side of the firing rail 112 through the resin base 71 in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 8, a main body side upper dish path 122 and a main body side lower dish path 123 are formed in the passage forming portion 121. The upstream side of the main body side upper dish passage 122 and the main body side lower dish passage 123 communicates with a game ball distributing section described later. A receiving portion 53 of a passage forming unit 50 attached to the front door frame 14 enters below the passage forming portion 121, and a front door side upper tray passage 51 is below the main body side upper tray passage 122. The front door side upper dish passage 51 is disposed below the main body side lower dish passage 123.

  In the resin base 71, an opening / closing member 124 for opening and closing the main body side upper dish path 122 and the main body side lower dish path 123 is attached below the passage forming portion 121. The opening / closing member 124 is supported by a support shaft 125 provided at the lower end thereof so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction, and further urged to a front position where the main body side upper dish passage 122 and the main body side lower dish path 123 are closed. An urging member is provided. Therefore, when the front door frame 14 is opened with respect to the main body frame 13, the opening / closing member 124 rises as shown in the figure, and closes the main body side upper dish passage 122 and the main body side lower dish path 123. Thereby, when the front door frame 14 is opened in a state in which the game balls are stored in the main body side upper dish passage 122 or the main body side lower dish passage 123, it is possible to prevent the stored balls from spilling down. On the other hand, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening / closing member 124 is pushed open against the biasing force by the receiving portion 53 provided in the passage forming unit 50 of the front door frame 14. In this state, the main body side upper dish path 122 and the front door side upper dish path 51 communicate with each other, and the main body side lower dish path 123 and the front door side lower dish path 52 communicate with each other.

  Next, the back configuration of the main body frame 13 will be described. FIG. 8 is a rear view of the main body frame 13.

  A locking device 131 is provided on the rotation tip side (the left side in FIG. 8) on the back surface of the resin base 71, and the locking device 131 is interlocked with the key operation on the cylinder lock 75, and the main body frame 13 and the front door. The frame 14 is unlocked.

  A bearing fitting 132 is attached to the rotation base end side (the right side in FIG. 8) on the back surface of the resin base 71. A bearing portion 133 is formed on the bearing bracket 132 so as to be separated from each other in the vertical direction, and the back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to the main body frame 13 by these bearing portions 133. Further, a fastening hole 134 for fastening the back pack unit 15 to the main body frame 13 is provided on the back surface of the resin base 71.

  A plurality of locking fittings 135 are provided on the back surface of the resin base 71, and the game board 81 is attached to the resin base 71 by the locking fittings 135 as described above. Here, the configuration of the back surface of the game board 81 will be described. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the game board 81 as seen from the rear, and FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a state in which the main controller unit 160 is removed from the game board 81.

  The variable display unit 86 disposed in the center of the game board 81 is provided with a frame cover 141 made of synthetic resin that covers the center frame 92 from the back, and is provided rearward with respect to the frame cover 141 from the rear side. The above-described symbol display device 91 is attached, and a display control device for driving the symbol display device is attached (not shown). The symbol display device 91 and the display control device are arranged so as to overlap in the front-rear direction (the symbol display device is in front and the display control device is in rear), and the sound lamp control device unit 142 is mounted on the rear side. The sound lamp control device unit 142 includes a sound lamp control device 143 and a mounting table 144, and the sound lamp control device 143 is mounted on the mounting table 144.

  The sound lamp control device 143 includes a sound lamp control board that controls sound, lamp display, and display control device in accordance with instructions from a main control device to be described later, and the sound lamp control board is made of a transparent resin material or the like. It is configured to be accommodated in a substrate box 145.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a collective board unit 150 is provided below the variable display unit 86 on the back surface of the game board 81. The collective board unit 150 is provided with a game ball collecting mechanism for collecting game balls won in various winning ports, a winning detection mechanism for detecting winning of game balls in various winning ports, and the like. .

  The game ball collecting mechanism will be described. The collecting plate unit 150 has a collecting passage 151 that collects in one place on the downstream side corresponding to the game board opening of the general winning port 82, the variable winning device 83, and the operating port 84. Is formed. Therefore, all the game balls that have won the general winning opening 82 and the like gather below the game board 81 via the collection passage 151. Below the game board 81 is a discharge passage which will be described later, and the game balls gathered below the game board 81 by the collection passage 151 are led out into the discharge passage. Similarly, the out port 87 leads to the discharge passage, and a game ball that has not won any winning port is led out into the discharge passage through the out port 87.

  Explaining the winning detection mechanism, the collective board unit 150 is provided with winning opening switches 152a to 152d at positions corresponding to the respective general winning openings 82 on the front side of the game board 81. A count switch 153 is provided at a position corresponding to the variable winning device 83, and an operation port switch 154 is provided at a position corresponding to the operation port 84. A winning of a game ball is detected by these switches 152 to 154, respectively. A gate switch 155 that detects a game ball passing through the through gate 85 is provided on the right side of the variable display unit 86 outside the collective board unit 150.

  A main controller unit 160 is mounted on the back of the game board 81 so as to cover the collective board unit 150 from the rear side. The configuration of main controller unit 160 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the main controller unit 160.

  The main control unit 160 has a synthetic resin mounting base 161, and the main control unit 162 is mounted on the mounting base 161. The main controller 162 includes a main control board having a function (main control circuit) that controls the main control of the game and a function (power failure monitoring circuit) that monitors the power source, and the main control board is made of a transparent resin material. It is configured to be accommodated in a substrate box 163 made of, for example.

  The board box 163 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base (front case body) and a box cover (back case body) that covers an opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected so as not to be opened by a sealing portion 164 as a sealing means, whereby the substrate box 163 is sealed. Five sealing portions 164 are provided on the long side portion of the substrate box 163, and at least one of them is used for sealing processing.

  Any configuration can be applied to the sealing portion 164 as long as the box base and the box cover are coupled so as not to be opened. However, the box base and the box cover can be inserted by inserting a locking claw into the long hole constituting the sealing portion 164. And can be unopened. The sealing process by the sealing unit 164 prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily even if unauthorized opening is performed. It is possible to perform the sealing process again even after it has been performed. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting a locking claw into at least one of the five sealing portions 164. When opening the board box 163 such as when a failure occurs in the housed main control board or when inspecting the main control board, the connecting part between the sealing part into which the locking claw is inserted and another sealing part is provided. Disconnect. As a result, the box base and the box cover of the substrate box 163 are separated, and the internal main control substrate can be taken out. Thereafter, when the sealing process is performed again, the locking claws are inserted into the long holes of the other sealing portions. If the history of opening the substrate box 163 is left in the substrate box 163, it can be easily found that the unauthorized opening has been performed by looking at the substrate box 163.

  A plurality of coupling pieces 165 are provided on one short side of the substrate box 163 so as to protrude laterally. These coupling pieces 165 have a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of coupled pieces 166 formed on the mounting table 161, and the coupling pieces 165 and the coupled pieces 166 provide a space between the board box 163 and the mounting table 161. Sealing is performed.

  Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described. FIG. 12 is a front view of the back pack unit 15, and FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the back pack unit 15.

  The back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 201, and a payout mechanism unit 202, a discharge passage board 203, and a control device collective unit 204 are attached to the back pack 201. The back pack 201 is formed of a synthetic resin having transparency, and includes a base portion 211 to which the payout mechanism portion 202 and the like are attached, and a protective cover portion 212 that protrudes rearward from the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 212 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the variable display unit 86.

  The base portion 211 is provided with an external terminal plate 213 at the upper right portion thereof, and the external terminal plate 213 is provided with various output terminals. For example, an output terminal for outputting a signal indicating the number of game balls being paid out from the payout device 224, or an output terminal for outputting a signal indicating that a big hit has occurred or that a big hit state has ended. Etc. are provided. Through these output terminals, various signals are output to the management control device on the game hall side such as the hall computer 315 (see FIG. 15). Further, the base portion 211 is provided with a pair of upper and lower latch pins 214 at the right end when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10, and the latch pins 214 are inserted through the bearing portions 133 provided on the main body frame 13. The back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported with respect to the main body frame 13. In addition, the base 211 is provided with a fastener 215 for fastening to a fastening hole 134 provided in the main body frame 13, and the main body can be obtained by fitting the fastening 215 into the fastening hole 134. A back pack unit 15 is fixed to the frame 13.

  In the base portion 211, a payout mechanism portion 202 is disposed so as to bypass the protective cover portion 212. That is, a tank 221 opened upward is provided at the uppermost portion of the back pack 201, and the game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are sequentially replenished to the tank 221. A tank rail 222 that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected to the lower side of the tank 221, and a case rail 223 that extends in the vertical direction is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 222. A payout device 224 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 223.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of the payout device 224. The payout device 224 has a housing 251, and a game ball inlet 252 into which a game ball supplied from the case rail 223 is taken in is formed at the upper end of the housing 251, and a game ball taken in at the lower end. A game ball outlet 253 from which is paid out is formed. The game ball inlet 252 and the game ball outlet 253 are connected by a game ball passage 254 through which a game ball can pass. Further, the payout device 224 is provided with a payout adjustment mechanism 255 for adjusting the number of game balls to be paid out from the game ball outlet 253.

  The payout adjustment mechanism 255 can be driven and stopped. When the payout adjustment mechanism 255 is driven, the game ball is paid out, and when the drive is stopped, the payout of the game ball is stopped. The payout adjustment mechanism 255 includes a payout motor 256 (not shown) and a rotating body 257 that rotates when the payout motor 256 is driven. The rotating body 257 is disposed in the game ball passage 254 so that the rotation axis extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the game ball passage 254.

  The rotating body 257 is formed with a convex portion 257a and a concave portion 257b, and the concave portion 257b has a size that allows a game ball to enter. The interval between the wall portion 254a and the convex portion 257a of the game ball passage 254 is smaller than the outer diameter of the game ball, and the interval between the wall portion 254a and the concave portion 257b is larger than the outer diameter of the game ball. That is, the game ball cannot be accommodated between the wall portion 254a and the convex portion 257a, and the game ball can be accommodated between the wall portion 254a and the recess portion 257b. Here, the concave portion 257b has such a size and shape that the game ball is not detached from the concave portion 257b when the game ball is located between the concave portion 257b and the wall portion 254a.

  Further, the game ball passage 254 is provided with a count sensor 259 for detecting a game ball passing therethrough on the side of the game ball outlet 253 of the rotating body 257. The count sensor 259 allows a game ball to pass therethrough. A hole 260 is formed. The count sensor 259 is configured by a known magnetic detection type proximity sensor, and detects the passage of the game ball based on a change in the magnetic field due to the game ball passing through the passage hole 260.

  When the rotating body 257 is rotating in a state where the game balls are sequentially taken from the game ball inlet 252, the game ball that has reached the rotating body 257 by flowing down the game ball passage 254 is placed in the recess 257 b. In the state where it entered, it passes between the wall part 254a and the rotary body 257 with the rotation of the rotary body 257. The game ball is released from the recess 257b when it reaches the game ball outlet 253 side, and is further paid out from the game ball outlet 253 by further flowing down the game ball passage 254. In this case, the game ball paid out from the game ball outlet 253 is detected by the count sensor 259.

  On the other hand, when the rotation of the rotator 257 is stopped, even if the game ball flows down the game ball passage 254 and reaches the rotator 257, the game ball remains between the rotator 257 and the wall portion 254a. Can not pass through, and stops at the game ball entrance 252 side of the rotating body 257. Therefore, in this case, the game ball is not paid out from the game ball outlet 253.

  That is, when the payout device 224 is driven by driving the payout motor 256, the game ball can be paid out from the payout device 224, and the drive of the payout device 224 is stopped by stopping the drive of the payout motor 256. In this case, the payout of game balls from the payout device 224 is stopped. The game balls paid out from the payout device 224 are supplied to a game ball distribution unit 225 provided in the base portion 211 of the back pack 201 through a payout passage (not shown) provided on the downstream side of the payout device 224. The

  Returning to the description of FIGS. 12 and 13, the game ball distribution unit 225 has a function of distributing the game balls paid out from the payout device 224 to any one of the upper plate 33, the lower plate 34, and a discharge passage described later. The inner opening 226 communicates with the upper plate 33 through the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the front door side upper plate passage 51 described above, and the central opening portion 227 has the main body side lower plate passage 123 and the front door side lower plate. The outer opening 228 is formed so as to communicate with the lower passage 34 through the passage 52 and the discharge passage.

  A backpack substrate 229 is installed in the dispensing mechanism unit 202. The back pack substrate 229 is supplied with, for example, a main power of AC 24 volts, and is turned on or off by a switching operation of the power switch 229a.

  A discharge passage board 203 and a control device collective unit 204 are attached to the lower end portion of the base portion 211 so as to sandwich the lower end portion in the front-rear direction. The discharge passage board 203 is formed with a discharge passage 231 opened rearward on the surface facing the control device assembly unit 204, and the open portion of the discharge passage 231 is closed by the control device assembly unit 204. The discharge passage 231 is formed so as to discharge the game ball to the island facility or the like of the game hall, and the game ball led out to the discharge passage 231 from the above-described collection passage 151 or the like passes through the discharge passage 231 so as to be pachinko. It is discharged outside the machine 10.

  The control device assembly unit 204 has a horizontally long mounting base 241, and a payout control device 242 and a power source and launch control device 243 are mounted on the mounting base 241. The payout control device 242 and the power supply / launch control device 243 are arranged so as to overlap each other so that the payout control device 242 is behind the pachinko machine 10.

  The payout control device 242 accommodates a payout control board for controlling the payout device 224 in the board box 244. The payout command signal from the payout control device 242 to the payout device 224 is relayed by the back pack substrate 229 described above. The payout control device 242 is provided with a state return switch 245. For example, when the state return switch 245 is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball jam in the payout device 224, the ball jam is eliminated.

  The power source and launch control device 243 includes a power source and launch control board housed in the board box 246, and the board generates and outputs predetermined power required by various control devices and the like, and further a game ball by the player Control of the launch of the game ball accompanying the operation of the firing handle 41 is performed. Further, the power and launch control device 243 is provided with a RAM erase switch 247. This pachinko machine 10 has a function to store and store various data so that even if a power failure occurs, it maintains the state at the time of the power failure, and when it recovers from the power failure, it can be restored to the state at the time of the power failure. It has become. Therefore, for example, when the power supply is turned off in the normal procedure, as in the case of the game hall being closed, the state before the interruption is stored and held, but when the power is turned on while the RAM erase switch 247 is held down, the RAM data is initialized. It is like that.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described based on the block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 15, a power supply line is indicated by a double line arrow, and a signal line is indicated by a solid line arrow.

  A main control board 301 provided in the main controller 162 incorporates a main control circuit 302 and a power failure monitoring circuit 303 (power failure monitoring circuit). The main control circuit 302 is equipped with a CPU 311. The CPU 311 temporarily stores various control programs executed by the CPU 311 and a ROM 312 (nonvolatile information storage means) that stores fixed value data, and various data when the control program stored in the ROM 312 is executed. A RAM 313 (volatile information storage means), which is a memory for storing data, and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data input / output circuit are incorporated.

  The RAM 313 is configured to retain data by supplying data storage holding power from the power supply and launch control board 321 provided in the power supply and launch control device 243 even after the pachinko machine 10 is powered off.

  The CPU 311 is provided with an input port and an output port. On the input side of the CPU 311, a power failure monitoring circuit 303 provided on the main control board 301 and a payout control board 322 provided on the payout control device 242 are connected. A power source and launch control board 321 is connected to the power failure monitoring circuit 303, and power is supplied to the CPU 311 (main control circuit 302) via the power failure monitoring circuit 303.

  Further, a game ball detection sensor 57, a count sensor 259 of the payout device 224, and a switch group (not shown) are connected to the input side of the CPU 311. For example, when a game ball is detected in the front door side lower dish passage 52, a game ball detection signal is input to the CPU 311 from the game ball detection sensor 57, and the game ball is actually paid out from the payout device 224. In this case, a game ball count signal is input from the count sensor 259.

  On the other hand, a hall computer 315 on the game hall side is connected to the output side of the CPU 311 via each output terminal of the external terminal board 213. For example, from the output side of the CPU 311, a management count signal based on the game ball count signal input to the CPU 311 is output to the hall computer 315 via an output terminal for outputting the signal. A jackpot start signal indicating that a jackpot has occurred and a jackpot end signal indicating that the jackpot state has ended are output from the CPU 311 to the hall computer 315 via output terminals for outputting the respective signals. . The hall computer 315 manages various information based on various signals output from the CPU 311.

  Further, a power failure monitoring circuit 303, a payout control board 322 and a relay terminal board 323 are connected to the output side of the CPU 311. Various commands such as a prize ball command are output to the payout control board 322. Various commands and the like are output from the main control circuit 302 to the sound lamp control board 324 provided in the sound lamp control device 143 via the relay terminal plate 323.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 303 relays between the main control circuit 302 and the power source and launch control board 321, and monitors a DC stable voltage of 24 volts that is the maximum voltage output from the power source and launch control board 321.

  The payout control board 322 performs payout control of prize balls and rental balls by the payout device 224. The CPU 331 that is an arithmetic unit includes a ROM 332 that stores a control program executed by the CPU 331, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 333 that is used as a work memory or the like.

  Similar to the RAM 313 of the main control circuit 302, the RAM 333 of the payout control board 322 is configured to retain data by supplying the data storage holding power from the power supply and the launch control board 321 even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is shut off. It has become.

  The CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 is provided with an input / output port. A main control circuit 302, a power and launch control board 321, and a back pack board 229 are connected to the input side of the CPU 331. Further, the main control circuit 302 and the back pack substrate 229 are connected to the output side of the CPU 331.

  The power source and launch control board 321 includes a power source unit 321a and a launch control unit 321b. The power supply unit 321a is connected to, for example, a commercial power supply (external power supply) in a game hall or the like. Then, based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, necessary operating power is generated for each of the main control circuit 302, the payout control board 322, etc., and the generated operating power is indicated by a double line arrow. This is supplied to the main control circuit 302 and the payout control board 322 through the path. As its outline, the power supply unit 321a takes in AC 24 volt power supplied via the back pack substrate 229, generates + 12V power for driving various switches, motors, etc., + 5V power for logic, etc. These + 12V power and + 5V power are supplied to the main control circuit 302, the payout control board 322, and the like.

  The launch control unit 321b is responsible for launch control of the game ball launching mechanism 110 in accordance with the operation of the game ball launch handle 41 by the player, and the game ball launching mechanism 110 is driven when predetermined launch conditions are met. The

  In addition, the data storage holding capacitor 321c is mounted on the power supply and launch control board 321. The power storage unit 321a is connected to the data storage / holding capacitor 321c, and is stored when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is ON. In addition, the data storage holding capacitor 321c is connected to the VBB terminal of the CPU 311 in the main control circuit 302. When the power of the pachinko machine 10 is in an OFF state or when a power failure occurs in a commercial power supply, the data storage The storage capacitor 321 c is discharged, and the data storage holding power is supplied to the RAM 313. Therefore, even in such a situation, while the data storage holding power is supplied from the data storage holding capacitor 321c, the data stored in the RAM 313 is held without being erased. Incidentally, the capacity of the data storage holding capacitor 321c is relatively large, and the information stored in the RAM 313 before the power is shut off is held within a predetermined period (for example, 1 day or 2 days).

  The power supply and launch control board 321 is provided with a power failure processing capacitor different from the data storage holding capacitor 321c. In the power source and launch control board 321, even after the DC stable 24 volt power source becomes less than 22 volts, by discharging from the power failure processing capacitor, a time sufficient for execution of the power failure processing described later, The output of 5 volts, which is a drive power source for the control system, is configured to maintain a normal value. Thereby, the main control circuit 302 and the like can normally execute and complete the power failure process.

  The sound lamp control board 324 controls the various lamp units 23 to 25, the speaker unit 26, and the display control device 325. The CPU 341 that is an arithmetic unit includes a ROM 342 that stores a control program executed by the CPU 341, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 343 that is used as a work memory or the like.

  The CPU 341 of the sound lamp control board 324 is provided with an input / output port, and the main control circuit 302 is connected to the input side of the CPU 341 via the relay terminal plate 323. Further, a lower plate lever sensor 37, a selection switch sensor 39, and the like are connected to the input side of the CPU 341. For example, when a ball removing operation is performed on the lower plate lever 36, a lower plate lever signal is input to the CPU 341 from the lower plate lever sensor 37, and when a selection operation is performed on the selection switch 38. A selection switch signal is input from the selection switch sensor 39.

  Various lamp units 23 to 25, a speaker unit 26, and a display control device 325 are connected to the output side of the CPU 341. The CPU 341 is based on various commands output from the main control circuit 302. To 25, the speaker unit 26, and the display control device 325 are controlled. In addition, the symbol display device 91 is connected to the display control device 325, and the CPU 341 controls the display content of the symbol display device 91 by controlling the display control device 325. For example, when a lower plate full command indicating that the lower plate 34 is full is output from the main control circuit 302, the CPU 341 outputs a notification sound from the speaker unit 26, and based on the lower plate full command The display control device 325 is controlled to control the display content of the display device 91.

  Next, display contents of the symbol display device 91 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the symbol display device 91, three symbol columns of left, middle, and right are set. The symbols that make up each symbol row are composed of, for example, a main symbol with numbers “0” to “9”, for example, and a sub-symbol made of, for example, a diamond-shaped symbol. In each symbol row, main symbols are arranged in ascending or descending order of numbers, and sub symbols are arranged between the main symbols. That is, each symbol row is provided with a total of 20 symbols including 10 main symbols and 10 sub symbols. In the symbol display device 91, 20 symbols are variably displayed for each symbol row so as to scroll from top to bottom with a periodicity, and each of the symbol rows has three stages of top, middle, and bottom. Is displayed. Therefore, a total of nine symbols of 3 rows × 3 columns are stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 91. In addition, five effective lines, that is, an upper line L1, a middle line L2, a lower line L3, a right rising line L4, and a left rising line L5 are set in the symbol display device 91. Then, the variable display stops in the order of the left symbol row → the right symbol row → the middle symbol row, and at the time of the stop, a combination of jackpot symbols (the same main symbol combination in the present embodiment) is placed on one of the effective lines. If it arranges, a big hit animation (production) will be displayed as a big hit.

  Here, the jackpot includes a specific jackpot in which the gaming state shifts to a high probability state after the end of the jackpot state, and a non-specific jackpot in which the gaming state shifts to a normal state (low probability state) after the jackpot state ends. When a special jackpot is generated, a combination of jackpot symbols is stopped and displayed on the active line by “specific symbols” assigned with odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) among the main symbols. On the other hand, when a non-specific big hit occurs, a combination of big hit symbols is stopped and displayed on the active line by “non-specific symbols” with even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) among the main symbols. Even when a specific jackpot occurs, a combination of jackpot symbols may be stopped and displayed on the active line due to a non-specific symbol. In this case, it is possible to display a promotion effect that is notified under the jackpot state that the jackpot is a specific jackpot as part of the jackpot effect.

  Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 311 in the main control device 162 uses various counter information in the game to make a big hit lottery, set the emission color of the first specific lamp unit 93, set the symbol display of the symbol display device 91, etc. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the jackpot lottery and the jackpot type counter used for determining the jackpot type such as a specific jackpot or a non-specific jackpot C2, the reach random number counter C3 used for the reach lottery when the symbol display device 91 moves out and fluctuates, the promotion random number counter C4 used for the promotion lottery at the time of a specific jackpot, and the initial value setting of the jackpot random number counter C1 A random number initial value counter CINI to be used and a first variation type counter CS1 used for variation pattern selection of the symbol display device 91 The second variation type counter CS2 that determines the period for switching the color displayed on the first specific lamp unit 93, and the left, middle, and right used for setting the left, middle, and right columns. The off-point symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are used.

  Among these, the counters C1 to C4, CINI, CS1, and CS2 are loop counters that add 1 to the previous value every time they are updated and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Further, the out symbol counters CL, CM, CR are configured such that the register values are added using the R register (refresh register) in the CPU 311 and, as a result, the numerical values change randomly. Each counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 313. The RAM 313 is provided with a holding ball storage buffer including one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to fourth areas). In each of these areas, a game ball to the operation port 84 is provided. The values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the promoted random number counter C4, and the reach random number counter C3 are stored in time series according to the winning history.

For details of each counter, the jackpot random number counter C1 is configured such that, for example, 1 is sequentially added within a range of 0 to 676, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 676), it returns to 0. In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the big hit random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 676). The jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in the present embodiment), and stored in the reserved ball storage buffer of the RAM 313 at the timing when the game ball wins the operation port 84. There are two types of random numbers that are jackpots: normal and high-probability states. The number of random numbers that are jackpots under normal conditions is two and the jackpot is high-probability The number of random number values is ten. For this reason, in the high probability state, the probability of winning the jackpot lottery is higher than in the normal state.

  The jackpot type counter C2 is incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 49, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 49) and then returns to 0. In this embodiment, the jackpot type counter C2 determines whether or not the gaming state after the end of the jackpot state becomes a high probability state (whether or not the normal state is reached). In other words, a specific jackpot and a non-specific jackpot are selected by lottery. The big hit type counter C2 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in the present embodiment), and stored in the reserved ball storage buffer of the RAM 313 at the timing when the game ball wins the operation port 84.

  For example, the reach random number counter C3 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 238, for example, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 238) and then returns to 0. In the present embodiment, the reach random number counter C3 causes the last stop symbol to stop after the reach has occurred by shifting the last stop symbol by only one before and after the reach symbol, and the last stop symbol after the reach has occurred. “Reach other than front / rear out” and stop “complete out” that does not occur reach. The reach random number counter C3 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in the present embodiment) and stored in the reserved ball storage buffer of the RAM 313 at the timing when the game ball wins the operation port 84.

  The promoted random number counter C4 is, for example, incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 104, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 104). In the present embodiment, when a specific jackpot occurs, it is decided by the promoted random number counter C4 whether or not the promotion effect is performed. The promoted random number counter C4 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and stored in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 313 at the timing when the game ball wins the operation port 84.

  The first variation type counter CS1 is, for example, incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 198, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 198) and then returns to 0. The second variation type counter CS2 includes, for example, Within the range of 0 to 240, 1 is added in order, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 240), it returns to 0. The first variation type counter CS1 determines the display mode of the symbol display device 91, such as so-called normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc., the main symbol reach type and other rough symbol variation modes, and the second variation type counter CS2 A switching display time is determined as a period for switching the color displayed on the first specific lamp unit 93. The switching display time corresponds to the symbol variation time of the symbol display device 91. Therefore, by the second variation type counter CS2, the elapsed time (in other words, the number of variation symbols) until the final stop symbol (in the present embodiment) stops after the occurrence of reach in the symbol display device 91, etc. A detailed design variation mode is also determined. That is, regarding the symbol display device 91, a variety of variation patterns can be easily realized by combining these variation type counters CS1 and CS2. Both variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated once every time a normal process to be described later is executed once, and are repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal process. Then, the buffer values of both variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are acquired when switching the color displayed on the first specific lamp unit 93 and determining the variation pattern at the time of symbol variation start by the symbol display device 91.

  The left, middle and right off symbol counters CL, CM, CR are used to determine the stop symbol of the left column symbol, middle column symbol and right column symbol when the big hit lottery is missed. In the column, any one of the 20 symbols including the main symbol and the sub symbol is displayed, so 20 counter values (0 to 19) are prepared for each. The left, upper, middle, and lower symbols are determined by the out symbol counter CL, the upper, middle, and lower symbols are determined by the out symbol counter CM, and the right symbol column is determined by the out symbol counter CR. The top, middle and bottom symbols are determined.

  In the present embodiment, the value of each counter CL, CM, CR is updated at random by using the value of the R register built in the CPU 311. That is, when each outlier symbol counter CL, CM, CR is updated, the value of the lower 3 bits of the R register is added to the previous value, and when the addition result exceeds the maximum value, 20 is subtracted to determine the current value. The Each outlier symbol counter CL, CM, CR is updated in the normal process so that the update times do not overlap, and the combination of these outlier symbol counters CL, CM, CR is the reach of the RAM 313 front / rear out symbol buffer, reach other than front / rear out It is stored in either the symbol buffer or the completely off symbol buffer. Then, when determining the variation pattern at the start of symbol variation, one of the buffer values of the front / rear reach symbol buffer, the reach / reject symbol buffer other than front / rear out, and the completely out symbol buffer is acquired according to the value of the reach random number counter C3.

  Although illustration is omitted, a second specific lamp random number counter is used for lottery of the second specific lamp unit 94. The second specific ramp random number counter is configured, for example, as a loop counter that increments one by one within a range of 0 to 250 and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 250). The second specific ramp random number counter is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and is acquired when it is detected that the game ball has passed through the through gate 85.

  Next, each control process executed by the CPU 311 of the main control circuit 302 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The processing of the CPU 311 is roughly divided into a main processing that is started when the power is turned on, a timer interrupt processing that is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 2 msec), and a power failure to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). There is NMI interrupt processing activated by signal input. For convenience of explanation, NMI interrupt processing and timer interrupt processing will be described first, and then the main processing will be described.

  FIG. 18 shows an NMI interrupt process, which is executed when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is shut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, a power failure signal is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 303 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 311 and the CPU 311 interrupts the control being executed and starts the NMI interrupt processing. . In the NMI interrupt processing, the power failure flag is set in the power failure flag storage area provided in the RAM 313 in step S101, and this processing is terminated. Thereafter, when it is confirmed that the power failure flag is set in the normal processing described later, the power failure processing is executed.

  Next, timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S201, signal reading processing from various switches and the payout control board 322 is executed. Thereafter, in step S202, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value (676 in this embodiment). Then, the update value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 313. In the subsequent step S203, the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the promoted random number counter C4 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the promoted random number counter C4 are each incremented by 1 and their counter values are the maximum values (in this embodiment, 676, 49, 238, 104), each is cleared to 0. Then, the updated values of the counters C1 to C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 313. Thereafter, a start winning process is executed in step S204.

  In the start winning process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20, first, in step S301, it is determined whether or not the operating port flag is stored in the operating port flag storage buffer of the RAM 313. It is determined whether or not a prize has been won (start prize). If it is determined that the game ball has won the operation port 84, in the subsequent step S302, is the number N of operation reserved balls of the first specific lamp portion 93 and the symbol display device 91 less than the upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment)? Determine whether or not. The process proceeds to step S303 on the condition that there is a winning at the operation port 84 and the number N of activated balls is less than 4, and 1 is added to the number N of activated balls. In the subsequent step S304, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3 and the promoted random number counter C4 updated in the step S203 are used as the first area among the free storage areas of the reserved ball storage buffer of the RAM 313. To store. Then, after the start winning process, the CPU 311 once ends the timer interrupt process.

  In addition, although explanation by illustration is abbreviate | omitted, in a timer interruption process, the gate passage process corresponding to passage of the through gate 85 is performed. In the gate passing process, it is determined whether or not the gate flag is stored in the gate flag storage buffer of the RAM 313. If the gate flag is stored, the number of gate reserved balls is incremented by 1 within the range of the upper limit value. At this time, the gate flag is cleared. Also, the value of the random number counter for an accessory is acquired.

  Next, the main process that is started upon reset at power-on will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S401, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, in order to wait for the slave control board (such as the payout control board 322) to become operable, a wait process is executed for about 1 second, for example. In the subsequent step S402, access to the RAM 313 is permitted.

  Thereafter, in step S403, it is determined whether or not the RAM erase switch 247 provided in the power supply and launch control device 243 is turned on. In subsequent step S404, whether or not the power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage buffer of the RAM 313 is determined. Determine. In step S405, a RAM determination value is calculated. In subsequent step S406, it is determined whether or not the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off, that is, the validity of the stored data. The RAM determination value is a checksum value at a work area address of the RAM 313, for example. It is also possible to determine the validity of the stored data based on whether or not the keywords written in a predetermined area of the RAM 313 are correctly stored.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 10, when RAM data is initialized when the power is turned on, for example, at the start of business in the hall, the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 247. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 247 is pressed, the process proceeds to steps S409 to S411. Similarly, when the information on occurrence of power shut-off is not set, or when an abnormality of data stored and held is confirmed by the RAM determination value (checksum value or the like), the process proceeds to steps S409 to S411.

  In step S409, a payout initialization command or the like is output in order to initialize the payout control board 322 or the like serving as the slave control board. In subsequent step S410, the used area of the RAM 313 is cleared to 0, and in step S411, initialization processing of the RAM 313 is executed. Thereafter, interrupt permission is set in step S412, and the process proceeds to normal processing described later.

  On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 247 is not pressed, the power failure flag is stored in step S407 on the condition that the power failure flag is stored and that the RAM determination value (checksum value, etc.) is normal. Clear the power failure flag stored in the buffer. After that, in step S408, a power recovery command for returning the slave control board to the gaming state before power-off is output. Thereafter, interrupt permission is set in step S412, and the process proceeds to normal processing described later. Thereby, it returns to the state before power-off.

  Next, normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this normal process, the main process of the game is executed. As an outline, the processing of steps S01 to S510 is executed as a periodic processing with a period of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps S513 and S514 is executed with the remaining time.

  In the normal process, in step S501, output data such as a command updated in the previous process is output to each control board on the slave side. Specifically, the command set in the command setting process described later is output to the payout control device 242 and the like. For example, a lower plate full command or a lower plate full cancel command is output. Further, a stop symbol command, a variation mode command, and the like are output to the sound lamp control device 143 when the symbol display by the symbol display device 91 is performed.

  Next, in step S502, both the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated. Specifically, both the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and are cleared to 0 when their counter values reach the maximum values (198 and 240 in this embodiment). Then, the update values of both variation type counters CS 1 and CS 2 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 313. In the subsequent step S503, updating of each outlier symbol counter CL, CM, CR of the left symbol row, the middle symbol row, and the right symbol row is executed.

  In the update process of the out symbol counters CL, CM, CR, it is determined whether or not it is the update time of any of the left, middle, and right symbol sequences, and the out symbol counter CL, CM, CR of the symbol sequence that has reached the update time is determined. Update. Each out symbol counter CL, CM, CR is updated one by one in one normal process without duplication, and every time the normal processing is executed three times, one set of out symbol counters CL, CM, CR is obtained. It has been updated. And, when the combination of the updated out symbol counters CL, CM, CR is a combination of out of reach reach that becomes a back and forth out of reach, a combination of reach symbols other than out of front and back, a combination of completely out of symbol that does not become reach In some cases, the combination is stored in a corresponding buffer. If the combination of the updated off symbol counters CL, CM, CR is a combination of jackpot symbols, the update process is terminated as it is.

  After the off symbol counter CL, CM, CR update processing, the lower pan fullness determination processing is executed in step S504. The lower plate full determination process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the lower plate full determination process, in step S601, it is determined whether or not a game ball detection signal is input from the game ball detection sensor 57 located on the upstream side of the lower plate. If a game ball detection signal is input, the process proceeds to step S602, and a non-detection period counter WC2 for measuring a period during which no game ball detection signal is input is set to zero. This makes it possible to accurately measure the period during which no game ball detection signal is detected. In step S603, the detection period counter WC1 for measuring the period during which the game ball detection signal is input is incremented by one.

  In step S604, it is determined whether the detection period counter WC1 is greater than a predetermined determination value N1. Since this process is performed at a cycle of 4 msec, for example, if the determination value N1 is set to “625”, it is determined whether or not the detection period in which the game ball detection signal is input has reached 2500 msec. . When the detection period counter WC1 is equal to or less than the determination value N1, the lower tray 34 is not full, and it is assumed that the game ball is flowing down the front door side lower tray passage 52, and the present process is terminated. On the other hand, if the detection period counter WC1 is larger than the determination value N1, the process proceeds to step S605, where the lower ball 34 is in a full state and the game ball is stored in the front door side lower tray passage 52 and is provided in the RAM 313. Set the lower plate full flag in the lower plate full flag storage area. In step S606, a lower pan full command indicating that the lower pan 34 is full is set to be output to the sound lamp control device 143 and the payout control device 242.

  If it is determined in step S601 that the game ball detection signal is not input, the process proceeds to step S607, and the detection period counter WC1 is set to zero. As a result, it is possible to accurately measure the period during which no game ball detection signal is input. In step S608, the non-detection period counter WC2 is incremented by one.

  In step S609, it is determined whether the non-detection period counter WC2 is greater than a predetermined determination value N2. For example, when the determination value N2 is set to “125”, it is determined whether or not the non-detection period in which no game ball detection signal is input has reached 500 msec. When the non-detection period counter WC2 is larger than the determination value N2, the process proceeds to step S610, and the lower plate is full because the lower plate 34 is not full and the game ball is not staying in the front door side lower plate passage 52. Clear the data in the flag storage area. Thereby, when the lower plate full flag is set, the lower plate full flag is cleared, and the full state of the lower plate 34 is eliminated. In step S <b> 1610, a lower plate full release command indicating that the full state of the lower plate 34 has been canceled is set to be output to the sound lamp control device 143 and the payout control device 242.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S609 that the non-detection period counter WC2 is equal to or smaller than the determination value N2, the present process is terminated. Note that when the non-detection period counter WC2 becomes larger than the determination value N2, the lower-plate full flag is cleared, so that the game ball is detected when the game ball is actually staying in the front-door-side lower tray passage 52. Even if the detection of the game ball by the sensor 57 is temporarily interrupted due to the influence of noise or the like, the occurrence of inconvenience such as clearing the lower plate full flag is suppressed.

  After the lower plate full determination process, a command setting process is executed in step S505. The command setting process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the command setting process, first, in step S701, it is determined whether or not a payout abnormality flag is set in the payout abnormality flag storage area of the RAM 313. The payout abnormality flag is a flag that is set when a payout notification signal is input from the payout control device 242. The payout notification signal is output from the payout control device 242 when there is a notification state such as when an abnormality has occurred with respect to the payout mechanism unit 202. If the payout abnormality flag is not set, the process proceeds directly to step S703. On the other hand, if the payout abnormality flag is set, an error command is set in step S702. The error command is a command that is output to the sound lamp control device 143 in the above-described external output processing, whereby the sound lamp control device 143 causes the error display lamp unit 24 to blink in a predetermined manner. When the error command is set, the payout abnormality flag is deleted.

  Thereafter, in step S703, it is determined whether or not a winning flag is set in the winning flag storage area of the RAM 313. The winning flag is a flag that is set when a game ball wins any of the general winning opening 82, the variable winning device 83, or the operation opening 84. However, the winning flag is set corresponding to each of the general winning port 82, the variable winning device 83, and the operation port 84. This is because the number of prize balls varies depending on the place where the prize is won. If the winning flag is not set, the process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the winning flag is set, a winning ball command corresponding to the type of winning flag is set. The prize ball command is output to the payout control device 242 by the above-described external output process. The payout control device 242 controls payout of game balls based on the prize ball command. Such control will be described later in detail. When the prize ball command is set, the winning flag is cleared.

  After the command setting process, a first specific lamp unit control process for switching the color displayed on the first specific lamp unit 93 is executed in step S506. The first specific lamp unit control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the first specific lamp unit control process, in step S801, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a jackpot state, and if it is a jackpot state, the process is terminated as it is. If it is not a big hit state, it is determined in step S802 whether or not the first specific lamp unit 93 is being switched and displayed. If the first specific lamp unit 93 is not being switched and displayed, the process proceeds to step S803, and it is determined whether or not the number N of active reserved balls of the first specific lamp unit 93 and the symbol display device 91 is greater than zero. And when the number N of operation reservation balls is 0, this processing is ended as it is.

  If the number of operation hold balls N> 0, the process proceeds to step S804. In step S804, 1 is subtracted from the number N of active suspension balls. In step S805, a process for shifting the data stored in the reserved ball storage area is executed. This data shift process is a process of sequentially shifting the data stored in the reserved first to fourth areas of the reserved ball storage area to the execution area side, and the reserved first area → execution area, reserved second area → The data in each area is shifted such as the first hold area, the third hold area → the second hold area, the fourth hold area → the third hold area.

  In step S806, a switching start process for starting switching of the color displayed on the first specific lamp unit 93 is executed. Specifically, the timer for judging the switching timing of the displayed color is reset, and all the switches of the LEDs arranged in the first specific lamp unit 93 are turned off, and then the red light source switch is turned on. After the on control, the red light source switch is turned on. Thereby, red is displayed on the first specific lamp portion 93. If it is not after the big hit, the blue light source is turned on before the start of the switching display, and if it is after the big hit, the red light source or the green light source is turned on. In this switching start process, the above process is performed, the value of the second variation type counter CS2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 313 is confirmed, and the second variation type counter CS2 is checked based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2. 1 The switching display time of the color displayed on the specific lamp unit 93 is determined. It should be noted that the relationship between the numerical value of the second variation type counter CS2 and the displayed switching time of the color is defined in advance by a table or the like.

  Thereafter, in step S807, a variation start process for starting the variable display of the symbols by the symbol display device 91 is executed, and this process is terminated. The variation start process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the variation start process, in step S901, it is determined whether or not the big hit lottery is won based on the value of the big hit random number counter C1 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area. For example, it is determined whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 corresponds to the value of two random numbers that are jackpots under the normal state, and 10 random number values that are jackpots under the high probability state It is determined whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is applicable.

  When the big hit lottery is won, the process proceeds to step S902, and it is determined whether or not the specific big hit lottery is won. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area corresponds to a random number value that is a specific jackpot. When the special big hit lottery is won, the process proceeds to step S903, the red display flag is set so that the final display color of the first specific lamp unit 93 is red, and the specific flag is set in step S904. In step S 905, a specific command indicating that the specific flag is set (a specific jackpot is won) is set to be output to the sound lamp control device 143.

  In subsequent step S906, a jackpot symbol determination process is performed to determine a combination of jackpot symbols to be stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 91 when the symbol variation display is terminated.

  The jackpot symbol determination process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. 27. In step S1001, it is determined whether or not the promotion lottery has been won. For example, it is determined whether or not the value of the promoted random number counter C4 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area corresponds to the value of the random number for performing the promotion effect. If the promotion lottery is not won, the process proceeds to step S1002, and a combination of “specific symbols” is set as a combination of jackpot symbols to be stopped and displayed on the active line. For example, referring to the jackpot symbol table, a combination of “specific symbols” to be stopped and displayed is set corresponding to the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area.

  Incidentally, the jackpot symbol table is a table in which the correspondence between the value of the jackpot type counter C2 and the combination of jackpot symbols is defined. More specifically, the table defines the correspondence between the value of the jackpot type counter C2 and the “specific symbol” or “non-specific symbol” that is stopped and displayed on the active line when the combination of the jackpot symbol is stopped.

  In step S1003, a combination of “specific symbols” set as a combination of jackpot symbols is set as a stop symbol command corresponding to each of the left, middle, and right symbol sequences, and this process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1001 that the promotion lottery has been won, the process proceeds to step S1004, and a promotion command indicating that the promotion lottery has been won is set to be output to the voice lamp control device 143. In step S1005, a combination of “non-specific symbols” is set as a combination of jackpot symbols to be stopped on the active line when a jackpot occurs. For example, referring to the promoted symbol table, a combination of specific symbols to be stopped and displayed is set in correspondence with the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area. Therefore, when the promotion lottery is won, the combination of “non-specific symbols” is stopped on the active line when the big win occurs, even though the special big win is won.

  The promoted symbol table is a table in which the correspondence relationship between the value of the jackpot type counter C2 and the combination of jackpot symbols is determined. More specifically, this is a table in which the correspondence between the value of the jackpot type counter C2 and the “non-specific symbol” to be displayed on the active line when the combination of the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed. In addition, as will be described in detail later, when the promotion lottery is won, the symbol display device displays a promotion effect indicating that the player wins a specific jackpot, such as “specific symbol” is stopped on the active line. 91. Therefore, even if the “non-specific symbol” is stopped on the active line when the jackpot occurs, the promotion effect may be displayed under the jackpot condition, so the player wins the specified jackpot. It is possible to keep the feeling of expectation that has been sustained.

  By the way, when the promotion lottery is won, characters such as “promotion” may be displayed on the symbol display device 91 instead of the “specific symbol” being stopped on the active line in the symbol display device 91.

  After step S1005, the process proceeds to step S1003, where the combination of “non-specific symbols” set as the jackpot symbol combination is set as a stop symbol command corresponding to each of the left, middle, and right symbol sequences, and this process ends. To do.

  After the jackpot symbol determination process, in step S911, the jackpot variation pattern until the symbols in the left, middle, and right symbol columns are stopped is determined, and this process is terminated. At this time, the value of the variation type counter CS stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 313 is confirmed, and a rough reach type such as normal reach or super reach is determined based on the value. The relationship between the value of the variation type counter CS and the variation pattern is defined in advance by a table (not shown).

  In step S912, the variation display time is derived based on the determined variation pattern and the stopped symbols of the left, middle, and right symbol sequences. Specifically, based on a table (not shown) in which the relationship between the reach type such as normal reach, super reach, and the symbol to be stopped and displayed on the upper line L1 of the middle symbol row as the final stop symbol row and the variable display time is defined. Deriving the variable display time. Thereafter, in step S913, a jackpot variation pattern command indicating whether or not the jackpot variation pattern, variation display time, and promotion effect are present is set based on the presence or absence of the promotion flag. In the subsequent step S914, the variable display time derived in step S912 is set in the timer for measuring the switching display time of the first specific lamp unit 93, and this process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S902 that the specific big hit lottery has not been won, the process proceeds to step S907, where the green display flag is set so that the final display color of the first specific lamp unit 93 is green. In step S908, the specific display A non-specific command indicating that the jackpot lottery is not won (non-specific jackpot) is set to be output to the sound lamp control device 143.

  In step S909, a combination of “non-specific symbols” is set as a combination of jackpot symbols to be stopped and displayed on the active line. Similarly to the setting process of the combination of “specific symbols”, the jackpot symbol table is referred to, “non-specific symbols” that are stopped and displayed in correspondence with the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area. ”Is set. In step S910, a combination of “non-specific symbols” set as a jackpot symbol combination is set as a stop symbol command corresponding to each of the left, middle, and right symbol sequences. Then, the process of step S911-914 is performed and this process is complete | finished.

  If it is determined in step S901 that the big win lottery is not won, the process proceeds to step S915, and a blue display flag is set so that the final display color of the first specific lamp unit 93 is blue. In step S916, an out command indicating that the jackpot lottery is not won is set to be output to the sound lamp control device 143. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S917 to execute a variation pattern determination process for determining a variation pattern when the lottery is lost, and the process is terminated.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 25, when it is determined in step S802 that the first specific lamp unit 93 is being switched and displayed, the process proceeds to step S808 to determine whether or not the switching display time has elapsed. As described above, the switching display time of the color displayed on the first specific lamp unit 93 is set in advance. When this switching display time has elapsed, an affirmative determination is made in step S808. If it is determined in step S808 that the switching display time has not elapsed, display color switching processing is executed in step S809. By this display color switching process, the switch of each light source is on / off controlled, and the color displayed on the first specific lamp unit 93 is switched. Specifically, it is determined whether the timer reset in the switching start process has passed a predetermined time (for example, 1 sec). If the predetermined time has passed, the light source switch that is currently on is turned off. After the control, a preset flag is confirmed, a predetermined light source is turned on based on the flag, and a flag is set and erased. Two types of flags, such as a first flag and a second flag, are set. The light source to be turned on next is determined by the states of these two types of flags. For example, when the first flag is 0 and the second flag is 1, the switch of the green light source is turned on, and the second flag is erased (both flags are in a 0 state). When both flags are 0, the blue light source switch is turned on, and the first flag is set (the first flag is 1 and the second flag is 0). Further, when the first flag is 1 and the second flag is 0, the switch of the red light source is turned on, the first flag is erased, and the second flag is set (the first flag is 0, The second flag becomes 1). In the variation start process, the first flag is set to 0 and the second flag is set to 1 after the switch of the red light source is turned on. Accordingly, the color displayed on the first specific lamp unit 93 is changed in the order of red, green, and blue, and the switching of the colors in the order is repeatedly performed. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process is terminated without performing on / off control of the light source switch.

  If it is determined in step S808 that the switching display time has elapsed, a switching end process is executed in step S810. This switching end process is a process for determining in which color the switching of the color displayed on the first specific lamp unit 93 is finally stopped and turning on the light source of the determined color. Specifically, first, the switch of the light source that is currently turned on is turned off. Thereafter, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 313 are confirmed, and if a jackpot that becomes a probable change state occurs in the game time, the red light source switch is turned on. When a big hit that is in the normal state occurs in the game time, the green light source switch is turned on. When no big hit occurs in the game time, the blue light source switch is turned on. Thereby, the color according to each game result will be displayed on the 1st specific lamp part 93. FIG. Note that. The display color set here is maintained until the next switching start process. After this switching end process is performed, in S811, a change end command is set in order to finally stop and display the symbol being changed, and then this process ends.

  The stop symbol command, the fluctuation pattern command, the fluctuation end command, etc. set in the first specific lamp section control processing are output to the voice lamp control device 143 in the external output processing in the normal processing, and the voice lamp control device. 143 determines the display mode of the design display device 91 by directly determining the display mode of the design display 91 and the detailed display content such as the melody and reach sound to be output from the speaker unit 26 based on these commands. To do. Thereby, the change display of a symbol is performed on the display screen of the symbol display device 91.

  After the first specific lamp unit control process, a game state transition process is executed in step S507. The game state transition process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the gaming state transition process, in step S1101, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a jackpot state. If it is not a jackpot state, the process proceeds to step S1102, and it is determined whether or not the jackpot fluctuation in which the combination of jackpot symbols is finally stopped and displayed has ended. Specifically, the determination is made based on the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area and the elapse of the switching display time. If the big hit variation has not ended, this processing is terminated as it is, and if the big hit variation has ended, the big hit state start processing shown in steps S1103 to S1105 is performed. In the big hit state start process, 15 is set to the round counter RC provided in the RAM 313 in step S1103. The round counter RC is a counter for counting the number of times the variable winning device 83 is opened. Thereafter, in step S1104, 5000 (that is, 10 seconds) is set in a timer for measuring the opening / closing timing for opening / closing the variable winning device 83, and in step S1105, a state transition command is set and the process is terminated. Here, the state transition command is transmitted to the sound lamp control device 143. The sound lamp control device 143 receives the command, recognizes that it has shifted to the jackpot state, and displays the opening moving image indicating the transition to the jackpot state on the symbol display device 91 so as to display it on the symbol display device 91. Start control. The set timer value is decremented by 1 every time the timer interrupt process is performed, that is, every 2 msec.

  On the other hand, if the gaming state is a jackpot state in step S1101, the process proceeds to step S1106, where variable winning device opening / closing processing for opening or closing the variable winning device 83 is performed.

  In the variable winning device opening / closing process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 29, it is first determined in step S1201 whether or not the variable winning device 83 is open. Specifically, this determination is made based on the excitation state of the solenoid that opens and closes the variable winning device 83. If the variable winning device 83 is not open, it is determined whether or not the value of the round counter RC is 0 in step S1202 and whether or not the value of the timer is 0 in step S1203. When the value of the round counter RC is 0 or when the value of the timer is not 0, this process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the value of the round counter RC is not 0 and the value of the timer is 0, the process proceeds to step S1204, and the solenoid is energized to open the variable winning device 83. In subsequent step S1205, 0 is set to a winning counter PC for storing the number of game balls won in the variable winning device 83. Thereafter, in step S1206, 14750 (that is, 29.5 seconds) is set in the timer, and a release command is set in step S1207, and this process is terminated. As a result, the variable winning device 83 is opened for a maximum of 29.5 seconds. Here, the release command is transmitted to the sound lamp control device 143. The voice lamp control device 143 receives the command, recognizes that the variable winning device 83 has been opened, and displays a moving image to be displayed on the symbol display device 91 while the variable winning device 83 is opened. In order to do so, the control of the display control device 325 is started.

  If the variable winning device 83 is open in step S1201, the process proceeds to step S1208, and it is determined whether or not the timer value is zero. If the value of the timer is not 0, it is determined in step S1209 whether or not the game ball has won the variable winning device 83. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a winning detection signal indicating a game ball winning is received from the count switch 153 corresponding to the variable winning device 83. If no winning detection signal has been received, the present process is terminated. On the other hand, if a winning detection signal is received, 1 is added to the value of the winning counter PC in step S1210, and then it is determined whether or not the value of the winning counter PC is 10 in step S1211. This process ends.

  If the timer value is 0 in step S1208, or if the value of the winning counter PC is 10 in step S1211, it means that the closing condition of the variable winning device 83 is established. In such a case, the solenoid is de-energized in order to close the variable winning device 83 in step S1212. In subsequent step S1213, 1 is subtracted from the value of the round counter RC, and in step S1214, it is determined whether or not the value of the round counter RC is zero. If the value of the round counter RC is not 0, 1000 (ie 2 seconds) is set in the timer in step S1215, and if the value of the round counter RC is 0, 5000 (ie 10 seconds) is set in the timer in step S1216. ) Is set. Thereafter, a close command is set in step S1217, and this process ends. Here, the close command is transmitted to the sound lamp control device 143. The sound lamp control device 143 receives the command, recognizes that one round has ended, for example, a video before opening that teaches the number of rounds for the next time, an ending indicating that the jackpot state has ended Control of the display control device 325 is started to display a moving image on the symbol display device 91.

  After the variable winning device opening / closing process, it is determined whether or not the value of the round counter RC is 0 in step S1107, and whether or not the value of the timer is 0 in step S1108. If at least one of the values of the round counter RC or the timer is not 0, this processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the values of the round counter RC and the timer are 0, the process advances to step S1109 to perform a big hit state end process for ending the big win state. Therefore, under the big hit state, the continuous opening of the variable winning device 83 is permitted for the number of times set in the round counter RC (that is, 15 times).

  After the big hit state end process is performed, a state transition process is performed in steps S1110 to S1112. That is, in step S1110, it is determined whether or not a specific flag is set. If the specific flag is set, it means that a specific jackpot has occurred, so the process proceeds to step S1111 to perform a high-probability state transition process in which the gaming state thereafter is a high-probability state, and the specific flag is cleared. Then, this process is terminated. Further, when the specific flag is not set, it means that a non-specific big hit has occurred. Therefore, in step S1112, a normal state transition process is performed in which the subsequent game state is set to the normal state, and this process is terminated. .

  After the first specific lamp unit control process, in step S508, a second specific lamp unit control process for switching the color displayed on the second specific lamp unit 94 is executed. In the second specific lamp control process, the switching of the display color in the second specific lamp unit 94 is started on condition that the number of gate-reserved balls is 1 or more. At this time, the display color switching time is also set. In addition, a color for stop display is set based on the value of the second specific lamp random number counter already acquired. When a predetermined color is set as the stop-displayed color, the electric accessory attached to the operation port 84 is opened for a predetermined time after the stop display of the color.

  After step S508, a game ball launch control process is executed in step S509. In the game ball launch control process, the game ball launch mechanism 110 is once per predetermined period (for example, 0.6 sec) on condition that a launch permission signal is input from the launch control unit 321b of the power source and launch control board 321. The solenoid 111 is excited. Thereby, the game ball on the launch rail 112 is launched toward the game area. Incidentally, the launch permission signal is input to the input port in the CPU 311, and it is confirmed whether or not there is a launch permission signal at the input port in the game ball launch control process.

  After step S509, signal output processing is executed in step S510. The signal output process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the signal output process, it is determined in step S1301 whether or not the count signal is input from the count sensor 259 of the payout device 224. If the count signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S1302, where a management count signal is generated and the management count signal is output to the hall computer 315. In this case, in the hall computer 315, the number of times the management count signal is input and each input time are stored, so that information regarding payout of the game ball in the pachinko machine 10 is managed.

  In step S1303, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is a jackpot state. If it is a big hit state, the process proceeds to step S1304, and it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set in the big hit flag storage area provided in the RAM 313. If the jackpot flag is set, the processing is terminated as it is, and if the jackpot flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S1305, and the jackpot flag is set in the jackpot storage area. In step S 1306, the jackpot start signal is generated and the jackpot start signal is output to the hall computer 315.

  If the gaming state is not a jackpot state, the process advances to step S1307 to determine whether or not the jackpot flag is set. If the jackpot flag has not been set, the process is terminated as it is, and if the jackpot flag has been set, the process proceeds to step S1308, and the jackpot flag is cleared assuming that the jackpot that has been generated has ended. To do. In step S1309, a jackpot end signal is generated and output to the hall computer 315 via the jackpot end signal. In this case, in the hall computer 315, information on occurrence of jackpot in the pachinko machine 10 is managed by storing the time when the jackpot start signal and jackpot end signal are input.

  After the signal output process, in step S511, it is determined whether or not a power failure flag is stored in a power failure flag storage buffer provided in the RAM 313. When the power failure flag is not stored, the last process of the plurality of processes that are repeatedly executed is completed, so whether or not the execution timing of the next normal process has been reached in step S512, that is, the previous normal process It is determined whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the process. Then, the random number initial value counter CINI and both variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the next normal processing execution timing. That is, in step S513, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value (676 in this embodiment). Then, the update value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 313. In step S514, both variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated. Specifically, both the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and are cleared to 0 when their counter values reach the maximum values (198 and 240 in this embodiment). Then, the update values of both variation type counters CS 1 and CS 2 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 313.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S511 that the power failure flag is stored, the power interruption has occurred, so the power failure processing from step S515 is executed. That is, in step S515, the generation of the timer interrupt process is prohibited, and then, in step S516, a power failure command indicating that the power supply has been shut off is output to another control board. In step S517, the RAM determination value is calculated and stored. After the access to the RAM 313 is prohibited in step S518, the infinite loop is continued until the power supply is completely shut down and the process cannot be executed. Even after the power supply is completely shut down, the data storage holding power is supplied from the power supply and data storage holding capacitor 321c of the launch control board 321. Therefore, the information stored in the RAM 313 before the power shutdown is kept as it is. In a predetermined period (for example, 1 day or 2 days).

  Next, each control process executed by the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The processing of the CPU 331 can be broadly divided into an input interrupt process activated by a command input from the CPU 311 of the main control circuit 302, a main process activated when the power is turned on, and periodically (in this embodiment). There is a timer interrupt process activated at a cycle of 2 msec). For convenience of explanation, the interrupt process at the time of input will be described first, and then the main process and the timer interrupt process will be described in this order.

  The input interrupt process is executed by interrupting other processes to be described later when a command is input from the CPU 311 of the main control circuit 302. In the interrupt process at the time of input, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 31, the command from the CPU 311 of the main control circuit 302 is stored in the command storage buffer of the RAM 333 in step S1401, and then the command provided in the RAM 333 in step S1402. The command input flag is stored in the input flag storage buffer, and this process is terminated.

  Next, main processing executed by the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This main process is started upon reset at power-on.

  First, in step S1501, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, the interrupt mode is set. In step S1502, RAM access is permitted, and an external interrupt vector is set in step S1503.

  Thereafter, in step S1504, it is determined whether or not a power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage buffer of the RAM 333. In step S1505, a RAM determination value is calculated. In subsequent step S1506, it is determined whether or not the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off, that is, the validity of the stored data is determined. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 333. It is also possible to determine the validity of the stored data based on whether or not the keywords written in a predetermined area of the RAM 333 are correctly stored.

  When the power failure flag is not stored or when an abnormality of data stored and held is confirmed by the RAM determination value (checksum value or the like), the process proceeds to initialization processing of the RAM 333 (steps S1511 to S1513). That is, in step S1511, the entire area of the RAM 333 is cleared to 0, and in the subsequent step S1512, initialization processing of the RAM 333 is executed. In step S1513, the CPU peripheral device is initialized.

  On the other hand, when the power failure flag is stored and the RAM determination value (checksum value or the like) is normal, processing at power recovery (processing at power recovery after power failure due to power failure) is executed. That is, in step S1507, the power failure flag is cleared, and in step S1508, a payout permission flag for permitting game ball payout is cleared. The payout permission flag is a flag that is set in a payout permission flag storage area provided in the RAM 333. When the payout permission flag is not set, payout of game balls is not permitted. In step S1509, the CPU peripheral device is initialized. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 333.

  After the process of step S1509 or step S1513, an interrupt is permitted in step S1510, and in step S1514, it is determined whether the power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage buffer of the RAM 333, and the power failure flag is stored. If not, it waits until the power failure flag is stored.

  On the other hand, if the power failure flag is stored, it means that a power failure has occurred, and therefore, the process of step S1515 is executed as a power failure process. In the power failure process, first, in step S1515, the generation of each interrupt process is prohibited. Thereafter, the RAM determination value is calculated and stored in step S1516, and access to the RAM 333 is prohibited in step S1517, and the infinite loop is continued until the power supply is completely shut down and the process cannot be executed. Even after the power supply is completely shut down, the power for holding data storage in the RAM 333 is supplied from the power supply and launch control board 321. Therefore, the information stored in the RAM 333 before the power supply shuts off within a predetermined period (for example, 1 or 2 days).

  Here, in this main process, it is determined whether or not the power failure flag is stored (whether or not the power is cut off) after the end of a series of processes at the normal times of steps S1501 to S1513. There is no power outage process in the middle of each process. As a result, the amount of data stored in the RAM 333 can be reduced as much as possible when the power interruption occurs, and further, when returning to the state before the power interruption, there is no need to start from the middle of the processing, and the payout control board 322. The burden of processing can be reduced.

  Next, timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 331 of the payout control board 322, for example, every 2 msec will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1601, a command determination process for determining a command input from the CPU 311 of the main control circuit 302 is executed. In this command determination process, as shown in FIG. 34, it is determined whether or not a command input flag is stored in the command input flag storage buffer of the RAM 333 in step S1701. If the command input flag is not stored, a new command has not been output from the CPU 311 of the main control circuit 302, so this process is terminated. On the other hand, if a command input flag is stored, command read processing is executed in step S1702. In the command reading process, the input command is read from the command buffer of the RAM 333, and the command input flag is cleared.

  Thereafter, the type of the read command is determined in each processing of step S1703, step S1705, step S1710, and step S1713, and processing corresponding to each command is executed. That is, in step S1703, it is determined whether or not the command is a power failure command. If the command is the command, the power failure flag is stored in the power failure flag storage buffer of the RAM 333 in step S1704, and this processing is terminated.

  In step S1705, it is determined whether or not the command is a payout initialization command. If the command is the command, initialization of the RAM 333 is instructed from the CPU 311 of the main control circuit 302 when the power is turned on. After executing the processing of S1706 to S1709, this processing is terminated. In step S1706, it is determined whether or not a payout permission flag is set in the payout permission flag storage area. If the flag is not set, the work area of the RAM 333 is cleared to 0 in step S1707, and further step is performed. In S1708, the initial value of the RAM 333 is set. Thereafter, by setting a payout permission flag in step S1709, payout of the game ball is permitted.

  If the payout permission flag is stored in step S1706, the process ends without performing the processes in steps S1707 and S1708. With this configuration, even if the input of the payout initialization command is recognized due to noise or the like even though the RAM erasure switch 247 is not pressed, for example, the prize ball remaining at that time is given to the player. It can be prevented from being erased without being paid out.

  In step S1710, it is determined whether or not the command is a power recovery command. If the command is the command, it means that the payout control board 322 returns to the state before the power cut off due to a power failure or the like. In this case, the process advances to step S1711 to determine whether or not the full state flag is set in the full state flag storage area provided in the RAM 333. The full state flag is a flag that is set in the full state flag storage area when a lower plate full command is output from the main controller 162. When the full state flag is set, the lower plate 34 is full. Means that If the full state flag is not set, the process advances to step S1709 to set the payout permission flag, and then the process is terminated as it is. Thereby, even if a prize ball that has not been paid out before the power to the pachinko machine 10 is shut off remains, the prize ball is quickly paid out after the power is turned on.

  On the other hand, if the full state flag is set, the present process is terminated as it is. That is, in this case, the payout permission flag is not set. As a result, even if there are remaining prize balls that have not been paid out before the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, the remaining prize balls are not paid out when the lower plate 34 is full after the power is turned on. . Therefore, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is shut off, the occurrence of inconvenience such that the game ball is paid out even though the lower tray 34 is full is suppressed.

  In step S1713, it is determined whether the command is a prize ball command. If the command is the command, the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command is added to the total number of prize balls in step S1714, and then the process proceeds to step S1711. , It is determined whether or not the full state flag is set. If the full state flag is not set, the process advances to step S1709 to set the payout permission flag, and then the process is terminated as it is. As a result, the prize ball is paid out if the lower plate 34 is not full.

  On the other hand, if the full state flag is set, the present process is terminated as it is. That is, in this case, the payout permission flag is not set. Thus, when the lower plate 34 is full, even if a prize ball command is input, only information relating to the prize ball is stored, and no prize ball is paid out. That is, even if the lower plate 34 is full, the player can continue the game, and the prize ball that should be given to the player during that time has been released from the full state of the lower plate 34. It will be paid out later.

  If the input command does not correspond to any of the power failure command, the payout initialization command, the power recovery command, and the prize ball command, the process proceeds to step S1715, and the flag process is executed. The flag process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the flag processing, in step S1801, it is determined whether or not the input command is a lower pan full command. If it is a lower pan full command, the full state flag is set in the full state flag storage area in step S1802, and then the payout permission flag is cleared in step S1803. Thereby, when the lower tray 34 is in a full state, the payout of the game ball is not permitted.

  In step S1804, it is determined whether the input command is a lower pan fullness cancel command. If it is a lower dish full cancellation command, after the full state flag is cleared in step S1805, a payout permission flag is set in step S1806, and this process is terminated. Thereby, when the full state of the lower plate 34 is canceled, the payout of the game ball is permitted.

  Returning to the description of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 33), after executing the command determination process, it is determined in step S1602 whether or not the payout permission flag is set. If the payout permission flag is not set, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the payout permission flag is set, the state return switch 245 is checked in step S1603, and if it is determined that the state return operation has started, the state return operation is executed.

  In step S1604, setting of a tank ball absence state or a tank ball absence release state is executed in accordance with a change in the state of the tank ball. In other words, the tank ball no switch state is determined based on the detection signal of the tank ball no switch, and when there is no tank ball, the setting of the tank ball no state is executed. Perform configuration.

  Thereafter, in step S1605, the presence / absence of a notification state is determined. If there is a notification state, a 7-segment LED provided in the payout control device 242 is notified and a payout notification signal is output to the main control device 162. To do.

  In steps S1606 to S1608, prize ball payout processing is executed. In this case, if the prize ball is not in a payout disabled state and the total number of prize balls stored in the command determination process in step S901 is not “0” (NO in both steps S1606 and S1607), the process proceeds to step S1608, and FIG. The prize ball control process described later is started. If the prize ball is not paid out or if the total number of prize balls is “0” (YES in any of steps S1606 and S1607), the process proceeds to the lending / payout process in steps S1609 to S1611.

  In the rental ball payout process, if the rental ball payout is not possible and a rental ball payout request has been input (NO in step S1609, YES in step S1610), the process proceeds to step S1611, and is described later in FIG. Start the ball control process. Further, if the rental ball cannot be dispensed or a rental ball dispensing request is not input (YES in step S1609 or NO in S1610), the subsequent ball removal process is executed.

  In step S1612, the state return switch 245 is checked, and the dispensing device 224 is driven to execute the ball removal process on the condition that the ball removal is not disabled and the ball removal operation is not started. In the subsequent step S1613, the control of the vibrator provided in the tank 221 (vibration motor control) is executed on the condition that the ball is clogged. Thereafter, the timer interrupt process is terminated.

  Here, in the prize ball control process shown in FIG. 36, in step S1901, the payout motor 256 is driven to execute prize ball payout. However, when the payout motor 256 is already driven, the drive state is continued as it is. In subsequent step S1902, it is determined from the detection result of the dispensing rotation sensor whether the rotation of the dispensing motor 256 is normal. If the rotation of the payout motor 256 is not normal, the process advances to step S1903 to drive the payout motor 256 to execute a retry process and execute a stop process of the payout motor 256, and then return to the timer interrupt process of FIG. Here, an abnormal signal is output to the main controller 162 when the rotation of the payout motor 256 is not normal although the retry process is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times).

  If the rotation of the payout motor 256 is normal, the process proceeds to step S1904, and whether or not the game ball is normally counted is determined based on the detection result of the payout count switch. If the game ball count is not normal, the process advances to step S1905 to drive the payout motor 256 to execute a retry process and execute a stop process of the payout motor 256, and then return to the timer interrupt process of FIG. Here, an abnormal signal is output to the main controller 162 when the count of the game balls is not normal although the retry process is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times).

  If the game ball count is normal, the process advances to step S1906 to determine whether or not the game ball count by the payout count switch has reached the total number of prize balls and the payout has been completed. If the payout has been completed, a stop process for the payout motor 256 is executed in step S1907, and then the process returns to the timer interrupt process in FIG.

  In the ball lending control process shown in FIG. 37, in step S2001, the payout motor 256 is driven to pay out a lending ball. However, when the payout motor 256 is already driven, the drive state is continued as it is. In the subsequent step S2002, it is determined from the detection result of the dispensing rotation sensor whether the rotation of the dispensing motor 256 is normal. If the rotation of the payout motor 256 is not normal, the process advances to step S2003 to drive the payout motor 256 to execute a retry process and execute a stop process of the payout motor 256, and then return to the timer interrupt process in FIG. Here, an abnormal signal is output to the main controller 162 when the rotation of the payout motor 256 is not normal although the retry process is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times).

  If the rotation of the payout motor 256 is normal, the process proceeds to step S2004, and whether or not the game ball is normally counted is determined based on the detection result of the payout count switch. If the game ball count is not normal, the process advances to step S2005 to drive the payout motor 256 to execute a retry process and execute a stop process of the payout motor 256, and then return to the timer interrupt process of FIG. Here, an abnormal signal is output to the main controller 162 when the count of the game balls is not normal although the retry process is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times).

  Further, if the game ball count is normal, the process proceeds to step S2006, where it is determined whether or not the game ball count by the payout count switch has reached a predetermined number of rented balls (25) and the payout is completed. If the payout has been completed, a stop process for the payout motor 256 is executed in step S2007, and then the process returns to the timer interrupt process in FIG.

  Next, each control process executed by the CPU 341 of the sound lamp control device 143 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Each control process is executed periodically (for example, at a cycle of 2 msec).

  First, the lower plate full determination process for reading signals output from various sensors will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the lower plate full determination process, in step S2101, it is determined whether or not a lower plate full command has been received from the main controller 162. If the lower plate full command has been received, the process proceeds to step S2102 to set the lower plate full flag in the lower plate full flag storage area provided in the RAM 343. In step S2103, it is determined whether or not a lower plate lever signal is input from the lower plate lever sensor 37. If the lower pan lever signal has not been input, the process is terminated. If the lower pan lever signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S2104, and the lower pan lever flag is stored in the lower pan lever flag storage area provided in the RAM 343. Set. In step S2105, the continuation timer is set to 0 in order to measure the time during which the lower pan lever signal is continuously input. The lower plate lever timer increments the timer value by 1 each time the lower plate full determination process is performed, for example.

  In step S2106, it is determined whether a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the continuation timer was set. For example, it is determined whether or not the timer value of the continuation timer has become larger than a predetermined value. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the present process is terminated as it is to continue the time measurement by the lower plate lever timer. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S2107. In step S2107, the lower plate lever continuation flag is set in the lower plate lever continuation flag storage area provided in the RAM 343. The lower pan lever continuation flag is a flag indicating that the lower pan lever signal is continuously input for a predetermined time. In other words, the lower pan lever continuation operation is performed on the lower pan lever 36. Flag. Therefore, when the lower tray lever continuation flag is set, the storage capacity for storing the gaming machine in the lower tray 34 that has been full is regenerated. In step S2108, the lower plate lever flag is cleared, and the process ends. Thereby, even if the lower plate lever signal is continuously input over a predetermined time, measurement of the signal input duration is stopped.

  If it is determined in step S2101 that the lower pan full command has not been received, it is determined in step S2109 whether or not the lower pan full flag is set, and in step S2110 the lower pan lever flag is set. It is determined whether or not it has been done. If neither the lower plate full flag or the lower plate lever flag is set, this process is terminated, and if either the lower plate full flag or the lower plate lever flag is set, that is, the lower plate full command is received. If the lower plate lever signal is continuously input after the process, the process proceeds to step S2111.

  In step S <b> 2111, it is determined whether a lower pan full release command has been received from main controller 162. When the lower pan full command is not received, the process proceeds to step S2106, and the processes of steps S2106 to S2108 are executed. On the other hand, when the lower plate full cancellation command has been received, after clearing the lower plate full flag in step S2112, the present process is terminated. As a result, when the lower plate full command is received next, the lower plate full flag can be set.

  Next, display processing executed after the gaming state has shifted to the jackpot state will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The CPU 341 of the sound lamp control device 143 controls the display content of the symbol display device 91 by controlling the display control device 325 while processing various commands transmitted from the main control device 162 according to the procedure shown in FIG.

  In the jackpot display process, in step S2201, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is a jackpot state. If it is not a big hit state, it is determined in step S2202 whether or not a state transition command has been received. If it has not been received, this process is terminated. If the state transition command is received in step S2202, it means that the gaming state has shifted to the jackpot state. In such a case, 15 is set in the display round counter HRC provided in the RAM 343 in step S2203, and in step S2204, the big win state is entered and the variable winning device 83 is opened and closed up to 15 rounds. The opening process is started to display the opening moving image that teaches etc. on the symbol display device 91, and this process ends.

  When a specific command and a promotion command are received from the main control device 162, an opening video or the like indicating that a non-specific jackpot is won is displayed on the symbol display device 91 in the opening process. On the other hand, if a promotion command is not received even though a specific command is received, or if a non-specific command is received, an opening video or the like indicating that a specific jackpot is won in the opening process It is displayed on the display device 91.

  If it is determined in step S2201 that the gaming state is a jackpot state, it is determined in step S2205 whether an open command has been received. When the opening command is received, it means that the variable winning device 83 is opened. Therefore, when the release command is received, a release process is performed in step S2206, and this process is terminated. The opening process will be described later.

  If it is determined in step S2205 that an open command has not been received, it is determined whether or not a close command has been received in step S2210. If not received, the process ends. On the other hand, when the closing command is received, it means that the variable winning device 83 that has been in the open state has been switched to the closed state, that is, one round has been completed. In such a case, 1 is subtracted from the value of the display round counter HRC in step S2211, and it is determined whether or not the value of the display round counter HRC is 0 in step S2212.

  If the value of the display round counter HRC is not 0, it means that the 15th round has not ended, and therefore the process proceeds to step S2213, and the pre-release video that teaches the player the number of rounds and the like for the next round is displayed. The pre-opening process is started and the present process is terminated. Further, when the value of the display round counter HRC is 0, it means that 15 rounds have been completed. Therefore, in the step S2214, an ending video that teaches that the jackpot state is ended should be displayed on the symbol display device 91. Start ending process. In step S2215, after the ending process is finished, the ending flag is set in the ending flag storage area provided in the RAM 343, and this process is finished.

  Here, the opening process performed under the condition where the variable winning device 83 is opened will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the opening process, in step S2301, it is determined whether a promotion command has been received from the main controller 162 or not. If the promotion command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S2313, and it is determined whether or not the promotion flag is set in the promotion flag storage area provided in the RAM 343. The promotion flag is a flag that is set after receiving the promotion command. If the promotion flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S2314, and the current round number, the number of game balls won in the variable winning device 83 during the round, and the like To be displayed on the symbol display device 91, the releasing process is started and the present process is terminated.

  When a non-specific command is received from the main controller 162, a non-specific jackpot effect indicating that the non-specific jackpot is won is displayed on the symbol display device 91. Also, when the specific command is received and the promotion notification flag is set (when the promotion command is received and the promotion effect has already been performed), the non-specific jackpot effect is displayed. On the other hand, when the specific command is received and the promotion flag is not set (when the promotion command is not received and when the promotion command is received but the promotion effect is not yet performed), the specific jackpot A specific jackpot effect indicating that the player has won is displayed on the symbol display device 91.

  When the promotion command is received, the process proceeds to step S2302, and the promotion flag is set in the promotion flag storage area. The promotion flag is a flag that indicates that the promotion notification lottery of the main control device 162 is won and the combination of non-specific symbols is finally stopped and displayed on the active line under a specific jackpot situation. After step S2302, or when it is determined in step S2313 that the promotion flag is set, the process proceeds to step S2303, and it is determined whether or not the display round counter HRC is a lottery value. For example, the lottery value is set to 6, 3, 1, and it is determined whether the display round counter HRC corresponds to any of 6, 3, 1. Here, when the display round counter HRC is 6, it means that the current round is 10 rounds. Similarly, if the display round counter HRC is 3, it means 13 rounds, and 1 means 15 rounds.

  If the display round counter HRC is not the lottery value, the display of the promotion effect is not executed, and the opening process is executed in step S2314. If the display round counter HRC is the lottery value, the promotion notification lottery is executed in step S2304. . Here, when the lottery value is set to 6, 3, 1, the probability of winning the promotion notification lottery is, for example, 25% when the display round counter HRC is 6, 25% when the display round counter is 3, In this case, it is 50%. In other words, the probability of winning the promotion notification lottery is 25% when the current round is 10 rounds, 25% when the current round is 13, and 50% when the current round is 15th.

  In step S2305, it is determined whether or not a promotion notification lottery has been won. If the promotion notification lottery is not won, the processing during opening is executed in step S2314. If the promotion notification lottery is won, it is determined in step S2306 whether the lower plate full flag is set. If the lower plate full flag is not set, it is determined in step S2307 whether or not a lower plate lever signal is input from the lower plate lever sensor 37. In step S2308, the selection switch signal is transmitted to the selection switch sensor 39. It is determined whether or not it is input from.

  If neither the lower plate lever signal nor the selection switch signal is input, the opening process is executed in step S2314. Accordingly, even if the promotion notification lottery is won and the lower plate 34 is not full, the promotion effect is not performed if neither the ball removing operation on the lower plate lever 36 nor the selection operation on the selection switch 38 is executed. It will be. In this case, it is difficult for the player to detect that the reason for shifting to the jackpot state is not the occurrence of a non-specific jackpot but the occurrence of a specific jackpot.

  On the other hand, when the lower plate lever signal or the selection switch signal is input, that is, when the promotion notification lottery is won and the lower plate 34 is not full, the ball removing operation or the selection switch 38 for the lower plate lever 36 is selected. When the selection operation is performed, the process proceeds to step S2309, and a promotion notification process for displaying on the symbol display device 91 a promotion effect for notifying that it is a specific jackpot is executed. Then, in step S2310, the promotion notification flag is set in the promotion notification flag storage area provided in the RAM 343, and then this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the lower plate full flag is set, the process proceeds to step S2311, and it is determined whether or not the lower plate lever continuation flag is set. If the lower pan lever continuation flag is not set, it is determined in step S2314 that the duration time of the ball removing operation for the lower pan lever 36 after the lower pan 34 is full has not reached the predetermined time, and the open processing is performed in step S2314. Execute. On the other hand, if the lower plate lever continuation flag is set, the process proceeds to step S2312, and it is assumed that the ball removal continuation operation for the lower plate lever 36 is being executed. Execute the process. In this case, even if the lower plate full flag is set, the promotion effect is displayed on the symbol display device 91 only when the ball removing operation for the lower plate lever 36 is executed. In addition, after the lower plate 34 becomes full, no promotion effect is performed even if the selection switch 38 is operated.

  Here, the jackpot display process will be described. In the present embodiment, when the promotion flag is not set, that is, when the combination of specific symbols is displayed in the final stop and shifts to the jackpot state, it is a non-specific jackpot. When the combination of non-specific symbols is displayed as a final stop and the game is shifted to the big win state, the number of rounds on the display screen of the symbol display device 91 from the first round to the 15th round and the variable winning device 83 is won during the round. The number of game balls and the like are displayed.

  On the other hand, if the promotion flag is set, that is, if the combination is a special jackpot and a combination of non-specific symbols is displayed in the final stop and the jackpot state is entered, the round that does not win the promotion notification lottery from 1 round to 15 rounds Then, on the display screen of the symbol display device 91, the current number of rounds, the number of game balls won in the variable winning device 83 during the round, and the like are displayed. In this case, the display screen of the symbol display device 91 is subject to the execution of the ball removal operation on the lower plate lever 36 or the selection operation on the selection switch 38 in the round selected for the promotion notification lottery among the 10, 13, and 15 rounds. It is possible to display a promotion effect that informs the user that a special jackpot has been won.

  Therefore, even if a combination of non-specific symbols is displayed in the final stop and a big win is generated, it is under a big hit state while expecting a promotion effect to be performed in any one of the 10, 13, and 15 rounds. This makes it possible to play the game and to prevent the game under the big hit state from becoming monotonous. In this case, it is considered that the player performs a ball removal operation on the lower plate lever 36 or a selection operation on the selection switch 38 in order to enjoy the promotion effect performed under the big hit state. In particular, when the lower plate 34 becomes full under the big hit state, the promotion effect is performed on the condition that the ball removal continued operation for the lower plate lever 36 is executed, so that the player performs the promotion effect. Performing the ball pulling continuation operation on the lower plate lever 36 for enjoyment leads to the cancellation of the full state of the lower plate 34 as a result.

  Note that the timing at which the promotion effect can be executed in the big hit state is preferably after the lower plate 34 becomes full. This is because if the promotion effect is executed before the lower plate 34 becomes full, the player will not perform the ball removal continuation operation on the lower plate lever 36 for the purpose of enjoying the promotion effect. is there. The promotion effect can be executed when the current round is in any one of the 10, 13, and 15 rounds so that the timing at which the promotion effect can be executed is after the transition of the lower plate 34 to the full state. ing.

  More specifically, for example, 15 game balls are paid out from the payout device 224 when one game ball wins the variable winning device 83, and 10 game balls win the variable winning device 83. When one round is completed, 1350 game balls are paid out from the payout device by the end of the ninth round. If 30 game balls are fired from the game ball launching mechanism 110 for each round and the game balls are not discharged from the lower plate 34, the upper plate 33 and the lower plate 34 are finished by the end of the 10th round. Need to store 1080 game balls. In this case, even if the upper plate 33 and the lower plate 34 can store 1000 game balls at maximum (in a state where no game balls are stored), the lower plate 34 is full at the start of 10 rounds. It will be in a state. Therefore, since the rounds in which the promotion effect is executed are 10 rounds at the earliest, the promotion effect is executed after the lower plate 34 becomes full, and the player can enjoy the promotion effect in order to enjoy the promotion effect. The ball removal operation for the dish lever 36 is executed.

  Next, the high-probability state process performed by the audio lamp control device 143 after the specific jackpot state ends will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The gaming state after the end of the specific jackpot state is a high probability state.

  In the high-probability state process, in step S2401, it is determined whether a promotion flag is set, and in step S2402, it is determined whether an ending flag is set. If neither the promotion flag nor the ending flag is set, the processing is terminated as it is, and if the promotion flag or the ending flag is set, that is, the jackpot state ends when the promotion command is received from the main controller 162. If so, the process proceeds to step S2403, and it is determined whether the promotion notification flag is set.

  If the promotion notification flag is set, the process proceeds to step S2404, and the symbol display device 91 displays a high probability state effect that notifies that the gaming state is a high probability state. That is, when the promotion effect is executed, the high probability state effect is performed. As the high probability state effect, for example, the effect is displayed by setting the background image to a color different from the background image in the normal state. On the other hand, if the promotion flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S2405, and the normal state effect is displayed on the symbol display device 91 in spite of the high probability state of the gaming state. That is, when the ball removing operation on the lower plate lever 36 or the selection operation on the selection switch 38 is not performed, or when the full state of the lower plate 34 is not eliminated, the normal state effect is performed instead of the high probability state effect. It will be. Therefore, it is difficult for the player to detect that a specific jackpot has occurred and that the gaming state is in a high probability state after the jackpot state ends.

  In the present embodiment, when a non-specific command is received from the main controller 162, it is possible to shift to the time reduction mode after the jackpot state ends, and to shift to the normal state after the time reduction mode ends. To do. On the other hand, when a specific command has been received, it is possible to shift to the probability changing mode after the end of the jackpot state, and after the probability changing mode ends, the mode further shifts to the time reduction mode and then shifts to the normal state. The time reduction mode is a mode in which the symbol change time of the symbol display device 91 is reduced in the normal state, and the probability change mode is a mode in which the symbol change time of the symbol display device 91 is reduced in a high probability state. It is.

  In step S2404, the probability variation mode effect is executed as the high probability state effect, and in the step S2405, the time reduction mode effect is executed as the normal state effect. Therefore, when the promotion flag is not set, the time-short mode effect is executed after the jackpot state ends even though the mode is changed to the probability change mode, so that the player knows that the player is in the probability change mode. It has become difficult.

  After step S2404 or step S2405, the process proceeds to step S2406 to clear the promotion flag. In step S2407, the ending flag is cleared, and in step S2408, the promotion notification flag is cleared.

  Here, a notification sound control process for notifying that the lower plate 34 is full by driving the speaker unit 26 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the notification sound control process, in step S2501, it is determined whether or not the lower plate full flag is set. If the lower plate full flag is not set, the lower plate 34 is not full, so that the processing is terminated as it is without driving the speaker unit 26. On the other hand, if the lower plate full flag is set, it is determined that the lower plate 34 is full, the process proceeds to step S2502, and it is determined whether or not the lower plate lever signal is input. When the lower plate lever signal is input, that is, when the lower plate 34 is full but the ball removing operation for the lower plate lever 36 is executed, the present processing is ended as it is without driving the speaker unit 26. On the other hand, if the lower plate lever signal is not input, that is, if the lowering lever 34 has not been executed even though the lower plate 34 is full, the process proceeds to step S2503.

  In step S2503, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is a jackpot state. If the gaming state is not a jackpot state, that is, if the gaming state is in a normal state, the process proceeds to step S2504, and normal state notification processing is performed. Specifically, the notification sound output from the speaker unit 26 is set to a content corresponding to a normal state such as “please remove the sphere”, and the speaker unit 26 is driven. On the other hand, if the gaming state is a jackpot state, the process advances to step S2505 to perform a jackpot state notification process. Specifically, the notification sound is set to a content that further promotes the ball removal operation on the lower plate lever 36 in response to the big hit state, such as “the effect cannot be seen when the ball is collected”, and the speaker unit 26. Drive.

  According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

  After winning the special jackpot lottery, if the winning announcement lottery (step S2304) by the sound lamp control device 143 is won and the lower plate 34 is not full, the promotion effect can be displayed on the symbol display device 91 under the jackpot state. It becomes. On the other hand, if the lower plate 34 is full, the promotion effect cannot be displayed. Therefore, when the lower plate 34 is in a full state, the player needs to cancel the full state of the lower plate 34 by performing a ball removing operation on the lower plate lever 36 in order to see the promotion effect. In this case, the player performs a ball removal operation for the purpose of enjoying the promotion effect or knowing that the specific jackpot lottery is won. Therefore, discharge of game balls from the lower plate 34 can be promoted while making the promotion effect enjoyable by the player.

  When the ball removal operation is performed on the lower plate lever 36 under the big hit state, the promotion effect can be displayed. Therefore, it is possible to promote the execution of the ball removing operation under the big hit state. When the gaming state is the big hit state, the variable winning device 83 is switched to the open state, so that more gaming balls are paid out from the payout device 224 than in the normal state. In this case, the storage state of the game balls in the lower plate 34 tends to become full, and it is necessary to discharge a large number of game balls from the lower plate 34. Here, since it is possible to promote the execution of the ball removal operation under the big hit state, it is possible to discharge the game ball from the lower plate 34 at a timing when the game ball needs to be discharged from the lower plate 34. Become.

  In the opening process (step S2204) or the opening process (step S2314) of the sound lamp control device 143, a specific jackpot effect indicating that a specific jackpot is won is displayed on the symbol display device 91. For this reason, even if the specific jackpot effect is not displayed in the opening process, the player can have an expectation that the specific jackpot effect may be displayed under the jackpot state. Here, in the big hit state, when the lower plate 34 is not full, it is possible to display the specific big hit effect. Therefore, when the lower plate 34 is full, the player can view the specific big hit effect in the lower plate. It is necessary to discharge the game ball from 34. Therefore, discharge of game balls from the lower plate 34 can be promoted while enhancing a sense of expectation for the game.

  Despite having won the specific jackpot, if the lower plate full flag and the lower plate lever continuation flag are set in the audio lamp control device 143, that is, even if the lower plate 34 is full, the lower plate lever 36 If the ball removal continuation operation is not executed, the specific jackpot effect is not displayed on the symbol display device 91 under the jackpot state, but the normal state effect is displayed instead of the high probability state effect after the jackpot state is ended. . In this case, it becomes difficult for the player to detect that he / she has won the specific jackpot, and he / she cannot enjoy watching the specific jackpot effect and the high probability state effect, so that the effect is displayed on the symbol display device 91. The game ball needs to be discharged from the lower plate 34 under the big hit state. As a result, discharge of game balls from the lower plate 34 can be promoted while suggesting the current state to the player.

  When the special jackpot lottery is won, the round in which the promotion effect is displayed on the symbol display device 91 is set to any one of the 10, 13, and 15 rounds. That is, the display round of the promotion effect is set to the second half round under the big hit state. Under the big hit state, the total number of game balls to be paid out from the payout device 224 increases as the number of rounds increases. Therefore, it is necessary to discharge the game balls from the lower plate 34 in the second half of the round compared to the first half. . If the display round of the promotion effect is set to the first half, there is a high possibility that the lower plate 34 will be full after the promotion effect is displayed. As a result of the above, if the display round of the promotion effect is set to the second half, the player can cause the player to perform a ball removal operation on the lower plate lever 36 at a timing when the game ball needs to be discharged from the lower plate 34. It becomes possible.

  When the announcement lamp lottery of the sound lamp control device 143 is won, if the lower plate 34 is not full, the selection operation on the selection switch 38 or the ball removal operation on the lower plate lever 36 is performed, thereby the symbol display device 91. The promotion effect is displayed on the screen. For this reason, it is possible to give the player the gameability that the promotion effect is displayed by performing the selection operation or the ball removal operation. Further, in order for the player to obtain the playability when the lower plate 34 is full, it is necessary to eliminate the full state of the lower plate 34 by performing a ball removing operation on the lower plate lever 36. In this case, the player can be given a gaming back that the promotion effect is displayed by performing the ball removal operation. Therefore, discharge of the game ball from the lower plate 34 can be promoted while making the player enjoy the game.

  When the promotion notification lottery of the sound lamp control device 143 is won, the promotion effect is displayed on the symbol display device 91 on the condition that the ball removal continuation operation for the lower plate lever 36 is performed. Even if the lower plate 34 is full, a sufficient amount of game balls can be discharged from the lower plate 34 before displaying the promotion effect. Therefore, it is possible to promote the discharge of the game ball from the lower plate 34 while reducing the frequency with which the ball removing operation for the lower plate lever 36 is executed.

  When the selection switch sensor 39 is connected to the sound lamp control device 143 and a selection switch signal is output from the selection switch sensor 39, it is determined whether or not the selection switch signal is input. Therefore, as compared with the configuration in which the selection switch sensor 39 is connected to the main control device 162, an increase in the processing load of the main control device 162 can be suppressed.

  Since a lower plate lever sensor 37 for detecting that the lower plate lever 36 has moved to the open position is provided in the lower plate 34, when a ball removing operation is performed on the lower plate lever 36, this is indicated. It can be detected by the lower plate lever sensor 37. In addition, since the lower pan full determination process is executed in the main controller 162, it is possible to discover that the lower pan 34 is full. Accordingly, it is possible to prompt the player to execute the ball removing operation when the ball removing operation is not performed on the lower plate lever 36 even though the lower plate 34 is full. Become. That is, it becomes possible to promote the discharge of the game ball from the lower plate 34.

  The lower plate lever sensor 37 is connected to the audio lamp control device 143, and the lower plate lever signal is output from the lower plate lever sensor 37 to the audio lamp control device 143. Even if an unauthorized board is connected, the input of an unauthorized signal to the main control device 162 can be suppressed. In this case, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconvenience that the main control device 162 is controlled by the fraud signal and the privilege is illegally granted to the fraudulent person.

  Further, since the lower plate lever signal is output from the lower plate lever sensor 37 to the audio lamp control device 143 and the determination whether the lower plate lever signal is input is performed by the audio lamp control device 143, Compared to a configuration in which the determination is performed by the main controller 162, it is possible to suppress an increase in processing load in the main controller 162.

  Since the storage state of the game balls in the lower plate 34 can be viewed from the front of the gaming machine, the player can visually check the storage state of the lower plate 34 and at an appropriate timing such as the timing at which the game balls need to be discharged. It is possible to execute a ball removing operation on the lower plate lever 36. Further, since the lower plate lever 36 is provided on the front side of the lower plate 34, the player can visually recognize the storage state of the game balls in the lower plate 34 and the lower plate lever 36 at the same time. As a result, when the lower tray 34 is full, it is possible to adjust the duration of the ball removing operation for the lower tray lever 36 while confirming the amount of game balls stored in the lower tray 34. Become. Therefore, the player can concentrate on the game without being distracted by the operation of the lower tray lever 36.

  The upper plate 33 is provided with a mechanism for guiding the game ball to the game ball launching mechanism 110, and the excess game balls in the upper plate 33 are stored in the lower plate 34, so that the upper plate button is pressed. If not, it is considered that the game balls used for the game are sufficiently stored in the upper plate 33. Therefore, when the player performs a ball removal operation on the lower plate lever 36, the player may discharge all of the game balls even stored in the lower plate 34, and the amount of game balls remaining in the lower plate 34 is reduced. There is no need to adjust. Therefore, it is possible to promote the discharge of the game balls from the lower plate 34 while suppressing the occurrence of inconvenience such as a shortage of game balls stored in the upper plate 33.

  When the lower plate 34 is full, a notification sound is output from the speaker unit 26 if the ball removal operation for the lower plate lever 36 is not executed, and a notification sound is output from the speaker unit 26 if the ball removal operation is executed. Not output. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconvenience such as giving the player a sense of discomfort by outputting the notification sound from the speaker unit 26 even though the ball removal operation is being performed. In addition, when the lower plate 34 becomes full, the output of the notification sound is quickly stopped by executing the ball removing operation, so that the player can concentrate on the game.

  When the lower plate 34 is full and the current gaming state is a big hit state, the notification sound output from the speaker unit 26 further urges the ball removal operation for the lower plate lever 36 as compared to the normal state. Since the content is set, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconvenience that the lower plate 34 is left in a full state during the big hit.

  Since the main control device 162 outputs a game ball count signal for counting the number of game balls paid out from the payout device 224 to the hall computer 430, the hall computer 430 has actually paid out. The number of game balls to be paid out can be counted for each specific time zone. In addition, since the main control device 162 outputs a jackpot start signal and a jackpot end signal to the hall computer 430, the hall computer 430 normally has the number of payouts during the period when the gaming state is in the jackpot state and the gaming state is normal. The number of payouts during the period in the state can be tabulated as payout information.

  When the lower plate 34 is in a full state, the payout of game balls from the payout device 224 is not permitted, and the payout of game balls is permitted with the cancellation of the full state. In addition, since the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball command is added to the total number of prize balls, even if the lower plate 34 becomes full during the execution of game ball payout, When the state is canceled and the payout is permitted again, the total number of game balls can be paid out before and after the non-permission period. Further, since the discharge of the game balls from the lower plate 34 is promoted, it becomes possible to quickly pay out the prize balls that have been exercised in response to the prize ball command, and as a result, the payout that is totaled by the hall computer 430 Information can be information with appropriate contents.

  For example, if a game ball that is supposed to be paid out during the jackpot period is paid out during the normal period due to the delay in discharging the game balls from the lower plate 34, the hall In the payout information at the computer 430, the payout number during the big hit state is reduced and the payout number during the normal state is increased as compared with other pachinko machines 10. In this case, the payout information is not appropriate, and it is considered that the setting of the pachinko machine 10 performed by the hall manager or the like based on the payout information is not appropriate. On the other hand, when the payout information is information with appropriate contents, it is considered that the setting of the pachinko machine 10 is appropriate.

  In addition, it is not limited to the description content of embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows.

  (1) In the embodiment described above, when the promotion lottery (step S1001) executed by the main controller 162 is won, the promotion notification process (step) is performed as long as the full state of the lower plate 34 is not eliminated under the big hit state. S2309) is not performed. However, if the big hit lottery (step S901) executed by the main controller 162 is won, the big hit video and the like will be displayed as long as the full state of the lower plate 34 is not eliminated. 91 may not be displayed (the jackpot display process shown in FIG. 39 is not performed). Even in this case, in order to display the current number of rounds and the like on the symbol display device 91 under the big hit state, it is necessary for the player to cancel the full state of the lower plate 34. Therefore, the game ball is discharged from the lower plate 34. Can be promoted.

  In addition, when the promotion lottery executed by the main controller 162 is won, a promotion display that prompts the selection switch 38 to execute the selection operation is displayed on the symbol display device 91 as characters, etc. As long as the full state of the lower plate 34 is not eliminated, the promotion display may not be displayed on the symbol display device 91. For example, unless a promotion display is displayed on the symbol display device 91, the promotion notification process is not performed even if the selection operation on the selection switch 38 is executed. Even in this case, since the player needs to cancel the full state of the lower plate 34 in order to display the promotion display, the discharge of the game ball from the lower plate 34 can be promoted.

  (2) In the above embodiment, if the promotion lottery executed by the main controller 162 is not won, the opening process (step S2204) of the sound lamp controller 143 indicates that a specific jackpot is won. However, the opening process may not be performed unless the full state of the lower plate 34 is eliminated. Even in this case, since the player needs to cancel the full state of the lower plate 34 in order to display on the symbol display device 91 the effect indicating that the specific jackpot is won, the game ball from the lower plate 34 is Emission can be promoted.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the promotion effect is not displayed on the symbol display device 91 when the full state of the lower plate 34 is not resolved under the big hit state. However, the full state of the lower plate 34 is not displayed under the normal state. If not solved, normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc. may not be displayed on the symbol display device 91. Even in this case, since it is necessary for the player to cancel the full state of the lower plate 34 in order to display these various reach on the symbol display device 91, the discharge of the game ball from the lower plate 34 can be promoted.

  (4) In the above embodiment, if the promotion notification process (step S2309) is not performed under the jackpot state after winning the specific jackpot lottery (step S902), the normal state display process (step S2405) is executed. Although it is configured, it may be configured such that high probability state display (step S2404) is executed. However, in this case, even if the lower plate 34 is full after the end of the big hit state, the player may not notice that the lower plate 34 is full. As described above, it is preferable that the normal state display process is executed when the promotion notification process is not performed under the big hit state after winning the specific big hit lottery.

  (5) In the above embodiment, when the special jackpot lottery is won, the gaming state is shifted to the high probability state after the special gaming state is ended, but the gaming state is shifted from the normal gaming state to the high probability state. It is good also as a structure to be made. In this case, the high probability state effect is not displayed on the symbol display device 91 as long as the full state of the lower plate 34 is not resolved even though the current gaming state is in the high probability state. It is possible to promote the discharge of game balls from the game.

  (6) In the above embodiment, when the promotion notification lottery (step S2304) executed by the sound lamp control device 143 is won and the lower plate 34 is not full, the selection operation on the selection switch 38 or the lower plate lever Although the promotion notification process is performed by executing the ball removal operation for 36, the promotion notification process may be performed by performing both the selection operation and the ball removal operation. It is good also as a structure by which a promotion alerting | reporting process is performed even if ball removal operation is not performed together. However, if the configuration is such that the promotion notification process is performed even if neither the selection operation nor the ball removal operation is performed, the gameability that can be given to the player may be reduced, so that it will be described in the above embodiment. As described above, it is preferable that the promotion notification process is performed by performing a selection operation or a ball removal operation.

  Moreover, it is good also as a structure by which a promotion alerting | reporting process is performed by the full state of the lower plate | plate 34 being eliminated. In order to cancel the full state of the lower plate 34, it is necessary to perform a ball removal operation on the lower plate lever 36. For example, when an abnormality such as a ball clogging occurs in the dispensing device 224 or the like, the promotion notification process is performed. Can be prevented from occurring.

  (7) In the above embodiment, in the audio lamp control device 143, when the display round counter HRC becomes the lottery value and the promotion notification lottery (step S2304) is won, the promotion notification process can be executed. However, when the display round counter HRC becomes a specific value, the promotion notification process may be executed. For example, when the display round counter HRC is 1 (15 rounds), the promotion notification process can be executed. In this case, under the big hit state, the lower plate 34 is prevented from becoming full after the promotion effect is displayed on the symbol display device 91. Therefore, even when the game ball needs to be discharged from the lower plate 34. Regardless, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconvenience that the player cannot be prompted to perform the ball removal operation on the lower plate lever 36.

  However, in this case, since the player's expectation for the display of the promotion effect that is not known at which timing may be reduced, the display round counter HRC is determined as the lottery value as described in the above embodiment. Thus, it is preferable that the promotion notification process can be executed when the promotion notification lottery is won.

  (8) In the above embodiment, the promotion lottery is set to be performed in the second half round in the audio lamp control device 143, but may be set to be performed in the first half round. For example, the lottery value of the promotion lottery is set to 9, 11, 13, etc. However, in this case, since there is a high possibility that the promotion effect is displayed on the symbol display device 91 before the lower plate 34 becomes full under the big hit state, the promotion effect is produced after the lower plate 34 becomes full. This makes it difficult for the player to perform a ball removal operation on the lower plate lever 36 for the purpose of displaying the above. For this reason, as described in the above embodiment, it is preferable to set the voice lamp control device 143 to perform the promotion lottery in the second half round.

  (9) In the above embodiment, the jackpot lottery is performed based on the value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and the specific jackpot lottery is performed based on the value of the jackpot type counter C2. However, the jackpot random number counter C1 or the jackpot The jackpot lottery and the specific jackpot lottery may be performed together based on one of the type counters C2.

  (10) In the above embodiment, the main lotion device 162 is configured to execute the promotion lottery (step S1001), but may be configured not to execute the promotion lottery. In this case, if the promotion lottery (step S2304) is configured to be executed even when the promotion command is not received in the opening process of the voice lamp control device 143, the promotion notification process can be executed.

  (11) In the above embodiment, the promotion effect is displayed on the symbol display device 91 so that it is informed that it is a specific jackpot. However, after the jackpot state is over, it may shift to a high probability state. It is good also as composition notified.

  (12) In each of the above embodiments, a pachinko machine has been described that shifts to a jackpot state as a special gaming state when a specific jackpot occurs, and then transitions to a high probability state as a specific gaming state. It may be configured to shift to a gaming state other than the high probability state. For example, the special game state is shifted to a jackpot state in which a big winning opening / closing of 8 rounds is performed, and then the second game state is shifted to a second jackpot state in which a special round is opened / closed for 7 rounds. That is, it may be a pachinko machine in which the number of times of opening and closing the big prize opening is different between a specific jackpot and a non-specific jackpot. Or, as the specific gaming state, the jackpot probability does not increase, but the switching display time of the second specific lamp unit is shortened, or the opening time and the number of times of opening of the electric accessory provided in the operation port 84 are increased. It may be configured to shift to a high probability state.

  Furthermore, the specific gaming state may be configured to shift to a gaming state in which the player's degree of advantage is different between a specific jackpot and a non-specific jackpot. For example, it may be configured to shift to a high probability state in the case of a specific jackpot, but not to a high probability state in the case of a non-specific jackpot, but to shift to a high probability state until a predetermined number of fluctuation displays are performed. . Alternatively, in the case of a specific jackpot, the state shifts to a high probability state until the symbol variation display is performed 100 times, and in the case of a non-specific jackpot, the configuration shifts to a high probability state until the symbol variation display is performed 30 times. Also good. Alternatively, in the case of a specific jackpot, the game shifts to a high probability state in which the winning probability is 10 times higher than the normal gaming state until the symbol variation display is performed 100 times. It is good also as a structure which transfers to the high-probability state whose winning probability doubles from a normal gaming state until it is performed. Needless to say, the number of games in which the state of high probability of an object continues may differ between a specific jackpot and a non-specific jackpot, and it goes without saying that these may be combined.

  As described above, in the case of non-specific hit, the game shifts to the first gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than in the normal gaming state, and in the case of specific hit, the player is more advantageous than the case of non-specific hit (first gaming state). Any configuration that shifts to the second gaming state may be used.

  (13) In each of the above embodiments, in the promotion notification process in the opening process of the voice lamp control device 143, the promotion effect is displayed on the symbol display device 91, but it is provided separately from the symbol display device 91. The auxiliary promotion effect may be displayed on the auxiliary display device as the display means. Even in this case, as long as the full state of the lower plate 34 is not solved, the auxiliary promotion effect is not displayed on the auxiliary display device, so that the discharge of the game ball from the lower plate 34 can be promoted.

  (14) In the above embodiment, the selection switch 38 is provided on the front side of the front door frame 14. However, the selection switch 38 may be provided on the back side of the main body frame 13. 10, the selection switch 38 may not be provided. Even when the pachinko machine 10 is not provided with the selection switch 38, the ball removal operation on the lower plate lever 36 is executed, so that the promotion effect process can be executed, so that the game balls are discharged from the lower plate 34. Can be promoted.

  (15) In the above-described embodiment, when the selection operation on the selection switch 38 is performed, if the lower plate 34 is not full, it is possible to display the promotion effect on the symbol display device 91. A configuration in which the display mode in the symbol display device 91 can be switched may be added. For example, a plurality of display modes to be displayed on the symbol display device 91 are set in the normal state or the big hit state, and the display mode to be displayed on the symbol display device 91 is switched when the selection switch 38 is selected. It is set as the structure. Even in this case, if the display mode is not switched even if the selection operation is performed unless the full state of the lower plate 34 is eliminated, the discharge of the game balls from the lower plate 34 can be promoted.

  (16) In the above-described embodiment, the selection switch 38 has a function that enables the display of the promotion effect on the symbol display device 91 when the selection operation is performed. It may have a function that enables the game ball to be discharged from the lower plate 34 by being performed. In this case, the game ball is discharged from the lower plate 34 regardless of whether the ball removing operation with respect to the lower plate lever 36 or the selection operation with respect to the selection switch 38 is performed. .

  (17) In the above embodiment, the promotion effect can be executed by performing the selection operation on the selection switch 38 or the ball removal operation on the lower plate lever 36. However, the promotion is performed by performing the selection operation. It is good also as a structure which becomes effective in production. For example, when the lower plate 34 is in a full state, the promotion effect can be executed by performing the selection operation on the selection switch 38 after the full state is eliminated by executing the ball removing operation on the lower plate lever 36. The configuration. In this case, it is possible to give the player the gameability that the promotion effect is executed by performing the selection operation on the selection switch 38.

  (18) In the above embodiment, the selection switch sensor 39 is connected to the sound lamp control device 143. However, the selection switch sensor 39 may be connected to the main control device 162. In this case, for example, a selection switch signal is output from the selection switch sensor 39 to the main control device 162, and the main control device 162 determines whether or not a selection operation is performed on the selection switch 38. With the configuration, the promotion effect can be displayed on the symbol display device 91. However, in this case, an illegal signal may be input to the main control device 162 instead of the selection switch signal via a path connecting the selection switch sensor 39 and the main control device 162. As described above, it is preferable that the selection switch sensor 39 is connected to the sound lamp control device 143.

  Further, the selection switch sensor 39 may be connected to the display control device 325. In this case, for example, a selection switch signal is output from the selection switch sensor 39 to the display control device 325, and the main control device 162 determines whether or not a ball removal operation is performed on the selection switch 38. With this configuration, it is possible to display the promotion effect on the symbol display device 91.

  (19) In the above embodiment, when the lower plate 34 is in a full state, the speaker unit 26 is not driven if the ball removing operation for the lower plate lever 36 is executed. The speaker unit 26 may be driven even when the unplugging operation is performed. For example, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 43, in the notification sound control process executed by the CPU 341 of the sound lamp control device 143, it is determined whether or not the ball removing operation for the lower plate lever 36 is continued for a predetermined time. The continuation determination process is performed.

  In the notification sound control process, the processes in steps S2601 to S2605 are the same processes as steps S2501 to S2505 in the above embodiment. However, if it is determined in step S2602 that the lower pan lever signal has been input, that is, if a ball removing operation is being performed on the lower pan lever 36, the process proceeds to step S2606, and the lower pan lever signal continues. To measure the input time, set the timer to 0. In step S2607, it is determined whether a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed since the timer was set. Here, the predetermined time is set to a time longer than the full release time, which is the time when the full state of the lower plate 34 should be canceled after the ball removing operation for the lower plate lever 36 is started. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, it is determined that the full state of the lower plate 34 has been eliminated without causing an abnormality, and notification processing corresponding to the current gaming state is executed in steps S2603 to S2605.

  On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed, the process advances to step S2608 to perform abnormality occurrence notification processing. Specifically, the notification sound to be output from the speaker unit 26 is set to contents such as “Please call the store clerk” and “The lower plate is full”, for example, and the speaker unit 26 is driven. Even if the predetermined time has elapsed, the processing in step S2608 is performed. This means that the full state of the lower plate 34 has not been canceled even if the full release time has elapsed (if the lower plate full flag is set, step S2601). It is determined in the above). In this case, it is assumed that the full state of the lower plate 34 is not canceled even if an abnormality such as a game ball is jammed in the front door side lower plate passage 52 or the lower plate 34 occurs and the ball removing operation for the lower plate lever 36 is performed. A notification sound having a content for notifying the occurrence of an abnormality is output from the speaker unit 26. Thereby, it becomes possible to find out the occurrence of an abnormality such as a ball clogging, and to let the player or the hall manager detect the occurrence of the abnormality.

  Further, the determination process executed in step S2607 may be not the continuation determination process but the number determination process for determining whether or not the ball removing operation for the lower plate lever 36 is executed a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time. Even in this case, it is possible to find out the occurrence of an abnormality such as a ball clogging, and to let the player or the hall manager detect the occurrence of the abnormality.

  (20) In the above embodiment, the lower plate lever sensor 37 detects that the lower plate lever 36 is in the open position. However, the lower plate lever 36 is detected to be in the closed position. It is good. Even in this case, for example, when a ball removal operation is not performed on the lower plate lever 36, if a signal indicating that is input to the sound lamp control device, the game ball is discharged from the lower plate 34. It becomes possible to promote.

  (21) In the above embodiment, the lower plate lever sensor 37 is connected to the sound lamp control device 143. However, the lower plate lever sensor 37 may be connected to the main control device 162. In this case, for example, a lower plate lever signal is output from the lower plate lever sensor 37 to the main controller 162, and it is determined whether or not the ball removing operation is performed on the lower plate lever 36. With this configuration, it is possible to promote the discharge of game balls from the lower tray 34. However, in this case, an illegal signal may be input to the main control device 162 instead of the lower plate lever signal through the path connecting the lower plate lever sensor 37 and the main control device 162. As described in the embodiment, the lower plate lever sensor 37 is preferably connected to the sound lamp control device 143.

  Further, the lower plate lever sensor 37 may be connected to the display control device 325. In this case, for example, a lower plate lever signal is output from the lower plate lever sensor 37 to the display control device 325, and it is determined whether or not the ball removing operation is performed on the lower plate lever 36. With this configuration, it is possible to promote the discharge of game balls from the lower tray 34.

  (22) In the above embodiment, the lower plate lever 36 is provided on the front surface side of the lower bulge portion 32. However, if the player can operate, the front surface of the lower bulge portion 32 is provided. It does not have to be provided on the side. However, if the lower plate 34 and the lower plate lever 36 are arranged apart from each other, it becomes difficult for the player to visually recognize the storage state of the game balls in the lower plate 34 and the lower plate lever 36 at the same time. There is a risk that the ease of ball removal operation with respect to the lower plate lever 36 may be reduced. For this reason, as explained in the above embodiment, the lower plate lever 36 is preferably provided on the front side of the lower bulging portion 32.

  (23) In the above embodiment, the lower plate lever continuation flag is set when the ball removing operation for the lower plate lever 36 is continued for a predetermined time. The lower plate lever continuation flag may be set when the unloading operation is performed. However, in this case, even if the lower plate 34 is full, if the ball removal operation is performed even for a moment, the promotion effect can be executed under the big hit state. Even if it is not discharged, there is a possibility that the promotion effect is executed, and it is considered that the lower plate 34 is easily filled again after the promotion effect is executed. Therefore, as described in the above embodiment, it is preferable that the lower plate lever continuation flag is set when the ball removing operation for the lower plate lever 36 is continuously performed for a predetermined time.

  (24) In the above embodiment, the lower tray lever 36 for discharging the game ball from the lower tray 34 is provided, but the lower tray lever 36 may not be provided. Since the lower tray 34 is opened upward, the game ball can be removed from the opening even if the lower tray lever 36 is not provided. In other words, even when the lower plate 34 becomes full, it becomes possible to discharge the game balls from the lower plate 34.

  (25) In the above embodiment, the lower plate lever sensor 37 that detects that the ball removing operation for the lower plate 34 has been performed is provided, but the lower plate lever sensor 37 may not be provided. Even in this case, as long as the full state of the lower plate 34 is not solved, the promotion display is not displayed on the symbol display device 91, so that the discharge of the game ball from the lower plate 34 can be promoted.

  (26) In the above embodiment, it is configured that whether or not the lower plate 34 is in the full state is determined by the lower plate full determination process of the main controller 162, but a game ball is placed in the lower plate 34. It may be configured to determine whether or not only a fixed amount is stored. For example, the game ball detection sensor 57 is provided in the lower plate 34 instead of the front door side lower plate passage 52, and whether or not a predetermined amount of game balls are stored in the lower plate 34 by the lower plate full determination process. Determine whether. However, in this case, if the configuration is such that the player is prompted to discharge the game ball when the storage amount of the game ball in the lower plate 34 reaches a predetermined amount, the frequency of the ball removal operation on the lower plate lever 36 is increased. It is possible that the player may not be able to concentrate on the game. Therefore, as described in the above embodiment, it is preferable to determine whether or not the lower plate 34 is full by the lower plate full determination process of the main controller 162.

  (27) In the above embodiment, the lower pan full determination process (step S504) is performed by the main controller 162, but may be performed by the payout controller 242. For example, when a game ball detection sensor 57 is connected to the payout control device 242, and a game ball is detected in the front door side lower dish passage 52, a game ball detection signal is sent from the game ball detection sensor 57 to the payout control device 242. The configuration is input. In this case, the processing load on the main controller 162 can be reduced.

  (28) In the above embodiment, the notification sound is output from the speaker unit 26 when the lower plate 34 becomes full. However, the annular illumination unit 23, the error display lamp unit 24, and the prize ball The lamp unit 25 or the like may be lit, or the symbol display device 91 may be configured to display that the lower plate 34 is full. This makes it possible for the player and the hall manager to more reliably detect that the lower plate 34 is full.

  (29) In the above embodiment, when the lower plate 34 is in a full state, the notification by the speaker unit 26 is stopped if the ball removing operation for the lower plate lever 36 is executed. It is good also as a structure which stops the alerting | reporting by the speaker part 26 after a full state is eliminated. Accordingly, when the full state of the lower plate 34 is not canceled even if the ball removing operation for the lower plate lever 36 is executed, it is possible to make the player or the hall manager know that fact. Furthermore, when an abnormality has occurred in the front door side lower dish passage 52 or the lower dish 34, it is possible to detect the abnormality.

  (30) In the above embodiment, the notification sound as notification information to be output from the speaker unit 26 when the lower plate 34 is in a full state is set to different contents depending on the current gaming state. It is good also as a structure set to the same content irrespective of a game state. However, in this case, when the gaming state is a big hit state, it is not possible to further promote the ball removing operation with respect to the lower plate lever 36, and thus the effect of promoting the discharge of the game ball from the lower plate 34 may be reduced. . Therefore, as described in the above embodiment, the notification sound as the notification information to be output from the speaker unit 26 when the lower plate 34 is full is set to have different contents depending on the current gaming state. It is preferable to do.

  (31) In the above embodiment, the notification sound is output from the speaker unit 26 when the lower plate 34 is full. However, the notification sound may not be output from the speaker unit 26. However, in this case, since it may be difficult for the player to detect that the lower plate 34 is full, the speaker unit when the lower plate 34 is full as described in the above embodiment. 26 is preferably configured to output a notification sound.

  (32) In the above embodiment, the game balls are not paid out from the payout device 224 when the lower plate 34 is full. However, the payout device 224 is used even when the lower plate 34 is full. It is good also as a structure which does not pay out the game ball from. However, if the game ball is further paid out from the payout device 224 when the lower plate 34 is full, the game ball stays in the front door side lower plate passage 52 or the like, and further, the stayed game ball remains in the payout device 224. May reach up to In this case, the game ball passage 254 of the payout device 224 may be clogged with the game ball, and the rotation of the rotating body 257 may stop, causing a problem such as an abnormality in the payout motor 256. Therefore, as described in the above embodiment, it is preferable that the game ball is not paid out from the payout device 224 when the lower plate 34 is full.

  (33) In the above embodiment, the management controller 162 outputs the management count signal, jackpot start signal, jackpot end signal, etc. to the hall computer 430. However, these signals are not output. It is good. However, in this case, since the pachinko machine 10 is not managed by the hall computer 430, the management count signal and the jackpot start signal are sent from the main controller 162 to the hall computer 430 as described in the above embodiment. The jackpot end signal is preferably output.

  (34) In the above embodiment, the upper tray 33 and the lower tray 34 are provided as the ball trays for storing the game balls. However, a configuration in which one ball tray is provided may be adopted. Even in this case, if an integrated dish ball removal lever that discharges the game ball from the ball tray by executing the ball removal operation and an integrated dish ball removal lever sensor are provided, the game from the ball tray It becomes possible to promote the discharge of the sphere. Here, the integrated dish ball removal lever corresponds to the lower dish lever 36 in the above embodiment, and the integrated dish ball removal lever sensor corresponds to the lower dish lever sensor 37.

  Moreover, it is good also as a structure in which the upper plate 33 does not have the function to store a game ball. Even in this case, if the lower plate 34, the lower plate lever 36, and the lower plate lever sensor 37 are provided, the discharge of the game ball from the ball tray can be promoted. Note that the configuration in which the upper plate 33 does not have a function of storing a game ball is, for example, that the upper plate 33 is formed smaller than the above embodiment, and has only a function of receiving a game ball from a ball lending device. This refers to a configuration that is not provided.

  (35) In the above embodiment, a stop symbol command in which a combination of jackpot symbols is set is output from the main controller 162 to the sound lamp controller 143. However, a type command in which a jackpot type is set May be output. For example, when a type command indicating that the special big hit lottery is won is output from the main control device 162 to the sound lamp control device 143, the symbols to be stopped and displayed on the active line are odd numbers (1, 3, 5 , 7, 9) processing to be set to one of the “specific symbols” is performed by the audio lamp control device 143, or promotion lottery is performed by the audio lamp control device 143. That is, when the type command is output from the main control device 162 to the sound lamp control device 143, the sound lamp control device 143 performs processing for setting the display contents on the symbol display device 91. As a result, the processing load on the main control device 162 can be reduced.

  (36) In the above embodiment, the audio lamp control device 143 is connected to the main control device 162 via the relay terminal plate 323, and the display control device 325 is connected to the audio lamp control device 143. The display control device 325 may be connected to the main control device 162, and the sound lamp control device 143 may be connected to the display control device 325. In this case, for example, when a command is output from the main control device 162 to the display control device 325, a command corresponding to the command is output from the display control device 325 to the sound lamp control device 143. To do.

  The display control device 325 and the sound lamp control device 143 may be connected to the main control device 162, and the display control device 325 and the sound lamp control device 143 are connected to the main control device 162 as one sub-control device. It is good also as a structure to be made. In these cases, the main controller 162 may output various commands to the display controller 325, the sound lamp controller 143, and the sub controller.

  (37) You may apply the structure in the said embodiment to game machines other than a pachinko machine. For example, the present invention may be applied to a ball-use slot machine type gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused. Such a gaming machine includes a reel device having a plurality of reels, and a plurality of types of symbols are attached in the circumferential direction of each reel. A part of the symbols attached to each reel can be visually recognized through a display window provided on the front surface of the gaming machine. Moreover, the upper plate for storing a game ball is provided similarly to the said embodiment, The game ball stored in this upper plate is taken in by the taking-in apparatus. The taking-in of the game ball in the take-in device is started when the take-in start switch is operated by the player. Then, after a predetermined number of game balls are taken in by the take-in device, all the reels start to rotate by operating the start lever, and a stop switch provided for each reel is pressed or started to rotate. When a predetermined time elapses, the rotation of the reel is stopped. When the rotation of the reel is stopped, the game ball is paid out when the predetermined symbol or the combination of the predetermined symbols is stopped by the symbol applied to the reel on the preset effective line.

  In addition, the ball-use slot machine type gaming machine is also provided with a lower plate, and game balls discharged from the upper plate or excess game balls stored in the upper plate are stored in the lower plate. And when the lower plate is full, there is no notification regarding the winning combination determined by the stop symbol, or there is no notification accompanying the transition to a bonus game with a high probability of winning the game ball payout combination To do. In order to perform these notifications, it is necessary to discharge the game ball from the lower plate, and thereby it is possible to promote the discharge of the game ball from the lower plate.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine as a game machine, 14 ... Front door frame as a front body of a game machine, 26 ... Speaker part as a notification means, 33 ... Upper plate as a ball tray, 34 ... Lower plate as a ball tray, 36 ... Lower plate lever as operation means, 37 ... Lower plate lever sensor as operation state detection means, 38 ... Selection switch as display operation means, 39 ... Selection switch sensor as display operation detection means, 41 ... Symbol display as display means Device: 57... Game ball detection sensor as storage state detection means, 83. Variable winning device as specific winning device, 131... Main control device as main control means, 143. Audio lamp control device as display control means, 224 ... a payout device as a payout means, 259 ... a count sensor as a game ball detection means, 430 ... a hall computer as a management device.

Claims (1)

A payout means for paying out game balls according to game results;
A ball tray for storing the game balls paid out from the payout means in a dischargeable state;
A storage state detection means capable of detecting a storage state of the game ball in the ball tray;
Display means capable of displaying a specific effect according to the game situation;
When the storage state detected by the storage state detection unit is not a specific state, the display unit can display the specific effect, and when the storage state is the specific state, the display unit A gaming machine comprising display control means for effect display control so as not to display a specific effect.

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