JP2015051050A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine with a discharge passage capable of preventing a ball from clogging, even when a large amount of game balls continuously pass therethrough at a time.SOLUTION: The game machine includes the discharge passage that is provided at a back side of a game board and discharges a game ball entering a winning device. The discharge passage includes: a vertical passage that causes the game ball to flow down in a substantially vertical direction; and a horizontal passage that is formed at a downstream side of the vertical passage, communicated to the vertical passage, and causes the game ball to flow in a substantially horizontal direction. The vertical passage includes: on the passage wall inner surface, a protrusion part capable of changing the flow-down route of the game ball in the protrusion direction; and, on the passage wall inner surface facing the protrusion part, a relief part as a space for letting escape the game ball, the falling passage of which has been changed in the protrusion direction by the protrusion part.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine played by a player.

  In gaming machines, such as pachinko machines, a discharge path is formed for discharging game balls won in various winning ports such as a large winning opening (so-called attacker) and a starting opening. It is known that it is guided to the back side of the board and discharged out of the gaming machine (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-028305 A

  As described above, in the gaming machine, a discharge path for discharging the game balls won in the winning opening is formed. For example, a winning opening where a large number of gaming balls can be won at once, such as a large winning opening. When the game balls are discharged from the game machine, a large number of game balls may pass continuously in the discharge path at the same time. In this case, the ball may be clogged.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its main object is to provide a discharge path that can prevent clogging of balls even when a large number of game balls pass continuously at one time. Is to provide a game machine.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following configuration. In addition, reference numerals in parentheses, explanations, and the like indicate correspondence with embodiments described later in order to help understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

  A gaming machine (1) according to the present invention includes a gaming board (2) having a gaming area (20) in which a gaming ball can flow down, and a winning device that is provided in the gaming board and that can be paid out when the gaming ball wins. (21, 22, 23, 24) and a discharge path (50) provided on the back side of the game board for discharging the game balls won in the winning device. The discharge path includes a vertical path (51) that causes the game ball to flow down in a substantially vertical direction, and a horizontal path that is formed on the downstream side of the vertical path and communicates with the vertical path to flow down the game ball in a substantially horizontal direction ( 52), and a protrusion (53) capable of changing the flow path of the game ball in the protrusion direction is formed on the inner surface of the road wall of the vertical path, and on the inner surface of the road wall facing the protrusion, A relief portion (54), which is a space for escaping the game ball whose flow path has been changed in the projection direction by the projection portion, is formed.

  Further, the protruding portion and the relief portion may be formed at the downstream end of the vertical path, and the relief portion may be formed in a shape in which the horizontal sectional area increases toward the downstream side.

  The winning device is released a predetermined number of times when it is determined that a special game is to be performed based on the determination information acquired when the start condition is satisfied, and a plurality of game balls are continuously displayed during one release. It may be a winning device (23) that can win a prize.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even if it is a case where a lot of game balls pass continuously at once, the game machine provided with the discharge path which can prevent ball clogging can be provided.

Schematic front view showing an example of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention The enlarged view which shows an example of the indicator 4 provided in the pachinko machine 1 of FIG. Partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of FIG. The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the control apparatus provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 An example of a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 100 An example of a detailed flowchart of the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the big prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the big prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. An example of a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing performed by the effect control unit 400 The perspective view which shows the big prize opening 23 and the discharge path 50 which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the big prize opening 23 and the discharge path 50 which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. The figure for demonstrating the mode of discharge of the discharge path 50 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The figure for demonstrating the mode of discharge of the discharge path 50 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Diagram for explaining the state of discharge in a conventional discharge path Diagram for explaining the state of discharge in a conventional discharge path

  Hereinafter, a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Hereinafter, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be simply referred to as a gaming machine 1.

[Schematic configuration of pachinko gaming machine 1]
Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing an example of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing an example of the display 4 provided in the gaming machine 1. FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of the gaming machine 1.

  In FIG. 1, a gaming machine 1 is a pachinko gaming machine configured to pay out a winning ball when a gaming ball launched by a player's operation wins a prize, for example. This gaming machine 1 includes a game board 2 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 5 surrounding the game board 2. The frame member 5 is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main part of the gaming machine 1 around a hinge provided on the shaft support side. And the lock part 43 is provided in the predetermined position (for example, edge part on the opposite side to a shaft support side) which becomes the front side of the frame member 5, and the frame member 5 is unlocked by unlocking the lock part 43. Can be opened.

  A game area 20 for playing a game with a game ball is formed on the front surface of the game board 2. In the gaming area 20, a rail member (from which a game ball launched from below (the launching device 211; see FIG. 4) rises along the main surface of the game board 2 and forms a path toward the upper position of the gaming area 20 ( (Not shown) and a guide member (not shown) for guiding the raised game ball to the right side of the game area 20.

  In addition, the game board 2 is provided with an image display unit 6 that displays images for various effects at positions that are easily visible to the player. The image display unit 6 notifies the player of the result of the special symbol lottery (big hit lottery), for example, by displaying a decorative symbol according to the progress of the game by the player, the appearance of a character, the appearance of an item, etc. Or a reserved image showing the number of times the special symbol lottery is held. The image display unit 6 is configured by a liquid crystal display device, an EL (Electro Luminescence) display device, or the like, but any other display device may be used. Furthermore, a movable accessory 7 and a board lamp 8 used for various effects are provided on the front surface of the game board 2. The movable accessory 7 is configured to be movable with respect to the game board 2, and produces an effect by performing a predetermined operation in accordance with the progress of the game or in accordance with the operation of the player. The board lamp 8 emits light according to the progress of the game, thereby performing various effects by light.

  In the game area 20, a game nail and a windmill (both not shown) that change the falling direction of the game ball are arranged. Further, in the game area 20, various bonuses related to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In FIG. 1, the first start port 21, the second start port 22, the gate 25, the big winning port 23, and the normal winning port 24 are arranged on the game board 2 as an example of various prizes related to winning and lottery. It is installed. In addition, the game area 20 is provided with a discharge port 26 through which game balls that have not been won in any of the game areas of the game balls launched into the game area 20 are discharged out of the game area 20. .

  The first start port 21 and the second start port 22 are awarded when a game ball enters, respectively, and a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) is started. The first start port 21 operates a predetermined special electric accessory (large winning port 23) and / or a predetermined special symbol display (first special symbol display 4a described later). It is a winning opening related to winning a game ball. Further, the second start opening 22 operates the special electric accessory and / or a predetermined special symbol display device (second special symbol display device 4b described later), and wins related to winning a game ball. The mouth. When the game ball passes through the gate 25, the normal symbol lottery (the open / close lottery of the electric tulip 27 described below) starts. The lottery is not started even if a game ball wins the normal winning opening 24.

  The 2nd starting port 22 is provided in the lower part of the 1st starting port 21, and is equipped with the electric tulip 27 in the vicinity of the entrance of a game ball as an example of a normal electric accessory. The electric tulip 27 has a pair of wings imitating tulip flowers, and the pair of wings opens and closes left and right by driving an electric tulip opening / closing unit 112 (for example, an electric solenoid) described later. When the pair of blade portions are closed, the electric tulip 27 is in a closed state in which the game ball does not enter the second start port 22 because the opening width guided to the entrance of the second start port 22 is extremely narrow. On the other hand, the electric tulip 27 is in an open state in which the game ball can easily enter the second starting port 22 because the opening width guided to the inlet of the second starting port 22 increases when the pair of wings open to the left and right. . When the electric tulip 27 passes through the gate 25 and the normal symbol lottery is won, the pair of blades opens for a specified time (for example, 0.10 seconds) and opens and closes for a specified number of times (for example, once). To do.

  The big prize opening 23 is located at the lower right of the game area 20 and is opened according to the result of the special symbol lottery. The special winning opening 23 is normally in a closed state in which no game ball can enter, but is in an open state in accordance with the result of the special symbol lottery, so that the game ball can easily enter. For example, the special winning opening 23 repeats a round that is in an open state until a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds elapses or a winning of 10 game balls) is satisfied a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). In this embodiment, the special winning opening 23 is arranged on a path through which almost all of the game balls launched in the right area of the game area 20 (so-called game balls launched by right strike) pass. . For this reason, the game ball hit by right-handing while the big winning opening 23 is in the open state can continuously win the big winning opening 23. The structure of the special winning opening 23 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  Further, on the lower right side of the game board 2, a display 4 for displaying the results of the special symbol lottery and the normal symbol lottery described above and the number of reserved items is arranged. Details of the display 4 will be described later.

  Here, the payout of prize balls will be described. When a game ball enters (wins) the first start port 21, the second start port 22, the big winning port 23, and the normal winning port 24 (hereinafter, these may be simply referred to as a winning port), the game ball is won. A predetermined number of prize balls are paid out per game ball in accordance with the place played. For example, when one game ball is won at the first start port 21 and the second start port 22, three prize balls are awarded, and when one game ball is won at the big prize port 23, thirteen prize balls are given to the normal prize slot 24. When one game ball is won, ten prize balls are paid out. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 25, there is no payout of the prize ball in conjunction with it.

  On the back surface of the game board 2, a discharge path 50 for discharging game balls won in each winning opening is disposed (see-through portion indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 1). In the present embodiment, the discharge path 50 is configured as a passage for discharging the game balls won in the normal winning opening 24 and the big winning opening 23, but in other embodiments, the gaming balls won in other winning openings. May be configured as a passage for discharging the gas. Although not shown, a discharge path for discharging game balls won in other winning holes is also provided. The game ball that has passed through the discharge path 50 is discharged out of the machine in the same manner as the game ball discharged from the discharge port 26. In addition, in this embodiment, the structure of this discharge path 50 is characteristic, and this structure is explained in full detail later using FIG. 11, FIG.

  The frame member 5 on the front surface of the gaming machine 1 is provided with a handle 31, a lever 32, a stop button 33, a take-out button 34, a speaker 35, a frame lamp 36, an effect button 37, an effect key 38, a dish 39, and the like. Yes.

  When the player touches the handle 31 and performs an operation to rotate the lever 32 clockwise, the launching device 211 (100 per minute) with a hitting force according to the operation angle (for example, 100 per minute). 4) electrically fires the game ball. The tray 39 (see FIG. 3) is provided so as to protrude in front of the gaming machine 1 and temporarily stores game balls supplied to the launching device 211. In addition, the above-described prize balls are paid out to the plate 39. The game balls stored in the tray 39 are supplied to the launching device 211 one by one by a supply device (not shown) at a timing linked with the operation by the player's lever 32.

  The stop button 33 is provided on the lower side surface of the handle 31, and even when the player touches the handle 31 and rotates the lever 32 in the clockwise direction, the game ball is released by being pressed by the player. Is temporarily stopped. The take-out button 34 is provided on the front surface in the vicinity of the position where the tray 39 is provided, and when the player presses it, the game balls accumulated in the tray 39 are dropped into a box (not shown).

  The speaker 35 and the frame lamp 36 respectively notify the gaming state and situation of the gaming machine 1 and perform various effects. The speaker 35 performs various effects using music, voice, and sound effects. In addition, the frame lamp 36 performs various effects by light depending on a pattern by lighting / flashing or a difference in emission color.

  Next, the display 4 provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, the display 4 includes a first special symbol display 4a, a second special symbol display 4b, a first special symbol hold indicator 4c, a second special symbol hold indicator 4d, a normal symbol indicator 4e, and a normal symbol indicator 4e. A symbol hold display 4f and a game status display 4g are provided.

  The first special symbol display 4a is displayed with the display symbol varying corresponding to the winning of the game ball at the first starting port 21. For example, the first special symbol display 4a is composed of a 7-segment display device, and when a game ball is won at the first starting port 21, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and then the lottery result is displayed. Further, the second special symbol display 4b is displayed with the display symbols varying corresponding to the winning of the game ball at the second starting port 22. For example, the second special symbol display 4b is similarly composed of a 7-segment display device, and when a game ball wins at the second starting port 22, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped and the lottery result is displayed. To do. In the normal symbol display 4e, the display symbol is changed and displayed in response to the game ball passing through the gate 25. For example, the normal symbol display 4e is constituted by an LED display device, and when a game ball passes through the gate 25, the normal symbol is variably displayed and then stopped and displayed.

  The first special symbol hold indicator 4c displays the number of times that the special symbol lottery is held when a game ball wins at the first start port 21. The second special symbol hold indicator 4d displays the number of times that the special symbol lottery is held when the game ball wins at the second start port 22. The normal symbol hold display 4f displays the number of times the normal symbol lottery is held. For example, the first special symbol hold indicator 4c, the second special symbol hold indicator 4d, and the normal symbol hold indicator 4f are each composed of LED display devices arranged in a row, and the number of times of hold is displayed according to the lighting mode. The

  The game state display 4g displays the game state (normal state, short time state, etc.) when the gaming machine 1 is turned on.

  Next, an input device provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an effect button 37 and an effect key 38 as an example of an input device.

  The effect button 37 and the effect key 38 are provided for the player to input the effect. The effect button 37 is provided on the side of the upper surface of the tray 39 protruding forward of the gaming machine 1. The production key 38 has a center key and four direction keys arranged in a substantially cross shape, and is provided on the upper side of the plate 39 adjacent to the production button 37. The effect button 37 and the effect key 38 are each pressed by the player to perform a predetermined effect. For example, the player can enjoy a predetermined effect by pressing the effect button 37 at a predetermined timing. Further, the player can select one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 6 by operating the four direction keys of the effect key 38. Further, the player can input the selected image as information by operating the center key of the effect key 38.

  In addition, on the back side of the gaming machine 1, a ball tank for storing game balls for payout and a payout device (payout drive unit 311) for paying out the game balls to the tray 39 are provided, and various substrates are attached. ing. For example, on the back of the game board 2, a main board, a sub board, and the like are arranged. Specifically, a main control board on which a main control unit 100 (see FIG. 4) that performs internal lottery and determination of winning is configured is disposed on the main board. The sub-board includes a firing control board 200 (see FIG. 4) configured to control a launching device 211 that launches a game ball to the upper part of the game area 20, and a payout control unit 300 that controls the payout of a prize ball. A payout control board configured with an effect control board configured with an effect control section 400 for overall control of effects, an image control board configured with an image acoustic control section 500 for controlling effects with images and sounds, and various types The lamp control board etc. in which the lamp control part 600 which controls the effect by the lamp (frame lamp 36, panel lamp 8) and the movable accessory 7 are arranged. In addition, on the back of the gaming board 2, the power of the gaming machine 1 is switched on / off, and 24V (volts) of AC power supplied to the gaming machine 1 is converted into DC power of various voltages. A switching power supply is provided for outputting the direct current power to the various substrates described above.

[Configuration of control device of pachinko gaming machine 1]
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a control device that performs operation control and signal processing in the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device provided in the gaming machine 1.

  4, the control device of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control unit 100, a launch control unit 200, a payout control unit 300, an effect control unit 400, an image sound control unit 500, a lamp control unit 600, and the like.

  The main control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103. The CPU 101 performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the number of payout prize balls, such as internal lottery and determination of winning. The ROM 102 stores programs executed by the CPU 101 and various data. The RAM 103 is used as a working memory for the CPU 101. Hereinafter, main functions of the main control unit 100 will be described.

  The main control unit 100 performs a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) when a game ball wins at the first starting port 21 or the second starting port 22, and effects control is performed on determination result data indicating whether or not the special symbol lottery is won. Send to part 400.

  The main control unit 100 controls the opening time when the blade portion of the electric tulip 27 is opened, the number of times the blade portion is opened and closed, and the opening / closing time interval at which the blade portion is opened and closed. Further, the main control unit 100 executes the special symbol lottery execution suspension number when the game ball wins the first start port 21, the special symbol lottery execution suspension number when the game ball wins the second start port 22, In addition, the number of execution suspensions of the normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 25 is managed, and data related to the number of suspensions is sent to the effect control unit 400.

  The main control unit 100 controls the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 23 according to the result of the special symbol lottery. For example, the main controller 100 repeats a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 29.5 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) in which the big winning opening 23 projects and inclines and opens. Control to repeat only 15 times). Further, the main control unit 100 controls the opening / closing time interval at which the special winning opening 23 opens and closes.

  The main control unit 100 changes the game state in accordance with the progress of the game, and according to the progress of the game, the winning probability of the special symbol lottery, the execution interval of the special symbol lottery (the special symbol is variably displayed on the display 4) In other words, it may be said that it is a time to stop and display), and the opening / closing operation of the electric tulip 27 is changed.

  When a game ball wins the first start port 21, the second start port 22, the big winning port 23, and the normal winning port 24, the main control unit 100 determines a predetermined amount per game ball according to the place where the game ball has won. The payout control unit 300 is instructed to pay out a number of prize balls. Even if the main control unit 100 detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 25, the main control unit 100 does not instruct the payout control unit 300 to pay out the prize ball in conjunction therewith. When the payout control unit 300 pays out a prize ball according to an instruction from the main control unit 100, information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 300 is sent to the main control unit 100. Then, the main control unit 100 manages the number of paid-out prize balls based on the information acquired from the payout control unit 300.

  In order to realize the above-described functions, the main control unit 100 includes a first start port switch 111a, a second start port switch 111b, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 112, a gate switch 113, a big prize opening switch 114, a big prize opening opening / closing. 115, normal winning opening switch 116, display 4 (first special symbol display 4a, second special symbol display 4b, first special symbol hold indicator 4c, second special symbol hold indicator 4d, normal symbol display 4e, a normal symbol hold display 4f, and a game status display 4g) are connected.

  The first start port switch 111 a detects that a game ball has won the first start port 21 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The second start port switch 111 b detects that a game ball has won the second start port 22 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The electric tulip opening / closing unit 112 opens and closes the pair of blade portions of the electric tulip 27 in accordance with a control signal sent from the main control unit 100. The gate switch 113 detects that a game ball has passed through the gate 25 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The big prize opening switch 114 detects that the game ball has won the big prize opening 23 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The normal winning port switch 116 detects that a game ball has won the normal winning port 24 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The various switches described above are, for example, proximity sensors or optical sensors that detect the passage of the game ball. When the passage of the game ball is detected, an ON signal is transmitted to the main control unit 100 as a detection signal. The special prize opening / closing unit 115 opens and closes the special prize opening 23 in accordance with a control signal sent from the main control unit 100.

  In addition, the main control unit 100 displays the result of a special symbol lottery started by winning a game ball at the first starting port 21 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a first special symbol lottery) on the first special symbol display 4a. indicate. The main control unit 100 displays on the second special symbol display 4b the result of the special symbol lottery started by the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 22 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the second special symbol lottery). . The main control unit 100 displays the number of times the first special symbol lottery is on hold on the first special symbol hold display 4c. The main control unit 100 displays the number of holdings for which the second special symbol lottery is held on the second special symbol holding display 4d. The main control unit 100 displays the result of the normal symbol lottery started by passing the game ball to the gate 25 on the normal symbol display 4e. The main control unit 100 displays the number of times of holding the normal symbol lottery on the normal symbol hold display 4f. Further, the main control unit 100 displays the gaming state at that time on the gaming state display 4g when the gaming machine 1 is turned on.

  The launch control unit 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, and a RAM 203. The CPU 201 performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the launching device 211. The ROM 202 stores programs executed by the CPU 201 and various data. The RAM 203 is used as a working memory for the CPU 201.

  When the lever 32 is in the neutral position, the lever 32 is in a firing stop state without outputting a signal. When the player is rotated clockwise by the player, the lever 32 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation angle to the firing control unit 200 as a hitting ball firing command signal. The launch control unit 200 controls the launch operation of the launch device 211 based on the hit ball launch command signal. For example, the launch control unit 200 controls the operation of the launch device 211 so that the speed at which the game ball is launched increases as the rotation angle of the lever 32 increases. When the signal indicating that the stop button 33 is pressed is output, the launch control unit 200 stops the operation of the launch device 211 firing the game ball.

  The payout control unit 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, and a RAM 303. The CPU 301 performs a calculation process when controlling the payout of the payout ball. The ROM 302 stores programs executed by the CPU 301 and various data. A RAM 303 is used as a working memory for the CPU 301.

  The payout control unit 300 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the main control unit 100. Specifically, the payout control unit 300 acquires from the main control unit 100 a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won. Then, the payout driving unit 311 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 311 is configured by a drive motor or the like that sends out a game ball from a game ball storage unit (ball tank).

  The effect control unit 400 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, and an RTC (real time clock) 404. In addition, the effect control unit 400 is connected to the effect button 37 and the effect key 38, and acquires operation data output from the effect button 37 and the effect key 38 in response to an operation pressed by the player. The CPU 401 performs a calculation process when controlling the effect. The ROM 402 stores programs executed by the CPU 401 and various data. The RAM 403 is used as a working memory for the CPU 401. The RTC 404 measures the current date and time.

  The production control unit 400 sets production contents based on data indicating the special symbol lottery result and the like sent from the main control unit 100. In addition, when the effect button 37 or the effect key 38 is pressed by the player, the effect control unit 400 may set the effect content according to the operation input or the detection result.

  The image sound control unit 500 includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, and a RAM 503. The CPU 501 performs arithmetic processing when controlling the image and sound expressing the content of the effect. The ROM 502 stores programs executed by the CPU 501 and various data. The RAM 503 is used as a working memory for the CPU 501.

  The image sound control unit 500 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 6 and the sound output from the speaker 35 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Specifically, in the ROM 502 of the image sound control unit 500, a decorative symbol image for notifying a special symbol lottery result, an image of a character or item for displaying a notice effect or a pre-read notice effect, a special symbol lottery The image data for displaying on the image display unit 6 a reserved image indicating that the image is held, various background images, and the like are stored. The ROM 502 of the image sound control unit 500 stores various types of sound data such as music and sound output from the speaker 35 in synchronization with the image displayed on the image display unit 6 or independently of the displayed image. It is remembered. The CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 selects and reads out the data corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400 from the image data and sound data stored in the ROM 502. The CPU 501 performs image processing for background image display, decorative symbol image display, character / item display, and the like using the read image data, and performs various processes corresponding to commands sent from the effect control unit 400. Perform production display. Then, the CPU 501 displays the image indicated by the image processed image data on the image display unit 6. In addition, the CPU 501 performs sound processing using the read sound data, and outputs the sound indicated by the sound processing sound data from the speaker 35.

  The lamp control unit 600 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, and a RAM 603. The CPU 601 performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 and the operation of the movable accessory 7. The ROM 602 stores programs executed by the CPU 601 and various data. The RAM 603 is used as a working memory for the CPU 601.

  The lamp control unit 600 controls the lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 and the emission color based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. The lamp controller 600 controls the operation of the movable accessory 7 based on the command sent from the effect controller 400. Specifically, the ROM 602 of the lamp control unit 600 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (emission pattern data) for the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 400. ) Is stored. The CPU 601 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 602 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Then, the CPU 601 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 based on the read light emission pattern data. In addition, the ROM 602 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 7 corresponding to the effect contents set by the effect control unit 400. The CPU 601 selects and reads out the operation pattern data stored in the ROM 602 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Then, the CPU 601 controls the operation of the movable accessory 7 based on the read operation pattern data.

[Main operation of main control unit]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 100. The timer interrupt process performed in the main control unit 100 will be described below with reference to FIG. The main control unit 100 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 5 at regular intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Note that processing performed by the main control unit 100 described based on the flowcharts of FIG. 5 and the subsequent steps is executed based on a program stored in the ROM 102.

  First, in step S1, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 executes a random number update process for updating various random numbers such as a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number. Here, the big hit random number is a random number for determining whether or not a special symbol lottery is won or lost (that is, performing a special symbol lottery). The symbol random number is a random number for determining a type of jackpot (for example, a promiscuous jackpot or a jackpot with a short time) when a special symbol lottery is won. The jackpot random number and the design random number are used in the process of step S407 in FIG. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not a reach effect is performed when a special symbol lottery is lost. The variation pattern random number is a random number for determining the variation time of the special symbol. Here, the variation time of the special symbol is equal to the execution time of the notification effect (variation effect) executed in synchronization with the variation of the special symbol. The reach random number and the fluctuation pattern random number are used in the process of step S408 in FIG. 7 described later. In the random number update process of step S1, the big hit random number, the design random number, the reach random number, the variation pattern random number, etc. are each added and updated by one. That is, it is counted up. Each random number is acquired in the start port switch (SW) process in step S2 and the gate switch (SW) process in step S3, and is used in the special symbol process in step S4 and the normal symbol process in step S5 described later. Note that the counter that performs the processing of step S1 is typically a loop counter, and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 299 for the big hit random number).

  Next, in step S2, the CPU 101 monitors the state of the first start port switch 111a and the second start port switch 111b, and when one of the switches is turned on (the first start port switch 111a or the second start port switch 111b). When a game ball detection signal is output from the mouth switch 111b), a start opening switch that performs processing related to the number of holdings U1 of the first special symbol lottery, the number of holdings U2 of the second special symbol lottery, and processing for obtaining various random numbers. Execute the process. Details of the start port switch process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S3, the CPU 101 monitors the state of the gate switch 113, and when the gate switch 113 is turned on (when a game ball detection signal is output from the gate switch 113), the normal symbol lottery is suspended. If it is determined whether the number is less than the upper limit (for example, 4) and it is determined that the number of holds is less than the upper limit, a gate switch process is performed to obtain a random number used in the normal symbol process in step S5 described later. To do.

  Next, in step S4, the CPU 101 executes the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, and after the special symbols are variably displayed on the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b, these are displayed. The stop symbol display process showing the lottery result of the above and the special symbol process for transmitting various commands to the effect control unit 400 are executed. This special symbol process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S5, the CPU 101 executes a normal symbol process for determining whether or not the random number acquired in the gate switch process in step S3 matches a predetermined hit random number. Then, the CPU 101 stops and displays the normal symbol indicating the determination result after the normal symbol is variably displayed on the normal symbol display 4e. Specifically, the CPU 101 sets the normal symbol change time to be stopped and displayed after the normal symbol is variably displayed to 10 seconds in the normal state and to 0.5 seconds in the electric support state. In addition, the CPU 101 sets the probability that the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 4e becomes a predetermined winning symbol (that is, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery) to a low probability (1/10) in the normal state, In the electric support state, it is raised with a high probability (10/10). In the electric support state, the number of reserved special symbol lots is larger than that in the normal state, and the variation time of the special symbol is shortened. Therefore, the electric support state may be referred to as a short-time state.

  Next, in step S6, when it is determined that the special symbol lottery is won in the special symbol processing in step S4 (when the big win is made), the CPU 101 controls the big prize opening / closing unit 115 to control the big prize opening 23. The player performs a predetermined opening / closing operation, and executes a big prize opening process for transmitting various commands related to the so-called big hit game effect to the effect control unit 400. By this processing, the big hit game (special game) is progressed, and the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls. This special winning opening process will be described later in detail with reference to FIGS.

  Next, in step S7, the CPU 101 performs electric driving when the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 4e by the normal symbol processing in step S5 is a predetermined winning symbol (that is, when the normal symbol lottery is won). An electric tulip process for operating the tulip 27 is executed. At that time, the CPU 101 controls the opening of the electric tulip 27 for a very short period (once for 0.10 seconds) in the normal state, and controls the opening of the electric tulip 27 for a long period (three times for 2.00 seconds) in the electric support state. To do. In addition, when the electric tulip 27 is controlled to be in the open state, a game ball can be won at the second start port 22, and when the game ball wins at the second start port 22, a second special symbol lottery is performed. Will be.

  Here, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment will be described. The gaming state of the gaming machine 1 includes at least a normal state, an electric support state, a probability change state, and a big hit gaming state. The normal state is a basic normal game state, the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is set to a normal low probability (1/300: high probability is 1/30), and the electric tulip 27 is in an open state. It is a gaming state set to be difficult to become. In the electric support state, the execution time of the normal symbol lottery (the open lottery of the electric tulip 27) is typically shortened compared to the normal state, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery increases, and the normal symbol lottery is won. In this case, the electric tulip 27 is controlled to be opened for a long time, so that the electric tulip 27 is frequently opened for a long time and the game ball is frequently won at the second starting port 22. That is, the electric support state is a gaming state that is set such that the electric tulip 27 is more likely to be in the open state than in the normal state. The probability variation state is a gaming state in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is set to a high probability (1/30: low probability is 1/300). Note that there are cases where the electric support state and the probability change state coexist, and this coexisting state is referred to as an electric support probability change state (or time-short probability change state). The big hit game state is a game state when a big hit game (special game) in which a special symbol lottery is won (hit a big win) and the big prize opening 23 is opened is being executed.

  Next, in step S <b> 8, the CPU 101 executes prize ball processing for managing the number of winning game balls and controlling the payout of prize balls according to the prize.

  Next, in step S9, the CPU 101 executes various commands and effects set in the RAM 103 by the start opening switch process in step S2, the special symbol process in step S4, the big winning opening process in step S6, the prize ball process in step S8, and the like. Output processing for outputting information necessary for the production control unit 400 or the payout control unit 300 is executed.

[Start-up switch processing]
FIG. 6 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. Hereinafter, the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S201, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 receives a game ball in the first start port 21 based on the presence / absence of a detection signal from the first start port switch 111a, and the first start port switch 111a is turned on. It is determined whether or not. If the determination in step S201 is YES, the process proceeds to step S202. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S 202, the CPU 101 reads the upper limit value Umax 1 (“4” in the present embodiment) of the first special symbol lottery number from the ROM 102, and the first special symbol lottery number U 1 stored in the RAM 103 is the upper limit value. It is determined whether or not the value is less than Umax1. If the determination in step S202 is YES, the process proceeds to step S203, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S <b> 203, the CPU 101 updates the value of the holding number U <b> 1 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding one. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S204.

  In step S204, the CPU 101 acquires a set of random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number) used for the first special symbol lottery and the like, and each set of random numbers acquired (game information) Are stored in the RAM 103 in chronological order. It should be noted that each time the value of the first special symbol lottery holding number U1 is decremented by 1 in the process of step S406 of FIG. 7 described later, the random number set stored in the RAM 103 is one set in order from the earliest storage time. Deleted one by one. From this, for example, when the value of the number of holdings U1 of the first special symbol lottery is “3”, the last three random number sets acquired by the process of the last three steps S204 are stored in the RAM 103 in time series order. It will be stored. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S205.

  In step S205, the CPU 101 performs a preliminary determination process. Specifically, the CPU 101 acquires a random number set such as a big hit random number acquired in the processing of the latest step S204 and stored in the RAM 103 (that is, a random number set such as a big hit random number for the first special symbol lottery stored most recently. ) And whether or not the result of the first special symbol lottery using the jackpot random number is a jackpot based on whether or not the jackpot random number or the like matches a predetermined value or the like stored in the ROM 102, reach It is determined in advance whether or not to execute the production. That is, the determination necessary for executing the pre-reading notice effect and the hold change notice effect is determined in advance prior to the processing of steps S407 and S408 in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S206.

  In step S <b> 206, the CPU 101 sets a first hold number increase command for notifying that the hold number of the first special symbol lottery has increased by 1 in the RAM 103. Here, the first pending number increase command includes information (hereinafter referred to as “preliminary determination information”) indicating the result of the preliminary determination performed in the process of step S205. In addition, the 1st reservation number increase command containing this prior determination information is output by the output process of step S9 of FIG. 5, and the lottery result with respect to the holding | maintenance of the 1st special symbol lottery becomes the symbol in the 1st special symbol lottery. The main control unit 100 notifies the effect control unit 400 before the change starts. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S207, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a game ball has won the second start port 22 and the second start port switch 111b is turned on based on the presence / absence of a detection signal from the second start port switch 111b. To do. If the determination in step S207 is YES, the process proceeds to step S208. If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 208, the CPU 101 reads the upper limit value Umax <b> 2 of the second special symbol lottery holding number from the ROM 102 (“4” in the present embodiment), and the second special symbol lottery holding number U <b> 2 stored in the RAM 103 is the upper limit. It is determined whether or not the value is less than Umax2. If the determination in step S208 is YES, the process proceeds to step S209. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

  In step S209, the CPU 101 updates the value of the holding number U2 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding 1. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S210.

  In step S210, the CPU 101 obtains a set of random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number) used for the second special symbol lottery, etc. They are stored in the RAM 103 in order. Each time the value of the second special symbol lottery holding number U2 is decremented by 1 in the process of step S404 of FIG. 7 to be described later, the random number set stored in the RAM 103 is one set in order from the earliest storage time. Deleted one by one. For this reason, for example, when the value of the holding number U2 of the second special symbol lottery is “3”, the last three random number sets acquired by the processing of the last three steps S210 are stored in the RAM 103 in time series order. It will be stored. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S211.

  In step S211, the CPU 101 performs a preliminary determination process. Specifically, the CPU 101 acquires a random number set such as a big hit random number acquired in the process of the latest step S210 and stored in the RAM 103 (that is, a random number set such as a big hit random number for the second special symbol lottery stored most recently. ) And whether or not the result of the second special symbol lottery using the jackpot random number is a jackpot based on whether or not the jackpot random number or the like matches a predetermined value or the like stored in the ROM 102, reach It is determined in advance whether or not to execute the production. That is, the determination necessary for executing the pre-reading notice effect and the hold change notice effect is determined in advance prior to the processing of steps S407 and S408 in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S212.

  In step S <b> 212, the CPU 101 sets a second hold number increase command for notifying that the hold number of the second special symbol lottery has increased by 1 in the RAM 103. Here, the second pending number increase command includes information (preliminary determination information) indicating the result of the preliminary determination performed in the process of step S211. It should be noted that the second reserved number increase command including this prior determination information is output by the output process in step S9 of FIG. The main control unit 100 notifies the effect control unit 400 before the change starts. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

[Special symbol processing]
FIG. 7 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. Below, the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. 5 is demonstrated using FIG.

  First, in step S401, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 determines that the current state of the gaming machine 1 is a big hit game (a big hit game state) based on information stored in the RAM 103 (typically information by a flag). It is determined whether or not. That is, it is determined whether or not the big hit game (special game) that is executed when the special symbol lottery is won. If the determination in step S401 is YES, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG. 5, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S402.

  In step S402, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol change display is being performed by the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b. If the determination in step S402 is yes, the process proceeds to step S411. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S403.

  In step S403, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the holding number U2 stored in the RAM 103 is 1 or more (that is, whether or not the second special symbol lottery is held). If the determination in step S403 is YES, the process proceeds to step S404. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S405.

  In step S <b> 404, the CPU 101 updates the hold number U <b> 2 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by subtracting one. At this time, the CPU 101 reads out the random number set stored in the RAM 103 and acquired in step S210 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S407.

  On the other hand, in step S405, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the holding number U1 stored in the RAM 103 is 1 or more (that is, whether or not the first special symbol lottery is held). If the determination in step S405 is YES, the process proceeds to step S406. If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S415 assuming that there is no special symbol lottery to be executed.

  In step S <b> 406, the CPU 101 updates the hold number U <b> 1 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by subtracting one. At that time, the CPU 101 reads out the random number set stored in the RAM 103 acquired in step S204 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S407.

  The second special symbol lottery is executed in preference to the first special symbol lottery by the processing of steps S403 to S406 described above.

  In step S407, the CPU 101 executes a big hit determination process for determining whether the special symbol lottery is a big win or a loss. Specifically, when executing the process of step S407 following the process of step S404, the CPU 101 matches the jackpot random number read from the RAM 103 in the process of step S404 with the jackpot winning value stored in the ROM 102. Whether the result of the second special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss is determined based on whether or not to do so. On the other hand, when executing the process of step S407 following the process of step S406, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the jackpot random number read from the RAM 103 in the process of step S406 matches the jackpot winning value stored in the ROM 102. Based on this, it is determined whether the result of the first special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss. When the result of the special symbol lottery is determined to be lost, the CPU 101 sets a lost symbol indicating that the special symbol lottery has been lost in the RAM 103 as a special symbol stop symbol in the setting information. On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, which of the predetermined values stored in the ROM 102 matches the symbol random number read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used for this determination? Based on this, the type of the big hit this time (for example, the probable big hit or the short hit big hit) is determined. Then, the CPU 101 sets, in the RAM 103, information on the jackpot symbol representing the jackpot and the type of jackpot as information on the stop symbol of the special symbol in the setting information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S408.

  In step S408, the CPU 101 executes variation pattern selection processing. Specifically, when the CPU 101 determines that it is a big hit in the big hit determination process of step S407, the fluctuation pattern random number read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used in this big hit determination process is a predetermined value (stored in the ROM 102). A variation pattern (a variation time of a special symbol: the execution time of a notification effect) is determined based on which one of the predetermined values for determining a variation pattern when a big hit occurs). In this embodiment, as an example, when it is determined that the game is a big hit, a reach effect is always performed.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that a loss has occurred in the jackpot determination process in step S407, the reach random number read from the RAM 103 together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination process is a predetermined value stored in the ROM 102 (reach at the time of a loss) It is determined whether or not the reach effect is to be executed based on which one of the predetermined values for execution determination matches. If the CPU 101 determines to execute the reach effect, the fluctuation pattern random number read from the RAM 103 together with the jackpot random number used in the current jackpot determination process is stored in the ROM 102 (the reach effect is executed when lost). The variation pattern (variation time) is determined based on which one of the predetermined values for determining the variation pattern in the case of matching. On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines not to execute the reach effect, the CPU 101 determines the variation pattern (variation time) based on the holding numbers U1 and U2 stored in the RAM 103.

  Information on the variation pattern determined as described above and information indicating whether or not to execute reach production are set in the RAM 103 as setting information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S409.

  In step S409, the CPU 101 generates a notification effect start command including the setting information set by the jackpot determination process in step S407 and the setting information set by the variation pattern selection process in step S408, and sets the notification effect start command in the RAM 103. Here, the notification effect start command is a command for instructing the effect control unit 400 to start the notification effect by the image display unit 6, the speaker 35, and the like. The setting information included in the notification effect start command includes information indicating which of the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery has been executed. This notification effect start command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S410.

  In step S410, the CPU 101 changes the special symbol by the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b based on the setting information included in the notification effect start command set in the process of step S409. Start displaying. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S411.

  In step S411, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol variation time indicated by the variation pattern set in the variation pattern selection process in step S408 has elapsed since the start of the special symbol variation display in step S410. If the determination in step S411 is YES, the process proceeds to step S412. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S5 (ordinary symbol process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 412, the CPU 101 sets a notification effect stop command instructing the end of the notification effect by the image display unit 6 or the like in the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S413. Note that the notification effect stop command set in step S412 is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG.

  In step S413, the CPU 101 ends the special symbol variation display by the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b started in the process of step S410 and displays the stopped symbol. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S414.

  In step S414, the CPU 101 executes a stop process. Specifically, when the CPU 101 determines that the big hit is determined in step S407, the information stored in the RAM 103 (typically information based on a flag) is in the big hit game (the big hit game state). And an opening command for instructing the start of the big hit game effect is set in the RAM 103. This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 5, and the big hit game effect is started. Further, the CPU 101 switches the gaming state according to the number of times that the special symbol fluctuates and is stopped and displayed by the processing of steps S410 and S413 (that is, the number of rotations) (that is, the winning probability setting of the special symbol lottery or the electric A game state notification command indicating the game state after switching is set in the RAM 103 by switching the opening setting of the tulip 27. This gaming state notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 5, and the effect can be switched (for example, switching from the effect mode in the short time state to the effect mode in the normal state). Thereafter, the processing moves to step S5 (normal symbol processing) in FIG.

  In step S415, the CPU 101 determines whether or not to shift to a customer waiting effect (demonstration effect). For example, the CPU 101 waits for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) after the special symbol variation display by the first special symbol display 4a (or the second special symbol display 4b) is finished in a state where the special symbol lottery is not suspended. When the time has elapsed, it is determined that the game by the player has been interrupted or ended, and it is determined to shift to the customer waiting effect. The customer waiting effect is, for example, an effect of displaying video related to content (animation, story, etc.) that is the subject of the gaming machine 1 on the image display unit 6, or a predetermined effect (for example, executed during the game) This is an effect of displaying a part of the reach effect) on the image display unit 6. If the determination in step S415 is yes, the process proceeds to step S416. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S417.

  In step S <b> 416, the CPU 101 sets a customer waiting effect start command for instructing the start of the customer waiting effect in the RAM 103. This customer waiting effect start command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 5, and the customer waiting effect is started. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S417.

  In step S417, the CPU 101 determines whether or not to end the customer waiting effect. For example, the CPU 101 receives a prize at the first start port 21 (or the second start port 22) during execution of the customer waiting effect and uses the first special symbol display 4a (or the second special symbol display 4b). When the variation display of the special symbol is started, it is determined that the game by the player has been resumed (or started), and the customer waiting effect is determined to end. If the determination in step S417 is YES, the process proceeds to step S418, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 418, the CPU 101 sets a customer waiting effect end command for instructing the end of the customer waiting effect in the RAM 103. This customer waiting effect end command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 5, and the customer waiting effect is ended. Thereafter, the processing moves to step S5 (normal symbol processing) in FIG.

[Large winning prize processing]
8 and 9 are examples of detailed flowcharts of the special winning a prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. Hereinafter, the special winning opening process in step S6 of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, in step S601, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the state of the gaming machine 1 is a big hit game based on information stored in the RAM 103 (typically, information based on a flag). judge. If the determination in step S601 is YES, the process proceeds to step S602. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 602, the CPU 101 determines based on the information stored in the RAM 103 whether or not the state of the gaming machine 1 is a jackpot game opening effect. If the determination in step S602 is YES, the process proceeds to step S603, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S609.

  In step S <b> 603, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a set opening time that defines the execution time of the opening effect has elapsed. If the determination in step S603 is YES, the process proceeds to step S604. If the determination is NO, the opening effect has not ended, and the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 604, the CPU 101 sets the total number of rounds Rmax for the jackpot game and the operation pattern of the jackpot 23 for the jackpot game, and sets the setting information in the RAM 103. Specifically, the CPU 101 sets the number of rounds included in the jackpot game (Rmax: “15” in this embodiment) and the operation pattern of the jackpot 23 during the jackpot game, and sets the setting information in the RAM 103. To do. By the process of step S604, the total number of rounds Rmax of the jackpot game, the interval time between rounds in the jackpot game, the set ending time that is the time for performing the ending effect at the end of the jackpot game, and the like are set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S605.

  In step S <b> 605, the CPU 101 resets the winning number C of game balls to the big winning opening 23 stored in the RAM 103 to “0”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S606.

  In step S <b> 606, the CPU 101 updates the round number R of the big hit game stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding one. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S607.

  In step S <b> 607, the CPU 101 controls the special winning opening / closing unit 115 to start the opening control of the special winning opening 23. By this processing, a big hit game round (round game) is started and the opening operation (one opening operation) of the big winning opening 23 is started. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S608.

  In step S <b> 608, the CPU 101 sets a round start notification command for notifying a round start (round game start) in the RAM 103. This round start notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 5, and the round effect is started. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S614.

  In step S609, the CPU 101 determines based on the information stored in the RAM 103 whether or not the gaming machine 1 is in the big hit game interval. If the determination in step S609 is yes, the process proceeds to step S610. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S611.

  In step S610, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the set interval time in the jackpot game set in the process in step S604 has elapsed since the big winning opening 23 was closed at the end of the previous round in the jackpot game. To do. If the determination in step S610 is YES, it is time to start the next round in the jackpot game, so the process moves to step S605. If this determination is NO, the next round in the jackpot game is started. Since the timing is not reached, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 611, the CPU 101 determines whether the state of the gaming machine 1 is executing the jackpot game ending effect based on the information stored in the RAM 103. If the determination in step S611 is YES, the process proceeds to step S621 in FIG. 9, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S612.

  In step S612, the CPU 101 determines that the state of the gaming machine 1 is in the big hit game round, and based on the presence / absence of a detection signal from the big prize opening switch 114, whether the big prize opening switch 114 is turned on. Determine whether or not. If the determination in step S612 is YES, the process moves to step S613. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S614.

  In step S <b> 613, the CPU 101 determines that a winning of game balls to the big winning opening 23 has been detected, and updates the winning number C of game balls stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding one. By executing the process of step S613 every time the big prize opening switch 114 is turned ON, the total number of game balls (winning number C) won in the big prize opening 23 during one round is accumulated and stored in the RAM 103. Go. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S614.

  In step S614, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a specified opening control time (29.5 seconds in the present embodiment) has elapsed since the opening control of the special winning opening 23 was started in the process of step S607. If the determination in step S614 is yes, the process moves to step S616. If the determination is no, the process moves to step S615.

  In step S615, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the number C of winning game balls in the current round has reached an upper limit number of gaming balls Cmax (“10” in the present embodiment) that defines the timing at which the big winning opening 23 is closed. Determine. If the determination in step S615 is YES, the process proceeds to step S616, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S616, the CPU 101 controls the special winning opening / closing unit 115 to end the opening control of the special winning opening 23 started in step S607. In this way, the CPU 101 counts the total number of game balls (winning number C) detected by the big prize opening switch 114 until 29.5 seconds elapse after the big prize opening 23 is opened in each round during the big hit game. ) Has reached 10 (Cmax), or 29.5 seconds have passed without winning 10 game balls since opening the grand prize opening 23, and the big prize opening 23 is closed. . Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S617.

  In step S617, the CPU 101 sets a round end notification command for notifying the end of round (round game end) in the RAM 103. This round start notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 5, and the round effect is ended. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S618.

  In step S618, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the current round number R stored in the RAM 103 has reached the maximum round number Rmax of the big hit game set in the process of step S604. If the determination in step S618 is YES, the process proceeds to step S619 in FIG. 9, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S619 in FIG. 9, the CPU 101 resets the number of rounds R stored in the RAM 103 to “0”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S620.

  In step S620, the CPU 101 sets an ending command for instructing the effect control unit 400 to execute the ending effect of the big hit game in the RAM 103. The ending command set in this process is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 in step S9 (output process) in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S621.

  In step S621, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the set ending time set in the process of step S604 in FIG. 8 has elapsed since the ending command was set in the RAM 103 in step S620. If the determination in step S621 is YES, the process proceeds to step S622. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S622, the CPU 101 ends the jackpot game being executed. Specifically, the CPU 101 cancels the setting information (typically, information based on a flag) indicating that a big hit game stored in the RAM 103 is in progress, and ends the big hit game. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S623.

  In step S623, the CPU 101 executes a game state setting process. Specifically, when the jackpot game is ended in step S622, the CPU 101 switches the gaming state according to the type of the jackpot of this time (that is, switches the winning probability setting of the special symbol lottery and the opening setting of the electric tulip 27). ). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S624.

  In step S624, the CPU 101 sets a gaming state notification command indicating the gaming state after switching by the processing in step S623 in the RAM 103. This gaming state notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 5, and the effect can be switched (for example, switching from the big hit game effect to the effect of the short-time probability changing state). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

[Production control processing by production control unit]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing performed by the effect control unit 400. Below, with reference to FIG. 10, the timer interruption process performed in the production | presentation control part 400 is demonstrated. The effect control unit 400 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 10 at regular intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. In addition, the process performed in the production | presentation control part 400 demonstrated based on the flowchart after FIG. 10 is performed based on the program memorize | stored in ROM402.

  First, in step S11, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 receives various commands output from the main control unit 100 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 5, sets the effect contents according to the received command, Command reception processing for setting various commands in the RAM 403 for instructing the image sound control unit 500 and the lamp control unit 600 to execute the effect of the set effect content is executed.

  Next, in step S <b> 12, the CPU 401 sets the content of the effect according to the operation input signal output from the effect button 37 and the effect key 38 by the player's operation, and the effect of the set content is set in the image sound control unit 500. And the effect input control process which sets the various commands for instructing execution to the lamp controller 600 in the RAM 403 is executed. For example, when a player operates the effect button 37 and outputs an operation input signal during a predetermined operation input valid period, the CPU 401 performs a predetermined effect (such as an effect of displaying a notice image suggesting the possibility of a big hit). Is set and the command is set in the RAM 403.

  Next, in step S13, the CPU 401 executes output processing for outputting various commands set in the RAM 403 in the processing of steps S11 and S12 to the image sound control unit 500 and the lamp control unit 600. By this process, various effects determined to be executed in the processes of steps S11 and S12 are executed by the image display unit 6, the speaker 35, the panel lamp 8, and the like by the execution control of the image sound control unit 500 and the lamp control unit 600. It will be.

[Characteristic discharge path structure in this embodiment]
Next, the characteristic structure of the discharge path 50 in the present embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. In the present embodiment, as the discharge path 50, as described with reference to FIG. 1, an explanation will be given by taking, as an example, a discharge path through which game balls won in the big winning opening 23 and the normal winning opening 24 are discharged. For example, it may be a discharge path through which the game balls won in the second start port 22 are discharged. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the special winning opening 23 and the discharge path 50 for discharging the game balls won in the special winning opening 23, and FIG. 12 shows the special winning opening 23 and the discharge path 50 shown in FIG. Sectional drawing parallel to the game board 2 is shown. In addition, the illustration of the location of the discharge path communicating with the normal winning opening 24 is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the special winning opening 23 is arranged on the back side of the game board 2 and has a main body part 231 having an opening on the front side of the game board 2, and normally closes the opening of the main body part 231. Depending on the result of the symbol lottery, the opening / closing part 232 that projects and tilts to the front side of the game board 2 when the opening is controlled by the big prize opening / closing part 115 and the game that has entered the main body 231 when the big prize opening 23 is opened. And a discharge hole 233 through which the sphere flows into the discharge path 50. Although not shown in detail, the opening / closing portion 232 causes the game ball that has flowed down the front surface of the main body portion 231 (front surface of the game board 2) to the inside of the main body portion 231 (game) due to the inclination angle when protruding. The main body portion 231 guides the game ball guided by the opening / closing portion 232 to the discharge hole 233 by having a slight inclination on the bottom surface thereof.

  The discharge path 50 is disposed on the back side of the game board 2, and is disposed on the downstream side of the vertical path 51 and communicates with the vertical path 51. The vertical path 51 allows the game ball to flow in a substantially vertical direction (downward). A horizontal path 52 that causes the game ball to flow down in a substantially horizontal direction (leftward in the example of FIG. 11). The vertical path 51 and the horizontal path 52 are formed as bowl-shaped passages having openings on the front side of the game board 2, and the width of the passages is such that the game balls can flow down one by one in the passage. It is formed so as to be larger than the diameter but smaller than twice the diameter. More specifically, the minimum diameter of the cross section normal to the flow direction of the vertical path 51 and the horizontal path 52 is larger than the diameter of the game ball, and the maximum diameter of the cross section is more than twice the diameter of the game ball. Is also small. The vertical path 51 and the horizontal path 52 are arranged on the back side of the game board 2 so that the opening thereof is in close contact with the game board 2, so that a game ball does not spill from the opening. In the present embodiment, the discharge path 50 (vertical path 51 and horizontal path 52) is a bowl-shaped path having an opening, but is not limited to such a shape, for example, a tube having no opening It may be a passage.

  The vertical path 51 has an opening at the upstream end thereof, and is connected to the main body portion 231 of the big prize opening 23 so that the opening at the upstream end is located immediately below the discharge hole 233 of the big prize opening 23. The upstream end of the vertical path 51 and the discharge hole 233 communicate with each other. Therefore, the game ball that has won the big winning opening 23 (entered the main body portion 231) passes through the discharge hole 233 and then flows into the vertical path 51.

  In the vertical path 51, a big prize opening switch 114 as a detecting means for detecting the passage of the game ball is disposed in the vicinity of the upstream end thereof (that is, in the vicinity of the discharge hole 233). The big prize opening switch 114 is, for example, a proximity sensor that detects the passage of the game ball as described above, and the shape thereof is formed, for example, in a tubular shape (the hatched portion shown in FIG. 11), and the game ball passes through the hollow portion of the tube. When it passes, an ON signal is transmitted to the main control unit 100 as a detection signal. That is, when the game ball passes through the position where the special winning opening switch 114 is provided, the passage is detected. Thereby, the number of game balls (more specifically, game balls that have won the big prize opening 23 and flowed into the discharge path 50 from the outlet hole 232) that have won the big prize opening 23 is detected. Prize balls are paid out. As described above, in this embodiment, various switches (sensors) are provided in the vicinity of the upstream end of the discharge path communicating with each winning opening so that the game balls discharged from the winning opening to the discharge path are detected.

  At the downstream end of the vertical path 51, a protrusion 53 is formed on the inner surface of the road wall, and an escape part 54 is formed on the inner surface of the road wall facing the protrusion 53. Specifically, the protrusion 53 is formed on the upstream side (the right side in FIG. 11) of the horizontal path 52 in the flow wall inner surface of the vertical path 51, and protrudes in the downstream direction (the left direction in FIG. 11). To do. Thereby, when the game ball flowing down from the upstream of the vertical path 51 comes into contact with the protruding portion 53, the flowing direction is changed in the protruding direction (downstream direction of the horizontal path 52). On the other hand, the escape part 54 is formed on the road wall inner surface (left side in FIG. 11) facing the protrusion 53 in the road wall inner surface of the vertical path 51, and releases the game ball whose flow direction has been changed by the protrusion 53. It functions as a space for this (a portion indicated by a dot in FIG. 11).

  As shown in FIG. 11, the protrusion 53 is formed in a substantially triangular prism shape. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 53 in the cross section parallel to the game board 2 is the tip of the protrusion (FIG. 12). Are formed in a substantially triangular shape (triangle def shown in FIG. 12) having a mountain shape with the apex e) shown in FIG. In addition, the protrusion part 53 should just change the flow direction of the game ball to a protrusion direction, The shape is not restricted to this. Further, the protrusion height of the protrusion 53 (the height of the apex e with respect to the base df) and the protrusion angle of the protrusion 53 (inclination of the upper protrusion slope with respect to the road wall surface of the vertical path 51; angle A shown in FIG. 12) Is appropriately set so that the game ball can contact the protrusion 53 according to the width of the vertical path 51 through which the game ball passes.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the escape portion 54 is formed in a substantially triangular prism shape so that the road wall surface at the downstream end of the vertical path 51 has a slope, and more specifically, as shown in FIG. Is formed in a substantially triangular shape (triangle abc shown in FIG. 12) whose width in the horizontal direction increases as the cross-sectional shape becomes downstream of the vertical path 51. In other words, the relief portion 54 is formed in a shape in which the horizontal cross-sectional area increases as it goes downstream of the vertical path 51. Therefore, by forming the relief portion 54 at the downstream end of the vertical path 51, the width of the horizontal passage at the junction of the vertical path 51 and the horizontal path 52 is widened. It should be noted that the size of the space of the escape portion 54 described above, that is, the angle of the road wall surface at the downstream end that is inclined with respect to the road wall surface upstream of the vertical path 51 by forming the escape portion 54 (angle B shown in FIG. 12). ) Or the height of the relief portion (the length of the line segment ab shown in FIG. 12) is appropriately set according to the height of the projection of the projection 53 and the projection angle A. Specifically, the angle B of the road wall surface and the height of the escape portion are determined by the inner surface of the road wall at the downstream end of the vertical passage 51 projecting downstream of the horizontal passage 52 by forming the escape portion 54, It is set so that the game ball can pass between the inner surface of the road wall and the protruding portion 53 facing the road wall. More specifically, it is set to satisfy at least the following two conditions. First, as a first condition, the minimum distance between the projection tip of the projection 53 and the inner surface of the road wall on which the relief portion 54 is formed is set to be at least larger than the diameter of the game ball. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the length m1 of the perpendicular line extending from the apex e of the protrusion tip to the straight line ac which is the cross-sectional line of the inner surface of the road wall where the escape portion 54 is formed is longer than the diameter of the game ball. Is set. Further, the second condition is set so as to satisfy the following condition. Now, the road wall in the case where the road wall of the vertical path 51 (the left-side road wall shown in FIG. 12) assuming that the escape portion 54 is not formed is extended vertically downward until reaching the bottom surface of the horizontal path 52, Consider a virtual game ball that comes into contact with the bottom surface of the horizontal path 52. At this time, the second condition is that the width between the plane parallel to the road wall surface on which the escape portion 54 is formed and in contact with the virtual game ball and the road wall surface on which the escape portion 54 is formed is It is set to be larger than the diameter of the sphere. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, when a virtual game ball (dotted circle shown in FIG. 12) in contact with the bottom surface of the horizontal path 52 and the straight line ab touches the straight line a′c ′ parallel to the straight line ac, The width m2 between a′c ′ and the straight line ac is set longer than the diameter of the game ball. The setting satisfying the above two conditions is realized by appropriately combining the projection height and projection angle A of the projection 53 and the height of the relief portion 54 and the road wall angle B. At this time, as the angle B of the road wall surface is increased with respect to the protrusion angle A, the width of the horizontal passage at the joining portion of the vertical path 51 and the horizontal path 52 can be increased. B is preferably set to at least the projection angle A or more. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the protrusion 53 is formed in a substantially triangular (triangle def) shape, the horizontal cross-sectional area of the vertical path 51 increases from the height at which the protrusion tip is positioned toward the vertically downward direction. . That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the vertical path 51 is provided with a space indicated by a triangle egf whose width in the horizontal direction becomes wider toward the lower end. For this reason, in addition to the presence of the escape portion 54, the vertical path 51 and the horizontal path 52 are provided by the presence of a space (also referred to as a notch space cut out below the protrusion 53) provided immediately below the protrusion 53. The width of the horizontal passage at the confluence portion can be increased. Further, if the game ball is designed to pass through in this way, the escape portion 54 is not limited to a substantially triangular shape in cross section, and is, for example, a fan shape in which the road wall surface is an arc. May be.

  The horizontal path 52 is arranged with a slight inclination so that the game balls flow down in the horizontal direction (left side in FIG. 11). Although not shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, as shown in FIG. 1, a game ball that has won a prize from the upstream side (right side of FIG. 11) to the normal winning opening 24 is placed on the horizontal path 52. It is discharged and flows down. For this reason, in the horizontal path 52, the game ball that has flowed down from the vertical path 51 (game ball that has won the big prize opening 23) and the game ball that has flowed down from the upstream of the horizontal path 52 at the junction with the vertical path 51. (Game balls that have won the normal winning opening 24) join.

  Next, using FIG. 13 to FIG. 16, how the game ball flows down in the characteristic discharge path 50 of the present embodiment will be described in comparison with the discharge path in the conventional gaming machine. FIGS. 13 and 14 show how the game balls flow down in the discharge path 50 of the present embodiment, and FIGS. 15 and 16 show how the game balls flow down in the discharge path of the conventional gaming machine.

  First, as shown in FIG. 15, in a discharge path without a protrusion communicating with a conventional big prize opening, when a game ball flowing down a vertical path collides with a horizontal path, the game ball is displaced in a substantially vertical direction. Since it has only the component, it bounces in the vertical direction as it is, and may reach the vicinity of the upstream end of the vertical path again. Since a sensor for detecting the passage of the game ball is arranged near the upstream end of the vertical path, the sensor may detect the rebounded game ball again, which may cause erroneous detection. In order to prevent this erroneous detection, for example, it is conceivable that the length of the vertical path is increased so that even if the game ball bounces back, it does not reach the upstream end where the sensor is arranged. Then, due to the design of the gaming machine, the big prize opening is often arranged at the lower part of the game board, and it is not always realistic to design the length of the vertical path longer.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, since the protrusion 53 is provided on the inner wall of the vertical path 51, the game ball that has flowed down in the vertical direction comes into contact with the protrusion 53, so It is changed in the protrusion direction. That is, the game ball has a displacement component in the protrusion direction in addition to the displacement component in the vertical direction. For this reason, when a game ball that has flowed down the vertical path 51 collides with the horizontal path 52, the game ball has a considerable amount of displacement in the horizontal direction. Since it jumps in the direction, it rarely jumps again to the vicinity of the upstream end of the vertical path 51. For this reason, even if the length of the vertical path 51 is not designed to be long, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of the sensor (big prize opening switch 114) due to rebound.

  By the way, in the conventional gaming machine, the game balls launched toward the big prize opening at the time of the big hit are not all won at the big prize opening due to the arrangement of the nails, etc. When the game balls are discharged, a large amount of game balls are rarely discharged at a time. However, in recent years, there are many players who are frustrated by the fact that some of the game balls launched toward the grand prize opening do not win, and almost all the game balls win the big prize opening at the time of the big hit. Many players want to do it. For this reason, a gaming machine that realizes the arrangement of nails or the like that enables this is required, and in this embodiment as well, as described above, almost all of the game balls are continuous when the big prize opening 23 is opened. In order to be able to win, it is arranged on a path through which almost all of the game balls launched by the right strike pass. And in a game machine provided with such a big winning opening 23, the discharge path which can discharge | emit a lot of game balls which win continuously at once is calculated | required. However, in a conventional discharge path in which a protrusion is simply provided to prevent erroneous detection by the sensor, when a large number of game balls pass through the discharge path at once, the game balls may become clogged. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the game ball whose flow direction has been changed by the protrusion has a displacement component in the protrusion direction (horizontal direction), and therefore the flow direction toward the inner wall facing the protrusion is the flow direction. Is touched and this inner wall is touched. When a large number of game balls pass through the discharge path at a time, the game balls continuously pass through the discharge path, so the previous game ball exists in the lower horizontal path, and the upper The immediately following game ball exists on the vertical path. When the game ball whose direction has been changed by the protrusion comes into contact with the inner wall and loses a place to go, it receives a force that is further pressed against the inner wall facing the protrusion by the upper game ball. Due to the presence of the ball, the ball cannot flow downward, and there may be a situation in which the destination is lost due to the inner wall and the game ball below. Then, due to the game ball that has lost its destination, at least three game balls including the game ball and the preceding and following game balls are in a bridge state, which causes a ball clogging.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, since the escape portion 54 is formed on the inner surface of the road wall facing the projection 53 of the vertical path 51, the game ball whose direction is changed by the projection 53 is It can flow down into the space of the escape portion 54. More specifically, the escape portion 54 is formed such that at least the lengths m1 and m2 shown in FIG. 12 are longer than the diameter of the game ball, so that the game ball can flow into the space of the escape portion 54. it can. For this reason, the game ball whose direction has been changed by the protrusion 53 does not lose contact with the inner surface of the road wall. In addition, since the relief portion 54 is formed at the downstream end of the vertical path 51, the width of the horizontal passage at the junction of the vertical path 51 and the horizontal path 52 is increased. For this reason, the game ball whose direction is changed by the protrusion 53 and located in the vicinity of the merging portion is unlikely to be in a bridge state between the game ball present below and the game ball present above. In addition, game balls that have won prizes in the normal prize opening 24 from the upstream side of the horizontal path 52 may flow down. However, game balls that win the big prize slot 23 and flow down from the vertical path 51 Since the downward flow direction can be changed by the protrusion 53, the game ball won in the big prize opening 23 and the game ball won in the normal prize opening 24 have displacement components in the opposite direction at the junction. Because it does not have, it is difficult to cause ball clogging due to merging. For this reason, according to the discharge path 50 in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent clogging of balls even if game balls pass continuously.

  In this embodiment, the discharge path composed of the vertical path 51 and the horizontal path 52 is described as the discharge path 50 for preventing the ball clogging. For the purpose of preventing the ball clogging, for example, the horizontal path and the vertical path It is also conceivable to arrange a curved discharge path so that there is no merging portion where the merging points. However, as described above, since the main board, the sub board, the switching power supply and the like are arranged in addition to the discharge path 50 on the back surface of the game board 2, the discharge path 50 generally has the other types. It is necessary to arrange in the area excluding the arrangement. For this reason, it is not always practical to arrange such a curved discharge path. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to arrange the discharge path 50 having a configuration in which the vertical path 51 and the horizontal path 52 can be linearly arranged, so that the other space on the back of the game board 2 is not obstructed. The discharge path 50 can be disposed in a space-saving manner. That is, even if the space for arranging the discharge path is limited by design, the discharge path 50 that prevents the clogging of the balls is formed by connecting the vertical path 51 and the horizontal path 52 as described above. can do. As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the discharge path 50 including the vertical path 51 and the horizontal path 52 that can be installed in a space-saving manner, the protrusion 53 and the relief part 54 are connected to each other on the road wall inner surface of the vertical path 51. By forming them so as to face each other, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection by the sensor (large winning opening switch 114) and to prevent clogging of the balls. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent clogging of balls even when a large number of game balls pass continuously at one time.

[Modification]
In the above embodiment, in the horizontal path 52, a game ball flowing down from the vertical path 51 (game ball winning in the big prize opening 23) and a game ball flowing down from the upstream of the horizontal path 52 (ordinary prize opening 24). Therefore, the protruding portion 53 has a horizontal path so that the gaming ball flowing down from the vertical path 51 can be changed in the downstream direction by the protruding section 53. 52 was formed on the upstream side in the flow-down direction (the right side in FIG. 11). However, when there is no such merging, the protrusion 53 is formed on the downstream side (left side in FIG. 11) in the flow direction of the horizontal path 52, and the escape portion 54 is on the upstream side (right side in FIG. 11). It may be formed. In this case, the game ball flowing down from the vertical path 51 is brought into contact with the protrusion 53 so that the flow direction of the game ball is changed to the upstream direction of the horizontal path 52 and flows into the horizontal path 52. The horizontal direction 52 is flowed down by changing the flow direction to the downstream direction. For this reason, the pressure of the game ball flowing down the horizontal path 52 can be removed.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the discharge path 50 that communicates with the big winning opening 23 where almost all the game balls can win continuously at the time of a big hit is described as a discharge path that can discharge a large amount of game balls at once. did. However, the discharge path 50 that can discharge a large amount of game balls at a time may be applied to a discharge path that communicates with another winning opening. For example, a large number of game balls may be awarded continuously at a time in the second start port 22 that is opened for a long time in a short time state. In such a case, since the discharge path communicating with the second start port 22 is required to discharge a large amount of game balls at once, it is preferable that the discharge path 50 described in the above embodiment is applied.

  Further, the shape, number, installation position, and the like of each component provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 described above are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to other shapes, numbers, and installation positions. It goes without saying that the present invention can be realized without departing from the above. Further, it goes without saying that the numerical values and the like used in the above-described processing are merely examples, and the present invention can be realized even with other numerical values.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated in detail using embodiment, the above-mentioned description is only the illustration of this invention in all the points, and does not intend to limit the range. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, it is to be understood that the terms used in the present specification are used in the meaning normally used in the art unless otherwise specified. Thus, unless defined otherwise, all technical and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine 2 ... Game board 4 ... Display 5 ... Frame member 6 ... Image display part 7 ... Movable accessory 8 ... Board lamp 20 ... Game area 21 ... 1st starting opening (winning device)
22 ... 2nd starting port (winning device)
23 ... Grand prize opening (winning equipment)
24 ... Normal prize opening (winning equipment)
25 ... Gate 26 ... Discharge port 27 ... Electric tulip 31 ... Handle 32 ... Lever 33 ... Stop button 34 ... Eject button 35 ... Speaker 36 ... Frame lamp 37 ... Production button 38 ... Production key 39 ... Dish 43 ... Lock part 50 ... Ejection Road 51 ... Vertical path 52 ... Horizontal path 53 ... Projection part 54 ... Relief part 100 ... Main control part 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 ... CPU
102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602 ... ROM
103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603 ... RAM
111a ... 1st start port switch 111b ... 2nd start port switch 112 ... Electric tulip opening / closing part 113 ... Gate switch 114 ... Grand prize opening switch 115 ... Grand prize opening / closing part 116 ... Normal prize opening switch 200 ... Launch control part 211 ... Launcher 231 ... Main body 232 ... Opening / closing part 233 ... Discharge hole 300 ... Discharge control part 311 ... Discharge drive part 400 ... Production control part 404 ... RTC
500 ... Image sound control unit 600 ... Lamp control unit

Claims (3)

A game board having a game area where game balls can flow down;
A prize-winning device provided on the game board and capable of paying out a prize ball when the game ball wins;
A gaming machine provided on the back side of the gaming board and having a discharge path for discharging the game ball won in the winning device;
The discharge path is
A vertical path that causes the game ball to flow down in a substantially vertical direction;
Formed on the downstream side of the vertical path, communicated with the vertical path, and consisting of a horizontal path that causes the game ball to flow down in a substantially horizontal direction,
A protrusion that can change the flow path of the game ball in the protrusion direction is formed on the inner wall of the vertical path,
A gaming machine in which an escape portion, which is a space for releasing a game ball whose flow path has been changed in the projection direction by the projection, is formed on an inner surface of the road wall facing the projection. The protrusion and the relief are formed at the downstream end of the vertical path,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the escape portion is formed in a shape such that a horizontal cross-sectional area increases toward a downstream side. The winning device is
A winning device that is opened a predetermined number of times when it is determined that a special game is to be performed based on the determination information acquired when the start condition is satisfied, and a plurality of game balls can be continuously won during one opening. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:

Images