JP2015062630A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To further improve taste in "a pinball game machine of a type offering a player a game profit on the basis of a fact that a game ball having entered a variable winning hole passes through a specific area".SOLUTION: Stop modes of distribution means are differed according to timing when a start condition of a specific game is established, so that "possibilities (possibilities of offering a game profit) of a game ball having entered a variable entry hole, passing though a specific area" are differed. Consequently, this configuration achieves a novel game property of making a player expect that the operation condition of the specific game may be established at timing when the stop mode of the distribution means turns out a stop mode in which "the possibilities (possibilities of offering a game profit) of the game ball having entered the variable entry hole, passing though the specific area" is high.

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine that plays a game by firing a game ball on a game board on which a game area is formed.

  A variable entrance is provided based on the fact that a variable entrance is provided that can be changed between a state in which a game ball cannot enter and a state in which a game ball can enter, and a predetermined condition is satisfied. There is known a ball game machine that executes a specific game in which can enter a ball. Among such ball game machines, there is a ball game machine that gives a game profit to a player based on a game ball that has entered a variable entrance during a specific game passing through a specific area. Exists. For example, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol, a big hit game is executed in which the variable entrance is ready to enter, and if the game ball passes a specific area during the big hit game, the big hit after the big hit game ends When a ball game machine that increases the probability that a symbol will stop display, or when a special symbol is stopped and displayed with a small hit symbol, a small hit game is executed in which the variable entrance is allowed to enter the ball for only a short time. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a ball game machine that executes a big hit game that allows a variable entrance to enter for a long time when a game ball passes a specific area during a game.

  As such a ball game machine, when the variable entrance is ready to enter, there is a distribution member that distributes the game balls that enter the variable entrance into a specific area and a non-specific area. There is something to make it work. By doing so, the player who expects the game ball to pass through the specific area can be focused on the operation of the sorting member (Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-097690 A

  However, it is well known that a distribution member that distributes game balls into a specific area and a non-specific area is well known, and simply by providing a distribution member, a game ball that has entered the variable entrance has a specific area. Therefore, it is difficult to further enhance the interest of the “ball-type game machine of the type that gives a game profit to a player”.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. “A game ball that has entered a variable entrance has a game profit for a player based on passing through a specific area. The purpose is to further enhance interest in the “ball game machine”.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the bullet ball game machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
A variable entrance is provided that can be changed between a state where a game ball cannot enter and a state where a game ball can enter, and a state where a game ball can enter.
A bullet that gives a predetermined game profit to a player based on the fact that a game ball that has entered the variable entry port passes through a specific area during the specific game in which the variable entry port is ready to enter. A ball game machine,
A distribution means operable to change the possibility that a game ball that has entered the variable entry slot passes through the specific area;
The specific game is started based on a predetermined start condition being satisfied,
The distribution means operates based on a predetermined operation pattern, and stops the operation based on the establishment of the start condition,
The stop mode of the allocating unit differs depending on the timing when the start condition is satisfied, and the possibility that the game ball passes through the specific area differs depending on the stop mode.

  In such a ball game machine, the stop mode of the distribution means varies depending on the timing at which the start condition of the specific game is satisfied. As a result, “the game ball that has entered the variable entrance can pass through the specific area. ”(Possibility that game profit is given)” will be different. As a result, the specific game at a timing at which the stop mode of the distribution means becomes a high stop mode in which “the possibility that the game ball that has entered the variable entrance is to pass through the specific area (the possibility that a game profit is given)” is high. Thus, it is possible to realize a novel gameability that is expected to satisfy the start condition of the game, and it is possible to enhance the game interest when the specific game is started.

In addition, the above-mentioned ball game machine
Comprising identification information display means for variably displaying the identification information;
The start condition may be that a game ball is detected by a predetermined detection unit after the result of the variation display of the identification information becomes a specific result.

  According to such a ball game machine, based on the fact that the game ball is detected by the detecting means after the variation display of the identification information becomes the specific result, the specific game is executed and the The distribution means for changing the “probability that the game ball that has entered the ball passes through the specific area (possibility that game profit will be given)” is stopped. Therefore, the stop mode of the sorting means differs depending on the timing at which the detection means detects the game ball, and as a result, “the possibility that the game ball that has entered the variable entrance is to pass through the specific area (game profit is given). Will be different). As a result, the detection means at the timing when the stop mode of the distribution unit becomes a stop mode in which “the possibility that the game ball that has entered the variable entrance port passes through the specific area (the possibility that game profit is given)” is high. Thus, it is possible to realize a novel gameability that allows the player to aim for the detection of the game ball at the time, and as a result, it is possible to enhance the game interest when the specific game is started.

In addition, the above-mentioned ball game machine
The distribution unit may start the operation when the result of the variation display of the identification information becomes a specific result, and stop the operation when a game ball is detected by the detection unit.

  According to such a ball game machine, since the operation start of the allocating means is a signal that the identification information variation display result is the specific result, the identification information variation display result is the identification result. You can impress the player. Also, in a specific game that is started after that, the stop mode of the distribution means affects “the possibility that a game ball that has entered the variable entrance has passed through a specific area (a possibility that a game profit will be given)” Can impress the player. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to operate the distribution unit before the specific result is obtained, it is possible to reduce the processing load related to the operation of the distribution unit.

In addition, the above-mentioned ball game machine
The allocating means may resume the operation when a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation stopped.

  According to such a ball game machine, the stop mode of the sorting unit stopped by detecting the game ball by the detection unit is “the possibility that the game ball that has entered the variable entrance has passed through the specific area”. (Possibility that game profit will be given) ”, letting the player determine whether the stop mode is high or not, and enter the game ball into the variable entrance while the operation of the sorting means is stopped It is possible to make the player think about whether to aim at making a ball or to aim at making a game ball enter the variable entrance after the operation of the allocating means is resumed. As a result, it is possible to enhance the game interest when a specific game is started.

In addition, the above-mentioned ball game machine
The allocating means has a plurality of allocating members that can change the course of a game ball that has entered the variable entrance.
The plurality of sorting members can be individually operated, and a part or all of the plurality of sorting members can be stopped based on the establishment of the start condition,
Depending on the mode in which the plurality of sorting members stop, the possibility that the game balls that have entered the variable entrance may be distributed to the specific area may be changed.

  According to such a ball game machine, when a part of a plurality of sorting members is stopped, “the possibility that a game ball that has entered the variable entrance has passed through a specific area (a gaming profit is granted). Although a part of “the possibility of being played” is determined, the other sorting members continue to operate even after the start of the specific game, so that the possibility can be varied. Thereby, a player can be made to pay attention to whether one part stops among all the distribution members, or all stop. As a result, it is possible to enhance the game interest when a specific game is started.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to further enhance the interest in a “ball game machine of a type that gives a game profit to a player based on the fact that a game ball that has entered the variable entrance has passed a specific area”. Can be planned.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine of the 1st example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of the game board of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the 1st symbol display apparatus and 2nd symbol display apparatus of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the screen structure of the presentation display apparatus of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the starting port unit of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the distribution area | region of 1st Example. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the pachinko machine of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the one aspect | mode of the effect performed with the effect display apparatus of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the game control process of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the jackpot symbol stop of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the big hit start process of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the big hit progress process of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the jackpot end of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the effect acquired by the pachinko machine of 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the effect acquired by the pachinko machine of the 1st modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows the kind of jackpot game of 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the start timing and stop timing of the distribution operation | movement of the distribution member of 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the effect acquired by the pachinko machine of 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the generation | occurrence | production path | route of the jackpot game in the pachinko machine of 3rd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the start and stop timing of distribution operation | movement of a 2nd modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows the distribution means of a 3rd modification.

  In order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to the following pachinko machine (bullet ball game machine) will be described.

A. First Example:
A-1. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front part of the pachinko machine 1 is mainly composed of a front frame 4, an upper dish part 5, a lower dish part 6, a game board 10, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 10 is omitted. The front frame 4 is attached to a middle frame 3 (not shown), and the middle frame 3 is attached to a main body frame 2 (not shown). The middle frame 3 is formed of a plastic material and is attached to the inside of the main body frame 2. The main body frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame formed by assembling wooden plate-like members, and forms an outer frame of the pachinko machine 1. One end of the front frame 4 is pivotally supported with respect to the middle frame 3, and one end of the middle frame 3 is pivotally supported with respect to the main body frame 2. The game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3, and the front side is covered with the front frame 4.

  The front frame 4 is formed of a plastic material, and a circular window portion 4a is formed at a substantially central portion. A transparent plate such as a glass plate is fitted in the window portion 4a so that the board surface of the game board 10 disposed on the back side can be visually recognized. Further, the front frame 4 is provided with various lamps 4b to 4f for enhancing the game effect. An upper plate part 5 is provided below the front frame 4, and a lower plate part 6 is provided below the upper plate part 5. The game ball is thrown into the upper plate part 5 and supplied to the launcher unit 12 (see FIG. 7). A speaker 5 y is provided on the left side of the upper plate part 5.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided with a discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the pachinko machine 1, and the discharged game balls are stored in the lower plate part 6. A firing handle 8 is provided at the right end of the lower plate portion 6. The rotation axis of the launching handle 8 is connected to a launching device unit 12 (not shown) mounted on the back side of the lower pan 6, and when the player rotates the firing handle 8, the movement of the launching handle 8 is caused to the launching device unit 12. Then, a launch motor (not shown) built in the unit rotates, and a game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle.

A-1-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a board surface configuration of the game board 10. As described above, the game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 11 surrounded by an outer rail 14 and an inner rail 15 is formed at the center of the game board 10. The game ball fired from the launching device unit 12 described above passes between the outer rail 14 and the inner rail 15 and is released to the game area 11, and flows down from above the game area 11.

  A central device 26 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11, and an effect display device 27 is provided in the approximate center of the central device 26. The effect display device 27 is composed of a liquid crystal display, and on the display screen, various effect symbols such as an identification symbol and a background image can be displayed in a variable manner and stopped. Various effect symbols displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 will be described later.

  A first symbol display device 28 is provided diagonally to the left of the effect display device 27, and a second symbol display device 32 is provided diagonally to the right of the effect display device 27. Among these, in the first symbol display device 28 provided at the lower left of the effect display device 27, it is possible to variably display the normal symbol and the first special symbol, and to be provided at the lower right of the effect display device 27. In the second symbol display device 32, the second special symbol can be variably displayed. Detailed configurations of the first symbol display device 28 and the second symbol display device 32 will be described later. In the following, the first special symbol may be simply abbreviated as “first special figure”, and the second special symbol may be simply abbreviated as “second special figure”.

  In the game area 11, a normal symbol operation gate 36 is provided on the left side of the central device 26, and a normal symbol gate switch 36 s for detecting the passage of a game ball is provided inside the normal symbol operation gate 36. Yes. Further, a big hit start gate 37 (see FIG. 7) is provided to the right of the central device 26 in the game area 11, and inside the big hit start gate 37 is a big hit gate switch 37s for detecting the passage of the game ball. (See FIG. 7). Further, a lamp windmill 24 is provided between the normal symbol operating gate 36 and the central device 26. A number of obstacle nails 23 are provided between and around each of these gaming devices.

  In the game area 11, a start port unit 17 is provided below the central device 26. As will be described later, the starting port unit 17 is configured by combining two starting ports up and down, and the first starting port 17a provided on the upper side is a size of a game ball receiving opening that allows game balls to enter. Is a fixed (non-variable) entrance where the game ball can always enter, and the second start port 17b provided on the lower side has a pair of left and right The wing piece is a variable entrance that is configured to be openable and closable. The detailed configuration of the start port unit 17 will be described later with reference to another drawing.

  A first grand prize device 60 is provided below the start port unit 17 in the game area 11. The first grand prize winning device 60 includes a first grand prize winning opening 60d (variable winning entrance, first variable winning entrance) that opens largely in a substantially rectangular shape, and an opening / closing member 60e that opens and closes the first grand prize winning opening 60d, The first opening prize solenoid 60m (see FIG. 7) for operating the opening / closing member 60e is configured. When a predetermined condition to be described later is satisfied, the first grand prize winning device 60 starts operating, the first grand prize winning solenoid 60m opens the opening / closing member 60e, and the first grand prize winning opening 60d is opened. As a result, the game ball enters the first big winning opening 60d with a high probability, and a big hit game advantageous to the player is executed. Further, a first grand prize opening switch 60s (see FIG. 7) is provided inside the first big prize opening 60d, and it is possible to detect a game ball that has entered the first big prize opening 60d. .

  In addition, a “distribution area 70” is formed below the first grand prize opening 60d and on the back side of the game board 10 to guide the game balls that have entered the first big prize opening 60d. The distribution area 70 is provided with a configuration (distribution means) for distributing the game balls that have entered the distribution area 70 to either the “specific area 71” or the “non-specific area 72”. Moreover, in the game board 10, the part corresponding to the position of the distribution area | region 70 is formed with transparent boards, such as a colorless plastic board. Therefore, the distribution area 70 (and thus the game ball is distributed to the specific area 71 and the non-specific area 72 by the distribution means) is visible to the player. The detailed configuration of the distribution area 70 will be described later with reference to another drawing.

  In the game area 11, a second big prize device 65 is provided on the right side of the central device 26. The second grand prize winning device 65 operates a second grand prize winning opening 65d (second variable ball entering opening) that opens largely in a substantially rectangular shape, an opening / closing member 65e for opening and closing the second big winning prize opening 65d, and an opening / closing member 65e. And a second grand prize opening solenoid 65m (see FIG. 7). When a predetermined condition to be described later is satisfied, the second grand prize winning device 65 starts to operate, the second big prize winning solenoid 65m opens the opening / closing member 65e, and the second big prize winning opening 65d is opened. As a result, the game ball enters the second big winning opening 65d with a high probability, and a big hit game advantageous to the player is executed. In addition, a second big prize opening switch 65s (see FIG. 7) is provided inside the second big prize opening 65d, and it is possible to detect a game ball that has entered the second big prize opening 65d. .

  An out port 48 is provided in the lower part of the game area 11, and a back ball preventing member 58 is provided in the lower part of the out port 48. The back ball prevention member 58 has a function of preventing a game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 11 from returning to the launch position.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the first symbol display device 28 and the second symbol display device 32 mounted on the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 3A shows the first symbol display device 28, and FIG. 3B shows the second symbol display device 32. First, the configuration of the first symbol display device 28 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3A, the first symbol display device 28 of the first embodiment is constructed by incorporating 16 small light emitting diodes (LEDs) in a substantially rectangular area. Of these 16 LEDs, 5 LEDs constitute the normal symbol display unit 29, and the remaining 11 LEDs constitute the first special symbol display unit 30. Further, the normal symbol display unit 29 is composed of one LED (normal symbol LED 29a) for displaying a normal symbol and four LEDs (normal symbol hold display LED 29b) for displaying the number of reserved normal symbols. It is configured. In addition, the first special symbol display unit 30 includes seven LEDs for displaying the first special symbol (first special symbol LED 30a) and four LEDs for displaying the number of reserved first special symbols ( First special figure hold display LED 30b). In the following, the holding of the first special symbol (first special figure) is also referred to as “first special figure holding”, and the holding number of the first special figure is also referred to as “first special figure holding number”.

  The 2nd symbol display apparatus 32 shown in FIG.3 (b) becomes a structure which remove | eliminated the normal symbol display part 29 from the 1st symbol display apparatus 28 mentioned above. That is, the second symbol display device 32 is provided with a second special symbol display unit 33 composed of eleven LEDs, and the seven LEDs provided in the approximate center of the second symbol display unit 33 display the second special symbol. This is an LED for display (second special symbol LED 33a), and the remaining four LEDs are LEDs for displaying the number of reserved special symbols (second special symbol hold LED 33b). Hereinafter, the holding of the second special symbol (second special figure) is also referred to as “second special figure holding”, and the holding number of the second special figure is also referred to as “second special figure holding number”. If there is no need to distinguish between them, “first special figure hold” and “second special figure hold” are collectively referred to as “special figure hold”.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen configuration of the effect display device 27 mounted on the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment. As described above, the effect display device 27 is configured using a liquid crystal display, and three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c and a background image 27d of the background are displayed on the display screen. . The three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start the variable display in synchronization with the start timing of the special symbol variable display in the first special symbol display unit 30 and the second special symbol display unit 33. The variation display is performed in various modes until the variation time elapses. Then, the variation display of the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is completed in synchronization with the end timing of special symbol variation display (special symbol stop display).

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of the start port unit 17 mounted on the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment. As described above, the start port unit 17 is provided with the first start port 17a and the second start port 17b. The first starting port 17a provided on the upper side is configured as a non-variable type (pocket type) inlet (general starting port) with a fixed size of the game ball receiving port, and the second starting port 17a provided on the lower side. The start port 17b is configured as a variable entry port (variable start port) having a pair of blade pieces 17w. The pair of wing pieces 17w can take two states, a substantially upright closed state (see FIG. 5A) and an open state rotated outward (see FIG. 5B). . As shown in FIG. 5A, the closed state of the second starter port 17b in which the pair of wing pieces 17w are almost upright is such that the game ball cannot enter the second starter port 17b and is exclusively used for the first start. In this state, the ball enters the mouth 17a. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, the open state of the second starting port 17b in which the pair of wing pieces 17w are opened outward is a state in which a game ball can enter the second starting port 17b. It is. In the starting port unit 17 of the first embodiment, when the second starting port 17b is opened, the second starting port 17b is easier to enter the game ball than the first starting port 17a.

  The game balls that have entered the first start port 17a or the second start port 17b are guided to the back side of the game board 10 through the passages provided in the respective ones. A first start port switch 17s is provided in the middle of the passage inside the first start port 17a, and a second start port switch 17t is provided in the middle of the passage inside the second start port 17b. The game balls that have entered the start port 17a or the second start port 17b are detected by the first start port switch 17s or the second start port switch 17t, respectively.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the distribution area 70 of the first embodiment. As described above, the distribution area 70 is formed below the first grand prize opening 60d and on the back side of the game board 10, and is an area into which a game ball entering the first big prize opening 60d enters. It is. As shown in FIG. 6A, the game ball that has entered the first grand prize opening 60d enters the distribution area 70 from the entrance 74. A distribution member 73 is provided below the entrance 74, a specific area 71 is provided below the left side (one side) of the distribution member 73, and below the right side (the other side) of the distribution member 73. Is provided with a non-specific region 72.

  The sorting member 73 is formed in an arrow shape on the tip side, and the base side is connected to the rotation shaft of the sorting motor 73m (see FIG. 7). Thereby, the distribution member 73 can perform an operation (operation based on a predetermined operation pattern, hereinafter also referred to as “distribution operation”) that rotates left and right about the base side as a rotation center. Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the sorting member 73 rotates to the left side (one side), the game balls that have entered the sorting area 70 are moved to the right side (the other side) of the sorting member 73. ) And the guide pin 75 projecting between the sorting member 73 and the non-specific region 72 increases the possibility (probability) of being guided to the non-specific region 72 (passing through the non-specific region 72). Naturally, the greater the amount of rotation of the sorting member 73 to the left side (one side), the higher the possibility that the game ball that has entered the sorting area 70 will come into contact with the right side surface (the other side) of the sorting member 73. Therefore, the possibility (probability) that the game ball is guided to the non-specific area 72 (passes through the non-specific area 72) increases.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6C, when the sorting member 73 is rotated to the right side (the other side), the game ball that has entered the sorting area 70 is left side of the sorting member 73 ( The possibility of being guided to the specific area 71 (passing through the specific area 71) is increased by the guide pin 76 protruding between the one surface) and the distribution member 73 and the specific area 71. Naturally, the greater the amount of rotation of the sorting member 73 to the right side (the other side), the higher the possibility that the game ball that has entered the sorting area 70 will come into contact with the left side surface (one side) of the sorting member 73. Therefore, the possibility (probability) that the game ball is guided to the specific area 71 (passes through the specific area 71) increases.

A-1-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of a number of control boards, various boards, relay terminal boards, and so on. The main control board 200 that controls the success / failure involved, the sub-control board 220 that controls the effect of the game using the design symbols, lamps and sound effects, and the display and sound of images under the control of the sub-control board 220 The audio / video control board 230 that outputs the image, the decoration drive board 226 that drives the various LEDs and the lamps 4b to 4f under the control of the sub-control board 220, and the payout that controls the operation of paying out the rented or winning balls A control board 240 and a launch control board 260 for controlling the launch of the game ball are configured. These control boards include various types of CPUs, such as a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU, and a RAM that stores temporary data when the program is executed. Peripheral LSIs are connected to each other via a bus.

  The main control board 200 includes a first start port switch 17s, a second start port switch 17t, a first big prize port switch 60s, a second big prize port switch 65s, and a specific area for detecting a game ball that has passed through the specific area 71. When a detection signal of a game ball is input from a detection switch 71s, a non-specific area detection switch 72s that detects a game ball that has passed through the non-specific area 72, a normal gate switch 36s, a big hit gate switch 37s, etc., Commands for instructing various operations determined according to the input switch are transmitted to the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, and the like. Further, the main control board 200 has a start opening solenoid 17m for opening and closing a pair of blade pieces 17w provided in the second start opening 17b and a first grand prize for opening and closing a first big prize opening 60d. The opening solenoid 60m, the second large winning opening solenoid 65m for opening and closing the second large winning opening 65d, the first symbol display device 28, the second symbol display device 32, etc. are connected via a relay terminal plate (not shown). These operations are also controlled by transmitting drive signals to these various solenoids 17m, 60m, 65m, the first symbol display device 28, and the second symbol display device 32. Further, a motor controller 73c for controlling the operation of the sorting motor 73m is connected to the main control board 200. When the motor controller 73c receives a command (sorting operation start command) for instructing the start of the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 from the CPU 201 of the main control board 200, the motor controller 73c drives the sorting motor 73m to thereby perform the sorting. The member 73 is caused to perform a sorting operation. When the motor controller 73c receives a command (sorting operation stop command) for instructing the stop of the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 from the CPU 201 of the main control board 200, the motor controller 73c stops driving the sorting motor 73m. Thus, the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is stopped. In addition, when the motor controller 73c receives the sorting operation stop command from the CPU 201 of the main control board 200, the motor controller 73c stops the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 in the posture (the mode of the sorting operation) when the command is received. . That is, regardless of the amount of rotation of the distribution member 73 when the motor controller 73c receives the distribution operation stop command, the distribution operation of the distribution member 73 is stopped at the amount of rotation at that time.

  An audio / video control board 230 and a decoration drive board 226 are connected to the sub-control board 220. When the sub-control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, the sub-control board 220 analyzes the contents of the command and produces a game according to the result. That is, by sending a command for designating display contents and audio contents to the image / sound control board 230, or by sending drive signals of various LEDs and lamps 4b to 4f to the decoration drive board 226, the effect of the game I do.

  The image / audio control board 230 includes a VDP 234, an image ROM 235, and an audio ROM 236 in addition to the CPU 231, ROM 232, and RAM 233. When the CPU 231 of the image / audio control board 230 receives a command from the sub-control board 220, it instructs the VDP 234 to display an image corresponding to the command. The VDP 234 reads out data (for example, sprite data or moving image data for displaying an effect design or a character image) used to display the instructed image from the image ROM 235 to generate an image, and Output to the display screen. Further, when receiving a command from the sub control board 220, the CPU 231 reads out voice data corresponding to the command from the voice ROM 236, and outputs a voice based on the voice data from the speaker 5y via the amplifier board 224.

  The payout control board 240 is responsible for various controls relating to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. For example, when the main control board 200 transmits a prize ball payout command, the payout control board 240 receives this command and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m, whereby the prize ball is paid out.

A-2. Overview of the game:
In the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, a game is performed as follows. First, when a player throws a game ball into the recess of the upper plate part 5 and rotates the launch handle 8, the game balls thrown into the upper plate part 5 are supplied to the launcher unit 12 one by one, The game area 11 is fired as described above with reference to FIG. The strength at which the game ball is launched can be adjusted by the rotation angle of the launching handle 8, and the player can aim the game ball by changing the rotation angle of the launching handle 8.

  When the launched game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 provided in the game area 11, the normal symbol variation display is started on the first symbol display device 28 provided at the lower left of the effect display device 27. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the first symbol display device 28 is provided with the normal symbol display unit 29, and the normal symbol display unit 29 is provided with the normal symbol LED 29a and the universal symbol hold display LED 29b. Yes. Of these, the normal symbol LED 29a is used to display the variation of the normal symbol (repetition of turning on and off).

  When the launched game ball enters the first starting port 17a, the first symbol display unit 30 of the first symbol display device 28 starts the variable display of the first special symbol, and enters the second starting port 17b. Then, the variable display of the second special symbol is started in the second special symbol display unit 33 of the second symbol display device 32. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the first special symbol display unit 30 and the second special symbol display unit 33 have the same configuration, and therefore the first special symbol and the second special symbol both have the same configuration. Display fluctuation.

  The first special symbol and the second special symbol are variably displayed until a predetermined variation time elapses, and then stopped and displayed as either a big hit symbol or a missed symbol according to the result of the big hit determination. Then, a display (hereinafter also referred to as “determined display”) is performed to maintain the state in which the special symbol is stopped and displayed until a predetermined time elapses in order to determine the symbol that has been stopped and displayed. In the first embodiment, three types of jackpot symbols and one type of off symbol are provided for each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol as symbols to be stopped and displayed (stop symbol). As described above with reference to FIG. 3, each of the first special symbol display unit 30 and the second special symbol display unit 33 is composed of seven LEDs, and each symbol has a different combination of LEDs to be lit. Is set. In the first symbol display device 28 and the second symbol display device 32, each of the seven LEDs (the first special symbol LED 30a and the second special symbol LED 33a) blinks for a predetermined variation time to display the variation of the special symbol. When the variation time elapses, one of the symbols is stopped and displayed by lighting a predetermined combination of LEDs. Then, after any of the big hit symbols is stopped and displayed (determined display), when the game ball passes the big hit start gate 37, the first big winning opening 60d and the second big winning opening 65d are kept at a predetermined rate for a long time ( For example, 30 seconds × 15 times) a jackpot game that is in an open state is started (a jackpot is generated). During the big hit game, the game ball is paid out when the game ball enters the first big prize opening 60d or the second big prize opening 65d.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, after the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, when the game ball passes the big hit start gate 37, the big hit game is started. Therefore, in the following, since the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed until the game ball passes the big hit start gate 37 (until the big hit game is started), it is in a state of waiting for the big hit game to start. Also referred to as “waiting for a big hit”. In addition, the game from the time when the special symbol is variably displayed to the time when the variability display ends and the jackpot symbol or the off symbol is confirmed and displayed, that is, the game until the result of one variation display is obtained, Also referred to as “game”.

  The game balls entering the first start port 17a or the second start port 17b are held on the first special symbol until the special symbol variable display triggered by the ball is started (the first special symbol hold). ) Or the second special symbol hold (second special figure hold) is stored in the storage area of RAM 203 (special figure hold storage area). The first special figure hold and the second special figure hold can each be stored up to four, and the number of the first special figure hold (the first special figure hold number) can be stored in the first special figure hold display LED 30b. The number of second special figure hold (second special figure hold number) is displayed on the second special figure hold display LED 33b.

  Corresponding to the symbol variation game of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the effect display device 27 uses various effects using the effect symbols (identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c, etc.) (hereinafter also referred to as “symbol variation effect”). ) Is performed. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view illustrating one aspect of the symbol variation effect performed by the effect display device 27. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display constituting the effect display device 27, a left symbol display area in which the left identification symbol 27a is displayed, a middle symbol display region in which the middle identification symbol 27b is displayed, and a right identification symbol 27c are displayed. The right symbol display areas are formed, and three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are displayed using these display areas. When the special symbol variation display is started in either the first symbol display device 28 or the second symbol display device 32, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, 27c also start the variation display at the same time in the effect display device 27. To do. In the first embodiment, as an identification symbol, a symbol having nine numbers from “1” to “9” as a design is prepared.

  FIG. 8A conceptually shows a state in which the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed at the same time. When a predetermined time elapses after the variable display is started, the left identification symbol 27a is first stopped and displayed in any one of “1” to “9”, and then the right identification symbol 27c is stopped and displayed. The middle identification symbol 27b is stopped and displayed. The combination of the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed on the effect display device 27 is a special symbol (first special symbol) that is stopped and displayed on the first symbol display device 28 or the second symbol display device 32 described above. Or it is comprised so that it may interlock | cooperate with the stop display aspect of a 2nd special symbol. For example, when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as a “big hit symbol”, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c of the effect display device 27 are symbol combinations (solo eyes) that have the same symbol. Stopped display. In addition, when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as “out of symbol”, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed with the same symbol combination (separated pattern). . The identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed are in a stopped display (determined display) until the special symbol fixed display time elapses.

  Thus, the special symbols displayed on the first symbol display device 28 or the second symbol display device 32 and the three identification symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the effect display device 27 correspond to each other. In addition, when the first special symbol or the second special symbol being displayed in a variable manner is stopped and displayed, the three identification symbols 27a, 27b and 27c are also stopped and displayed. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, the effect display device 27 is provided at a position that is more noticeable than the first symbol display device 28 and the second symbol display device 32, and the display screen is large and the display contents can be understood. Since it is easy, it is normal for a player to play a symbol variation game while looking at the screen of the effect display device 27. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8B, the left identification symbol 27a initially stopped and displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 and the right identification symbol 27c subsequently stopped and displayed are the same symbol. In this case, the middle identification symbol 27b that is stopped and displayed at the end also stops at the same symbol, and “a big hit game is started (waiting for a big hit) if the game ball passes the big hit start gate 37. The player pays close attention to the variation display of the identification symbol (design variation effect). In this way, the effect performed in a state in which the two identification symbols are stopped at the same symbol (a mode that can be a doublet) and the last identification symbol is variably displayed is called “reach effect”. It is possible to enhance the game entertainment interest by generating.

A-3. Game machine control contents:
A-3-1. Game control processing:
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of a game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 to control the progress of the game.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the game control process, “Prize ball related process”, “Normal symbol game process”, “Second start opening closing process”, “Special figure hold related process”, “Special symbol game process”, “Big hit start process” Each process such as “big hit progress process” is repeatedly executed. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 executes the game control process as a timer interrupt process every 4 msec. During the game control process, various commands are transmitted from the main control board 200 to the various control boards including the sub control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire pachinko machine 1 proceeds, and the sub-control board 220 controls the production in accordance with the progress of the game. The game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 will be described below according to the flowchart.

  When starting the game control process, the CPU 201 performs a process (pay ball related process) for paying out the game ball as a prize ball (S50). In this process, among the various switches connected to the main control board 200, switches relating to winning of the game ball (the first start port switch 17s, the second start port switch 17t, the first big winning port switch 60s, the second It is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected for the big prize opening switch 65s or the like, that is, whether or not the game ball has entered (passed). When a game ball enters (passes), the number of prize balls to be paid out is calculated, and then a prize ball number designation command is transmitted to the payout control board 240. When the payout control board 240 receives the prize ball number designation command transmitted from the main control board 200, the payout control board 240 interprets the content of the command, and according to the result, a drive signal is sent to the payout motor 109m mounted on the payout device (not shown). Is sent out to actually pay out a prize ball.

  The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines whether or not to perform the normal symbol game process following the prize ball related process (S50) (S100). This determination process is performed by detecting whether or not the second start port 17b is open. If the second start port 17b is not in the open state, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is performed (S100: yes), and if the second start port 17b is in the open state, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed ( S100: no). When it is determined that the normal symbol game process is to be performed (S100: yes), a process (ordinary symbol game process) for executing the normal symbol game described below is performed (S150). On the other hand, when it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed (S100: no), the normal symbol game process (S150) is omitted.

  In the normal symbol game process (S150), the following process is performed. First, it is determined whether or not a normal symbol hold (ordinary symbol hold) exists (whether or not it is “0”). If a general symbol hold exists, a normal symbol hit determination is performed. Here, the common figure hold stores information indicating the value of the random number determined per common figure obtained when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36. In the first embodiment, the number of stored numbers is stored. The upper limit value of (holding number) is “4”. Then, based on the result of the normal symbol hit determination, it is determined whether the normal symbol is to be stopped and displayed with the winning symbol or with the off symbol. Subsequently, after the normal symbol variation time is set, the normal symbol variation display is started, and after the variation time has elapsed, the normal symbol is stopped at the determined symbol (the normal symbol LED 29a is turned on or off). Display. At this time, when the symbol of the normal symbol is stopped and displayed (when the normal symbol LED 29a is lit), the start port solenoid 17m is operated to rotate the blade piece 17w provided in the second start port 17b to both sides. Thus, the second start port 17b is opened (see FIG. 5B).

  When the normal symbol game process is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the second start port 17b is in an open state (S190). And when it is an open state (S190: yes), the process (2nd start port closing process) for making the 2nd start port 17b into a closed state from an open state is performed (S200). On the other hand, when the 2nd starting port 17b is not an open state (S190: no), since it is not necessary to perform a 2nd starting port closing process, it abbreviate | omits.

  In the second starting port closing process (S200), when any of the following conditions is satisfied (when the starting port opening end condition is satisfied), that is, the opening time of the second starting port 17b has elapsed, or , It is determined whether or not any of the conditions that the specified number of game balls have entered the second start port 17b is satisfied, and the release is performed when any of the conditions (start port open end condition) is satisfied. The process which makes the 2nd starting port 17b of a state closed is performed. On the other hand, when the opening time of the second start port 17b has not elapsed and the number of balls entering the second start port 17b has not reached the specified number (when the start port opening end condition is not satisfied), The second start port closing process (S200) is terminated with the second start port 17b open.

  Here, the gaming state of the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment is set to “open extended state” or “non-open extended state”. Compared to the “non-open extended state”, the “open extended state” has a higher probability (probability per ordinary figure) that the result of the above-mentioned normal symbol hit determination result is “hit”, and the normal symbol change time (normal figure change time) ) Is short and the opening time of the second start port 17b is set to be long. Therefore, in the open extended state, the second start port 17b is frequently opened and the period in which the second start port 17b is in the open state is longer than in the non-open extended state. This is an advantageous period for players who are likely to enter the game.

  In order to realize such a configuration, in the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the gaming state is set to “open extended state”, the “variable shortening flag” and “open extended flag” are set to ON. When the game state is set to “non-open extended state”, these flags are set to OFF. Then, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 sets the probability per base map to a high probability (for example, “99/100”) and sets the base map change time to a short time (for example, “99/100”). For example, “1 second” is set, and based on the “open extension flag” being set to ON, the opening time of the second start port 17b is set to a long time (for example, “1.5 seconds × 3 times open = 4.5 seconds "). On the other hand, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 sets the probability per base drawing to a low probability (for example, “2/100”) and sets the base map variation time to a long time (for example, “ 20 seconds "), and based on the fact that the opening extension flag is set to OFF, the opening time of the second start port 17b is short (for example," 0.1 seconds × 3 times opening = 0.3 seconds "). )).

  Thus, when the process related to closing the second start port 17b is performed (S190 to S200), the process for storing the special figure hold (the special figure hold related process) is performed (S250). In the special figure hold-related process, when a game ball enters the first start port 17a, the number of hold of the first special symbol (first special figure hold number) reaches the upper limit ("4" in the first embodiment). If not, the determination random number is acquired and stored as the first special figure hold. Further, when a game ball enters the second start port 17b, the determination is made if the number of reserved special symbols (the number of second special figure reserved) has not reached the upper limit ("4" in the first embodiment). A random number is acquired and stored as a second special figure hold. Here, as the determination random number, in order to determine the big hit determination random number for performing the big hit determination or the big hit symbol to be stopped and displayed as the first special figure or the second special figure when the result of the big hit determination is “big hit” Jackpot symbol determination random number, a variation pattern determination random number for determining a variation pattern until the symbol is stopped and displayed.

  In this way, when the special symbol hold related process is performed (S250), a process for executing the special symbol game (special symbol game process) is performed (S300). In the special symbol game process, the following process is performed when neither the big hit waiting nor the big hit game is in progress. First, it is determined whether or not the special symbol (either the first special figure or the second special figure) is being displayed in a variable display or a final display. If the special symbol is neither variable display nor final display, processing for starting the special symbol variable display (symbol variable game) is performed.

  In this process, first, when the second special figure hold is stored, the second special figure hold is read, and when the second special figure hold is not stored, the first special figure hold is read. When the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold is read, it is determined whether or not the high-accuracy flag is set to ON.

  Here, the gaming state of the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment is set to either the above-mentioned “open extended state” or “non-open extended state”, and the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol (big hit) The determination result is set to either a “high probability state” having a high probability (a jackpot probability) or a “low probability state” having a lower probability than the high probability state. The high probability flag is a flag that is set to ON when the gaming state is set to a high probability state (a state in which the probability changing function is activated).

  If it is in the low probability state, the determination result based on the jackpot determination random number included in the read special figure hold will be a “big hit” with a low probability (for example, 1/300). For example, a jackpot determination is performed in which the determination result based on the jackpot determination random number becomes “big hit” with a high probability (for example, 1/30). Subsequently, based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number included in the read special figure hold, the fluctuation pattern from when the special symbol starts to display until it stops is determined. Furthermore, when the result of the big hit determination is a big hit, based on the big hit symbol determination random number included in the special figure hold, the big hit symbol to be stopped and displayed in the current symbol variation game is determined from the three types of big hit symbols. If the result of the big hit determination is not a big hit (ie, it is a miss), only one type of missed symbol is determined as it is as a symbol to be stopped and displayed in the current symbol variation game. In this way, the jackpot determination is made based on the special figure hold, and when the fluctuation pattern and the symbols to be stopped and displayed (one of the three kinds of jackpot symbols or the off symbol) are determined, the determined fluctuation pattern is used. The special symbol is variably displayed, and the determined symbol is stopped and displayed. In the special symbol game process of S300, the process described below is also performed in addition to the process described above.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the big hit symbol stop process of the first embodiment. The big hit symbol stop process is a process performed after the special symbol is stopped and displayed (determined display) in the special symbol game process (S300 in FIG. 9). When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 stops and displays the special symbol (that is, when the big hit symbol stop process shown in FIG. 10 is started), first, it is determined whether or not the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed in the current symbol variation game. Judgment is made (S310). As a result, when the big hit symbol is not stopped, that is, when the out symbol is stopped and displayed in the current symbol variation game (S310: no), the big hit symbol stop time processing shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol as a result of the current symbol variation display (S310: yes), the big hit waiting flag is set to ON (S312). As will be described in detail later, in the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment as described above, after the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, when the game ball passes the big hit start gate 37, the big hit game is started. The big hit waiting flag is a flag indicating that the game ball passes through the big hit start gate 37 after the big hit symbol is stopped (waiting for big hit), and is a predetermined address in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200. The storage area is secured. In the process of S312, in response to the fact that the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the big hit waiting flag is set to ON in order to set the big hit waiting state (S312).

  When the big hit waiting flag is set to ON in this way (S312), a command (sorting operation start command) instructing the start of the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is transmitted to the motor controller 73c (S314). Upon receiving the sorting operation start command, the motor controller 73c drives the sorting motor 73m to cause the sorting member 73 described above with reference to FIG. 6 to perform the sorting operation. That is, in the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is stopped until the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, and when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed (when the big hit is waiting), The sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is started.

  When the sorting operation start command is transmitted to the motor controller 73c in this manner (S314), a big hit waiting command indicating that the big hit waiting is in progress is sent to the sub-control board 220 (S316). When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the big hit waiting command, it uses the effect display device 27 and the like to notify the player that it is waiting for the big hit and passes the game ball to the big hit start gate 37. Urge the player to For example, characters such as “Waiting for big hit, aim for big hit start gate!” Are displayed on the display screen of effect display device 27.

  When the big hit waiting command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in this way (S316), the special symbol game process of S300 in FIG. 9 is ended by ending the big hit symbol stop process shown in FIG.

  Then, when the special symbol game process is completed (S300 in FIG. 9), subsequently, the “hit start process (S400)” and “hit progress process (S500)” are performed. In the following, description will be given in the order of “big hit start process (S400)” and “big hit progress process (S500)”.

A-3-2. Jackpot start processing:
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the jackpot start process of the first embodiment. In the big hit starting process, a process for starting the big hit game is performed. When the big hit start process (S400) is started, the CPU 221 of the main control board 200 determines whether or not the big hit execution flag is set to ON (S402). The big hit execution flag is a flag that is set to ON when the big hit game is being executed, and its storage area is secured at a predetermined address in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200. Therefore, in the process of S402, it is determined whether or not the big hit game is being executed. As a result, when the jackpot game is already being executed (S402: yes), the jackpot game is not started and the jackpot start process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the big hit game is not being executed (S402: no), whether or not the big hit waiting flag is set to ON, that is, the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, and the big hit waiting state is set. It is determined whether or not there is (S404). As a result, when the jackpot is not waiting (S404: no), the jackpot game is not started and the jackpot start process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is waiting for the big hit (S404: yes), it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed the big hit start gate 37 (S406). This determination process is performed by determining whether or not the big hit gate switch 37s has detected a game ball. As a result, when the big hit is waiting, but the game ball has not yet passed the big hit start gate 37 (S406: no), the big hit start process shown in FIG. 11 is terminated without starting the big hit game. .

  On the other hand, when the jackpot is waiting and the game ball passes the jackpot start gate 37 (S406: yes), the following processing is performed to start the jackpot game. First, in order to indicate that a big hit game is being played, a big hit execution flag is set to ON (S408). Then, as the big hit game is started, the big hit waiting flag is set to OFF in order to eliminate the big hit waiting state (S410).

  When the flag processing for starting the big hit game is thus performed (S408, S410), a command (sorting operation stop command) for instructing stop of the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is transmitted to the motor controller 73c ( S412). Upon receiving the sorting operation stop command, the motor controller 73c stops driving the sorting motor 73m, thereby causing the sorting member 73 described above with reference to FIG. 6 to stop the sorting operation. That is, in the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, as described above with reference to FIG. 10, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed (when the big hit standby is started), the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is started. Then, when the big hit game is started by passing the game ball through the big hit start gate 37, the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is stopped. As described above, when the motor controller 73c receives a sorting operation stop command from the CPU 201 of the main control board 200, the motor controller 73c performs the sorting of the sorting member 73 in the posture (mode of sorting operation) when the command is received. Stop the minute operation. That is, regardless of the amount of rotation of the distribution member 73 when the motor controller 73c receives the distribution operation stop command, the distribution operation of the distribution member 73 is stopped at the amount of rotation at that time.

  When the distribution operation stop command is transmitted to the motor controller 73c in this way (S412), the first big prize opening 60d and the second big prize opening 65d during the big hit game (hereinafter, unless otherwise distinguished, (Also referred to as “mouth”) is set (open pattern and closed pattern) (S414). Here, in the big hit game of the first embodiment, the round game in which the big winning opening (the first big winning opening 60d, the second big winning opening 65d) is opened 15 times. Specifically, among the 15 round games, the first to ninth round games open the first grand prize opening 60d, and the 10th to 15th round games open the second big prize opening 65d. State. Therefore, of course, in the process of S414, the first grand prize opening 60d is opened in the first to ninth round games, and the second grand prize opening 65d is opened in the tenth to fifteenth round games. Set the pattern.

  In this way, when the opening pattern of the big winning opening (the first big winning opening 60d, the second big winning opening 65d) during the big hit game is set (S414), a big hit start command indicating that the big hit game is started is sent to the sub control board. Transmission to 220 (S416). When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the jackpot start command, the CPU 221 executes an effect (a jackpot game effect) indicating that the game is a jackpot game using the effect display device 27 or the like.

  When the big hit start command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in this way (S416), the big hit start process shown in FIG. 11 is terminated, and the big hit progress process (S500 in FIG. 9) follows the big hit start process (S400 in FIG. 9). Do.

A-3-3. Jackpot progress processing:
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the big hit progress process of the first embodiment. In the jackpot progress process, a process related to the progress of the jackpot game is performed. When the big hit progress process (S500) is started, the CPU 221 of the main control board 200 first determines whether or not the big hit execution flag is set to ON, that is, whether or not the big hit game is being executed (S502). . As a result, when the big hit game is not being executed (S502: no), it is not necessary to advance the big hit game, so the big hit progress process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the big hit game is being executed (S502: yes), first, it is determined whether either the first big prize opening 60d or the second big prize opening 65d is open ( S504). That is, while the big hit game is being executed, as described above, the first grand prize winning port 60d or the second grand prize winning port 65d is in an open state (a state in which a player can enter a ball). Judge whether or not. Immediately after the big hit game is started, the big hit running flag is set to ON and neither the first big prize opening 60d nor the second big prize opening 65d has been released yet. In the process, it is determined as “no”, and it is determined whether or not the condition for ending the big hit game is satisfied (S510). In the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, the end of 15 round games is set as the condition for ending the big hit game. Therefore, in the determination process of S510, it is determined whether or not 15 round games have been completed.

  Immediately after starting the big hit game, the end condition for the big hit game is of course not satisfied, so it is determined as “no” in the determination processing of S510. Then, while the big hit game ending condition is not satisfied (S510: no), it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed the specific area 71 (S512).

  Here, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, as described above with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, when the big hit waiting is started, the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is started, and the big hit game is started. The sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is stopped. During the big hit game, as described above with reference to FIG. 11, in the first to ninth round games, the first big prize opening 60d is opened, and the game ball enters the first big prize opening 60d. . As described above with reference to FIG. 6, the game balls that have entered the first grand prize opening 60d are guided to the distribution area 70, and are distributed to the specific area 71 and the non-specific area 72 by the distribution member 73. The Therefore, in the determination process of S512, in the round game in which the first to ninth winning first prize opening 60d is in the open state, the game ball that has entered the distribution area 70 is “the distribution member whose distribution operation has been stopped”. 73 ”is determined whether or not the vehicle has passed the specific area 71. The determination as to whether or not the game ball has passed the specific area 71 is made by determining whether or not the specific area detection switch 71s has detected the game ball.

  As a result of the determination process in S512, when it is determined that the game ball has passed the specific area 71 (S512: yes), the specific flag is set to ON (S514). The specific flag is a flag indicating that the game ball has passed the specific area 71 (for storing), and the storage area is secured at a predetermined address in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200. Of course, when the game ball has not passed through the specific area 71 (S512: no), the process of setting the specific flag to ON is omitted.

  Thus, when the processing related to the passing of the game ball through the specific area 71 is performed (S512, S514), it is determined whether or not the closing time of the big prize opening (the first big prize opening 60d or the second big prize opening 65d) has elapsed. Judgment is made (S516). Here, the closing time of the big prize opening is the time during which the big prize opening is closed between the round game and the round game. As a result of the determination processing in S516, if it is determined that the closing time of the big prize opening has elapsed (S516: yes), which of the first big prize opening 60d or the second big prize opening 65d is to be opened. Judgment is made (S518). When starting the first to ninth round games, it is determined that the first grand prize opening 60d is in an open state (S518: yes), and the first big prize opening 60d is in an open state (S520). When starting the tenth to fifteenth round games, it is determined that the second grand prize opening 65d is open (S518: no), and the second big prize opening 65d is opened. Thus, when the big winning opening is in the open state (S520, S522), the big hit progress process shown in FIG. 12 is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process of S504 that the big prize opening (first big prize opening 60d or second big prize opening 65d) is already open (S504: yes), the end condition of the round game is It is determined whether or not it is established (S506). In the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment, the round game end condition is “reaching a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) of the opening time of the grand prize opening” or “predetermined number of balls entering the big prize opening (for example, 10) Arrive "is set.

  Naturally, immediately after the big winning opening is opened, the round game end condition is not satisfied (S506: no), so the big hit game process shown in FIG. 12 is ended and the game control shown in FIG. Return to processing. Then, when the big hit game process is started again, it is determined whether or not the big winning opening is in an open state (S504), and whether or not the round game end condition is satisfied (S506), and the round game end condition is still satisfied. If is not established (S506: no), the big hit game process shown in FIG. 12 is terminated and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. While it is determined that the conditions for ending the round game have been satisfied over time while repeating such processing (S506: yes), the open large winning opening (the first large winning opening 60d or the second large winning opening) 65d) is set to a closed state (a state in which entry is impossible) (S508).

  In this way, when the big winning opening is closed (S508), it is determined whether or not the condition for ending the big hit game is satisfied (S510). When the big hit game end condition is satisfied (S510: yes), a process for ending the big hit game (a big hit end process) is performed (S600).

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the big hit end process of the first embodiment. When the big hit end process is started, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first sets the big hit execution flag to OFF to end the big hit game (S602). Then, a command indicating the end of the jackpot game (a jackpot end command) is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S604). When receiving the jackpot game end command, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 ends the jackpot game effect that has been executed.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the specific flag is set to ON, that is, whether or not the game ball that has entered the first big winning opening 60d has passed through the specific area 71 in the big hit game that has ended this time ( S606). As a result, when the game ball passes through the specific area 71 (S606: yes), the fluctuation shortening flag and the release extension flag are set to ON in order to set the game state after the big hit game to the open extended state (S608). ). In addition to this, in order to set the gaming state after the big hit game to a high probability state, the high probability flag is set to ON (S610). That is, the gaming state after the big hit game is set to the open extended state and the high probability state. Subsequently, “70” is set as the value of the continuation counter (S612). The continuation counter is a counter in which the remaining number of symbol variable games is set until the “period in which the game state is set to the open extended state and the high probability state” ends, and is a predetermined address in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 The storage area is secured. The value of the continuation counter is decremented by “1” when the symbol variation game is performed once in the “period in which the gaming state is set to the open extended state and the high probability state”, and 70 symbol variation games are performed. Thus, when the value of the continuation counter becomes “0”, the fluctuation shortening flag and the release extension flag are set to OFF, so that the gaming state is set to the non-release extension state, and the high-accuracy flag is set to OFF. Thus, the gaming state is set to a low probability state (the gaming state is set to a non-open extended state and a low probability state).

  Subsequently, in preparation for the passing of the specific area 71 of the game ball during the next big hit game, the specific flag is set to OFF (S614), and then the big hit end processing shown in FIG. 13 is ended, and the big hit shown in FIG. Return to progress processing. If the game ball does not pass through the specific area 71 in the big hit game ended this time, the processing of S608 to S612 is omitted. That is, the gaming state after the big hit game is set to a non-open extended state and a low probability state.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, when the game ball passes the specific area 71 during the big hit game, the game state after the big hit game is ended until 70 symbol variation games are performed. Set to open extended state and high probability state. On the other hand, when the game ball does not pass the specific area 71 during the big hit game, the game state after the big hit game is set to the non-open extended state and the low probability state.

A-4. Effects obtained by the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment:
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an effect obtained by the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, when the special symbol (identification information) is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol (when a specific result is obtained) (ev. 1), the distribution member 73 (vibrator) (E.g., “waiting for the start of the big hit game until the game ball passes through the big hit start gate 37 (waiting for the big hit)”. When the game ball passes the big hit start gate 37 (based on the fact that the start condition is satisfied) (detected by the big hit gate switch 37s (detection means)) (ev. 3) during the big hit waiting, the big hit game (Specific game) is started (ev. 5) and the distribution operation of the distribution member 73 (distribution means) is stopped (ev. 4).

  When the game ball that has entered the first big winning opening 60d passes the specific area 71 during the big hit game (ev. 6), the game state after the big hit game is set to the open extended state and the high probability state. (Give game profit) (ev.7). On the other hand, if the game ball does not pass through the specific area 71 during the big hit game (ev. 8), the game state after the big hit game is set to the non-open extended state and the low probability state (ev. 9). . Of course, when the special symbol is removed and stopped with the symbol, the big hit game is not started.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment, after the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol (while waiting for the big hit), when the game ball passes the big hit start gate 37, the big hit game is started. The allocating operation of the allocating member 73 that changes the “possibility that game balls that have entered the first grand prize opening 60d are allocated to the specific area 71” (see FIG. 6) is stopped. Therefore, depending on the timing at which the game ball passes the big hit start gate 37, the stop posture of the distribution member 73 (the stop mode of the distribution means), that is, “the game ball that has entered the first big winning opening 60d is in the specific area 71 (The possibility that the gaming state is set to the open extended state and the high probability state) ”is different. Thereby, the attitude of the distribution member 73 is “the possibility that the game ball that has entered the first grand prize opening 60d is distributed to the specific area 71 (the game state may be set to the open extended state and the high probability state). ”Is a high posture (a posture close to FIG. 6C), a novel game characteristic that makes the player aim (expect) to pass the game ball through the big hit start gate 37 and start the big hit game. As a result, it is possible to enhance the game interest when the big hit game is started.

  Moreover, the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment starts the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol (when the big hit is waiting). Accordingly, since the sorting operation start of the sorting member 73 is a signal that the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol (the jackpot is waiting), the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol. The player can be impressed by the fact that it is waiting for a big hit. In addition, in the big hit game started thereafter, the player is impressed that the stopping posture of the sorting member 73 affects “the possibility that the game ball that has entered the first big prize opening 60d will be distributed to the specific area 71”. Can be attached. Further, since it is not necessary to cause the sorting member 73 to perform the sorting operation before the special symbol is stopped and displayed as the big hit symbol, the burden on the CPU 201, the motor controller 73c, the sorting motor 73m, and the sorting member 73 is reduced. It becomes possible to do.

B. First modification:
In the first embodiment described above, after the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol, even if the game ball immediately passes the big hit start gate 37, the big hit game is started and the swing of the distribution member 73 is started. The minute operation is stopped. Not only in this configuration, after a special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol, until a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) elapses, regardless of whether or not the game ball has passed the big hit start gate 37, the big hit It is good also as a structure which generates the invalid period which does not start a game. In order to generate such an invalid period, for example, a process corresponding to the jackpot start process (FIG. 11) of the first embodiment is performed for a predetermined time (invalid period) after the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the jackpot symbol. Do not do this until

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an effect obtained by the pachinko machine according to the first modification. As shown in FIG. 15, in the pachinko machine of the first modified example, as in the first embodiment, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol (ev. 11), the distribution operation of the distribution member 73 is performed. At the same time (ev. 12), the state is “a state in which the game ball waits for the start of the big hit game until it passes the big hit start gate 37 (waiting for the big hit)”. In the first modified example, the game ball passes through the jackpot start gate 37 during a period until a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) elapses after waiting for the jackpot in the period of waiting for the jackpot. Also, the invalid period in which the big hit game is not started (invalid period generating means). When the game ball passes through the jackpot start gate 37 after the invalid period ends (ev.13), the jackpot game is started (ev.15) and the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is stopped (ev.13). 14).

  As in the first embodiment, when a game ball that has entered the first big winning opening 60d passes through the specific area 71 during the big hit game (ev. 16), the game state after the big hit game is opened and extended. A state and a high probability state are set (ev. 17). On the other hand, if the game ball does not pass the specific area 71 during the big hit game (ev. 18), the game state after the big hit game is set to the non-open extended state and the low probability state (ev. 19). .

  As described above, in the pachinko machine of the first modified example, even if the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol, the big hit game is not started until a predetermined time has elapsed (until the invalid period ends). The sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is not stopped. Therefore, until the predetermined time elapses, the player can confirm the sorting operation of the sorting member 73. Thereby, after attracting the player's attention to the sorting operation of the sorting member 73, the orientation of the sorting member 73 is “the game ball that has entered the first big prize opening 60 d is distributed to the specific area 71. When the possibility (the possibility that the game state is set to the open extended state and the high probability state) is high (the position close to FIG. 6C), the game ball is passed through the big hit start gate 37 and the big hit game The player can aim to start the game. As a result, it is possible to further enhance the game interest when the big hit game is started.

C. Second embodiment:
In the first embodiment and the first modification described above, the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is started when the big hit game is started. Instead of this, a configuration may be adopted in which the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is started when the first big winning opening 60d is opened during the big hit game.

  In order to suitably realize such a configuration, in the pachinko machine according to the second embodiment, three types of jackpot games are executed according to the type of the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed. These three types of jackpot games have the same number of round games performed during a single jackpot game, but are different from each other in the order of round games in which the first jackpot 60d is opened.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing types of jackpot games in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbol “1”, the first (R) to 15th (R) round games, that is, the first grand prize opening in all round games. A big hit game with 60d open. In addition, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbol “2”, the first grand prize winning opening 60d is opened in the ninth (R) to 15th (R) round games, and the other (first to eighth). In the second round game, a big hit game in which the second grand prize winning opening 65d is opened is performed. In addition, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbol “3”, the second (R), the fourth (R), the sixth (R), the eighth (R), the tenth (R), the twelfth (R), in the 14th round (R), the first grand prize opening 60d is opened, and the others (first, third, fifth, seventh, ninth, eleventh, thirteenth, fifteenth) In the round game, a big hit game is performed in which the second big prize opening 65d is opened. In order to perform such jackpot games, for example, in the process corresponding to the jackpot start process (S414 in FIG. 11) of the first embodiment, the type of the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed is specified, and the specified jackpot game is specified. Set the opening pattern of the big prize opening according to the type of design.

  In the pachinko machine of the second embodiment, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol (when the big hit is waiting), the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is started, and thereafter the type of the big hit game (first The distribution operation of the distribution member 73 is started and stopped in accordance with the opening pattern of the special winning opening 60d.

  FIG. 17 shows the start timing of the allocating operation of the allocating member 73 together with the opening patterns of the first grand prize winning port 60d and the second big prize winning port 65d for each type of jackpot game (type of jackpot symbol stopped and displayed). It is explanatory drawing which shows a stop timing. As shown in FIG. 17, when the jackpot symbol “1” is stopped and displayed, the first grand prize opening 60d is opened in the first round game, so when the first round game is started. (When the first big winning opening 60d is opened), the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is stopped. When the first round game is completed (when the first big prize opening 60d is closed), the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is resumed. After that, the open state and the closed state of the first big prize opening 60d are repeated until the 15th round game. Accordingly, when the first big prize opening 60d is in the open state, the distribution of the distribution member 73 is performed. When the operation is stopped and the first big prize opening 60d is in the closed state, the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is started.

  Also, when the big hit symbol “2” is stopped and displayed, since the first big winning opening 60d is opened for the first time in the ninth round game, the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol “2”. Until the ninth round game is started (until the first big prize opening 60d is opened), the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is executed and the ninth round game is started. (When the first big winning opening 60d is opened), the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is stopped. Then, when the ninth round game is finished (when the first big prize opening 60d is closed), the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is resumed. After that, the open state and the closed state of the first big prize opening 60d are repeated until the 15th round game. Accordingly, when the first big prize opening 60d is in the open state, the distribution of the distribution member 73 is performed. When the operation is stopped and the first big prize opening 60d is in the closed state, the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is started.

  Also, when the jackpot symbol “3” is stopped and displayed, since the first big winning opening 60d is opened for the first time in the second round game, the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbol “3”. Until the second round game is started (until the first grand prize opening 60d is opened), the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is executed and the second round game is started. (When the first big winning opening 60d is opened), the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is stopped. Then, when the second round game is finished (when the first grand prize opening 60d is closed), the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is resumed. Thereafter, in the fourth, sixth, eighth, tenth, twelfth, and fourteenth round games, the open state and the closed state of the first grand prize opening 60d are repeated, and accordingly, the first big prize opening 60d is opened. If it becomes a state, the distribution operation of the distribution member 73 will be stopped, and if the 1st big winning opening 60d will be in a closed state, the distribution operation of the distribution member 73 will be started.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an effect obtained by the pachinko machine according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, in the pachinko machine of the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the special symbol (identification information) is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol (when a specific result is obtained) (ev. 21) The distribution member 73 (distribution means) starts the distribution operation (ev. 22), and “a state where the game ball is waiting for the start of the big hit game until the game ball passes the big hit start gate 37 (waiting for the big hit) ) ”. When the game ball passes the big hit start gate 37 during the big hit waiting (ev. 23) (detected by the big hit gate switch 37s (detection means)), the big hit game is started (ev. 24). In the second embodiment, the distribution operation of the distribution member 73 is not stopped at the start of the big hit game, and the distribution member 73 (vibration) when the first big winning opening 60d is opened during the big hit game. Distribution means) is stopped (ev. 25). Then, when the first big winning opening 60d is closed during the big hit game, the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is started (ev. 26). Therefore, in the pachinko machine according to the second embodiment, even during the big hit game, when the first big winning opening 60d is in the closed state, the distribution operation of the distribution member 73 is stopped. Such start and stop of the sorting operation is repeated in accordance with the opening pattern of the first big winning opening 60d during the big hit game.

  As in the first embodiment, when a game ball that has entered the first big winning opening 60d passes through the specific area 71 during the big hit game (ev. 27), the game state after the big hit game is opened and extended. A state and a high probability state are set (ev. 28). On the other hand, if the game ball does not pass the specific area 71 during the big hit game (ev. 29), the game state after the big hit game is set to the non-open extended state and the low probability state (ev. 30). . Of course, when the special symbol is removed and stopped with the symbol, the big hit game is not started.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine according to the second embodiment, when the first grand prize opening 60d is opened during the big hit game, “the game balls that have entered the first big prize opening 60d are distributed to the specific area 71. The sorting operation of the sorting member 73 that changes the “possibility” (see FIG. 6) is stopped. Therefore, depending on the timing at which the first grand prize winning opening 60d is opened, the stopping posture of the sorting member 73 (the stopping mode of the distributing means), that is, “the game ball that has entered the first big winning prize opening 60d is in a specific area. 71 (the possibility that the gaming state is set to the open extended state and the high probability state) ”is different. Thereby, the attitude of the distribution member 73 is “the possibility that the game ball that has entered the first grand prize opening 60d is distributed to the specific area 71 (the game state may be set to the open extended state and the high probability state). ”Is a high posture (a posture close to FIG. 6C), it is possible to realize a novel gameability that allows the player to expect the first big prize opening 60d to be in an open state. It is possible to enhance the gaming interest during the big hit game.

  Further, in the pachinko machine of the second embodiment, during the big hit game, after the first grand prize winning port 60d is opened, the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is stopped, and then the first big prize winning port 60d is opened. In the closed state, the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is resumed. Then, when the first big winning opening 60d is opened again, the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is stopped again. Therefore, once the game balls that have entered the first grand prize opening 60d are distributed in the specific area 71 (the possibility that the game state is set to the open extended state and the high probability state), the swing is performed with a low posture. Even if the distribution operation of the distribution member 73 is stopped, the next time the first big prize opening 60d is opened, “the game balls that have entered the first big prize opening 60d can be distributed to the specific area 71. Realized a novel gameability that makes the player expect that the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 will be stopped with a high attitude (the possibility that the gaming state is set to the open extended state and the high probability state). As a result, it is possible to enhance the game interest during the big hit game.

  Further, the pachinko machine of the second embodiment has a pattern (ordered round game) according to the type of jackpot game (the type of jackpot symbol that has been stopped), and the first big winning opening 60d is opened and shaken. The distribution operation of the distribution member 73 is stopped, the first big prize opening 60d is closed, and the distribution operation of the distribution member 73 is started. Therefore, the timing at which the player pays attention to the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 can be varied according to the type of the jackpot game, and the gaming interest during the jackpot game can be enhanced.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the pachinko machine according to the second embodiment starts the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol (when the big hit is waiting). Accordingly, since the sorting operation start of the sorting member 73 is a signal that the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol (the jackpot is waiting), the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol. The player can be impressed by the fact that it is waiting for a big hit. In the big hit game started thereafter, the stopping posture of the distribution member 73 is “the possibility that the game ball that has entered the first big prize opening 60d is distributed to the specific area 71 (the game state is an open extended state and a high probability) It is possible to impress a player to affect the possibility of being set to a state) ”. Further, since it is not necessary to cause the sorting member 73 to perform the sorting operation before the special symbol is stopped and displayed as the big hit symbol, the burden on the CPU 201, the motor controller 73c, the sorting motor 73m, and the sorting member 73 is reduced. It becomes possible to do.

D. Third embodiment:
In the first embodiment to the second embodiment and the first modification described above, after the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol (while waiting for the big hit), the big hit game is generated when the game ball passes the big hit start gate 37 It was set as the structure made to do. Not only this but it is good also as a structure which generates a big hit game by the following routes (procedures).

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a generation path of a big hit game in the pachinko machine according to the third embodiment. In the pachinko machine of the third embodiment, there are two types of generation paths for the big hit game. The first type of generation route is a route that immediately generates a jackpot game (ev.32) when a special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol (ev.31). The jackpot game that occurs in such a route is also referred to as “direct hit game” below.

  In the second type of generation route, first, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the small hit symbol (based on the fact that the predetermined condition is satisfied) (ev. 33), the first big winning opening 60d is only opened for a short time (big hit) A small hit game (specific game) to be in an open state is executed (ev. 34). Then, during the small hit game, when the game ball enters the first big winning opening 60d and the game ball passes through the specific area 71 (ev. 35), the big hit game is generated (giving a game profit). It is a route. The jackpot game generated through such a route is also referred to as a “big hit game via a small hit” below. The small hit symbol is a symbol different from both the big hit symbol and the off symbol.

  In the pachinko machine according to the third embodiment capable of generating such a “big hit game via small hits”, the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 (sorting means) is executed during the special symbol variation display ( ev.36). Then, when the small hit symbol is stopped and the small hit game is started (when the first big winning opening 60d is opened), the distribution operation of the distribution member 73 (distribution means) is stopped (ev) 37). Thereafter, when the small hit game ends, the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is resumed. Of course, when the special symbol is removed and stopped with the symbol, the big hit game and the small hit game are not started.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine according to the third embodiment, when the small hit symbol is stopped and the small hit game is started (when the first big prize opening 60d is opened), the "first big prize opening" The distribution operation of the distribution member 73 that changes the possibility that a game ball that has entered 60d will be distributed to the specific area 71 (a possibility that a big hit game via a small hit will occur) (see FIG. 6) is stopped. . Therefore, depending on the timing at which the first grand prize winning opening 60d is opened, the stopping posture of the sorting member 73 (the stopping mode of the distributing means), that is, “the game ball that has entered the first big winning prize opening 60d is in a specific area. The possibility of being distributed to 71 (the possibility of occurrence of a big hit game via a small hit) is different. As a result, the posture of the distribution member 73 is high (the possibility that a game ball that has entered the first big prize opening 60d will be distributed to the specific area 71 (a possibility that a big hit game via a small hit will occur)). 6 (c)), it is possible to realize a novel gameability that allows the player to expect that the first grand prize winning opening 60d is in an open state. It is possible to enhance the game entertainment at the start.

  The “big hit game directly hit” and the “big hit game via small hit” are different from the big hit game of the first embodiment or the second embodiment, but the other big hit games are executed in the same way. It is good as well.

E. Second modification:
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing the start and stop timings of the sorting operation of the second modified example. In the first embodiment and the first modification described above, the distribution operation of the distribution member 73 is stopped during the big hit game. However, as shown in FIG. 20A, the big hit game is started. After the distribution operation of the distribution member 73 is stopped, the distribution operation of the distribution member 73 is resumed when a predetermined time t1 (a time shorter than the execution time of the big hit game, for example, 5 seconds) elapses. Good.

  In this way, the attitude of the sorting member 73 when the big hit game is started is “the possibility that the game ball that has entered the first big winning opening 60d is distributed to the specific area 71 (the game state is in the open extended state and high The player determines whether the posture is highly likely to be set in the probability state), and then enters the first big prize opening 60d while the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is stopped. It is possible to make the player think about whether to aim at entering a game ball or to aim at entering a game ball into the first big prize opening 60d after the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is resumed. . As a result, it is possible to enhance the gaming interest when the big hit game is started.

  In the second embodiment described above, the distribution operation of the distribution member 73 is stopped when the first grand prize opening 60d is in the open state. However, as shown in FIG. After stopping the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 by opening the 1st grand prize opening 60d, a predetermined time t2 (a time shorter than the time when the 1st big prize opening 60d is opened, for example, 5 When the second) elapses, the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 may be resumed.

  In this way, the attitude of the sorting member 73 when the first grand prize opening 60d is in the open state is “the possibility that the game ball that has entered the first big prize opening 60d is distributed to the specific area 71 (game state) Is determined to be in the open extended state and the high probability state), the player determines whether or not the posture is high, and the second time while the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is stopped. A player who wants to enter a game ball into the first grand prize opening 60d or whether to aim a game ball into the first big prize opening 60d after the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is resumed. Can make you think. As a result, it is possible to enhance the gaming interest in the big hit game.

  In the third embodiment described above, the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is stopped during the small hit game. However, as shown in FIG. 20C, the small hit game is started. After the distribution operation of the distribution member 73 is stopped, the distribution operation of the distribution member 73 may be resumed when a predetermined time t3 (a time shorter than the execution time of the small hit game, for example, 2 seconds) elapses. Good.

  In this way, the posture of the sorting member 73 when the small hit game is started is “the possibility that the game ball that has entered the first big winning opening 60d is distributed to the specific area 71 (the big hit game via the small hit game is The game ball is inserted into the first big prize opening 60d while the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is stopped. It is possible to make the player think about whether to aim at making a ball or aiming to make a game ball enter the first big prize opening 60d after the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is resumed. As a result, it is possible to enhance the game interest when a small hit game is started.

F. Third modification:
In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the distribution means for distributing and passing the game balls into the specific area and the non-specific area is configured to include one distribution member 73. Such a configuration may be adopted.

  FIG. 21 is an explanatory view showing the allocating means of the third modified example. The distribution means of the third modification includes two distribution members having the same shape as the distribution member 73 of the first embodiment. That is, as shown in FIG. 21, the game ball enters the upper distribution area 81 from the entrance 80. In the upper sorting area 81, an upper sorting member 82 is provided below the entrance 80, and an entrance passage to the lower sorting area 91 is located on the left side (one side) of the upper sorting member 82. 90 is provided, and a non-specific region 83 is provided below the right side (the other side) of the upper distribution member 82.

  The upper side distribution member 82 is connected to the rotating shaft of the upper side distribution motor (not shown) on the base side. Thereby, the upper distribution member 82 can perform an operation of rotating left and right with the base side as a rotation center (hereinafter also referred to as “upper distribution operation”). When the upper sorting member 82 rotates to the left (one side), the game balls that have entered the upper sorting area 81 are moved to the right side (the other side) of the upper sorting member 82 and the upper sorting member 82. The possibility (probability) of being guided to the non-specific region 83 (passing through the non-specific region 83) is increased by the guide pin 84 projecting between the non-specific region 83 and the non-specific region 83. Of course, the greater the amount of rotation of the upper sorting member 82 to the left (one side), the more likely the game ball that has entered the upper sorting area 81 will come into contact with the right side (the other side) of the upper sorting member 82. Therefore, the possibility (probability) that the game ball is guided to the non-specific area 83 (passes through the non-specific area 83) increases.

  On the other hand, when the upper distribution member 82 is rotated to the right (the other side), the game balls that have entered the upper distribution area 81 are moved to the left side (one surface) and the upper side of the upper distribution member 82. The possibility of being guided to the lower distribution area 91 by the guide pin 85 projecting between the distribution member 82 and the entry passage 90 increases. Of course, as the amount of rotation of the upper distribution member 82 toward the right side (the other side) increases, the game ball that has entered the upper distribution region 81 may come into contact with the left side surface (one surface) of the upper distribution member 82. Therefore, the possibility (probability) that the game ball is guided to the lower distribution area 91 is increased.

  In the lower distribution area 91, a lower distribution member 92 is provided below the approach passage 90, and a specific area 96 is provided below the left side (one side) of the lower distribution member 92, A non-specific region 93 is provided below the right side (the other side) of the lower distribution member 92.

  The lower side distribution member 92 has a base side connected to a rotating shaft of a lower side distribution motor (not shown). Thereby, the lower distribution member 92 can perform an operation of rotating left and right about the base side as a rotation center (hereinafter also referred to as “lower distribution operation”). When the lower sorting member 92 rotates to the left (one side), the game balls that have entered the lower sorting area 91 are placed on the right side (the other side) and the lower side of the lower sorting member 92. The possibility (probability) of being guided to the non-specific region 93 (passing through the non-specific region 93) is increased by the guide pin 94 protruding between the sorting member 92 and the non-specific region 93. Of course, the larger the amount of rotation of the lower sorting member 92 toward the left side (one side), the more the game balls that have entered the lower sorting area 91 come into contact with the right side surface (the other side) of the lower sorting member 92. The possibility (probability) that the game ball is guided to the non-specific area 93 (passes through the non-specific area 93) increases.

  On the other hand, when the lower distribution member 92 rotates to the right side (the other side), the game balls that have entered the lower distribution area 91 are left side surfaces (one surface) of the lower distribution member 92. The possibility of being guided to the specific region 96 by the guide pin 95 projecting between the lower distribution member 92 and the specific region 96 increases. Of course, the larger the amount of rotation of the lower distribution member 92 to the right side (the other side), the more the game ball that has entered the lower distribution area 91 contacts the left side surface (one surface) of the lower distribution member 92. Therefore, the possibility (probability) that the game ball is guided to the specific area 96 is increased.

  When the distribution means of the third modified example as described above is adopted, either the upper distribution operation or the lower distribution operation is performed at the stop timing of the distribution operation in the above-described embodiment and modification ( It is good also as a structure which stops some operation | movement among some distribution members. In this way, by stopping only one of the upper-side distribution operation and the lower-side distribution operation, one of the “possibility that game balls that have entered the first big winning opening 60d will be distributed to the specific area 96” Although the part is determined, since the other of the upper-side sorting operation and the lower-side sorting operation continues, the possibility can be changed thereafter. This makes it possible to diversify the “possibility that game balls that have entered the first grand prize opening 60d are distributed to the specific area 96”. Moreover, when it is set as the structure which stops any one (a part of operation | movement of some distribution members) or all in an upper part distribution operation and a lower part distribution operation, an upper part distribution operation and a lower part distribution operation It is possible to make the player pay attention to whether either one of the operations (operation of some of the plurality of sorting members) stops or all of them stop. As a result, it is possible to enhance the game interest when a big hit game or a small hit game is started.

  As mentioned above, although the Example and the modification were demonstrated about this invention, this invention is not limited to this, Unless it deviates from the range described in each claim, it is not limited to the description word of each claim, The range that can be easily replaced by those skilled in the art can be added as appropriate, and improvements based on the knowledge that those skilled in the art normally have can be added as appropriate.

  For example, in the first embodiment described above, when the game ball passes the jackpot start gate 37 after the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbol, the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is stopped. Even if it passes the big hit start gate 37, it is good also as a structure which provides the case where the distribution operation of the distribution member 73 is not stopped (it continues). For example, when the game ball passes through the big hit start gate 37 after the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the first big hit symbol, the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is stopped, and the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the second big hit symbol. When the game ball passes through the big hit start gate 37 after being played, the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 may not be stopped. Further, whether or not to stop the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is determined by lottery, and if it is decided to stop the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 by the lottery, the sorting operation is stopped, If it is determined not to stop the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 by lottery, the sorting operation may not be stopped. In this way, it is possible to realize a game property that causes the player to pay attention to whether or not the sorting operation of the sorting member 73 is stopped when the game ball passes the big hit start gate 37.

  In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the player can visually recognize the posture of the sorting member 73, but the player may not be able to visually recognize the posture. In this case, it is good also as a structure which alert | reports the attitude | position of the distribution member 73 to a player using the production | presentation display apparatus 27 grade | etc.,.

  In the second embodiment described above, the distribution operation of the distribution member 73 is resumed when the first grand prize opening 60d is closed. However, when the second big prize opening 65d is opened. The sorting operation of the sorting member 73 may be resumed.

  In the second embodiment described above, the distribution operation of the sorting member 73 is stopped every time the first big prize opening 60d is opened. However, the first big prize opening 60d is opened. It is good also as a structure which stops the distribution operation | movement of the distribution member 73 in the one part opportunity.

  Of course, the configuration of the “distribution means” of the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments and modifications, and the number of distribution members and the number of distribution members can be changed as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved. The shape, material, operation mode, etc. may be any. For example, a configuration in which a plurality of holes are formed in a dish-shaped member and a part of the plurality of holes is a specific region (so-called croon) may be employed.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are used as “rental balls” or “prize balls”, and various winning holes (first start port 17a, first game port provided on the game board) are used. The game value as a result of the game is played by paying out a predetermined number of prize balls in response to the entry of game balls into the 2 start opening 17b, the first big prize opening 60d, the second big prize opening 65d, etc. Although the example which applied this invention to the pachinko machine 1 given to a person was demonstrated, this invention is applicable also to the type of game machine which gives a game value with the form different from "payout of a prize ball" . For example, by entering game balls into various winning holes, data indicating the amount (size) of game value corresponding to the entered balls is stored in the RAM of the main control unit or the payout control unit. The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine of a type that gives a game value to a player. In this case as well, the same effects as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained. Note that pachinko machines that convert game values into data and give them to players include gaming machines that circulate and use a plurality of game balls built in the pachinko machine. A pachinko machine (so-called enclosed game machine) configured to return the game ball discharged to the back of the game board through the mouth to the launch position and launch it again can be exemplified.

  The present invention can be used for a ball game machine used in a game hall.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine (ball game machine), 17a ... 1st starting port (starting port), 17b ... 2nd starting port (starting port), 28 ... 1st symbol display device, 32 ... 2nd symbol display device, 37 ... Big hit start gate, 60d ... first big prize entrance (variable entrance, first variable entrance), 65d ... second big prize entrance (second variable entrance), 70 ... allocation area, 71 ... Specific area, 72 ... non-specific area, 75 ... distribution member (distribution means), 81 ... upper distribution area, 82 ... upper distribution member (distribution means), 83 ... non-specific area, 91 ... lower side distribution Divide area, 92 ... lower distribution member (distribution means), 93 ... non-specific area, 96 ... specified area, 200 ... main control board, 201 ... CPU, 220 ... sub-control board, 221 ... CPU.

Claims (5)

A variable entrance is provided that can be changed between a state where a game ball cannot enter and a state where a game ball can enter, and a state where a game ball can enter.
A bullet that gives a predetermined game profit to a player based on the fact that a game ball that has entered the variable entry port passes through a specific area during the specific game in which the variable entry port is ready to enter. A ball game machine,
A distribution means operable to change the possibility that a game ball that has entered the variable entry slot passes through the specific area;
The specific game is started based on a predetermined start condition being satisfied,
The distribution means operates based on a predetermined operation pattern, and stops the operation based on the establishment of the start condition,
The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein a stop mode of the allocating unit is different depending on a timing when the start condition is satisfied, and a possibility that a game ball passes through the specific area is different depending on the stop mode. In the ball game machine according to claim 1,
Comprising identification information display means for variably displaying the identification information;
The start condition is that a game ball is detected by a predetermined detection means after the result of the variation display of the identification information becomes a specific result. In the ball game machine according to claim 2,
The distribution unit starts the operation when the result of the variation display of the identification information becomes a specific result, and stops the operation when a game ball is detected by the detection unit. Gaming machine. In the ball game machine according to claim 3,
The ball game machine characterized in that the allocating means restarts the operation when a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation stopped. In the bullet ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The allocating means has a plurality of allocating members that can change the course of a game ball that has entered the variable entrance.
The plurality of sorting members can be individually operated, and a part or all of the plurality of sorting members can be stopped based on the establishment of the start condition,
The possibility of distributing the game ball that has entered the variable entrance to the specific area varies depending on the manner in which the plurality of distribution members are stopped.

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