JP2015043873A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine capable of suppressing or preventing frequent occurrence of notification of a discharge confirmation error, and preventing drawling of a game during a first profit state.SOLUTION: A CPU 31A of a performance control board 31 delays execution start of notification of a discharge confirmation error until discharge confirmation error notification delay time (for example 3.0 sec) passes after reception of a discharge confirmation error command CMD even if the discharge confirmation error command CMD is received. When a value of a discharge confirmation error flag 55 is still "5A[H]" even if the discharge confirmation error notification delay time passes after reception of the discharge confirmation error command CMD, the CPU 31A of the performance control board 31 transmits notification execution drive signals CMD', CMD'', CMD'''. As a result, notification of the discharge confirmation error starts to be executed.

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine equipped with variable winning means having a distribution function.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a ball game machine in which a game ball enters a specific area of a prize winning device to shift to a game state advantageous to a player.
For example, in the bullet ball game machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, the game ball that has entered the distribution case is stopped at the stop position, and is then distributed to the left or right region by the distribution means. When there is a big hit signal with the game ball stopped, the game ball is distributed to the right area where the operation area switch is located. When the operating area switch detects the passing of the game ball, a profit state advantageous to the player is generated.

  In addition, as a device that applies the above-mentioned distribution means, it is possible to enter a game ball by releasing a specific area for a predetermined time during a special profit state after winning with a predetermined symbol, and when a ball is detected, There is also a ball game machine equipped with a probability variation determination device that changes the gaming state of the game to a probability variation state.

JP-A-9-1555033 (paragraphs 0020, 0026, 0027, FIG. 3)

  In a ball game machine equipped with a probability variation determination device, it is necessary to check the discharge in the probability variation determination device. The discharge confirmation is executed in a special round in which the probability variation determination device is operated. In the discharge confirmation, after a predetermined discharge confirmation time has elapsed, it is confirmed whether or not all the game balls entered in the special round have been discharged. Then, when the discharge of a game ball that has entered the probability variation determination device is not confirmed, it is determined that a discharge confirmation error has occurred and a discharge confirmation error is notified. If the discharge confirmation time is set to a long time, the game in the first profit state (special profit state) may be delayed. On the other hand, if the discharge confirmation time is set to a short time, a discharge confirmation error frequently occurs, and there is a possibility that the discharge confirmation error is notified with an excessive frequency.

  The present invention has been made under such circumstances, and provides a ball game machine capable of preventing the game from being extended during the first profit state while suppressing or preventing frequent notification of the discharge confirmation error. For the purpose.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 1 is a ball game machine (1) for launching a game ball toward a game board (2) to play a game, and detecting the game ball. As a trigger, the determination means (30A) for determining whether or not to execute the first profit state advantageous to the player, the special winning opening (10) arranged at a predetermined position on the board surface of the game board, and the special winning prize Including a ball entry detecting means (16) for detecting the entrance of a game ball into the mouth, and one or a plurality of variable winning means (9) having an opening / closing means (11) for opening and closing the special prize opening. At least one of the winning means is a distribution means (220) for distributing the game balls that have entered the special winning opening into a predetermined specific area (18) and a predetermined non-specific area (19), Specific region passage detection means (23) for detecting passage of a game ball, and A variable winning means with a distribution function (9) further comprising a non-specific area passage detecting means (24) for detecting the passage of the game ball to the specific area, wherein the determination means determines execution of the first profit state. First profit state execution means (30A) for executing a first profit state including a plurality of round games, with a game operation such as opening the special winning opening of the variable winning means in a predetermined manner based on ) And, in a predetermined determination round among the plurality of round games, when the predetermined discharge confirmation time has elapsed from the end of the opening operation of the special prize opening by the opening / closing means, the determination round and the determination round before the determination round In the detection period across one or a plurality of round games, the passage of the specific area is detected rather than the number of game balls detected by the entrance detection means. When the number of game balls detected by the stage and the non-specific area passage detecting means is small, further comprising, providing a ball-shooting game machine and determining error determination means that the discharge check error (30A).

In this section, the alphanumeric characters in parentheses represent reference signs of corresponding components in the embodiments described later, but the scope of the claims is not limited to the embodiments by these reference numerals.
The invention according to claim 2 provides the ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the determination of the discharge confirmation error by the error determination means is not performed in rounds other than the determination round.
In the invention according to claim 3, in the plurality of round games, an interval between rounds from the end of the round game to the start of the next round game is provided, and the discharge confirmation time in the determination round is: The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a period longer than the interval between rounds other than the determination round is set.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the length of the interval between rounds is a period that is assumed as a discharge time required for a game ball that has passed the entrance detection means to pass through the specific area or the non-specific area. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 3, wherein the ball game machine is set to be shorter than a long assumed discharge time which is a longer period.
In the invention according to claim 5, the plurality of round games are special rounds in which the distribution means of the variable winning means with the distribution function distributes the game balls to the specific area and the non-specific area, The bullet ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the determination round includes a round game immediately preceding the special round.

The invention according to claim 6 is the number of game balls detected by the specific area passage detection means and the non-specific area passage detection means in the special round, rather than the number of game balls detected by the entrance detection means. The bullet ball gaming machine special round according to claim 5, further comprising special round error determination means for determining that it is a discharge confirmation error when there is little.
The invention according to claim 7 provides the ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the determination round includes a final round executed at the end of the plurality of round games. .
The invention described in claim 8 is the game board according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the game board is provided with only one variable winning means with a distribution function as the variable winning means. Providing bullet ball machines.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the discharge confirmation time is longer than a period assumed as a discharge time required for the game ball that has passed the entrance detection means to pass through the specific area or the non-specific area. The bullet ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is set to be longer than a long assumed discharge time which is a period.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the game from being extended during the first profit state while suppressing or preventing frequent notification of the discharge confirmation error.

It is a front view showing a schematic structure of a game board of a ball game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows the structure of the lower unit shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the lower unit shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the ball game machine shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the special profit state prepared for the ball game machine shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining each of opening operation | movement of a variable winning apparatus, and operation | movement of the distribution means of a probability variation determination apparatus (the 1). It is a figure explaining each of the opening / closing operation | movement of a variable winning apparatus, and operation | movement of the distribution means of a probability variation determination apparatus (the 2). It is a figure explaining each operation | movement of a variable prize apparatus and a distribution means in a 1st special profit state. It is a figure explaining each operation | movement of the variable winning apparatus and distribution means in a 2nd special profit state. It is a display image of a liquid crystal display unit in a special profit state. It is a figure for demonstrating the error kind of the ball game machine shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the display image for discharge confirmation errors. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the timer interruption process by a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the input management process by a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the 1st (2nd) special symbol management process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the 1st (2nd) special symbol starting port check process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special electric accessory management process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the big hit start process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special electric accessory operation | movement start process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special electric accessory operation | movement setting process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process during operation of the special electric accessory shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the big prize opening number-of-wins check process shown in FIG. 20 (the 1). FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a flow of a big winning opening prize number check process shown in FIG. 20 (part 2). FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special electric accessory operation | movement continuation determination process shown in FIG. 16 (the 1). It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special electric accessory operation | movement continuation determination process shown in FIG. 16 (the 2). It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the error determination process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the big hit end process shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a game board 2 of a ball game machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ball game machine 1 includes a game board 2 and a game board holding frame (not shown) for holding the game board 2. A handle (not shown) for adjusting the momentum of a game ball fired from a launching device (not shown) is arranged on the lower right side of the front face of the game board holding frame. The handle is rotatably held by the game board holding frame. When the player grips and rotates the handle, the game ball can be launched from the launching device toward the game board 2, and by adjusting the rotation angle of the handle, the game ball 2 is directed toward the game board 2. The momentum of the game ball that is fired can be adjusted.

On the board surface of the game board 2, a substantially circular game area S is set at the center. Around the periphery of the game area S, a guide rail 3 for guiding the game ball launched from the launching device to the upper side (upper left side) of the game board 2 is disposed. In the game area S, a number of obstacle nails 5 (only part of which are shown) are implanted. A game ball released from the upper left portion of the game area S toward the upper right along the guide rail 3 flows down along the board surface of the game board 2 through a number of obstacle nails 5.
In the center of the game area S, a liquid crystal display unit 4 as an example of an effect device is arranged. The liquid crystal display unit 4 displays an effect symbol, a predetermined message, or the like that is stopped or changed during the game of the ball game machine 1.

Below the liquid crystal display unit 4, a first special symbol start port 6 and a second special symbol start port 7 are arranged vertically. Each of the first and second special symbol start ports 6 and 7 is provided with a game ball flowing down along the board surface of the game board 2 so as to be able to enter. The second special symbol start port 7 has an electric tulip accessory (special electric accessory) 8, whereas the first special symbol start port 6 is a non-actuated winning port having no opening and closing means. .
The electric tulip accessory 8 is usually constricted in a state where the tip portions of the blades are close to each other (stenosis state). In the constricted state of the electric tulip accessory 8, a game ball that flows down along the board surface of the game board 2 enters the second special symbol start opening 7, and the first special symbol start opening 6 enters the ball 1 Blocked by a pair of vanes. As a result, the second special symbol start port 7 is closed. And in the state where the electric tulip accessory 8 is expanded, each wing of the electric tulip accessory 8 is expanded, so that a game ball can enter the second special symbol starting port 7, 2 The special symbol start port 7 is opened.

The configuration of the electric tulip accessory 8 is not limited to this, and in the same way as the variable winning device (special electric accessory, variable winning means, variable winning means with a distribution function) 9 described below, For example, it may be configured to tilt out toward the near side about a rotation shaft extending in the left-right direction.
When a game ball enters the first special symbol start port 6 or the second special symbol start port 7, a predetermined number (for example, five balls for the game ball entering the first special symbol start port 6 and second A prize ball of 3 balls, for example, for a game ball entering the special symbol starting port 7 is paid out from the prize ball payout device 50 (see FIG. 4). In addition, in order to determine whether or not it is a big hit that generates a special profit state (first profit state) when a game ball enters the first special symbol start port 6 or the second special symbol start port 7 The big hit lottery is executed.

  In the game area S, a variable winning device 9 is arranged in the lower right part of the game board 2. The variable winning device 9 is disposed on the right side of the first and second special symbol start ports 6 and 7. The variable winning device 9 is formed in the lower right portion of the game area S and has a large winning opening (special winning opening) 10 having a rectangular shape in a long side view on the left and right, and a large winning opening opening / closing function capable of opening and closing the large winning opening 10. And an object (opening / closing means) 11. The big winning opening 10 is formed in a size that allows a plurality of (for example, 3 to 4) game balls to enter simultaneously in the left-right direction. The prize winning opening and closing accessory 11 can block the prize winning opening 10 in a state along the board surface of the game board 2 to prevent the game ball from entering the prize winning opening 10, while By evacuating the game, it is possible to open the special winning opening 10 and introduce the game balls flowing down on the special winning opening 10 into the large winning opening 10. The configuration of the variable winning device 9 is not limited to this. For example, the variable winning device 9 may be configured such that the variable winning device 9 is tilted to the near side with a rotation shaft arranged along the lower edge of the large winning opening 10. Moreover, the structure which has a pair of blade | wing similarly to the electric tulip accessory 8 and each wing | blade can change an attitude | position between a narrowed state and an expanded state may be sufficient.

In the game area S, a normal symbol gate 14 through which a game ball flowing down along the surface of the game board 2 can pass is arranged on the right side of the liquid crystal display unit 4 (right part of the game area S).
When the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 14, a normal symbol lottery is executed to determine whether or not to open the second special symbol start port 7 (whether or not the electric tulip accessory 8 is in the expanded state). Is done. The probability determined to open the second special symbol start port 7 by the normal symbol lottery (the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery) is a non-probability of the probability variation mode (when the probability variation game is executed and when the support game is executed), which will be described later. For example, 1/100 at the time of execution, and 1 / 1.1 in the probability variation mode, for example. The normal symbol gate 14 and the variable winning device 9 are arranged on the front surface of the lower unit 12 that extends in the lower right part of the game area S over a wide range.

  The variable winning device 9 is a variable winning device with a distribution function provided with a probability variation determination device 13. The probability variation determination device 13 is accommodated in the lower unit 12. The probability variation determination device 13 performs a determination regarding acquisition of the right to transfer the probability variation game in a special round in the special profit state, and the specific area 18 and the non-specific area 19 respectively set in the special winning opening 10. One of them is a device that performs a sorting operation to sort game balls. When the game ball passes through the specific area 18 in the special round in the special profit state, the probability variation game is executed after the special profit state ends.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the lower unit 12. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the lower unit 12. The configuration of the lower unit 12 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The lower unit 12 accommodates therein a probability variation determination device 13 and a communication passage 15 that is long in the vertical direction and connects the special winning opening 10 and the probability variation determination device 13.
In the special profit state, the special prize opening 10 is opened until a predetermined time (for example, 29 (sec)) elapses or until the maximum number (for example, ten) of game balls enter the special prize opening 10. Such a release operation is performed as one round game, and such a release operation is performed for a maximum of 13 rounds with an interval (for example, 2.0 (sec)) in between.

  The bullet ball gaming machine 1 has a specification in which the player makes a right strike in the special profit state. In the special profit state, the game ball released to the game area S is normally guided around the symbol gate 14. Then, the game ball that has passed through the normal symbol gate 14 is guided to the prize winning opening 10 by an arc-shaped guide guide 14A provided integrally with the normal symbol gate 14 below the normal symbol gate 14. Yes. In the open state of the variable winning device 9, the game ball that has entered from the open large winning opening 10 flows down through the communication path 15. The passing of the game ball is detected by the big winning opening entrance ball sensor 16 arranged in the middle of the communication passage 15 and counted as a winning to the big winning opening 10. Thereafter, the game ball advances toward the entrance of the probability variation determination device 13.

  The probability variation determination device 13 has a probability variation determination flow path 17 through which game balls entering from the special winning opening 10 flow down. The probability variation determination flow path 17 is composed of a bifurcated passage that has one passage at the entrance and two branches at the exit. A specific area 18 is set in the middle of the left passage of the bifurcated path, and a non-specific area 19 is set in the middle of the right path of the bifurcated path. The probability variation determination channel 17 is provided so that game balls entering from the entrance can be distributed to the left specific area 18 and the right non-specific area 19. When the game ball passes through the specific area 18 set in the special winning opening 10 in the special profit state, the probability variation game is executed after the special profit state ends.

  The entrance of the probability variation determination flow path 17 communicates with the downstream end of the communication path 15. At the branch portion of the probability variation determination flow path 17, an allocating means 20 that contacts the game ball and changes the traveling direction of the game sphere is arranged so as to be movable in the left-right direction. It is moved left and right by the drive solenoid 21. Further, the position information of the distribution means 20 in the left-right direction is detected by a position sensor 22 (not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3; see FIG. 4). In the specific area 18, a specific area sensor (specific area passage detecting means) 23 for detecting the passage of the game ball in the specific area 18 is arranged. In the non-specific area 19, a non-specific area sensor (non-specific area passage detecting means) 24 for detecting the passage of the game ball in the non-specific area 19 is arranged.

  The probability variation determination device 13 operates the distribution unit 20 based on the determination result of the right acquisition of the probability variation shift, and distributes the destination of the game ball to either the specific area 18 or the non-specific area 19. The probability variation determination device 13 performs the determination of transition to probability variation and the game ball distribution operation only in a special round (for example, the sixth round) in the special profit state. In the other rounds, that is, the normal rounds (the first to fifth rounds or the seventh to thirteenth rounds), the probability variation determination device 13 does not perform the acquisition of the right to shift the probability variation and the game ball distribution operation, That is, the allocating means 20 is always on the left side.

In addition, a transmission window 25 for visually recognizing the flow of game balls in the sorting means 20 and the probability variation determination channel 17 from the front side is formed on the front surface of the lower unit 12.
The distribution means 20 is operated in the special round, whereas the distribution means 20 is not operated in the normal round which is a round game excluding the special round. In the first special profit state (generated by hitting the probability variation symbol), the “discharge time” is detected by the specific area sensor 23 or the non-specific area sensor 24 after the game ball is detected by the big prize winning prize sensor 16. This is the period until the game ball passes through the specific area 18 or the non-specific area 19. Further, in the second special profit state (generated by hitting the non-stochastic fluctuation symbol), the “discharge time” is detected by the non-specific area sensor 24 after the game ball is detected by the big prize winning sensor 16. The period until the game ball passes through the non-specific area 19 is exceptional. When the game ball is exceptionally guided to the non-specific area 19, the game ball is detected by the big prize winning prize sensor 16. Until the specific area sensor 23 detects it. Due to the structure of the probability variation determination device 13, the longest period among the periods assumed as the discharge time is referred to as the longest expected discharge time (long estimated discharge time). In this embodiment, the longest expected discharge time is about 4000 (msec), for example.

Further, the ball game machine 1 is provided with a small hit game which is an open game different from the special profit state. In the small hit game, the special winning opening 10 is opened once for a predetermined opening time (for example, 0.1 (sec)), and thereafter, a predetermined opening time (for example, 0.1 (sec)) is sandwiched between the predetermined winning time (for example, 0.1 (sec)). (sec)), the grand prize opening 10 is opened once.
A first special symbol display means 26, a second special symbol display means 27, and a normal symbol display means 28 are arranged at the upper right corner of the outer area of the guide rail 3 on the board surface of the game board 2. Further, a panel error lamp 49 for notifying a discharge confirmation error is arranged at a position adjacent to these display means 26, 27, and 28.

  The 1st special symbol display means 26 is comprised by the 7 segment type | mold display etc. which can carry out the fluctuation | variation operation | movement of one or several special symbols. The first special symbol display means 26 moves the first special symbol for a predetermined time to enter the first special symbol start port 6 on condition that a game ball enters the first special symbol start port 6. When the big hit determination random number acquired at the time of sphere coincides with a predetermined big hit value, it stops at a predetermined special symbol for big hit, and in other cases it stops with a special symbol for losing. As a special symbol for such jackpots, there are a probability variation symbol indicating a jackpot with a probability variation game (probability variation jackpot) and a non-probability variation symbol indicating a jackpot without a probability variation game (non-probability variation jackpot) Has been.

The second special symbol display means 27 is composed of a 7-segment display or the like that can perform variable operation of one or more special symbols. The second special symbol display means 27 moves the second special symbol for a predetermined time to enter the second special symbol start port 7 on condition that a game ball enters the second special symbol start port 7. When the jackpot determination random number acquired at the time of sphere coincides with a predetermined jackpot value, it stops with a special symbol for a predetermined jackpot, otherwise it stops with a special symbol for losing. As a special symbol for such big hits, there are a probability fluctuation symbol indicating a big hit with a probability variation game (probability variation big hit) and a non-stochastic variation symbol indicating a big hit without a probability variation game (non-probability variation big hit) Has been.
The acquisition of the right to transfer probability fluctuation games is determined based on the passing of the game ball to the specific area 18 in the special round in the special profit state, for example, when the probability fluctuation symbol is stopped and displayed. However, when the game ball passes through the non-specific area 19 in the special round game, the probability variation game does not occur after the special profit state ends. On the other hand, even when the non-stochastic variation symbol is stopped and displayed, if the game ball passes the specific area 18 in the special round game, the probability variation game is generated after the special profit state ends.

The first and second special symbol display means 26 and 27 have special symbol hold display means (not shown) for displaying the number of reserved balls of the first special symbol and the number of reserved balls of the second special symbol, respectively. It may be provided.
The normal symbol display means 28 is for changing the normal symbol and is provided as small as possible by using a 7-segment display or the like so that the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 14. If the random number for hit determination obtained when the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 14 matches the predetermined hit value when the normal symbol fluctuates for a predetermined time as a condition, it does not match in a predetermined hit mode. In some cases, it is stopped in a predetermined disengagement mode. This normal symbol is preferably assigned a symbol that does not have a special meaning so that the player cannot easily distinguish the type of the normal symbol.

The result of the big hit lottery is displayed on the first or second special symbol display means 26 and 27 as described above, but is displayed not only on the special symbol display means 26 and 27 but also on the liquid crystal display unit 4.
Specifically, during the special symbol changing operation of the first or second special symbol display means 26, 27, the liquid crystal display unit 4 performs the changing symbol operation of the effect symbol. In addition, when the probability variation symbol is stopped and displayed on the first or second special symbol display means 26, 27, the jackpot effect symbol corresponding to the probability variation symbol is stopped and displayed. 2 When the non-stochastic variation symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display means 26 and 27, the jackpot effect symbol corresponding to the non-probability variation symbol is stopped and displayed.

  A game ball launched at a moderate momentum from a launching device (not shown) by a player's handle operation is released from the upper left portion of the game area S diagonally upward to the right. The target of the game ball can be shot between the upper left portion of the game area S and the upper right portion of the game area S by operating the handle. The game ball released from the upper left part of the game area S flows down between the obstacle nails 5 implanted in the game area S. Of the game balls flowing down along the board surface of the game board 2, any of the first or second special symbol starting ports 6 and 7, the variable winning device 9 (large winning port 10), and other winning ports (not shown) The game ball (out ball) that has not entered the ball enters the machine through the out port 29 formed in the lower part of the game area S and is collected by a ball collection unit (not shown).

When a game ball is launched at an appropriate speed aiming at the upper left part in the game area S, the game ball that has reached the upper left part of the game area S is the left half of the game area S (upper left part, left part and lower left part). ) Is guided to the vicinity of the first special symbol starting port 6 by the obstacle nail 5 implanted. In other words, by setting the launch position to the upper left side of the game area S, it is possible to cause the game ball to enter the first special symbol starting port 6. In addition, in the bullet ball game machine 1, in the special profit state, the player Thus, a so-called right-handed game (a game in which a game ball is launched aiming at the upper right side of the game area S) is performed. The bullet ball game machine 1 is configured to execute a so-called right-handed game. When the rotation angle of the handle is set to the maximum angle, the game ball is launched with a very strong momentum, and the game ball is released with great force from the upper left portion in the game area S toward the upper right direction along the guide rail 3. The released game ball passes above the liquid crystal display unit 4 and reaches the right part of the board of the game area S. The obstacle nail 5 implanted in the upper right part of the game area S causes the variable winning device 9 to Guided around. Therefore, it is easy to enter a game ball into the big winning opening 10 of the variable winning device 9 during the opening operation.

  In addition, the game ball that has reached the right part of the board of the game area S is also led to the periphery of the normal symbol gate 14 by the obstacle nail 5 implanted in the right part of the game area S. Therefore, the passing frequency of the game ball to the normal symbol gate 14 can be increased. The game ball that has passed through the normal symbol gate 14 is guided around the first special symbol start port 6 or around the second special symbol start port 7 by the obstacle nail 5 planted in the right part of the game area S. . During the probability variation game, the support game is also executed and the passing frequency of the game ball to the normal symbol gate 14 is high, so that the second special symbol start port 7 is frequently opened. Therefore, at the time of execution of the probability variation game, not only can the game ball be easily entered into the special winning opening 10, but also the game ball can be entered into the second special symbol starting port 7.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the ball game machine 1.
The ball game machine 1 includes a power supply board 33 that receives an AC voltage of 24 V AC and outputs various DC voltages, a system reset signal, and the like, and a main control board that controls the overall operation of the ball game machine 1 (main (Control means) 30, an effect control board (effect control means) 31 that controls the effect control, and a payout control board 32 for paying out game balls from the ball game machine 1. A power supply board 33 and a payout control board 32 are connected to the main control board 30 via a main board relay board 34, respectively. An effect control board 31 and a liquid crystal display control board 36 are connected to the main control board 30 via an effect interface board 35, respectively. The power supply board 33 is connected to the effect control board 31, the liquid crystal display control board 36, and the lamp board 48 via the effect interface board 35.

  The main control board 30 includes a microcomputer including a CPU 30A (first profit state execution means, error determination means, determination means, special round error determination means), RAM 30B and ROM 30C. The main control board 30 is provided with a command transmission unit for transmitting control commands to the effect control board 31 and the payout control board 32. The main control board 30 further includes a discharge confirmation error flag 52 for indicating that a discharge confirmation error is occurring, and a winning number confirmation for counting the number of winnings of the big winning opening 10 in the round game in the special profit state. A counter 53 and a discharge number confirmation counter 54 for counting the number of discharges of the special winning opening 10 in the round game in the special profit state are provided.

The main control board 30 is connected to the first and second special symbol display means 26 and 27 and the normal symbol display means 28 as control targets. Further, the main control board 30 has first and second special symbol start-up entrance ball sensors 38 for detecting entrance into the first and second special symbol start-up openings 6 and 7 (see FIG. 1), respectively. The detection output from 39 is directly input.
Further, the main control board 30 has a detection output from the normal gate passage sensor 40 for detecting that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol gate 14 (see FIG. 1) via the game board relay board 37, variable. The detection output from the big winning opening entrance ball sensor 16 for detecting that a game ball has entered the big winning opening 10 (see FIG. 1) of the winning device 9, the detection output of the specific area sensor 23, and the non-specific area sensor 24. And the detection output from the position sensor 22 are respectively input.

  The main control board 30 has an electric tulip driving mechanism (including solenoids, for example) 43 for driving the electric tulip accessory 8 (see FIG. 1) via the game board relay board 37, and a big prize opening. A prize winning opening and closing mechanism (including solenoids, for example) 44 for opening and closing the opening and closing accessory 11 (see FIG. 1), a distribution means driving solenoid 21 and the like are connected as control targets.

  The effect control board 31 is connected to the main control board 30 via the effect interface board 35. The effect control board 31 includes a microcomputer including a CPU 31A (notification start delay means, error notice control means), a RAM 31B, and a ROM 31C. The effect control board 31 is provided with a command transmission unit for transmitting a control command to the liquid crystal display control board 36, the lamp board 48, and the like. A liquid crystal display control board 36 is connected to the effect control board 31 via an effect interface board 35.

A speaker 46 and a game lamp 47 arranged on the front surface of the main body (front door, etc.) of the ball game machine 1 are connected to the effect control board 31 as control targets via the effect interface board 35 and the frame relay board 45, respectively. Has been.
A board error lamp 49 arranged on the board surface of the game board 2 is connected to the effect control board 31 as a control target via the effect interface board 35 and the lamp board 48.
The payout control board 32 includes a microcomputer including a CPU 32A, a RAM 32B, a ROM 32C, and the like, and is connected to the main control board 30. To the payout control board 32, a prize ball payout device 50 is connected as a control target. An external terminal board 51 for outputting a signal to the outside of the ball game machine 1 is connected to the main control board 30 and the payout control board 32 via a main board relay board 34. The external terminal board 51 is communicably connected to a hall control (not shown) of a game store where the ball game machine 1 is installed.

The effect control board 31 determines the effect contents of the effect devices such as the liquid crystal display unit 4 and the speaker 46 based on the control command from the main control board 30, and controls the control command signal describing the effect contents as the control target. Output. For example, for the control of the liquid crystal display unit 4, the liquid crystal display control board 36 is given a control command signal from the effect control board 31 via the effect interface board 35, and the given control command signal (in this case, liquid crystal The liquid crystal display control board 36 controls the display of the liquid crystal display unit 4 based on the content of the control command signal for control.
The liquid crystal display control board 36 includes a microcomputer including a CPU 36A, a RAM 36B, and a ROM 36C. The liquid crystal display unit 4 is connected to the liquid crystal display control board 36 as a control target.

As shown in FIG. 4, when a discharge confirmation error occurs, the following signals are exchanged. The occurrence of the discharge confirmation error is determined by the CPU 30A of the main control board 30. When the CPU 30A determines that a discharge confirmation error has occurred, the CPU 30A immediately transmits a discharge confirmation error command CMD, which is a type of control command, to the effect control board 31.
Upon receiving the discharge confirmation error command CMD, the effect control board 31 notifies the liquid crystal display control board 36, the lamp board 48, and the speaker 46 of the notification execution drive signals CMD ′ and CMD ′ for notifying the occurrence of the discharge confirmation error. ', CMD "' are transmitted. Specifically, the notification execution drive signal CMD ′ from the effect control board 31 is given to the liquid crystal display control board 36 via the effect interface board 35. When the liquid crystal display control board 36 receives the notification execution drive signal CMD ′, the liquid crystal display control board 36 displays a predetermined discharge confirmation error display image (see FIG. 11) on the liquid crystal display unit 4.

Also, a notification execution drive signal CMD ″ from the effect control board 31 is given to the lamp board 48 via the effect interface board 35, and the panel error lamp 49 (see also FIG. 1) is turned on. In addition, the notification execution drive signal CMD ″ from the effect control board 31 is given to the speaker 46 via the effect interface board 35 and the frame relay board 45, and the sound for discharging confirmation error is output from the speaker 46.
When the CPU 30 </ b> A of the main control board 30 determines that the discharge confirmation error is released, the CPU 30 </ b> A transmits a discharge check error release command to the effect control board 31.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a special profit state prepared in the ball game machine 1.

  When the special symbol stops at the winning symbol, it becomes a so-called big hit, and a special profit state including a plurality of round games is executed. During the special profit state, the big prize opening opening / closing accessory 11 moves forward and backward until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined maximum number of game balls (for example, 10 balls) enter the big prize opening 10. With the opening operation of opening the winning opening 10 (see FIG. 1) as one round game, such opening operation is performed, for example, 13 rounds with a predetermined interval between rounds (for example, 2.0 or 5.0 (sec)). In the ball game machine 1, two types of first and second special profit states are prepared as special profit states.

  The first special profit state is a special profit state generated by a jackpot of the probability variation symbol. In the first special profit state, the game ball passes the specific area 18 (see FIG. 3) in the sixth round which is a special round. (V entering), and thereby, the probability variation game is executed after the end of the first special profit state. In this first special profit state, the special round is the sixth round, and the rounds other than the sixth round (the first to fifth rounds and the seventh to thirteenth rounds) are normal rounds. After the end of the first special profit state, a probability variation game is executed and a support game is also executed. That is, the gaming state of the ball game machine 1 becomes the probability variation mode (when the probability variation game is executed and when the support game is executed). Therefore, after the end of the first special profit state, not only will the jackpot probability become high, but the electric tulip accessory 8 (see FIG. 1) will be released frequently, and as a result, the game ball will start winning prize It becomes easy to do.

The second special profit state is a special profit state generated by a jackpot of the non-stochastic fluctuation symbol. In the second special profit state, the game ball does not pass through the specific area 18 (see FIG. 3) in the sixth round, which is a special round (does not enter V), so that after the second special profit state ends. The probability variation game is not executed. However, the support game is executed. In other words, the game state of the ball game machine 1 is in the short time mode (when the probability variation game is not being executed and when the support game is being executed).
In this ball game machine 1, both the probability variation mode and the time-shortening mode employ a number-of-times type mode in which the number of continuations is limited (for example, 100 times). A type of mode that continues until generation may be employed.

In the ball game machine 1, the selection ratio of the probability variation symbols is different between the first special symbol and the second special symbol. As an example, the selection ratio of the probability variation symbol in the first special symbol is 50%, whereas the selection ratio of the probability variation symbol in the second special symbol is 100%.
As will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, in the first special profit state that is a big hit with the probability variation symbol (first or second special symbol), the operation of the big prize opening opening / closing accessory 11 of the variable winning device 9 However, the game balls that have entered the variable winning device 9 are controlled so as to easily pass through the specific area 18. Further, in the second special profit state that is a big hit with a non-stochastic variation symbol (first special symbol), the action of the big prize opening opening / closing accessory 11 of the variable winning device 9 is specified as a game ball that has entered the variable winning device 9 Control is made to make it difficult to pass through the region 18. That is, the passage ratio of the specific area 18 of the probability variation determination device 13 in the special round in the special profit state is adjusted so as to be greatly different between the first special profit state and the second special profit state.

Therefore, it is possible to vary the ratio of right acquisition of the probability variable game transfer between the jackpot based on the first special symbol and the jackpot based on the second special symbol, and thereby the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The execution probability of the probability variation game can be made different from the symbol.
A 1st special profit state is demonstrated in detail with reference to FIGS. 1-3 and FIG. 5 (a).
In the first special profit state of this embodiment, the fifth round, the sixth round, and the thirteenth round are set as determination rounds in which the discharge confirmation of the special winning opening 10 is performed. In other round games (first to fourth rounds and seventh to twelfth rounds), no discharge confirmation is performed. The same applies to the case of the second special profit state.

In the first special profit state, first, a pre-start interval is performed. The pre-start interval includes a 6000 (msec) jackpot display and an 6000 (msec) attacker instruction display (see FIG. 9A). The big hit display is, for example, a character display such as “super big hit” displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 4 before the start of the first round (1R), and a plurality of displays depending on the big hit type are prepared.
In addition, the attacker instruction display instructs the player to make a right turn in the special profit state in order to make the player aim the variable winning device 9 on the right side of the game board 2 (see FIG. 1). Hereinafter, in the description and the drawings, the variable winning device 9 may be referred to as “attacker”. Further, the prize winning opening / closing accessory 11 may be referred to as an “opening / closing door”.

  Thereafter, the first round (the first round game, 1R) starts. In the first round, the operation time (opening time) of the prize winning opening / closing accessory 11 is 29000 (msec) at the longest. At this time, “Round 01” is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 4 as a round display. The liquid crystal display unit 4 displays an image of a “battle” effect. In the first round, a battle between the main character and the opponent character is started. For example, one character is selected from a plurality of characters having different strengths, although it is not known in the first round. In addition, effects such as determining the first and last attack using an effect button (not shown) arranged on the front surface of the ball game machine 1 are also prepared.

  When the operation time (opening time) of the big prize opening opening / closing accessory 11 of the variable prize winning device 9 is finished, the game ball won in the variable prize winning device 9 (entered in the big prize winning mouth 10) is transferred from the variable prize winning device 9 It is the remaining ball discharge time for discharging. 1980 (msec) is set as the remaining ball discharge time. In this first round, it is confirmed that the game ball won in the variable winning device 9 (entered in the big winning opening 10) is discharged from the variable winning device 9 (hereinafter, simply referred to as “discharge check”). Do not do. Therefore, the remaining ball discharge time is defined separately from the discharge confirmation time described later.

After that, it becomes 20 (msec) interval (1R interval) of the first round. That is, the interval between rounds from the end of opening of the special winning opening 10 according to the first round to the start of opening of the special winning opening 10 according to the second round is 2000 (msec). When the interval between rounds has elapsed, the process proceeds to the second round (second round game, 2R).
About each round game of 2nd round-4th round (the 4th round game. 4R), it is the same as the case of the 1st round except that a round display advances according to progress of a round game. . In addition, the remaining ball discharge time of 1980 (msec) is set for each round game, and the discharge of the game ball won in the variable winning device 9 is not checked, and on the condition that the interval between rounds has elapsed, the next round game The point of proceeding to is also the same as in the first round. Therefore, the description is omitted and the description in FIG. 5A is partially omitted.

In the fifth round (the fifth round game. The round game immediately before the special round. 5R), the big prize opening opening / closing accessory 11 of the variable prize winning device 9 is played in the same manner as in the first to fourth rounds. Although it is operated, after the operation time (opening time) of the special prize opening / closing accessory 11 is finished, the discharge confirmation of the game ball won in the variable prize winning device 9 is performed.
Specifically, after the end of the operation time (opening time) of the big prize opening / closing accessory 11, a game ball that has won a prize in the variable prize winning device 9 (entered in the big prize opening 10) from the variable prize winning device 9. This is a discharge confirmation time for confirming the discharge of the game ball (confirming the discharge of the game ball that has entered the probability variation apparatus 13 from the probability variation apparatus 13). 4980 (msec) is set as the discharge confirmation time. This discharge confirmation time is set to a period longer than the above-mentioned assumed longest discharge time. The number of winnings and the number of dischargings of the big winning opening 10 until the time when the discharging confirmation time elapses is considered to be valid, and the coincidence of the number of winnings / withdrawing is confirmed.

The sixth round is a special round. In the sixth round, the operating time (opening time) of the special prize opening / closing accessory 11 is set to 15000 (msec) which is slightly shorter than the first to fifth rounds. In the sixth round, the sorting means 20 moves and the specific area 18 is opened for a predetermined time.
In this state, when the game ball passes through the specific area 18 (hereinafter, the passage of the game ball through the specific area 18 may also be referred to as “V prize”), the player shifts to the probability variation game. Rights can be acquired. In the first special profit state, it takes a long time for the specific area 18 to be in the open state. Therefore, in most cases, the right can be acquired if the player has launched a game ball aiming at the variable winning device 9.
On the other hand, there is a possibility of not winning V. If the V prize is not won, the right to shift to the probability variation game cannot be acquired. In other words, the display of the ending video is started on the liquid crystal display unit 4 in spite of the fact that the main character has won the “battle” effect.

  Also in the sixth round, after the operation time (opening time) of the big prize opening / closing accessory 11 is finished, the discharge confirmation of the game balls won in the variable prize winning device 9 is performed. The discharge confirmation time in the sixth round is set to 4980 (msec) as in the case of the fifth round. The number of winning prizes and the number of discharges of the big prize opening 10 until the elapse of this time are confirmed. After that, it becomes the 6th round interval of 20 (msec). When the discharge confirmation time elapses, the number of winning prizes in the sixth winning opening 10 matches the number of dischargings in the sixth round, and the number of winning prizes in the first winning mouth 10 from the first round to the sixth round matches the number of discharging. In addition, when the interval between rounds has elapsed, the process proceeds to the seventh round (the seventh round game, 7R).

When the game ball passes through the specific area 18 in the sixth round (special round), “V winning display” (displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 4 from the beginning of the first special profit state) at the end of the sixth round ( The display in FIG. 9A may be terminated, or the display may be continued in the sixth and subsequent rounds by keeping only a small V mark displayed. The “V winning display” may be continued until the final round, but at the latest, it must be ended before the start of the probability variation game.
In the seventh round, the operating time (opening time) of the special winning opening opening / closing accessory 11 is the same as that in the first to fifth rounds, which is 29000 (msec). In the seventh round, the point that the round display proceeds on the liquid crystal display unit 4 is the same as in the first to fifth rounds, but “musical round 1” is used as the video. In this “music round 1”, the performance of the music for “music round 1” is output from the speaker 46 (see FIG. 4) in conjunction with the display of the video of “music round 1”. In the seventh round, the discharge confirmation of the game balls won in the variable winning device 9 is not performed.

  When the operation time (opening time) of the big prize opening opening / closing accessory 11 of the variable prize winning device 9 is finished, the game ball won in the variable prize winning device 9 (entered in the big prize winning mouth 10) is transferred from the variable prize winning device 9 It is the remaining ball discharge time for discharging. As the remaining ball discharge time, 1980 (msec) is set as in the case of the first round. After that, it becomes 20 (msec) interval (1R interval) of the seventh round. That is, the interval between rounds from the end of opening of the big winning opening 10 related to the seventh round to the start of opening of the big winning opening 10 related to the second round is 2000 (msec). When the interval between rounds has elapsed, the process proceeds to the eighth round (the eighth round game, 8R).

  Each round game from the 8th round to the 10th round (10th round game, 10R) is the same as the 7th round except that the round display progresses according to the progress of the round game. . Also, the remaining ball discharge time of 1980 (msec) is set for each round game, and the process proceeds to the next round game on condition that the interval between rounds has elapsed, as in the case of the seventh round. Therefore, the description is omitted and the description in FIG. 5A is partially omitted.

Then, after elapse of the remaining ball discharge time (1980 (msec)) of the 10th round, the 20th (msec) interval (10R interval) of the 10th round passes to the 11th round (11th round game. 11R). move on. Note that the music performance has been stopped by the end of the eleventh round.
In the eleventh round, the operating time (opening time) of the grand prize opening / closing accessory 11 is a maximum of 29000 (msec), the point that the round display proceeds on the liquid crystal display unit 4, and the game that won the variable winning device 9 Three points where the discharge of the sphere is not confirmed are the same as in the seventh to tenth rounds, but “episode round” is used as the video. In this “episode round”, the performance of the music for “episode round” is output from the speaker 46 (see FIG. 4) together with the display of the video of “episode round”. The “episode round” effect is an effect such as introducing an episode of a character appearing in the ball game machine 1 and is continued until the end of the episode of the character appearing in the 11th to 13th rounds.

The remaining ball discharge time of the eleventh round is also 1980 (msec), and after the elapse of this time, when the interval of the eleventh round of 20 (msec) has elapsed, the twelfth round (the 12th round game, 12R). Proceed to
The twelfth round is advanced in the same manner as in the eleventh round.
The 13th round is the final round. The 13th round is the same as the 7th to 12th rounds in that the operating time (opening time) of the winning prize opening / closing member 11 is 29000 (msec) at the longest and the round display progresses on the liquid crystal display unit 4. However, unlike the seventh to twelfth rounds, an end interval (ending) of 20000 (msec), which means the end of the special profit state, is performed after the operation time (opening time) of the special prize opening / closing member 11 is closed. Is called.

Also, in the 13th round, unlike the 7th to 12th rounds, after the operation time (opening time) of the big prize opening opening / closing accessory 11 is completed, the discharge confirmation of the game balls won in the variable winning device 9 is performed. The discharge confirmation time in the thirteenth round is set to 4980 (msec) as in the fifth and sixth rounds. That is, in the 13th round, which is the final round, after the operating time (opening time) of the big prize opening / closing accessory 11 is closed, the number of winnings and the number of discharges of the big prize opening 10 from the seventh round to the thirteenth round are one. If the number of winning prizes and the number of discharges of the big winning opening 10 from the 1st round to the 13th round match, the process proceeds to the end interval of 20000 (msec) after the discharge confirmation time of 4980 (msec). .
In the thirteenth round, after closing the special prize opening / closing accessory 11, “Ending Display” and “Ending Video” are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 4. The “ending display” is, for example, a character display such as “Fin” indicating the end of the special profit state or “probability change game entry”. In addition, the “ending video” is made up of alerts for the strategy, company logo display, and the like. When the end interval elapses, the first special profit state ends, and thereafter, when the game ball passes the specific area 18 in the sixth round (special round), the game in the probability variation mode is started.

Next, a 2nd special profit state is demonstrated in detail with reference to FIGS. 1-3 and FIG.5 (b). In the following, the second extraordinary profit state will be described mainly with respect to the differences from the first extraordinary profit state. In the following, in the second extraordinary profit state, the description common to the first extraordinary profit state may be omitted.
In the first to fifth rounds, the operation time of the big prize opening opening / closing accessory 11 of the variable winning device 9, the remaining ball discharge time (first to fourth rounds), the discharge confirmation time (fifth round), the interval, etc. Is set to a period equivalent to that in the first special profit state.

In the first to fifth rounds in the second special profit state, the content of the video displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 4 is different from that in the first special profit state. Although the video is a “battle” effect, it is a story in which the main character is ultimately defeated by the opponent character, so a strong character is selected, for example. In the first to fifth rounds, an effect using an effect button (not shown) is prepared. By the end of the fifth round, the hero's defeat is determined, and the process proceeds to the sixth round through the discharge confirmation time and the fifth round interval.
The sixth round is a special round. And the distribution means 20 performs the operation | movement of the aspect equivalent to the case of a 1st special profit state, As a result, the specific area | region 18 will be in an open state for a predetermined time. However, the operating time (opening time) of the big prize opening opening / closing accessory 11 of the variable winning device 9 is set to 80 (msec), which is extremely short compared to the case of the first special profit state. The discharge confirmation time for the sixth round is 4980 (msec).

Here, even if a player launches a game ball aiming at the variable winning device 9, in most cases, the player does not win a V and cannot acquire the right to shift to the probability-changing game. In other words, the probability flow game is not given because the main character was defeated in the aforementioned “battle” production. Therefore, display of the ending video is started in the liquid crystal display unit 4.
On the other hand, the possibility of winning a V prize is still left. When a V prize is won, the right to shift to a probability-changing game is acquired, so “V prize display” may be performed. In the case of such a V winning in the rare second special profit state, the mode of the “V winning display” may be different from that in the V special winning state. In such a case, the player can rarely see the “V prize display” that is different from the normal one, and does not get bored with the “V prize display” even when the game is played for a long time. In addition, when winning in the second special profit state, there is a possibility that a V prize has been obtained due to an illegal act, so an error notification or warning display may be performed simultaneously with the “V winning display”. In this case, the display time of “V winning display” may be set longer than in the case of winning V in the first special profit state.

Thereafter, the process proceeds to the seventh round after a discharge confirmation time of 4980 (msec) and an interval of the sixth round of 20 (msec). Note that round display is not performed after the sixth round.
In the seventh to thirteenth rounds, the operation time of the big prize opening / closing accessory 11 of the variable prize winning device 9 is 80 (msec), so that the big prize opening / closing accessory 11 is repeatedly opened and closed during a very short time. It is. Therefore, even if the player continues to launch the game ball, the player will rarely win the variable winning device 9. The remaining game ball discharge time in the seventh to twelfth rounds is 1980 (msec). The discharge confirmation time for the 13th round is 4980 (msec).

In the liquid crystal display unit 4, after the sixth round, the round display is not performed, and the “ending video” started in the sixth round is continuously performed until the final round. Then, after the discharge confirmation time of the 13th round which is the final round, the process proceeds to the end interval (ending).
Since the end interval time is 6880 (msec), it is shorter than the end interval (20000 (msec)) in the first special profit state, but the same “ending video” as in the first special profit state is just ended. Is set to As a result, when the second special profit state ends, and then the game ball does not pass the specific area 18 in the sixth round (special round), the time reduction mode (when the probability variation game is executed and the non-support game is not executed). A game at the time of execution is started.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, a special situation in the special profit state will be examined. First, a case where the player does not launch a game ball in the special round (sixth round) in the first special profit state is considered. In the special round, the specific area 18 is opened by the operation of the distribution means 20, but the game ball does not pass through the specific area 18 (V winning) because the player does not hit the game ball, and the probability Unable to acquire the right to change game. Therefore, the probability variation game is not executed after the special profit state ends. In the ball game machine 1, the internal state shifts to the time reduction mode.

In this case, the same effect mode as in the probability variation mode is adopted as the effect mode (background displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 4, the lighting mode of the game lamp 47, the voice output mode from the speaker 46) of the ball game machine 1. Is done. Since both the probability variation mode and the short-time mode are common in that the electric tulip accessory 8 is opened at a high frequency, the player is unaware that the player has shifted to the low probability state.
Next, consider the case of winning V in the special round (sixth round) in the second special profit state. In the second special profit state, the operation time of the special prize opening / closing accessory 11 is extremely short in the special round (sixth round), but there is a slight possibility that the game ball will win the variable winning device 9 and further win a V. is there.

In this case, the effect similar to that in the time reduction mode is adopted as the effect mode of the ball game machine 1 (background displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 4, lighting mode of the game lamp 47, voice output mode from the speaker 46). The Since both the probability variation mode and the short time mode are common in that the electric tulip accessory 8 is opened at a high frequency, the player is unaware that the player has shifted to the high probability state.
Thereby, the presentation after the end of the special profit state always corresponds to the jackpot type. Regardless of whether or not the game ball has won a V, after that, a pre-determined effect during the round (such as “Music Round 1” in the first special profit state) and an ending effect (ending display, ending) For example, there is no discrepancy or contradiction in production, such as, for example, a win in the “battle” production does not result in a probability-changing game after the special profit state ends.

6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating the opening operation of the variable winning device 9 and the operation of the allocating means 20 of the probability variation determination device 13, respectively. FIG. 6A shows the case of the first special profit state, and FIG. 6B shows the case of the second special profit state. The operation of the variable winning device 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, 6A and 6B. Specifically, it is the operation of the big prize opening opening / closing accessory 11 of the variable winning device 9, where the signal “ON” indicates the open state of the variable winning device 9, and the signal “OFF” indicates that the variable winning device 9 is blocked. Represents a state.
First, the first special profit state will be described. The operation time of the special prize opening / closing accessory 11 in the normal round (the first to fifth rounds and the seventh to thirteenth rounds) is 29.0 (sec). After closing the winning prize opening / closing accessory 11, the next round is passed through the remaining ball discharge time of 1.98 (sec) or the discharge confirmation time of 4.98 (sec) and the interval of 0.02 (sec). As described above, in the fifth and thirteenth rounds, when the operation time of the special prize opening / closing accessory 11 elapses, the discharge confirmation time of 4.98 (sec) is passed, and the process proceeds to the end interval. Further, in FIG. 6A, there is a description that there is a next round game after the end of the thirteenth round because of the illustration, but it goes without saying that there is no next round game after the end of the thirteenth round.

Next, the opening operation of the special prize opening / closing accessory 11 of the variable winning device 9 in the special round (sixth round) in the first special profit state will be described. If the opening pattern of the variable winning device 9 in the special round in the first special profit state is the first opening pattern, the opening time of the first opening pattern is 15.0 (sec) at the longest.
When the opening time of the first opening pattern (maximum 15.0 (sec)) elapses, the process proceeds to the next round after a discharge confirmation time of 4.98 (sec) and an interval of 0.02 (sec). In the first opening pattern, the special winning opening opening / closing accessory 11 is always kept open over the opening time.

Next, the second special profit state will be described. Since the first to fifth rounds are the same as in the case of the first special profit state, the description is omitted.
Further, in each round game after the sixth round (special round) in the second special profit state, the opening time of the big winning opening 10 of the variable winning device 9 is shortened. If the opening pattern of the grand prize opening 10 (the operation pattern of the big prize opening opening / closing accessory 11) in the round game after the sixth round is the second opening pattern, the opening time of the second opening pattern is 0.08 (sec). . When this opening time elapses, it proceeds to the next round after a remaining ball discharge time of 1.98 (sec) or a discharge confirmation time of 4.98 (sec) and an interval of 0.02 (sec). As described above, in the sixth round, when the release time of the second release pattern has elapsed, the game proceeds to the next round game after a discharge confirmation time of 4.98 (sec), and in the thirteenth round, the second release pattern. When the opening time elapses, the discharge confirmation time of 4.98 (sec) passes, and the process proceeds to the end interval. In FIG. 6B, there is a description that there is a next round game after the end of the thirteenth round because of the illustration, but it goes without saying that there is no next round game after the end of the thirteenth round.

  Next, the operation of the distribution means 20 (see FIG. 2) will be described. The distribution means 20 operates only in the special round. When the allocating means 20 is not in operation, the position where the specific area 18 is closed (the left position shown in FIG. 2). Position)). In synchronization with the start of opening of the big prize opening / closing accessory 11 in the variable winning device 9 in the special round, the sorting means 20 opens the specific area 18 (the right position shown in FIG. 2; hereinafter, in this specification). The position of the sorting means 20 that opens the specific area 18 may be moved toward the “open position”. Then, the first specific guidance time of 0.02 (sec) is held stationary in the open position (execution of the first operation). When the distribution means 20 is in the open position, the specific area 18 is open, and the game ball is allowed to pass through the specific area 18. After the first specific guidance time has elapsed, the sorting means 20 is returned to the closed position.

  The end of the first specific guidance time is when 0.02 (sec) has elapsed since the opening of the special winning opening 10. The final period of the first specific guidance time is a period (hereinafter referred to as “this”) that is required from the start of opening of the big winning opening 10 until the game ball detected by the big winning opening winning prize sensor 16 reaches the distribution means 20. In the specification, this period may be referred to as “estimated arrival time after detection”) and needs to be a timing prior to the timing at which the shortest period (the estimated arrival time after the shortest detection) elapses. This requirement is satisfied when 0.02 (sec) has elapsed since the start of opening. The estimated arrival time after the shortest detection is, for example, about 1000 (msec).

When 5.38 (sec) has elapsed since returning to the closed position, the sorting means 20 is moved again to the open position. Then, it is held stationary at the open position for the second specific guidance time of 14.58 (sec). After the second specific guidance time has elapsed, the sorting means 20 is returned to the closed position. The total time for which the distribution means 20 is held in the open position is 14.6 (= 0.02 + 14.58) (sec) at the longest.
Next, the relationship between the 1st and 2nd specific guidance time in the special round of the 2nd special profit state, and the opening pattern (opening pattern of the big winning opening 10) of the special winning opening opening / closing accessory 11 is demonstrated. In the first and second specific guidance times, during the first specific guidance time (simultaneously with the start of the first specific guidance time), the special winning opening 10 is opened (the second opening pattern is opened) in the second special profit state. Each is set so that the opening of the special winning opening 10 in the second special profit state (opening of the special winning opening of the second opening pattern) ends before the start during the second specific guidance time. Yes. Specifically, the end of the first specific guidance time is set to a timing that precedes the timing at which the estimated arrival time after the shortest detection elapses from the start of opening of the special winning opening 10. Therefore, even if a game ball has entered the special winning opening 10 immediately after the opening of the special winning opening 10, when the gaming ball reaches the distributing means 20, the distributing means 20 is always in the closed position. It is in.

In addition, the start timing of the second specific guidance time is set to a timing after the timing at which the estimated arrival time after the longest detection elapses after the end of opening of the special winning opening 10 in the second special profit state. Therefore, even if a game ball has entered the special winning opening 10 immediately before the opening of the special winning opening 10, the distribution means 20 is always in the closed position when it reaches the distributing means 20.
That is, in the first and second specific guidance times, the game balls entering the big prize opening 10 in the special round in the second special profit state are allocated during the first specific guidance time or the second specific guidance time. The period is set such that 20 cannot be reached.

As described above, in the second special profit state, even if the discharge confirmation time ends during the period in which the distribution means 20 is in the closed position and the game ball passes through the specific area 18 after that, the effective winning is Not considered. Therefore, in the second special profit state, the possibility that the game ball wins V is extremely low.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operations of the variable winning device 9 and the distribution means 20 in the first special profit state. FIG. 7A shows the operation of the variable winning device and the distributing means in the ball game machine according to the reference embodiment, and FIG. 7B shows the operation in the ball game machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The operations of the variable winning device 9 and the distribution means 20 are shown.

In Fig.7 (a), the distribution means which concerns on a reference form is made to reciprocate independently between an open position and the obstruction | occlusion position irrespective of the operation pattern of the door of an attacker. In this case, when the attacker door is closed after opening 15.0 (sec), it may be longer than the opening time of the time during which the sorting means is held at the open position by the discharge confirmation time.
However, in practice, it is rare that the attacker's open / close door is opened 15.0 (sec) in the sixth round, which is a special round, and in most cases, the time when the sorting means is in the open position elapses Before, the maximum number of winnings in one round is reached with a sufficient margin, and the open / close door of the attacker is closed as shown in FIG. After closing the attacker door, the next round (seventh round) is proceeded through a discharge confirmation time of 4.98 (sec) and an interval of 0.02 (sec).

However, since the normal round is executed subsequent to the end of the special round, if the distribution means is in the open position for a long time, the state in which the distribution means is in the open position is carried over to the next normal round. In the normal round, an unintended V prize may occur. In addition, the specific area sensor may detect the game ball illegally.
Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 7B, the big prize opening opening / closing accessory 11 (corresponding to the opening / closing door of the attacker) of the variable winning device 9 (corresponding to the attacker) is closed. The sorting means 20 is moved to the closed position at the timing when the discharge confirmation time has elapsed since the state was set. Thereby, in the special round, the operation | movement of the distribution means 20 can be terminated during the round, and the state in which the distribution means 20 exists in an open position is not carried over to the next round (7th round). Further, illegal detection of the game ball by the specific area sensor 23 can also be prevented.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operations of the variable winning device 9 and the distribution means 20 in the second special profit state. FIG. 8A shows the operation of the variable winning device and the distribution means in the ball game machine according to the reference embodiment, and FIG. 8B shows the operation in the ball game machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The operations of the variable winning device 9 and the distribution means 20 are shown.
In FIG. 8A, the distribution means according to the reference mode exhibits the same operation mode in the second special profit state as in the first special profit state shown in FIG. In this case, as shown to Fig.8 (a), the state in the 2nd open position of the distribution means 20 is carried over to the next round (7th round). Moreover, the opening period of the distribution means 20 extends to 14.58 (sec), and an unintended V prize may occur in the next round (seventh round) which is a normal round.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), in the second special profit state, the distribution means 20 only makes a short opening of 0.02 (sec) and does not make a long opening. That is, after the discharge confirmation time has elapsed, the sorting means 20 is not newly moved from the closed position to the open position. Thereby, in the special round, the operation | movement of the distribution means 20 can be complete | finished during the round, and it can prevent reliably that the obstruction | occlusion operation | movement of the distribution means 20 is carried over to the next round (7th round).
FIG. 9 is a display image of the liquid crystal display unit 4 in the special profit state. FIG. 9A shows an attacker instruction display, and FIG. 9B shows a V winning display.

“Attacker instruction display” in FIG. 9A is displayed at the interval before the start of the first and second special profit states. In the center area 4A of the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 4, an image of the variable winning device 9 and the characters “Aim here!” Are displayed. These displays are provided to prompt the player in the special profit state to launch a game ball aiming at the variable winning device 9.
In the upper area 4B of the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 4, a plurality of “right-handed →” characters are scrolled in the right direction. During the special profit state, since the player needs to make a right-hand turn, this is displayed.

In the upper left area 4C between the center area 4A and the upper area 4B on the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 4, the characters “super big hit” corresponding to the big hit type are displayed as in the “big hit display” of the pre-start interval. Has been.
In addition, in the “attacker instruction display” in FIG. 9A, a display other than these displays (for example, an effect symbol for a big hit may be displayed.
Next, the “V winning display” in FIG. 9B will be described. This display is performed by winning V in a special round. In the central area 4A of the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 4, a large character “V mark” and a character “probability change mode Get !!” are displayed, indicating that the right to shift to probability variation has been acquired. It has become. Here, the display (not shown) that the dragon exhaled the flame is performed together with the “V mark” to enhance the effect.

In the upper left area 4C, the current round number is displayed, and in the right area 4D of the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 4, the current number of acquired balls and the current number of consecutive games are displayed side by side. Since the number of acquired balls is counted in real time, the number increases during the round.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining error types of the ball game machine 1. Hereinafter, an error peculiar to the ball game machine 1 (an error related to the probability variation determination device 13) will be described with reference to FIGS. In the ball game machine 1, many errors other than those described below can occur (for example, an error in which a front door (not shown) constituting the front surface of the ball game machine 1 is in an open state). Description of the front door opening error, the ball replenishment stop error that is an error in the supply stop state of game balls, and the like is omitted here. Further, FIG. 10 includes a target to be warned or notified, although it cannot be said that it is strictly an error.

Of the eight errors shown in FIG. 10, the error with the highest priority is the excessive winning mouth discharge abnormality (error 8). The excessive winning mouth discharge abnormality is an error that occurs when the number of discharges from the big winning mouth 10 (attacker) is greater than the winning number (discharge number> winning number). Since there is a possibility that the specific area sensor 23 has been illegally operated, this is reported as an error. When it is determined that the excessive winning mouth discharge abnormality is present, the value of “5A [H]” is set in the large winning opening excessive discharge flag that is provided on the main control board 30 and indicates whether or not a large winning opening excessive discharge abnormality has occurred. Stored.
As a notification of excessive winning mouth discharge abnormality, there is lighting of a frame decoration lamp (not shown) arranged in front of the front door. Furthermore, a message such as “Error 8. Excessive winning prize outlet discharge. Please call a staff member” is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 4, and a unique illegal winning sound is emitted from the speaker 46. When the board decoration lamp (not shown) on the board of the game board 2 is lit, the lamp is turned off, and the abnormality information is transmitted to the hall control (not shown) via the external terminal board 51.

  The notification of the excessive winning mouth discharge abnormality is started when the production control board 31 receives the excessive discharge abnormality detection command (not shown) transmitted from the main control board 30, and is continuously performed until the power is turned off. . For example, if the power supply is cut off during the special profit state, the value of the excessive winning mouth discharge error flag is cleared to zero and the winning number check counter 53 and the discharged number confirmation counter 54 for detecting the excessive winning opening discharge are counted. Each value is cleared to zero. Thereby, the same abnormality is not notified again after the power is restored, and the player can continue the special profit state.

  Among the eight errors shown in FIG. 10, there is a discharge confirmation error (error 9) as an error having the second highest priority after the excessive winning mouth discharge abnormality (error 8). The discharge confirmation error indicates that the game ball discharge confirmation is not performed in the variable winning device 9 (particularly, in the special round, the game ball discharge confirmation is not performed in the probability varying device 13). If there is an error and the number of winning prizes in the big winning opening 10 is larger than the number of discharged when the discharge confirmation time has elapsed (the number of winnings> the number of discharged), the occurrence of the discharge confirmation error is determined. When the number of winnings is greater than the number of discharged, there is a possibility that the game ball is clogged in the probability changing device 13, so that it is notified as an error.

  As a notification of a discharge confirmation error, a frame decoration lamp (not shown) is turned on, and a discharge confirmation error such as “Error 9. Discharge confirmation error. Please call a staff member” on the liquid crystal display unit 4 as shown in FIG. A display image is displayed. Further, the board error lamp 49 is turned on, and when the board decoration lamp (not shown) on the board of the game board 2 is turned on, the board error lamp 49 is turned off. A predetermined sound is output from the speaker 46. Also here, the abnormality information is transmitted to the hall control (not shown) via the external terminal board 51. It should be noted that the lighting mode of the frame decoration lamp (not shown) and the sound output of the speaker 46 may be different from those in the case of excessive winning prize outlet discharge abnormality.

  The notification of the discharge confirmation error is started when the production control board 31 receives the discharge confirmation error command CMD transmitted from the main control board 30, and the power is cut off if the number of winnings in the big winning opening 10 matches the number of discharged. It continues until. For example, the value of the discharge confirmation error flag 52 indicating that a discharge confirmation error has occurred due to power interruption is cleared to zero, and the winning number confirmation counter 53 and the discharge number confirmation counter 54 for detecting the discharge confirmation error are counted. The value is cleared. As a result, the number of winnings and the number of discharges coincide with each other (the value of the discharge confirmation error flag 52 indicating that a discharge confirmation error has occurred is also “00 [H]”). Profit status can be continued.

Among the eight errors shown in FIG. 10, there is a V passage abnormality (error 20) as the highest priority next to the discharge confirmation error (error 9). The V passing abnormality is an error in which a game ball passes through the specific area 18 in a normal round in which the specific area 18 is not opened.
In the normal round, the game ball does not pass through the specific area 18 unless the specific area sensor 23 is illegally operated or the sorting means 20 breaks down and malfunctions. Therefore, when a V prize is generated in the normal round, a message such as “Error 20. V passing abnormality error. Please call a staff member” is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 4. In addition to the notification by the speaker 46, a frame decoration lamp (not shown) and an abnormality notification lamp (for example, arranged on the back of the ball game machine 1, not shown) are lit to notify. In addition, this information is transmitted to the hall control (not shown) via the external terminal board 51.

The notification of the V passage abnormality starts when the effect control board 31 receives a V passage abnormality command described later. This notification is continuously performed until a notification time of 30 (sec) elapses.
Among the eight errors shown in FIG. 10, there is a sorting device abnormality (error 19) as an error having the second highest priority after the V passage abnormality (error 20). The distribution device abnormality is an abnormality of the distribution means 20 of the probability variation determination device 13 and is detected by the position sensor 22. When the distribution unit 20 does not operate due to a failure or the like, an abnormality is notified as an error.

As a notification of an abnormality in the distribution device, a message such as “Error 19. Distribution device error. The abnormality information is not transmitted to the external terminal board 51.
Notification of the distribution device abnormality is started when the production control board 31 receives a “position signal” transmitted from the position sensor 22 and is continuously performed until the power is turned off.
Among the eight errors shown in FIG. 10, there is a winning abnormality (error 10) as an error having the highest priority after the sorting apparatus abnormality (error 19). The winning abnormality is, for example, an abnormality in which a winning for a predetermined time or more is detected by the big winning opening entrance sensor 16 of the variable winning device 9. When a game ball larger than usual is sandwiched between the big prize opening entrance ball sensor 16, the big prize opening entrance ball sensor 16 may continue to output the passing signal of the game ball during that period. For this reason, it is supposed to report as abnormal.

Among the eight errors shown in FIG. 10, there is “allocation always on” as an error having the highest notification priority after a winning abnormality (error 10). The distribution always on is an error detected by the position sensor 22 of the distribution means 20. For example, when the allocating means 20 stops moving from the right position, the game ball passes through the specific area 18 even if it is per non-stochastic variation symbol, so that an error is reported.
In “allocation always on”, notification by the speaker 46 and the liquid crystal display unit 4 is not performed, but an abnormality notification lamp (not shown) provided on the back of the ball game machine 1 is turned on. The distribution always-on notification starts when the effect control board 31 receives a signal transmitted from the position sensor 22 and continues until the power is turned off.

Among the eight errors shown in FIG. 10, there is “cumulative two balls” as an error having the highest notification priority after the “allocation always on” error. The “cumulative two balls” is an error notification when the specific area sensor 23 accumulates and detects two or more game balls at the time of non-stochastic variation symbols. Note that. Even if it is per non-stochastic fluctuation symbol, since the specific area 18 is opened for a short time, the detection of one ball is not determined to be abnormal. Also, a notification will be given when two cumulative balls have been generated in a special profit state several times a day.
The accumulated two balls are not notified by the speaker 46 or the liquid crystal display unit 4 but blink an abnormality notification lamp (not shown). The notification of the accumulated two balls starts when the main control board 31 receives the “specific area entry detection signal” transmitted from the specific area sensor 23 and continues until the power is turned off.

Among the eight errors shown in FIG. 10, “non-specific V prize” is the one with the second highest notification priority after the “cumulative two-ball” error. The non-specific V prize is a notification that is made regardless of whether or not the game ball has won a V prize during the second special profit state, and is positioned according to the abnormality notification.
In the special round per non-stochastic pattern, the time during which the specific area 18 is in an open state is short, but there is a slight possibility of winning V. Therefore, when the V prize is won during the second special profit state, notice that is not noticeable by the speaker 46 or the liquid crystal display unit 4 is not performed, but a frame decoration lamp (not shown) is lit and an abnormality notice lamp (not shown). Flashes to alert you. In addition, this information is transmitted to the hall control (not shown) via the external terminal board 51.

The notification of the non-specific V prize starts when the effect control board 31 receives a specific area passing command described later and the value of the non-specific V prize flag (not shown) becomes “5A [H]”. . This notification is continued until the power is cut off, the next jackpot is generated, or the time reduction mode is ended.
For example, as long as the value of the non-specific V winning flag (not shown) is “5A [H]”, if the notification command is transmitted to the effect control board 31 at the start of every change, the next big hit will be generated Notification can be continued until. At this time, the abnormality information may be further transmitted to the external terminal board 51.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of timer interrupt processing in the main control board 30. The timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 4, and FIG.
When the timer interrupt process is started, the abnormal power supply check process is promptly executed without saving the CPU 30A register (step S1). In the abnormal power check process, the level of the voltage drop signal supplied to the main control board 30 from the power supply board 33 connected to the main control board 30 is determined. When it is detected that the level of the voltage drop signal is a level indicating power supply interruption over one or a plurality of timer interruption processes, the process proceeds to the backup process.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the voltage drop signal is at a level that does not indicate power-off, the timer is updated (subtracted) for each timer that manages the game operation time (S2: timer management process). ).
Next, an input management process is executed (step S3). Details of the input management process will be described later.
Next, the value of a random number counter for hit determination (not shown) used in normal symbol determination in normal symbol management processing (step S7) described later, and first and second special symbol management processing (steps S9, S10) described later. The value of the jackpot determination random number counter (not shown) used in the jackpot determination random number determination process in is updated (S4: random number management process in timer interruption).

Next, an error management process is performed to determine whether or not the supply of game balls to the ball supply mechanism (not shown) for supplying game balls to the prize ball payout device 50 is stopped or whether or not the game balls are clogged (step S5). . In this error management process, it is also determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred inside the ball game machine 1.
Next, the winning ball management for confirming winning information and creating command signal data for winning balls (winning) to winning holes (for example, the first and second special symbol start ports 6 and 7 and the big winning port 10). Processing is performed (step S6). In the winning ball management process, when the detection outputs of the winning ball sensors 38, 39, and 16 provided in association with the winning ports 6, 7, and 10 are input to the main control board 30, the CPU 30A of the main control board 30 causes the CPU 30A. Based on these detection outputs, command signal data for instructing the prize ball payout device 50 of the payout number is created.

At this time, the value of the big prize winning prize invalid flag (not shown) provided on the main control board 30 that indicates that the prize winning to the big prize winning opening 10 is invalid is “5A [H]”. If so, a control signal for paying out a prize ball due to winning a prize winning opening 10 is not transmitted, and no payout is performed.
Next, normal symbol management processing is performed (step S7). In the normal symbol management process, a normal symbol determination process (equivalent to the above-described normal symbol lottery) for determining whether or not to expand the electric tulip accessory 8 is executed. More specifically, the value of the normal symbol determining random number obtained from the normal symbol determining random number counter (not shown) updated by the timer interrupt random number management process in step S4 is compared with the numerical value per normal symbol.

  And when the expansion operation | movement of the electric tulip accessory 8 is determined, while the process for the expansion operation of the electric tulip accessory 8 is performed, after that, the expansion operation of the electric tulip accessory 8 is performed. Processing for realizing it is executed (S8: normal electric accessory management processing). Next, in the normal electric accessory management process, the expansion operation of the electric tulip accessory 8 is executed. The execution time of the expansion operation of the electric tulip accessory 8 is timed by a normal electric accessory timer (not shown) composed of a subtraction timer, and this expansion operation is performed until the value of the normal electric accessory timer becomes zero. Execution continues.

Next, a first special symbol management process is performed (step S9). In the first special symbol management process, a series of lottery processes associated with entering the first special symbol start port 6 are executed.
After the completion of the first special symbol management process in step S9, a second special symbol management process is then performed (step S10). In the second special symbol management process, a series of lottery processes associated with entering the second special symbol start port 7 are executed.
If it is determined that a big hit is made in the big hit determination random number determination process included in the first or second special symbol management process, then the opening operation of the big prize opening 10 (the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening opening / closing accessory 11) ) Is executed, and thereafter, a process for realizing the opening operation of the special winning opening 10 is executed (S11: special electric accessory management process).

Next, a lamp management process for causing a predetermined lamp (game lamp 47, etc.) managed by the main control board 30 to perform a lighting operation or an extinguishing operation is executed (step S12).
Next, a solenoid management process for managing the special winning opening / closing mechanism 44 composed of solenoids is executed (step S13).
Next, after returning the CPU 30A to the interrupt enabled state (step S14), the timer interrupt process is finished. As a result, the routine of the timer interrupt process is exited, and an infinite loop main process (system reset process) is executed. In this main process, confirmation of voltage abnormality monitoring and monitoring of the presence or absence of timer interrupt processing is performed.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of input management processing by the main control board 30. The input management process will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 4, and FIG.
The input management process stores the contents of detection outputs of various sensors provided in the ball game machine 1 (for example, whether the various detection sensors output an on / off signal, whether they are on or off), This is a process of periodically updating data based on the. Examples of the various sensors include the first and second special symbol start entrance ball sensors 38 and 39, the normal gate passage sensor 40, and the grand prize entrance entrance sensor 16.

First, the main control board 30 acquires the level data of each input port, creates edge data based on the level data, and stores it in the work area (step S21). Specifically, it is a process of acquiring an on / off signal of the winning prize entrance ball sensor 16 and the like and storing the edge data in a predetermined area of the RAM 30B.
Next, the main control board 30 determines whether or not the special winning opening entrance ball sensor 16 has detected a game ball (step S22). If a game ball is detected by the grand prize winning ball entrance sensor 16 (the grand prize winning ball incoming ball sensor 16 is ON) (YES in step S22), the main control board 30 then sets the variable prize winning device (special electric role). It is determined whether or not the object 9 is operating (step S23). If the variable winning device 9 is in operation (YES in step S23), the CPU 30A of the main control board 30 refers to the values of the winning number confirmation counter 53 and the discharging number confirmation counter 54, and makes a big winning opening. It is determined whether or not an excessive discharge abnormality or a discharge confirmation error is occurring (that is, whether or not there is a discrepancy between the number of winning prizes and the number of discharging of the special winning opening 10) (step S24). Specifically, the determination in step S23 is whether or not the value of the special electric accessory operation flag (not shown) indicating whether or not the variable winning device 9 is operating is “5A [H]”. It does not directly refer to the opening / closing of the prize winning opening / closing accessory 11 of the prize winning opening 10.

  If it is determined in step S24 that a large winning opening excessive discharge error (error 8) or a discharge confirmation error (error 9) is currently occurring (YES in step S24), or the variable winning device 9 is operating in step S23. If it is determined that it is not (NO in step S23), the CPU 30A of the main control board 30 sets the big winning opening prize invalid flag to a value of “5A [H]” (step S25). In other words, the value of the big prize opening prize invalid flag becomes “5A [H]” because the big prize opening ball entry sensor 16 passes the game ball while the variable prize winning device (special electric accessory) 9 is not operating. Is detected, or there is an excessive discharge abnormality or a discharge confirmation error.

  During the period when the value of the big prize winning prize invalid flag is “5A [H]”, the payout of the prize ball will not be performed. Only prize balls corresponding to the number of excessive discharges may be invalidated. It should be noted that the value of the prize winning slot winning invalid flag is set when the disagreement between the number of winning prizes and the number of discharged prizes of the prize winning slot 10 is canceled (step S208 in FIG. 25 or a jackpot ending process described later (see FIG. 23)). In the setting process of step S212, zeros are cleared, so that, for example, even when the variable winning device 9 is in operation, the winning ball is paid out after the above-described inconsistency is released.

After setting the big prize opening prize invalid flag, the main control board 30 transmits an output signal to the external terminal board 51. Specifically, a signal relating to abnormality is output to the external terminal board 51 and transmitted to the hall control of the amusement shop via the external terminal board 51, and the input management process is terminated.
On the other hand, when the passing of the game ball is not detected by the big winning opening entrance ball sensor 16 (NO in step S22), or when no error occurs during the operation of the variable winning device 9 (NO in step S24). Ends the input management process.
Next, the normal symbol management process in step S7 in FIG. 12 and the ordinary electric accessory management process in step S8 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

The RAM 30B is provided with a normal symbol hold start memory (not shown). The normal symbol hold start memory can store, for example, up to five random numbers for normal symbol determination. Specifically, the normal symbol holding start memory is provided with five storage areas for storing normal symbol determination random numbers. These storage areas are referred to as area 0, area 1, area 2, area 3, and area 4, respectively.
The four areas of area 1 to area 4 are areas for storing normal symbol determination random numbers for which execution is suspended. When the areas 1 to 4 are collectively referred to as “holding data area”. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 14, a normal symbol determination random number is stored in the reserved data area in the normal symbol hold start memory. Specifically, if area 1 is empty, a normal symbol determination random number is stored in area 1, and if area 1 is not empty and area 2 is empty, a normal symbol determination random number is stored in area 2. If the area 2 is not empty and the area 3 is empty, a normal symbol determination random number is stored in the area 3, and if the areas 1 to 3 are not empty but the area 4 is empty, the normal symbol determination random number is stored in the area 4. Is memorized. Area 0 is an area for storing a normal symbol determination random number to be executed.

If the normal symbol determination random number is stored in at least area 1 among the areas 1 to 4 in the normal symbol hold start memory, the area is determined on the condition that the electric tulip accessory 8 is not being expanded. The stored contents of 1 to area 4 are shifted to area 0 to area 3, respectively, and area 4 is emptied. Then, the normal symbol determination random number shifted to area 0 is determined.
Specifically, the normal symbol lottery is executed based on the random number value for normal symbol determination and the numerical value per normal symbol, and the symbol changing operation of the normal symbol display means 28 according to the lottery result is executed. When the normal symbol lottery is won, the electric tulip accessory 8 is expanded after the symbol changing operation in the normal symbol display means 28 is completed. Thereby, the 2nd special symbol starting port 7 opens.

Instead of storing the normal symbol determination random number value in the normal symbol hold start memory of the RAM 30B, the normal symbol lottery result itself based on the acquired normal symbol determination random value and the value per normal symbol is stored. Also good.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first special symbol management process in step S9. In the first special symbol management process, the CPU 30A first performs a first special symbol start port check process (step S31). FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first special symbol start port check process. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIGS. 4, 14, and 15.

In FIG. 15, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered (wins) the first special symbol start port 6 (step S41). This determination is performed based on the detection output of the first special symbol start opening ball sensor 38. If it is determined that a game ball has entered the first special symbol start port 6 (YES in step S41), the value of the first special symbol reserved ball number counter (first special symbol reserved ball number) is a predetermined value. It is determined whether or not the reserved ball number upper limit value (first special symbol reserved ball number MAX. For example, 4) has been reached (step S42).
When the value of the first special symbol reserved ball number counter has not reached the reserved ball number upper limit (special symbol reserved ball number MAX) (NO in step S42), that is, the value of the first special symbol reserved ball number counter Is 3 or less, the value of the first special symbol reserved ball number counter is incremented (+1) by 1 (step S43).

  Further, the start memory (random number) is acquired and stored in the reserved data area in the first special symbol start memory (not shown) (step S44). Specifically, the CPU 30A obtains a jackpot determination random number from a jackpot determination random number counter (not shown), acquires a special symbol random number from a special symbol random counter (not shown), The special symbol random number is stored in the reserved data area in the first special symbol start memory. Further, the CPU 30A obtains a first variation pattern random number from a first variation pattern random number counter (not shown), obtains a second variation pattern random number from a second variation pattern random number counter (not shown), The random numbers for the first and second variation patterns are stored in the reserved data area in the first special symbol start memory. Further, the CPU 30A transmits a hold addition command (a kind of the above-described control command) to the effect control board 31 (step S45). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S32 in FIG.

Instead of storing the big hit determination random number in the first special symbol start memory, the result of the big hit lottery by comparing the acquired big hit determination random number with a predetermined big hit value may be stored.
If it is not determined in step S41 that a game ball has entered the first special symbol start port 6 (NO in step S41), or in step S42, the value of the first special symbol reserved ball number counter is the retained ball number upper limit value. If it is determined that (the number of reserved balls MAX) has been reached (YES in step S42), the process proceeds to step S32 in FIG.

Returning to FIG. 14, in step S <b> 32, the CPU 30 </ b> A refers to the value of the small hitting / measuring flag provided in the RAM 30 </ b> B and checks whether or not the ball game machine 1 is in the small hitting game.
In this ball game machine 1, when the small hit game is executed, the flag value of the small hit medium flag (2-byte configuration) is set to, for example, “5A [H]”, and the small hit game is not executed. In some cases, the flag value of the small hitting / measuring flag is set to, for example, “00 [H]”.
In step S33, the CPU 30A refers to the value of the condition device operation flag provided in the RAM 30B to check whether or not the bullet ball game machine 1 is in the special profit state.

In the ball game machine 1, when the special profit state is being executed, the value of the condition device operation flag (2-byte configuration) is set to, for example, “5A [H]”, and when the special profit state is not being executed. The flag value of the condition device operation flag is set to “00 [H]”, for example.
When the ball game machine 1 is executing the small hit game or the special profit state (YES in step S32 or S33), the process proceeds to step S39. In step S39, the update process of the 1st special symbol display data used for the display of the 1st special symbol display means 26 is performed. And it transfers to step S10 of FIG.

On the other hand, when the ball game machine 1 is not executing the small hit game and is not executing the special profit state (NO in steps S32 and S33), the first special symbol operation status is determined. When the value of the first special symbol movement status is a value (for example, “00 [H]” or “01 [H]”) indicating that the first special symbol movement operation is stopped (in step S34). YES), the CPU 30A executes a first special symbol variation start process (step S36).
In the first special symbol variation starting process of step S36, the value of the second special symbol reserved ball number counter (not shown) and the value of the second special symbol operation status are determined, and the value of the second special symbol reserved ball number counter is determined. If it is zero and the value of the second special symbol operation status is zero, it is determined whether or not the value of the first special symbol reservation ball number counter is zero. When the value of the first special symbol reserved ball number counter is zero, the value of the first special symbol operation status is set to “00 [H]”. And after the update process of the 1st special symbol display data of step S39 is performed, it transfers to step S10 of FIG.

  When the value of the first special symbol reserved ball number counter is not zero (when it is 1 or more), a process for starting the fluctuation operation of the first special symbol is executed. That is, the value of the first special symbol reserved ball number counter is decremented by 1 (-1), and the contents of the reserved data area (area 1 to area 4) in the first special symbol start memory are respectively set to area 0. Shifted to area 3 As a result, the start memory stored in area 1 in the first special symbol start memory is stored in the execution data area (area 0). Thereafter, the contents of area 4 in the first special symbol start memory are emptied.

  Then, the big hit determination random number value included in the start memory stored in the execution data area in the first special symbol start memory is compared with the big hit value to determine whether the special profit state is executed or not Is determined (big hit determination).

Then, the big hit determination random number value included in the start memory stored in the execution data area in the first special symbol start memory is compared with the big hit value to determine whether the special profit state is executed or not Is determined (big hit determination).
When the big hit determination is made, the first special symbol display means 26 is stopped and displayed after the first special symbol change operation based on the result of the big hit determination and the value of the first special symbol random number included in the start-up memory. The first special symbol to be determined is determined. In addition, based on the result of the big hit determination and the first and second variation pattern random numbers included in the start-up memory, a variation pattern that is an aspect of the variation operation of the effect symbol in the liquid crystal display unit 4 is determined. The variation pattern determined on the main control board 30 is given to the effect control board 31 via a variation pattern command signal. Thereby, in the liquid crystal display unit 4, the changing operation of the effect symbol is started.

Further, the variation time is set in a first special symbol operation timer (not shown) for measuring the variation time of the first special symbol. The first special symbol operation timer is a subtraction type timer. Further, the value of the first special symbol movement status is set to a value (for example, “02 [H]”) indicating that the first special symbol movement operation has been started. The process proceeds to step S39, the first special symbol display data update process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S4 in FIG.
In step S34, it is determined that the value of the first special symbol movement status is not a value indicating that the first special symbol movement operation is stopped (for example, “00 [H]” or “01 [H]”). In this case (NO in step S34), it is determined whether or not the value of the first special symbol movement status is a value (for example, “02 [H]”) indicating that the first special symbol movement operation has started. (Step S35).

When it is determined that the value of the first special symbol movement status is a value (for example, “02 [H]”) indicating that the first special symbol movement operation has been started (YES in step S35), CPU 30A. Executes the first special symbol variation processing (step S37).
In the first special symbol changing process, it is constantly monitored whether or not the value of the first special symbol operation timer becomes zero. When the value of the first special symbol operation timer becomes zero, processing for stopping the first special symbol operation is executed, and a predetermined time (for example, 500 msec) is set in the first special symbol operation timer. Further, the value of the first special symbol movement status is set to a value (for example, “03 [H]”) indicating that the first special symbol movement operation is to be stopped. When the first special symbol changing process is completed, the process proceeds to step S39, and the first special symbol display data update process is executed. And it transfers to step S10 of FIG.

If it is determined in step S35 that the value of the first special symbol movement status is not a value indicating that the first special symbol movement operation has been started (for example, “02 [H]”) (NO in step S35). ), The CPU 30A has a value indicating that the value of the first special symbol movement status is in a state in which the first special symbol variation operation should be stopped in the first special symbol variation processing (for example, “03 [H]”). And the process during the first special symbol confirmation time is executed (step S38).
In the process during the first special symbol confirmation time, it is constantly monitored whether or not the value of the first special symbol operation timer becomes zero. Then, when the value of the first special symbol operation timer becomes zero, processing such as setting the value of the first special symbol operation status to “01 [H]” is performed. When the result of the big hit determination is a big hit, the value of the condition device operation flag described above is set to “5A [H]”. Further, when the result of the big hit determination is a small hit, the value of the aforementioned small hit flag is set to “5A [H]”. When the process during the first special symbol confirmation time is completed, the process proceeds to step S39, and the update process of the first special symbol display data is executed. And it transfers to step S10 of FIG. In the first special symbol confirmation time process, when the value of the condition device operation flag is set to “5A [H]”, the special electric utility management process in step S11 of FIG. The process for making it perform is performed.

Returning to FIG. 12, the second special symbol management process shown in step S10 is equivalent to the first special symbol management process (see FIG. 14) in step S9, except for the differences described below. In the second special symbol management process, in the above description of the first special symbol management process, the process of the contents in which the first special symbol and the second special symbol are exchanged is executed (in parentheses in FIGS. 14 and 15). ).
The difference is that in the second special symbol variation start process, if the value of the second special symbol reserved ball number counter is zero, the first special symbol reserved ball number counter (not shown) or the first special symbol operation status Regardless of the value, the value of the second special symbol operation status is set to “00 [H]”. That is, in the ball game machine 1, the changing operation of the second special symbol is executed in preference to the changing operation of the first special symbol.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special electric accessory management process shown in step S11 of FIG. The special electric accessory management process will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, and 16.

In the special electric accessory management process, first, the CPU 30A refers to the value of the small hitting medium flag and the value of the condition device operation flag (steps S101 and S103). If the value of the small hitting flag is “5A [H]” (YES in step S101), the CPU 30A executes a small hit game (step S102), and the special electric accessory management process is thereafter returned.
If the values of the small hitting flag and the condition device operation flag are both “00 [H]” (NO in step S101 and NO in step S103), the special electric accessory management process is directly returned.

On the other hand, if the value of the condition device operation flag is “5A [H]” (YES in step S103), then, in order to execute the special profit state, the CPU 30A then indicates the operation status of the special profit state being executed. For this, the value of the special electric accessory operation status (not shown) is referred to (steps S104 to S107).
For example, “00 [H]” (starting a big hit), “01 [H]” (starting operation of a special electric accessory), “02 [H]” (in operation of a special electric accessory) , “03 [H]” (during special electric appliance operation continuation determination) and “04 [H]” (during jackpot end), the value increases as the progress of the special profit state progresses.

  When the value of the special electric accessory operating status is, for example, “00 [H]” (YES in step S104), the CPU 30A executes a jackpot start process for starting a special profit state such as execution of a fanfare or the like ( Step S108). If the value of the special electric accessory operation status value is “01 [H]” (YES in step S105), the CPU 30A starts the special electric accessory operation for starting the opening / closing operation of the prize winning opening / closing accessory 11. A start process is executed (step S109). If the value of the special electric accessory operation status value is “02 [H]” (YES in step S106), the CPU 30A performs the special electric accessory operation for executing the opening / closing operation of the prize winning opening / closing accessory 11. Medium processing is executed (step S110). If the value of the special electric accessory operation status is, for example, “03 [H]” (YES in step S107), the CPU 30A determines whether or not to continue the opening / closing operation of the prize winning opening / closing accessory 11 (next The special electric accessory operation continuation determination process of whether or not to shift to a round is executed (step S111). On the other hand, when the value of the special electric accessory operation status is, for example, “04 [H]” (NO in step S107), the CPU 30A executes a jackpot end process for ending the special profit state (step S112). After each process of steps S108 to S112, the special electric accessory management process is returned, and the process proceeds to the lamp management process of step S12 of FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of the big hit start process shown in step S108 of FIG. The big hit starting process will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 4, and FIG.
In the big hit starting process, the CPU 30A of the main control board 30 performs various settings before starting the special profit state (step S121). Specifically, in the process of step 121, a value of “01 [H]” is stored in a continuous number counter (not shown) for counting the number of rounds in the special electric accessory operation continuation determination process described later. The The storage of “01 [H]” in the continuous number counter means the first round.

Further, in the process of step 121, the value of the special electric accessory operation status is switched to “01 [H]”. Thus, in the next special electric accessory operation status determination (steps S104 to S107 in FIG. 16), the process proceeds to the special electric accessory operation start process (step S109 in FIG. 16).
After completing the various settings at the time of starting the big hit, the main control board 30 sets various data according to the big hit type (step S122). Specifically, the CPU 30A sets the maximum number of rounds, the round display LED number, and the jackpot start interval (pre-start interval shown in FIG. 5) time according to the special symbol determination data (jacket type), respectively. To store. Of these, the big hit start interval time is used in the special electric accessory operation start process described below.

Thereafter, the main control board 30 transmits a jackpot start interval command to the effect control board 31 (step S123). After sending the jackpot start interval command, the jackpot start process is returned.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special electric accessory operation start process shown in step S109 of FIG. The special electric accessory operation start process will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the special electric accessory operation start process, it is constantly monitored whether or not the value of the special electric accessory operation timer has become zero (step S131). When the value of the special electric accessory action timer is not zero (NO in step S131), the special electric accessory action timer is subtracted (step S138), and the special electric accessory action start process is returned as it is.
On the other hand, when the value of the special electric accessory operation timer becomes zero (YES in step S131), the CPU 30A of the main control board 30 determines that the pre-opening interval time (or the big hit start interval time in the case of the first round) has elapsed. Then, a special prize opening command for performing the opening operation of the special prize opening 10 is transmitted to the effect control board 31 (step S132).

Then, the CPU 30A sets the opening operation time of the variable winning device 9 (big winning opening 10) by storing the special electric accessory operating time corresponding to the jackpot type and the number of rounds in the special electric accessory operating timer. (Step S133).
Next, the CPU 30A of the main control board 30 checks whether the current round is a special round with reference to the value of the continuous number counter. If the current round is a special round (sixth round) (YES in step S134), the CPU 30A allocates a distribution means solenoid operation timer (illustrated) for managing the operation time of the distribution means drive solenoid 21. (No) is set (step S135). Thereby, the distribution means 20 (see FIG. 2) is driven until the value of the distribution means solenoid operation timer becomes zero.

  Next, the main control board 30 performs various settings at the start of the opening operation. Specifically, “00 [H]” is stored in the winning prize counter (not shown) (step S136). The winning prize counter winning number counter is for storing the number of winning balls to the winning prize opening 10, and the value is incremented (+1) in accordance with the detection of the output from the winning prize entrance ball sensor 16. It has become so. In addition, the value of the special electric accessory operation status is switched to “02 [H]” (step S136). Accordingly, in the next special electric accessory operation status determination (steps S104 to S107 in FIG. 16), the process proceeds to the special electric accessory operating process (step S110 in FIG. 16).

Thereafter, the main control board 30 performs a special electric accessory operation setting process (step S137).
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special electric accessory operation setting process shown in step S137 of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 19, in the special electric accessory operation setting process, the CPU 30A of the main control board 30 is based on the jackpot type, the number of rounds, the value of the special symbol accessory operation timer (not shown), and the solenoid operation pattern. The solenoid employed as the special prize opening / closing mechanism 44 is turned on / off (step S141).
Thereafter, when the current round is a normal round (first to fifth rounds and seventh to thirteenth rounds) (NO in step S142), CPU 30A of main control board 30 ends the special electric accessory operation setting process. Then, the special electric accessory operation start process of FIG. 18 is returned.

On the other hand, when the current round is a special round (sixth round) (YES in step S142), the CPU 30A of the main control board 30 sets on / off of the distribution means drive solenoid 21 (step S144). . The setting in step S144 is continuously executed until the value of the special electric accessory operation timer becomes zero (YES in step S143).
After the setting in step S144, the CPU 30A of the main control board 30 ends the special electric accessory operation setting process, and the special electric accessory operation start process of FIG. 18 is returned.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special electric accessory operating process shown in step S110 of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 20, in the process during the operation of the special electric accessory, the CPU 30A of the main control board 30 first performs a big prize opening prize number check management process (step S151). FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 are flowcharts showing the flow of the big prize opening winning number check process shown in step S151 of FIG. With reference to FIGS. 1, 4 and 20 to 22, the special winning opening winning number check management process will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, in the big winning opening winning number check process, the CPU 30A of the main control board 30 first checks whether or not there is a detection output from the big winning hole entering ball sensor 16 (step S161). When there is a detection output from the big prize opening entrance ball sensor 16 and thereby the winning of a game ball to the big prize opening 10 is detected (YES in step S161), the CPU 30A sets the value of a prescribed prize counter (not shown). Increment (+1) by 1 (step S162). Next, the CPU 30A refers to the value of the prescribed winning counter, and checks whether or not the number of balls entered into the large winning opening 10 after reaching the maximum winning number (for example, 10 balls) has reached (step S163). If the number of winnings in the big winning opening 10 has reached the maximum number of winnings (YES in step S163), the value of the special electric accessory operation timer is cleared to zero (step S164). After the completion of the timer zero clear in step S164, the process proceeds to step S165. In addition, when the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening 10 is not detected (NO in step 161), or the number of the winning balls to the big winning opening 10 after the increment has not reached the maximum winning number (step 163). NO), the process proceeds to step S165.

In step S165, the presence / absence of a winning game ball in the special winning opening 10 is monitored. When the game ball wins the big winning opening 10 (YES in step S165), the CPU 30A of the main control board 30 increments (+1) the value of the winning number confirmation counter 53 by 1 (step S166).
Next, the CPU 30A checks whether or not a detection output is input from the non-specific area sensor 24 or the specific area sensor 23 (steps S167 and S169). Specifically, when the detection output is output from the non-specific area sensor 24 by passing the game ball in the non-specific area 19 (YES in step S167), the value of the discharge number confirmation counter 54 is incremented by 1 (+1). (Step S168).

Similarly, if the detection output is output from the specific area sensor 23 by passing the game ball in the specific area 18 (YES in step S169), the current round is a special round (sixth round) (YES in step S170). ), The value of the discharge number confirmation counter 54 is incremented (+1) by 1 (step S171).
If the current round is not a special round (sixth round), a V passing abnormality command is transmitted to the effect control board 31 (step S172), and an output signal is transmitted to the external terminal board 51 (step). S173). In this case, the increment (+1) of the value of the discharge number confirmation counter 54 as shown in step S171 may be executed.

Next, during the special round (YES in step S174), on the condition that no discharge confirmation error (error 9) has occurred (NO in step S175), the specific area 18 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) and non- The passing of the game ball to the specific area 19 is monitored (steps S176 and S179).
When the detection output is output from the specific area sensor 23 as the game ball passes to the specific area 18 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) (YES in step S176), the CPU 30A plays the game to the specific area 18. A value “5A [H]” is stored in a specific area passage flag (not shown) for storing the presence or absence of the passage of the sphere (step S177), and a specific area passage command is transmitted to the effect control board 31. (Step S178).

  If a discharge confirmation error is occurring in step S175 (YES in step S175), the process directly proceeds to step S152 in FIG.

Returning to FIG. 20, in step S152, the CPU 30A performs a special prize opening / closing operation setting process (step S152). In this winning opening opening / closing operation setting processing, the CPU 30A refers to a large winning opening opening operation time setting table (not shown) when the special winning combination operation timer does not store the large winning opening opening operation time. The special winning opening operation time corresponding to the special symbol determination data and the current number of rounds is stored in the special electric accessory operation timer.
Next, it is monitored whether or not the value of the special electric accessory operation timer has become zero (step S153). When the value of the special electric accessory operation timer is not zero (NO in step S153), the CPU 30A subtracts the value of the special electric accessory operation timer (step S159). After the subtraction, the process during operation of the special electric accessory is returned as it is.

On the other hand, when the value of the special electric accessory operation timer becomes zero (YES in step S153), the CPU 30A transmits an interval command between rounds to the effect control board 31 assuming that the current round game is ended (step S154). This interval command between rounds is used when a round end effect corresponding to the number of rounds appears on the effect control board 31 side.
Next, the CPU 30A performs various setting processes at the end of the round game (end of the opening operation). Specifically, the value of the special electric accessory operation status is switched to “03 [H]” (step S155). Thus, in the next special electric accessory operation status determination (steps S104 to S107 in FIG. 16), the process proceeds to the special electric accessory operation continuation determination process (step S111 in FIG. 16).

  Next, a predetermined time is set in the special electric accessory operation timer (step S156). In this embodiment, the special electric accessory operation timer measures the elapse of the discharge confirmation time in the fifth and sixth rounds and the thirteenth round. In other round games (the first to fourth rounds and the seventh to twelfth rounds), the special electric accessory operation timer times the remaining ball discharge time. When the round games are the fifth, sixth and thirteenth rounds (when the value of the continuous counter is 5, 6 or 13; YES in step S156), the special electric accessory operation timer confirms the discharge. 4980 (msec) is stored as time (step S157). On the other hand, when the round game is the first to fourth rounds or the seventh to twelfth rounds (when the value of the continuous number counter is 1 to 4 or 5 to 8; NO in step S156), the special electric combination In the object operation timer, 1980 (msec) is stored as the remaining ball discharge time (step S158).

After the setting process at the end of the round game in steps S155 to S158 is completed, the special electric accessory operating process is returned.
23 and 24 are flowcharts showing the flow of the special electric accessory operation continuation determination process shown in step S111 of FIG. The special electric accessory operation continuation determination process will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, 23, and 24.
In the process during the operation of the special electric accessory, the CPU 30A first performs a management process for checking the number of winning prizes (step S181), and then performs a setting process for opening / closing the prize winning opening (step S182). Steps S181 and S182 are the same processes as steps S151 and S152, respectively.

Next, it is monitored whether or not the value of the special electric accessory operation timer becomes zero (step S183). The CPU 30A refers to the value of the special electric accessory operation timer, and when the value is not zero (NO in step S183), the CPU 30A subtracts the special electric accessory operation timer (step S195). After the subtraction of the special electric accessory operation timer, the special electric accessory operation continuation determination process is returned as it is.
On the other hand, if the value of the special electric accessory operation timer is zero (YES in step S183), the CPU 30A executes an error determination process for determining the game ball discharge status from the special winning opening 10 (step S186). At this time, if the value of the distribution means solenoid operation timer is not zero (step S184), the CPU 30A clears the value of the distribution means solenoid operation timer to zero (step S185) prior to executing the error determination process. The minute means drive solenoid 21 is forcibly stopped (OFF) (step S185).

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the flow of error determination processing in step S186 in FIG. With reference to FIGS. 1, 4 and 25, in the error determination process, the CPU 30A refers to the values of the big winning number confirmation counter 53 and the discharged number confirmation counter 54, respectively, and makes a big winning mouth during the round game. The number of winnings 10 and the number of discharges are examined (step S201).
When the number of discharges of the big prize opening 10 during the round game is larger than the number of winning prizes (YES in step S201), the CPU 30A determines that there is an excessive discharge of the big prize opening (error 8) and discharges the big prize opening. The value “5A [H]” is stored in the excessive error flag (step S204). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S187 in FIG.

  If NO in step S201, the CPU 30A then refers to the value of the continuous number counter to check whether or not the current round number is a determination round. When the round game is a determination round (5th, 6th, or 13th round) (YES in step S202), and the number of winning prizes in the big winning opening 10 during the round game is larger than the number of discharges (step S203) The CPU 30A determines that there is a discharge confirmation error (error 9), stores a value of “5A [H]” in the discharge confirmation error flag 52 (step S205), and outputs a discharge confirmation error command CMD. It transmits to the production control board 31 (step S206). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S187 in FIG.

On the other hand, if the number of wins and the number of discharges of the special winning opening 10 match (NO in step S201 and step S203), it is checked whether or not a discharge confirmation error (error 9) is occurring at that time. When the discharge confirmation error has not occurred (when the value of the discharge confirmation error flag 52 is “00 [H]”) (NO in step S207), the process proceeds to step S187 in FIG.
When a discharge confirmation error is occurring in step S207 (when the value of the discharge confirmation error flag 52 is “5A [H]”) (YES in step S207), the CPU 30A determines the discharge confirmation error flag 52. Is cleared to zero (step S208), and the value of the big prize winning prize flag, which is provided on the main control board 30 and indicates whether or not the big prize winning opening 10 has been won, is cleared (step S209). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S187 in FIG.

  If the current round game is a judgment round (5th, 6th and 13th rounds), the discharge confirmation period (4.98 (sec)) has elapsed when the value of the special electric accessory operation timer becomes zero As a result, an emission check is performed. In the fifth round, not only the fifth round but also the magnitude relationship between the number of winnings and the number of dischargings of the winning opening 10 in a period (detection period) over a total of five round games of the first to fourth rounds is examined. It is determined that there is a discharge confirmation error when the number of discharges is smaller than the number of winnings. That is, in the fifth round, the discharge confirmation in the fifth round and the discharge confirmations in the first to fourth rounds before that can be performed together.

In the sixth round, the magnitude relationship between the number of winnings and the number of discharges of the winning opening 10 in the sixth round is checked, and if the number of discharges is smaller than the number of winnings, it is determined that there is a discharge confirmation error.
Further, in the 13th round, not only the 13th round but also the magnitude relationship between the number of winnings and the number of dischargings of the winning mouth 10 in a period (detection period) spanning a total of seven round games of the seventh to thirteenth rounds is examined. If the number of discharges is smaller than the number of winning prizes, it is determined that there is a discharge confirmation error. That is, in the thirteenth round, the discharge confirmation in the thirteenth round and the discharge confirmations in the previous seventh to twelfth rounds can be performed together.

On the other hand, if the current round game is a round other than the determination round (1st to 4th and 7th to 12th rounds), the discharge confirmation is performed when the value of the special electric accessory operation timer becomes zero. Absent.
That is, in the first and second special profit states, the discharge confirmation of the special winning opening 10 is performed only in the fifth round, the sixth round, and the thirteenth round which are judgment rounds, and the other round games (first to fourth rounds) In the round and the seventh to twelfth rounds, no discharge confirmation is performed.

Returning to FIG. 23, if the result of the error determination process in step S186 is that the number of winning prizes and the number of discharging prizes in the round winning game 10 do not coincide with each other during the round game (YES in step S187), the big prize mouth discharging is performed. Assuming that an excessive abnormality (error 8) or a discharge confirmation error (error 9) has occurred, the special electric accessory operation continuation determination process is returned.
Thus, in the error determination process of step S186, when it is determined that the number of winning prizes and the number of discharges of the big prize opening 10 do not match (YES in step S187), the special electric accessory operation continuation determination process In step S195, the process returns without going through the subtraction process of the special electric accessory operation timer. Therefore, as long as the error determination processing in step S186 continues to determine that the number of winnings and the number of discharging of the big winning opening 10 do not match, the special electric accessory operation timer is not subtracted, and as a result, the round game is Does not end. That is, the round game does not end during a period in which a large winning opening excessive discharge abnormality (error 8) or a discharge confirmation error (error 9) occurs.
On the other hand, as a result of the error determination process, if the value of the winning number confirmation counter 53 matches the value of the discharging number confirmation counter 54 (NO in step S187), the excessive winning mouth discharge abnormality (error 8) or Assuming that no discharge confirmation error (error 9) has occurred, the current round number is referred to (step S188).

  If the current number of rounds has not reached the maximum number of rounds (NO in step S188), the CPU 30A executes the following process. That is, the CPU 30A increments the value of the continuous number counter by 1 (+1) (step S189), and stores the discharge confirmation time corresponding to the special symbol type (big hit type) for the big hit in the special electric accessory operation timer. (Step S190), and the value of the special electric accessory operation flag is cleared to zero (Step S191). In addition, the value of the special electric accessory operation status is switched to “01 [H]” (step S191). Thus, in the next special electric accessory operation status determination (steps S104 to S107 in FIG. 16), the special electric accessory is determined. The process proceeds to the object movement start process (step S109 in FIG. 16). After storing in the special electric accessory operation status, the special electric accessory continuation determination process is returned.

On the other hand, when the current number of rounds has reached the maximum number of rounds (for example, 13) (YES in step S188), CPU 30A executes the following process. That is, the CPU 30A clears the value of the special electric accessory operation flag to zero (step S192).
In addition, the value of the special electric accessory operation status is switched to “04 [H]” (step S192). Thereby, in the next special electric accessory operation status determination (steps S104 to S107 in FIG. 16), the process proceeds to the big hit end process (step S112 in FIG. 16). Further, the CPU 30A stores the end interval time corresponding to the type of special symbol for big hit (big hit type) in the special electric accessory operation timer (step S193). Thereafter, the CPU 30A transmits a jackpot end interval command toward the effect control board 31 (step S194). After the end of the transmission of the jackpot end interval command, the special electric accessory operation continuation determination process is returned.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the flow of the big hit end process shown in step S112 of FIG. The jackpot end process will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4 and 26. FIG.
In the big hit end process, it is monitored whether or not the end interval time has elapsed, that is, whether or not the value of the special electric accessory operation timer has become zero (step S211). When the value of the special electric accessory operation timer is not zero (NO in step S211), the special electric accessory operation timer is subtracted (step S216), and the big hit end processing is returned as it is.
On the other hand, when the value of the special electric accessory operation timer becomes zero (YES in step S211), the CPU 30A of the main control board 30 performs various settings 1 at the end of the big hit (step S212). In various settings 1, specifically, except for the specific area passing flag used in various settings 2 to be executed next, the big hit / medium operation flag, the small hit / medium flag used in each step during the special electric equipment management process, Clear all the big prize winning invalidation flags etc. to zero.

Next, the CPU 30A of the main control board 30 performs various settings 2 at the end of the big hit (step S213). Specifically, the normal electric accessory open / extended state flag or the like is set in accordance with the value of the specific region passage flag (“5A [H]” or “00 [H]”).
In step S213, specifically, when the value of the specific area passing flag is “5A [H]” (when there is a V prize in a special round), the special symbol probability fluctuation transition state flag is set to “5A [H]”. The value of is set. In addition, when the probability variation game corresponding to the specific area passing flag is a probability variation game with the number of times cut (for example, 100 times), a value of “100” is set to the special symbol short time counter. Here, “100” means 100 games.

On the other hand, when the value of the specific area passing flag is “00 [H]” (when there is no V winning in the special round), the value of “00 [H]” is set in the special symbol probability fluctuation transition state flag.
In addition, in the various settings 2 at the end of the big hit in step S213, regardless of the value of the specific area passing flag, the normal electric accessory open extended state flag, the normal symbol short transition state flag, the normal symbol probability variation transition state flag, the special symbol A value of “5A [H]” is set in each of the short-time state transition state flags. Further, for example, a value of “100” is set in the special symbol hour / count counter.
Next, the CPU 30A of the main control board 30 performs various settings 3 at the end of the big hit (step S214). In the various settings 3, the value of the specific area passing flag is cleared to zero and the value of the special electric accessory operation status is switched to “00 [H]”. Thereafter, the CPU 30A updates the gaming state notification information (step S215). After this update, the big hit end processing is returned.

As described above, when the main control board 30 determines a discharge confirmation error, the CPU 30A transmits a discharge confirmation error command CMD to the effect control board 31 (step S205 in FIG. 25). Based on the reception of the discharge confirmation error command CMD, the effect control board 31 notifies the discharge confirmation error, that is, displays the display image for the discharge confirmation error in the liquid crystal display unit 4 (see FIG. 11) and the panel error lamp 49. A process for executing sound output for lighting confirmation error from the speaker 46 is performed.
The CPU 31A of the effect control board 31 constantly monitors the reception of the discharge confirmation error command CMD from the main control board 30, and when receiving the discharge confirmation error command CMD, the notification execution drive signal for notification of the notification discharge confirmation error. (Commands) CMD ′, CMD ″, and CMD ″ ′ are transmitted to the liquid crystal display control board 36, the lamp board 48, and the speaker 46, respectively. The liquid crystal display control board 36 displays a display image for discharge confirmation error (see FIG. 11) on the liquid crystal display unit 4 in response to the reception of the notification execution drive signal CMD ″. The lamp substrate 48 controls lighting of the panel error lamp 49 in response to the reception of the notification execution drive signal CMD ′. Further, in response to the notification execution drive signal CMD ′ ″ being given to the speaker 46, a sound for an ejection confirmation error is output from the speaker 46.

By the way, generally, in a ball game machine equipped with a probability variation determination device, it is necessary to check the discharge in the probability variation determination device. Emission confirmation is performed at least in a special round. Specifically, in each round game, the occurrence of a discharge confirmation error (error 9) is determined when the discharge of the game ball is not confirmed within a predetermined discharge confirmation time. Conventionally, it has been required that the discharge confirmation time serving as a reference for determining the discharge confirmation error satisfies the relationship represented by the following expression (1) with the longest assumed discharge time.
Maximum estimated discharge time <discharge confirmation time (1)

As described above, in the special round, the discharge time of the game ball is set longer than that in the normal round, and therefore the longest assumed discharge time is set longer in the special round. As a result of setting the discharge confirmation time so as to satisfy the expression (1), there is a possibility that the set discharge confirmation time becomes long at least in the special round. Therefore, there is a possibility that the game may be delayed at least in a special round in the special profit state.
In particular, in a ball game machine provided with only one variable winning device 9 such as the ball game machine 1, it is necessary to determine a discharge confirmation error in all of the special round and the normal round. Also, in this case, it is desirable to make the discharge confirmation time common to all round games, and if the discharge confirmation time is set to a long time satisfying Equation (1) in the special round, each round As a result of having to wait for a long discharge confirmation time in the game, the game in the special profit state may be significantly delayed.

For example, it is conceivable that the discharge confirmation time for all round games is set to a long time that satisfies Expression (1) in the special round. In this case, as a result of having to wait for a long discharge confirmation time in each round game, there is a possibility that the game in the special profit state may be significantly delayed.
On the other hand, it is conceivable that the discharge confirmation time for all round games is set to a short time that satisfies Expression (1) in the normal round but does not satisfy Expression (1) in the special round. In this case, as a result of the irregular behavior of the game balls, there is a possibility that a discharge confirmation error frequently occurs in the special round, and the discharge confirmation error is notified excessively in the special round. Emission confirmation error is an error that occurs during the special profit status. Emission confirmation errors are reported more frequently than necessary (excessive notification), which may reduce the interest of the player, and unnecessary distrust This is not preferable because it may give the player a feeling.

On the other hand, in the ball game machine 1, in the first and second special profit states, the discharge confirmation of the special winning opening 10 is performed only in the fifth round, the sixth round and the thirteenth round which are judgment rounds. In the round game (the first to fourth rounds and the seventh to twelfth rounds), the discharge confirmation is not performed.
In the judgment round, the magnitude relation between the number of winnings and the number of winnings in the winning slot 10 in the period spanning the judgment round and one or more round games before the judgment round is examined, and the number of emissions is less than the number of winnings It is determined that there is a discharge confirmation error. That is, in the determination round, the discharge confirmation of the determination round and the discharge confirmation of the previous round game can be performed together.

And since the remaining ball discharge period in round games other than the determination round is set to a period in which the length of the interval between the rounds is shorter than the assumed longest discharge time, round games other than the determination round are extended. Can be prevented or suppressed.
Thereby, the behavior of irregular game balls in the special winning opening 10 in the special round can be captured, and the occurrence frequency of the discharge confirmation error notification can be suppressed or prevented. Therefore, it is possible to provide the ball and ball game machine 1 that can prevent the delay of the game in the special profit state while suppressing or preventing the frequent occurrence of notification of the discharge confirmation error.

As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can be implemented with another form.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which only one variable winning device 9 with the probability variation determination device 13 is arranged on the game board 2 has been described as an example, but a plurality of variable winning devices may be provided. Good. In this case, the plurality of variable winning devices include the variable winning device 9 with the probability variation determining device 13 and the variable winning device not provided with the probability variation determining device. The variable winning device 9 with the probability variation determining device 13 is opened in the special round and the final round, and in the normal round, the variable winning device not provided with the probability variation determining device is opened.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example is given of a case where the variable winning device 9 is provided with the probability variation determination device 13 that determines the acquisition of the right of probability variation transition and distributes the distribution means 20 based on the determination result. As described above, instead of the probability variation determination device 13, a special gaming state determination device that determines the acquisition of the right to transfer to a special gaming state other than the probability variation state and distributes the distribution means based on the determination result. May be provided.

  In addition, various design changes can be made within the scope of matters described in the claims.

1 Ball game machine 2 Game board 9 Variable winning device (variable winning means, variable winning means with distribution function)
10 Grand Prize Exit (Special Prize Exit)
11 Grand Prize Opening / Closing Tool (opening / closing means)
16 Entry detection means 18 Specific area 19 Non-specific area 20 Distribution means 23 Specific area sensor (specific area passage detection means)
24 Non-specific area sensor (non-specific area passage detection means)
30A CPU (first profit state execution means, error determination means, determination means, special round error determination means)

Claims (9)

A ball game machine that launches a game ball toward a game board and plays a game,
A determination means for determining whether or not to execute the first profit state advantageous to the player, triggered by detection of the game ball;
One or more having a special winning opening arranged at a predetermined location on the board surface of the game board, a winning detection means for detecting the entry of a game ball into the special winning opening, and an opening / closing means for opening and closing the special winning opening. Variable prize winning means,
At least one of the variable winning means is a distribution means for distributing the game balls that have entered the special winning opening into a predetermined specific area and a predetermined non-specific area, and detects the passage of the game ball to the specific area A variable winning means with a distribution function, further comprising: a specific area passage detection means; and a non-specific area passage detection means for detecting the passage of the game ball to the non-specific area;
A game operation in which the special winning opening of the variable winning means is opened in a predetermined manner based on the execution of the first profit state determined by the determining means is defined as one round and includes a plurality of round games. First profit state execution means for executing one profit state;
In a predetermined determination round among the plurality of round games, when the predetermined discharge confirmation time has elapsed from the end of the opening operation of the special prize opening by the opening / closing means, one or more of the determination round and the determination round before the determination round When the number of game balls detected by the specific area passage detection means and the non-specific area passage detection means is less than the number of game balls detected by the incoming ball detection means in the detection period across round games of A bullet ball game machine further comprising error determination means for determining a discharge confirmation error.   2. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein determination of the discharge confirmation error by the error determination unit is not performed in rounds other than the determination round. In the plurality of round games, an interval between rounds from the end of the round game to the start of the next round game is provided,
The bullet ball game machine according to claim 2, wherein the discharge confirmation time in the determination round is set to a period longer than an interval between rounds other than the determination round.   The length of the interval between rounds is a long assumed discharge which is a long period of the period assumed as the discharge time required for the game ball that has passed through the entry detection means to pass through the specific area or the non-specific area. The ball game machine according to claim 3, wherein the ball game machine is set shorter than time. The plurality of round games include a special round in which the distribution means of the variable winning means with the distribution function distributes the game ball to the specific area and the non-specific area, and other normal rounds,
The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the determination round includes a round game preceding the special round.   In the special round, when the number of game balls detected by the specific area passage detection means and the non-specific area passage detection means is smaller than the number of game balls detected by the entrance detection means, a discharge confirmation error occurs. 6. The ball game machine according to claim 5, further comprising special round error determination means for determining that there is.   The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the determination round includes a final round executed at the end of the plurality of round games.   The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the game board is provided with only one variable winning means with a distribution function as the variable winning means.   The discharge confirmation time is longer than a long assumed discharge time that is a longer period of the time that is assumed as a discharge time required for the game ball that has passed through the entrance detection means to pass through the specific area or the non-specific area. The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is set to be long.

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