JP2015073791A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To highly accurately detect game balls reserved in a game ball reservation device by a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine includes: a first reservation part 53 that is provided in a game area for reserving game balls; a swing piece 62 that is installed swingably by the first reservation part 53, when a game ball is located at the first reservation part 53, transfers to a retraction state retracting to a position apart from the first reservation part 53 and, when no game ball is located at the first reservation part 53, transfers to a protrusion state protruding therefrom; and a photosensor 64 detecting a mutual change of the swing piece 62 between the retraction state and the protrusion state.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that performs a game.

  In a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, a big hit lottery is performed when a game ball wins a prize such as a start opening. When the jackpot is won, the gaming machine is put into a jackpot gaming state in which the jackpot is opened and many winning balls can be obtained.

There is also known a game ball holding device that is controllable between a hold state for holding a game ball flowing down the game area provided on the game board surface and a hold release state for releasing the game ball and releasing the game ball. ing.
For example, in Patent Document 1, when the opening condition of the auxiliary variable winning device (game ball holding device) is achieved, a target game is played using the display unit of the variable display device, and the player operates at a suitable timing. If the time difference between the reference timing and the operation timing is small by pressing the button, the open state conversion time of the auxiliary variable prize-winning device is lengthened and the special figure starting port of the auxiliary variable prize-winning device in the open state is awarded. If the time difference between the reference timing and the operation timing is large, the open state conversion time of the auxiliary variable prize-winning device is shortened. There is disclosed a gaming machine in which a game ball is set to be released from a ball exit at a timing at which it is difficult to win a prize at the starting port.

JP 2005-205006 A

By the way, if the game ball held in the game ball holding device can be detected, the control of the game ball holding device and the effect based on the holding state of the game ball can be appropriately performed. Moreover, it is preferable that the detection of the game ball held by the game ball holding device is accurately performed with a simple configuration.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to perform highly accurate detection of a game ball held in a game ball holding device with a simple configuration.

The present invention that achieves the above object is realized as the following gaming machine. The gaming machine 100 is provided in a gaming area 111 and holds a holding portion 53 (54) for holding a game ball, and is swingably installed in the holding portion 53 (54). The holding portion 53 (54) A swinging member that shifts to a retracted state where the game ball moves away from the holding portion 53 (54) when the game ball is positioned, and shifts to a protruding state that protrudes when the game ball is not positioned at the holding portion 53 (54). 62, and a detecting means 64 for detecting a mutual change between the retracted state and the protruding state of the swinging member 62.
The swinging member 62 is provided suspended from the rotating shaft 63, and at least a part of the swinging member 62 is placed on the retaining portion 53 (54) by its own weight when the game ball is not positioned on the retaining portion 53 (54). In a state where the game ball is positioned in the holding unit 53 (54), the game ball is in contact with the game ball and is located away from the holding unit 53 (54).

  In addition, the said code | symbol in this column is attached | subjected illustratively in the description of this invention, and this invention is not reduced by this code | symbol.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to perform the detection with high precision of the game ball hold | maintained in a game ball holding | maintenance apparatus with a simple structure.

It is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine of this embodiment. It is a figure explaining the pachinko game machine of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the control unit of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the game control part of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the main operation | movement of the game control part of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a start port switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the gate switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during a stop. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a customer waiting | standby setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of normal symbol processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the big prize opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the game state setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of an electric tulip process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the reservation ball | bowl detection sensor input process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the hold cancellation | release sensor input process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of hold cancellation | release data creation processing. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the random number used by this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an effect control part. It is a figure for demonstrating the game ball holding | maintenance apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating in detail the path | route formation part of this embodiment. It is a figure for explaining the 1st reservation part and the 1st reservation ball sensor part of this embodiment in detail. It is a figure for demonstrating the flow of the game ball in a game ball holding | maintenance apparatus. It is a figure for explaining operation of the 1st reservation part and the 1st reservation ball sensor part.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[Basic configuration of gaming machine]
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 100 as an example of a gaming machine is configured to pay out a prize ball when a gaming ball launched by an instruction operation by a player wins. The pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a game board 110 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 150 surrounding the game board 110. The game board 110 is detachably attached to the frame member 150.
The game board 110 has, on the front surface, a game area 111 for playing with a game ball, a rail member 112 that forms a passage toward which the game ball launched from the lower side goes up to the upper position of the game area 111, A guide member 113 for guiding a game ball is provided on the right side of the game area 111.
In the following description, the left and right directions of the gaming board 110 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 are referred to as the left and right directions, and the upper and lower directions of the gaming board 110 are referred to as the up and down directions. Furthermore, the direction on the player side corresponding to the front side of the page and the game board 110 side corresponding to the back side of the page is referred to as the front-rear direction.

In the present embodiment, an image display unit 114 that displays various images for production is provided at a position of the game area 111 that is easily visible to the player. The image display unit 114 includes a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and displays a decorative symbol for notifying the player of a symbol lottery result (symbol variation result), for example, as the game progresses by the player. An effect image by the appearance of a character or the appearance of an item is displayed.
In addition, a movable accessory 115 and a board lamp 116 used for various effects are provided on the front surface of the game board 110. The movable accessory 115 performs various effects by operating on the game board 110, and the board lamp 116 performs various effects by emitting light.

  The game area 111 is provided with a game nail and a windmill (not shown) for changing the direction in which the game ball falls. Further, in the game area 111, various bonuses relating to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In addition, the game area 111 is provided with a discharge port 117 through which game balls launched into the game area 111 that have not been won in the winning area are discharged out of the game area 111.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 that start a special symbol lottery (a jackpot lottery) when a game ball wins as various prizes related to winning and lottery, A game gate 110 is provided with a start gate (hereinafter simply referred to as a gate) 124 that starts a normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) when a game ball passes. Here, the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 refer to a winning port that triggers the operation of one predetermined special symbol display.
The second start port 122 includes an electric tulip (opening / closing member) 123 as a normal electric accessory that is turned on and off by a pair of blades in the shape of tulip flowers that are opened and closed by an electric solenoid. In the electric tulip 123, when the blade is closed, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start port 122, but when the blade is opened, the entrance of the second start port 122 is expanded and the game ball is moved to the second start port 122. It is configured to be easy to enter. When the electric tulip 123 wins the normal symbol lottery, the blade opens for a specified time (for example, 0.15 to 1.8 seconds) and for a specified number of times (for example, 1 to 3 times) while lighting or blinking.

The pachinko gaming machine 100 has a low probability state in which a jackpot lottery is performed with a normal probability and a high probability state in which a jackpot lottery is performed with a higher probability than the low probability state. It should be noted that the state is controlled to be either a low probability state or a high probability state under a predetermined condition.
Further, the pachinko gaming machine 100 has a short time state where there are few winning opportunities at the second start port 122 and a short state when there are more winning opportunities at the second start port 122 than in the short time state. Note that, in a predetermined condition, the state is controlled to be either a timeless state or a timeless state. Here, the short-time state means, for example, any one or all of the following: increasing the probability of winning the normal symbol lottery, decreasing the normal symbol variation time, or extending the opening time of the electric tulip 123 Controlled by combination. In the short time state, the special symbol variation time of the special symbol may be shortened.

Further, in the present embodiment, as other prizes related to winning and lottery, even if a winning ball 125 is won as a special electric bonus that is opened according to the result of the special symbol lottery and a game ball is won, no lottery is performed. A normal winning opening 126 is disposed on the game board 110.
In the present embodiment, a display 130 for displaying a lottery result and the number of holds is arranged at the lower right position of the game board 110.

  Also, on the back side of the game board 110, a game control board that determines whether or not a special symbol is won, an effect control board that comprehensively controls effects, an image control board that controls effects by images and sounds, various lamps, Various substrates (not shown) such as a lamp control substrate for controlling the effect by the movable accessory 115 are attached. In addition, a switching power supply (not shown) that converts the supplied 24V AC power source into a DC power source and outputs it to various boards and the like is disposed on the back surface of the game board 110.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 100 has a game ball holding device 50 that temporarily holds a game ball in the game area 111, and a game for releasing the hold of the game ball held by the game ball holding device 50. And a release operation unit 128 that accepts an operation by a person.

  The game ball holding device 50 is arranged in the right half area of the game board 110. In the present embodiment, the game ball holding device 50 receives the game ball flowing through the guide member 113. And the game ball holding | maintenance apparatus 50 drops the game ball | bowl hold | maintained toward winning prize openings other than the big winning opening 125 in this embodiment. The game ball holding device 50 will be described in detail later.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the release operation unit 128 is attached to the frame member 150 and is disposed in the vicinity of the operation unit such as an effect button in the present embodiment. The release operation unit 128 is configured as a button-type operation unit. A contact-type sensor is provided inside the release operation unit 128, and is configured to detect pressing of the operation unit by the player. Then, the release operation unit 128 sends a signal to the game control unit 200 (described later) upon accepting the player's operation.

  In this embodiment, the release of the game ball held by the game ball holding device 50 is released by the release operation unit 128. In particular, the present embodiment includes two game ball holding units, a first holding unit 53 and a second holding unit 54 described later. The release operation unit 128 is configured to be able to selectively release any one of the first storage unit 53 and the second storage unit 54 described later.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, for example, the player is given an opportunity to select a game round in a jackpot game. In the present embodiment, the game ball holding device 50 is used as means for selecting a game round. The player selectively passes the game ball to the first gate switch 71 and the second gate switch 72 described later by releasing the hold of the game ball held in the game ball holding device 50 by the release operation unit 128. . Based on the passing of the game ball in the first gate switch 71 and the second gate switch 72, the game round in the jackpot game is determined.

  In the present embodiment, when the game ball is held in the game ball holding device 50 and the release operation unit 128 is operated by the player, the game ball holding device regardless of other conditions. At 50, the game ball is released. Thus, the release of the game ball in the game ball holding device 50 is configured so that the player can arbitrarily execute it.

  In addition, the release operation unit 128 for operating the game ball holding device 50 is not limited to the button according to the present embodiment, but a touch panel provided on a transparent plate arranged between the game board 110 and the player, Various configurations such as a motion sensor capable of detecting the operation position of the player without contact can be used.

When the player touches the handle 151 and rotates the lever 152 in the clockwise direction, the frame member 150 moves the game balls at a predetermined time interval (for example, 100 per minute) with the hitting force according to the operation angle And a launching device (not shown) for electrically firing. In addition, the frame member 150 includes a supply device (not shown) that sequentially supplies game balls to the launching device one by one at a timing in conjunction with the operation of the player's lever 152, and a game ball that the supply device supplies to the launching device. A plate 153 (see FIG. 2) for temporarily storing. For example, a payout ball by a payout unit is paid out to the plate 153.
In addition, in this embodiment, although the plate | plate 153 is comprised by the upper-lower plate integral, the structural example which isolate | separates an upper plate and a lower plate is also considered. A configuration example in which the handle 151 of the launching device emits light under a predetermined condition is also conceivable.

The frame member 150 also includes a stop button 154 for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball even when the player is touching the handle 151 of the launch device, and a game ball stored in the tray 153. A take-out button for dropping the box into a box (not shown) and taking it out.
Further, the frame member 150 includes a speaker 156 and a frame lamp 157 for notifying the gaming state and situation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 and performing various effects. The speaker 156 performs various effects based on music, voice, and sound effects, and the frame lamp 157 performs various effects based on light depending on the pattern and light emission color caused by lighting and blinking. In addition, about the frame lamp | ramp 157, the structural example which enables it to perform the effect which changes the irradiation direction of light can be considered.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 2A is an enlarged view showing an example of the display 130 arranged on the lower right side of the game board 110, and FIG. 2B is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 100.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the display 130 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 receives a first special symbol display 221 that operates in response to winning of the first starting port 121 and a winning of the second starting port 122. A second special symbol display 222 that operates correspondingly and a normal symbol display 223 that operates corresponding to the passage of the gate 124 are provided. The first special symbol display unit 221 displays the lottery result after stopping displaying the special symbol based on the winning of the first start port 121 after variably displaying. The second special symbol display 222 displays the lottery result after the special symbol is variably displayed on the basis of the winning of the second start port 122 after being variably displayed. Based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the normal symbol display 223 displays the lottery result by stopping the normal symbol after variably displaying it. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol display 221, the second special symbol display 222, and the normal symbol display 223 are each configured by a display device in which LEDs are arranged.

  In addition, the indicator 130 operates in response to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the first special symbol hold indicator 218 that operates corresponding to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222. 2 a special symbol hold indicator 219 and a normal symbol hold indicator 220 that operates in response to the hold in the normal symbol indicator 223. In the present embodiment, each of the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220 is composed of LED display devices arranged in a line, and is held according to its lighting mode. The number is displayed.

  Here, the hold will be described. If a game ball wins in the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 during the special symbol change display operation (while the change display for one win is being performed), the special symbol is changing. In addition, the special symbol variation display operation based on the subsequent winning cannot be started. Therefore, the number of subsequent winnings is memorized up to a specified number (for example, 4), and the right to start a special symbol for the winning game ball is until the variable display operation for the previously winning game ball ends. Deferred. For normal symbols, the same processing as for special symbols is performed. The fact that such a hold has been made and the number of hold (unchanged number) are displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219 and the normal symbol hold indicator 220.

  Furthermore, the display device 130 includes a state display device 224 that displays the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100. In the present embodiment, the status indicator 224 is configured by a display device in which two LEDs are arranged. One of the two LEDs notifies whether or not the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a high probability state in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is high. The other one is to notify by lighting whether or not the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a short time state in which it is easy to win the second starting port 122. In addition, by providing an LED on the status indicator 224 and hitting it to the right (by changing the hitting force of the game ball), it is notified by lighting whether or not the game state is advantageous to the player. Also good.

  The frame member 150 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes an input device for a player to input an effect. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the present embodiment, as an example of the input device, an effect button 161 and an effect key 162 that is adjacent to the effect button 161 and includes a plurality of keys are arranged on the frame member 150. Has been. In the illustrated example, the player can instruct any of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 114 by operating an effect key 162 including four keys, for example. It is also possible to select the designated image by operating the effect button 161. In addition to the effect buttons 161 and the effect keys 162 shown in the figure, various input forms such as levers, dials, and the like can be adopted as the input device.

[Configuration of control unit]
Next, a control unit that performs operation control and signal processing in the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the control unit.
As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit includes a game control unit 200 that determines whether a special symbol is won or the like as main control means. Further, as sub-control means, an effect control unit 300 that comprehensively controls effects, an image / sound control unit 310 that controls effects using images and sound, and effects using various lamps and movable accessories 115 A ramp control unit 320 for controlling the payout, and a payout control unit 400 for performing payout control of the payout ball.

  As described above, the game control unit 200, the effect control unit 300, the image / sound control unit 310, the lamp control unit 320, and the payout control unit 400 are each a game as a main board disposed on the rear surface of the game board 110. The control board, the effect control board as the sub board, the image control board, the lamp control board, and the payout control board are individually configured.

[Configuration and function of game control unit]
The game control unit 200 is used as a CPU 201 that performs arithmetic processing when determining whether or not a special symbol is won, a ROM 202 that stores programs executed by the CPU 201, various data, and the like, a working memory of the CPU 201, and the like. RAM 203 to be provided.
When the game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, the game control unit 200 performs a special symbol lottery and sends the lottery result to the effect control unit 300. In addition, the change information of the high probability state and the low probability state and the change information of the short time state and the short time state are sent to the effect control unit 300.

Further, the game control unit 200 performs control to increase the probability of winning the normal symbol lottery, shorten the normal symbol variation time, or extend the opening time of the electric tulip 123. In addition, the game control unit 200 holds up to the limit number (for example, four) of the unchangeable amount when the game ball continuously wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, or the game ball continues. Thus, the suspension is set up to the limit number (for example, 4) of the unchangeable amount when passing through the gate 124.
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 opens until the special winning opening 125, which is a special electric accessory, satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) according to the result of the special symbol lottery. Control is performed so that the round in which the state is maintained is repeated a predetermined number of times. Furthermore, the opening / closing operation interval when the special winning opening 125 is opened is controlled.

Further, when the game ball is won in the first start port 121, the second start port 122, the big winning port 125, and the normal winning port 126, the game control unit 200 per game ball according to the place where the game ball has won. The payout control unit 400 is instructed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls. For example, when a game ball wins at the first start port 121, three prize balls, when a game ball wins at the second start port 122, four prize balls, and when a game ball wins the big prize port 125, thirteen prizes. When a game ball wins the ball, the normal winning opening 126, an instruction command (command) is sent to the payout control unit 400 so as to pay out 10 prize balls. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the payout control unit 400 is not instructed to pay out the prize ball in conjunction therewith.
When the payout control unit 400 pays out a prize ball in accordance with an instruction from the game control unit 200, the game control unit 200 acquires information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 400. As a result, the number of prize balls paid out is managed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the game control unit 200 includes a first start port detection unit (first start port switch (SW)) 211 that detects a winning of a game ball to the first start port 121, as shown in FIG. , A second start port detection unit (second start port switch (SW)) 212 that detects a winning of a game ball to the second start port 122, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213 that opens and closes the electric tulip 123, and the gate 124. A gate detection unit (gate switch (SW)) 214 for detecting the passage of the game ball is connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 has a large winning port detecting unit (large winning port switch (SW)) 215 for detecting a winning of a game ball to the large winning port 125, and the large winning port 125 is inclined to be in a closed state. A large winning opening / closing unit 216 set to the open state and a normal winning opening detecting unit (normal winning opening switch (SW)) 217 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning opening 126 are connected.

In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol hold indicator 218 that displays the number of unreserved reserves that have been won to the first start port 121 during the change of the special symbol within a limit number (for example, four). , A second special symbol hold indicator 219 that displays within the limit the number of non-changed reserves won to the second starting port 122 during the change of the special symbol, and the non-changed display that has passed through the gate 124 during the change of the normal symbol A normal symbol hold indicator 220 for displaying the fluctuation hold amount within the limit number is connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol display 221 for displaying a special symbol variation display and a special symbol lottery result performed by winning a game ball in the first starting port 121, and a second starting port. The second special symbol display 222 that displays the result of the special symbol variation display and special symbol lottery performed by winning the game ball to 122, and the normal symbol display that displays the normal symbol variation display and the normal symbol lottery result A device 223 and a state indicator 224 for displaying the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 are connected.

  Then, detection signals detected by the first start port switch 211, the second start port switch 212, the gate switch 214, the big winning port switch 215 and the normal winning port switch 217 are sent to the game control unit 200. In addition, the control signal from the game control unit 200 includes an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213, a special prize opening / closing unit 216, a first special symbol hold indicator 218, a second special symbol hold indicator 219, a normal symbol hold indicator 220, It is sent to the first special symbol display 221, the second special symbol display 222, and the normal symbol display 223. Thereby, the game control unit 200 performs various controls related to the number of payout prize balls.

  Further, a board external information terminal board 250 that transmits various kinds of information to a host computer (not shown) installed in the hall is connected to the game control unit 200. Then, the game control unit 200 transmits information about the number of paid-out prize balls, information indicating the state of the game control unit 200, and the like acquired from the payout control unit 400 to the host computer via the board external information terminal board 250. To do.

[Configuration and function of production control unit]
The effect control unit 300 includes a CPU 301 that performs calculation processing when controlling the effect, a ROM 302 that stores programs executed by the CPU 301 and various data, a RAM 303 that is used as a work memory of the CPU 301, and the like. And a real-time clock (RTC) 304 for measuring.
The effect control unit 300 sets the contents of the effect, for example, based on the determination result of whether or not the winning in the special symbol lottery sent from the game control unit 200 and the variation pattern. At that time, in response to an operation input from the user using the effect button 161 or the effect key 162, the effect content corresponding to the operation input may be set. In this case, for example, a signal (operation signal) corresponding to an operation is received from a controller (not shown) such as the effect button 161, and the operation content identified by the operation signal is reflected in the setting of the effect.

In addition, when the game is interrupted for a predetermined period, the effect control unit 300 instructs the setting of the screen display for waiting for a customer as one of the effects.
Furthermore, the production control unit 300 sets the production content based on the change information of the high probability state and the low probability state received from the game control unit 200, and the change information of the short time state and the short time state.
In addition, the effect control unit 300 sends a command for instructing execution of the set effect contents to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320.

[Configuration / Function of Image / Sound Control Unit]
The image / sound control unit 310 is a CPU 311 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling the image and sound representing the content of the effect, a ROM 312 that stores programs executed by the CPU 311, various data, and the like. And a RAM 313 used as a memory or the like.
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 114 and the sound output from the speaker 156 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300.
Specifically, in the ROM 312 of the image / sound control unit 310, a symbol image or background image displayed during the game on the image display unit 114, a decorative symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result, and a notice effect for the player Image data such as a character or item for displaying is stored.

The ROM 312 further stores various types of acoustic data such as music and sound output from the speaker 156 in synchronization with the image data or independently of the image data, and sound effects such as jingles. The CPU 311 selects and reads out the data corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300 from the image data and the sound data stored in the ROM 312. Furthermore, image processing for background image display, symbol image display, symbol image variation, character / item display, etc., and voice processing using the read acoustic data are performed using the read image data.
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls screen display on the image display unit 114 based on the image data subjected to image processing. Further, the sound output from the speaker 156 is controlled by the sound data subjected to the sound processing.

[Configuration and function of lamp control unit]
The lamp control unit 320 includes a CPU 321 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 and the operation of the movable accessory 115, and a ROM 322 that stores programs executed by the CPU 321 and various data. And a RAM 323 used as a working memory for the CPU 321 and the like.
The lamp control unit 320 controls lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, the emission color, and the like based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300. Further, the operation of the movable accessory 115 is controlled.

Specifically, the ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (emission pattern) for the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 300. Data) is stored. The CPU 321 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 322 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300. The lamp controller 320 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the read light emission pattern data.
The ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 115 corresponding to the production content set by the production control unit 300. The CPU 321 controls the operation of the movable accessory 115 based on the read operation pattern data.

[Configuration and function of payout control unit]
The payout control unit 400 includes a CPU 401 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling payout of the payout ball, a ROM 402 that stores programs executed by the CPU 401, various data, and the like, and a RAM 403 that is used as a work memory for the CPU 401. And.
The payout control unit 400 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the game control unit 200.
Specifically, the payout control unit 400 acquires from the game control unit 200 a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won (such as the first start port 121). Then, the payout driving unit 411 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 411 includes a drive motor that sends out the game ball from the storage unit of the game ball.

The payout control unit 400 also includes a payout ball detection unit 412 that detects the number of prize balls actually paid out from the game ball storage unit by the payout drive unit 411, and a game ball in the storage unit (not shown). Sphere detection unit 413 for detecting whether or not there is a storage, and whether or not the plate 153 in which a game ball used when a player plays a game or a prized ball to be held is full is detected. A full tank detection unit 414 is connected. Then, the payout control unit 400 receives detection signals detected by the payout ball detection unit 412, the ball presence detection unit 413, and the full tank detection unit 414, and performs predetermined processing according to these detection signals.
Further, the payout control unit 400 is connected to a frame external information terminal board 450 that transmits various types of information to a host computer installed in the hall. Then, the payout control unit 400, for example, information on the number of prize balls instructed to pay out to the payout driving unit 411, information on the number of prize balls actually paid out detected by the payout ball detection unit 412, etc. Is transmitted to the host computer via the frame external information terminal board 450. Also, similar information is transmitted to the game control unit 200.

[Functional configuration of game control unit]
Next, the functional configuration of the game control unit 200 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game control unit 200. As shown in the figure, the game control unit 200 includes a random number acquisition unit 231, a normal symbol determination unit 232, a special symbol variation control unit 233, and a special symbol determination unit 234 as functional units that execute various lottery processes. And a normal symbol fluctuation control unit 237.
In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a variation pattern selection unit 235 as a functional unit that executes a process associated with special symbol variation.
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 is a function unit that executes operation control of various types of objects and data processing related to a prize ball, etc., as a function unit for a prize winning opening operation control unit 238, an electric tulip operation control unit 239, and a prize ball processing unit 240. And an output control unit 241, a random number control unit 242, and a game ball holding device control unit 243 (holding ball control means).

The random number acquisition unit 231 acquires a random number related to a special symbol when a game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122. Specifically, one numerical value (random number value) is selected (obtained) from a predetermined range of numerical values and used for determination by the special symbol determination unit 234.
The random number acquisition unit 231 acquires a random number related to a normal symbol when a game ball passes through the gate 124. Specifically, one numerical value (random number value) is selected (obtained) from a predetermined range of numerical values, and used for determination by the normal symbol determination unit 232.
When a special symbol lottery is performed, the special symbol variation control unit 233 controls the variation of the special symbol according to the lottery result.

  The special symbol determination unit 234 uses a random number table as shown in FIG. 20 at the start of the variation of the special symbol, and the lottery result is “whether it is a big winner”, “a type of big winner when winning a big winner”, “ It is determined whether or not the jackpot is lost or not when the jackpot is not won. That is, the random number acquisition unit 231 acquires a random number value related to a special symbol when the first starting port switch 211 or the second starting port switch 212 serving as a detection unit detects passage of a game ball, and determines a special symbol. The unit 234 determines based on the acquired random number value whether or not to play a special game (such as a big hit game) advantageous to the player. The special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) described above refers to processing in the random number acquisition unit 231 and the special symbol determination unit 234.

  Here, the “hit” is divided into a plurality of types according to the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game. Specifically, the type of jackpot is determined depending on the combination of the short-time state or the short-time state and the high-probability state or the low-probability state. That is, as the type of jackpot, after the jackpot game is finished, it becomes a jackpot, short-time state and low-probability state state that has both a short-time state and a high-probability state state. A jackpot that becomes a gaming state, a state that has both short-time and no-probability states, and a short-time and high-probability gaming state that has both a state and a low-probability state. There can be a jackpot. Each of these jackpots is associated with an individual special symbol, and the type of jackpot is determined according to the type of special symbol won in the special symbol lottery.

  In addition, the “bonanza” may be divided into a jackpot that can be expected to pay out a large amount of gaming balls for a long time, and a jackpot that can hardly be expected to pay out gaming balls because the jackpot game time is short. The former is called “long hit” and the latter is called “short hit”. For example, in “long win”, a round that is maintained until the open state of the big winning opening 125 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) is repeated, for example, 15 times. In the “short win”, a round in which the special winning opening 125 is opened for a certain time (for example, 0.1 second) is repeated, for example, 15 times.

In addition, in the case of “small winning” when the big winning is not won, for example, a small winning game is performed in which the big winning opening 125 is opened for 15 seconds for 15 times. At the time of winning the small hit, the game state before the small win is continued even after the small hit game is completed. That is, when the game state at the time of winning the small hit is the short-time high-probability gaming state, the short-time high-probability gaming state is continued even after the small hitting game is over, and the gaming state does not shift. Similarly, when the gaming state at the time of winning the small hit is the short-time low-low probability gaming state, the short-time low-low probability gaming state is continued even after the small hitting game ends, and the gaming state does not shift.
Further, “small hit” is a kind of “out of game”, and none of the above gaming states that are advantageous to the player is set.

The variation pattern selection unit 235 selects a variation pattern (variation time) of a special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222. Here, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines the variation pattern based on the determination result whether or not to play the jackpot game, the determination result whether or not to reach, and the like. Then, based on the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection unit 235, the special symbol variation control unit 233 controls the variation of the special symbol. Details of operations of the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 and the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 will be described later.
Here, “reach” is an effect for causing a player to expect a big hit in a decorative pattern to be described later.

When the normal symbol lottery is performed, the normal symbol determination unit 232 determines whether the normal symbol lottery result is “winning or not”.
The normal symbol fluctuation control unit 237 controls the fluctuation of the normal symbol according to the lottery result of the normal symbol.
The electric tulip operation control unit 239 releases the electric tulip 123 for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times when it is determined as “winning” by the normal symbol lottery, so that the game ball can be easily won at the second start port 122. Generate a state. Further, when it is determined as “displacement”, such an open state of the electric tulip 123 is not generated.

The special winning opening operation control unit 238 controls the opening operation of the special winning opening 125.
The prize ball processing unit 240 sets a command for controlling the number of prizes to be received for various types of winnings and lotteries, and a command for controlling the payout of prize balls according to the prize.
The output control unit 241 controls the output of control commands from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 400.
The random number control unit 242 controls updating of various random values used in processing by the main control unit.

The game ball holding device control unit 243 performs various processes in the game ball holding device 50 and the release operation unit 128. The game ball holding device control unit 243 receives signals from a first holding ball sensor unit 61 and a second holding ball sensor unit 65, which will be described later, and receives signals from the release operation unit 128. In addition, the game ball holding device control unit 243 controls the advance / retreat operation of the moving piece 561 described later.
Note that the game ball holding device control unit 243 executes a re-installation process after the release operation, in which a later-described moving piece 561 is projected again. Then, in preparation for the holding of the game ball when the game ball is newly launched toward the game ball holding device 50.

[Basic operation of gaming machine]
Next, the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 configured as described above will be described.
The basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is performed by a game control unit 200 that is a main control means. Then, under the control of the game control unit 200, the effect control unit 300, which is a sub-control means, controls the game effect, and the payout control unit 400 controls the payout of the prize ball.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main operations of the game control unit 200.
The game control unit 200 repeatedly executes each process shown in FIG. 5 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Referring to FIG. 5, a random number update process, a switch process, a symbol process, an electric accessory process, a prize ball process, and an output process are sequentially executed (steps 501 to 506).

  In the random number update process (step 501), the random number control unit 242 of the game control unit 200 updates various random number values used in the process by the main control unit. Details of the setting of the random number and the update of the random value will be described later.

As the switch process (step 502), a start port switch process and a gate switch process are performed.
In the start port switch process, the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 monitors the state of the first start port switch 211 and the second start port switch 212 in FIG. A lottery process is executed.
In the gate switch process, the normal symbol determination unit 232 of the game control unit 200 monitors the state of the gate switch 214 of FIG. 3 and executes a process for normal symbol lottery when the switch is turned on.
The detailed contents of these switch processes will be described later.

As the symbol processing (step 503), special symbol processing and normal symbol processing are performed.
In the special symbol process, the special symbol variation control unit 233, the special symbol determination unit 234, and the variation pattern selection unit 235 of the game control unit 200 perform the special symbol variation and processing associated with this symbol variation.
In the normal symbol process, the normal symbol variation control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 performs a normal symbol variation and a process associated with the symbol variation.
The detailed contents of these symbol processes will be described later.

As the electric accessory process (step 504), a winning prize opening process, an electric tulip process, a hold ball detection sensor input process, a hold ball release sensor input process, and a hold release data creation process related to the game ball holding device 50 are performed. .
In the special prize opening process, the special prize opening operation controller 238 of the game control unit 200 controls the opening operation of the special prize opening 125 based on a predetermined condition.
In the electric tulip process, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 of the game control unit 200 controls the opening operation of the electric tulip 123 based on a predetermined condition. The detailed contents of these electric accessory processing will be described later.
In the hold ball detection sensor input process, the hold ball release sensor input process, and the hold release data creation process, the game ball holding device control unit 243 of the game control unit 200 includes the release operation unit 128 and the first hold of the game ball holding device 50. The operation of the ball sensor unit 61 and the second reserved ball sensor unit 65 (described later) and the electric solenoid 563 (described later) are controlled.

In the winning ball process (step 505), the winning ball processing unit 240 of the game control unit 200 sets a command for controlling the number of winnings and a control for paying out a winning ball according to winning.
In the output process (step 506), the output control unit 241 of the game control unit 200 outputs a control command to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 400. The control command is generated in each process up to step 505, set in the RAM 203, and output in this output process.

[Start-up switch processing in game control unit]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the start port switch process in the switch process shown in step 502 of FIG.
In the start port switch process, a process for winning at the first start port 121 and a process for winning at the second start port 122 are sequentially performed. Referring to FIG. 6, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a game ball has won the first start port 121 and the first start port switch 211 is turned on (step 601). If the first start port switch 211 is turned ON, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the unchanged hold number U1 in the winning of the first start port 121 is less than the upper limit value (step 602). ). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds U1 has reached the upper limit (No in step 602), it is not possible to hold any more unchanging winnings, so the process for winning at the first start port 121 is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the hold number U1 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in step 602), the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the hold number U1 (step 603). And the random number acquisition part 231 of the game control part 200 acquires the random value for the lottery by this time winning, and stores it in RAM203 (step 604). Here, since the first starting port 121 is won, a random number value for special symbol lottery is acquired. The random value acquired at this time is the value updated by the random number update process in step 501. Then, the result of the special symbol lottery is determined in the later special symbol processing by this random number value. Random values here include jackpot random numbers that determine jackpot, jackpot or loss, jackpot type (short or short state after jackpot game, short or short state, high probability state or low probability state, long hit, short Symbol random number value that determines the winning pattern, jackpot symbol random number value, fluctuation pattern random number value for specifying the variation pattern in symbol variation, reach random number value that determines whether or not to perform with reach in the event of a loss, etc. Is included.

Next, the game control unit 200 performs a pre-determination process for giving a notice effect of a lottery result to a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is pending (that is, an undrawn lottery). (Step 605). In this pre-determination process, the lottery result is determined not at the start of symbol variation but at the start opening prize (that is, at step 605). In addition, in the gaming machine that does not perform the notice effect based on the advance determination, the advance determination process may be omitted.
Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number U1 increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number U1 in step 603 in the RAM 203 (step 606). The process ends. When the preliminary determination process in step 605 is performed, the information on the determination result of the preliminary determination obtained in step 605 is included in the pending number U1 increase command.

  Next, a process for winning in the second start port 122 is performed. Referring to FIG. 6, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the game ball has won the second start port 122 and the second start port switch 212 is turned on (step 607). If the second start port switch 212 is turned ON, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the unchanged hold number U2 in the winning of the second start port 122 is less than the upper limit value (step 608). ). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds U2 has reached the upper limit (No in step 608), it is not possible to hold any more unchanging winnings, so the processing for winning at the second start port 122 is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the holding number U2 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in Step 608), the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the holding number U2 (Step 609). Then, the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 acquires a random number value for the lottery by the current winning and stores it in the RAM 203 (step 610). Here, since the winning of the second starting port 122, as in the above step 604, random numbers for special symbol lottery (big hit random number value, big hit symbol random value), reach random number value, variation pattern random value, etc.) To be acquired. The random value acquired at this time is the value updated by the random number update process in step 501. Then, the result of the special symbol lottery is determined in the later special symbol processing by this random number value.

Next, the game control unit 200 performs a pre-determination process for giving a notice effect of a lottery result to a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is pending (that is, an undrawn lottery). (Step 611). The contents of this preliminary determination process are the same as in step 605 above. This prior determination process may also be omitted in a gaming machine that does not perform a notice effect based on prior determination.
Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number U2 increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number U2 in step 609 in the RAM 203 (step 612), and the game control unit 200 responds to the winning at the second start port 122. The process ends. When the preliminary determination process in step 611 is performed, the information on the determination result of the preliminary determination obtained in step 611 is included in the pending number U2 increase command.

[Gate switch processing in game control unit]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of the gate switch process when a game ball passes through the gate 124.
In this gate switch process, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the gate 124 and the gate switch 214 is turned on (step 701). If the gate switch 214 is turned on, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the unchanged holding number G is less than the upper limit value (step 702). In the example shown in FIG. 7, the upper limit value is four. If the number of reserves G has reached the upper limit (No in step 702), no more unchanging winnings can be reserved, and the gate switch processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the number of held G is less than the upper limit value (Yes in Step 702), the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the number of held G (Step 703). Then, the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 acquires a random value for the lottery by the current winning and stores it in the RAM 203 (step 704). Here, since the gate 124 is won, a random number value (such as a winning random number value) for normal symbol lottery is acquired.

  After the random value is acquired in step 704, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number G increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number G in step 703 in the RAM 203 (step 705). The process for winning in the gate 124 is terminated.

[Special symbol processing in game control unit]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special symbol processing of the symbol processing shown in step 503 of FIG.
In this special symbol process, the special symbol variation control unit 233 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the winning game flag is ON in the setting of a flag set in the RAM 203 (hereinafter, flag setting) ( Step 801). Here, the winning game flag is a flag that is set to identify that the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit. Either the long winning game flag or the short winning game flag is set according to the type of winning. In the present embodiment, these are collectively referred to as a winning game flag.

  When the winning game flag is ON, since the pachinko gaming machine 100 is already in a big hit, the special symbol processing is terminated without starting the special symbol variation (Yes in Step 801). On the other hand, if the winning game flag is OFF (No in Step 801), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the special symbol variation (Step 802). . If the special symbol is not changing (No in step 802), then the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 performs processing related to the number U1 and U2 (see FIG. 6) of the special symbols that have not been changed (steps 803 to 806). . In the present embodiment, since the number of holds U1 related to winning of the first start port 121 and the number of holds U2 related to winning of the second start port 122 are distinguished, this processing is also performed for each corresponding start port.

  Specifically, the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines whether or not the number of holds U2 related to winning in the second start port 122 is 1 or more (step 803). When the number of reservations U2 is 1 or more (Yes in Step 803), the special symbol variation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations U2 (Step 804). On the other hand, if the hold number U2 = 0 (No in step 803), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether the hold number U1 related to winning in the first start port 121 is 1 or more (step 805). . When the number of reservations U1 is 1 or more (Yes in Step 805), the special symbol variation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations U1 (Step 806). On the other hand, if the number of holdings U1 = 0 (No in step 805), it means that there is no winning for starting the special symbol lottery, so the special symbol change is not started, and the waiting for a different routine is set. The process is executed and the process is terminated (step 816).

  After subtracting the holding number U1 or the holding number U2 in step 804 or step 806, the special symbol variation control unit 233 turns off the customer waiting flag set in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 807). The customer waiting flag is a flag for identifying that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, and is set in the customer waiting setting process (step 816, see FIG. 12).

  Next, the special symbol variation control unit 233 executes jackpot determination processing and variation pattern selection processing by separate routines (steps 808 and 809). As will be described in detail later, by the jackpot determination process and the variation pattern selection process, setting information for variation of the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 221 (a jackpot symbol, a gaming state, a variation pattern, etc.) is determined. Is done. These pieces of information are included in a change start command sent to the effect control unit 300.

  Thereafter, the special symbol variation control unit 233 is displayed by the first special symbol display unit 221 and the second special symbol display unit 222 shown in FIG. 2 based on the setting contents determined in the jackpot determination process and the variation pattern selection process. The special symbol change is started (step 810). Then, a change start command including setting information indicating the setting contents (a jackpot symbol, a gaming state, a change pattern, etc.) is generated and set in the RAM 203 (step 811). The variation start command set in step 811 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

  If it is determined in step 802 that the special symbol is changing (Yes in step 802), or after the change start command is set in step 811, the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 determines whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed. (Step 812). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time since the start of the variation of the special symbol at step 810 has reached the variation time set in the variation pattern selection process at step 809. If the variation time has not elapsed (No in step 812), the special symbol variation is continued, and the special symbol processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the variation time has elapsed (Yes in step 812), the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines the special symbol variation in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 as a big hit in step 808. Stop at the symbol determined in the determination process (step 813). A change stop command for stopping a decorative design to be described later is set in the RAM 203 (step 814). Then, a stop routine process of another routine is executed (step 815). The contents of the stop process will be described later. The change stop command set in step 814 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Big hit judgment processing by game control unit]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot determination process (step 808 in FIG. 8).
In this jackpot determination process, the special symbol determination unit 234 of the game control unit 200 first determines a jackpot random number value in the current special symbol lottery (step 901), and determines whether or not the jackpot or small hit ( Steps 902, 905). The value of the jackpot random number acquired at step 604 or step 610 in FIG. 6 matches the value set as the winning value of the jackpot or the value set as the winning value of the jackpot. It is determined by judging whether or not (see FIG. 20A).

  If the result of the random number determination in step 901 is a big hit (Yes in step 902), then the special symbol determination unit 234 determines a big hit symbol random value (step 903). Depending on the result of this determination, the type of jackpot (high or low probability state, short or short state, short or short state, long or short hit) is determined. Which jackpot is determined is determined by whether the value of the jackpot symbol random number acquired in step 604 or step 610 in FIG. 6 matches a preset value for each jackpot type (see FIG. 20 (b)).

  After the above determination, the special symbol determination unit 234 sets the symbol representing the type of jackpot determined by the determination of the jackpot symbol random number (the jackpot symbol) as setting information in the RAM 203 (step 904).

  If the result of the random number determination in step 901 is a small hit (No in step 902, Yes in step 905), then the special symbol determination unit 234 displays a symbol indicating that it is a small hit (hereinafter referred to as a small hit symbol). The setting information is set in the RAM 203 (step 906).

  If the result of the random number determination in step 901 is neither big win nor small win (No in step 902 and step 905), then the special symbol determination unit 234 sets a symbol indicating that the lottery has shifted (hereinafter referred to as a loss symbol). Information is set in the RAM 203 (step 907).

[Change pattern selection process by game control unit]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation pattern selection process (step 809 in FIG. 8).
In this variation pattern selection process, the variation pattern selection unit 235 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a big win has been won in this special symbol lottery using the determination result of step 902 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). (Step 1001). If it is a big hit (Yes in Step 1001), the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 reads the big hit fluctuation pattern table from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1002).

On the other hand, if the jackpot has not been won (No in step 1001), the variation pattern selection unit 235 then determines a random number value to determine whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect for causing the player to expect a jackpot. Perform (step 1003). Whether or not the reach effect is performed is determined by determining whether or not the reach random number value acquired in step 604 in FIG. 6 or in step 610 matches a preset value (FIG. 20 (c). )reference).
As a result of the determination using the random number value, when the reach effect is performed (Yes in Step 1004), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for reach from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1005). When the reach effect is not performed (No in Step 1004), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for loss from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1006).
Here, the variation pattern table is a table in which a plurality of variation patterns (variation times 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.) prepared in advance are associated with values of variation pattern random numbers.

  Next, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines the variation pattern random value using the variation pattern random value acquired in Step 604 or Step 610 of FIG. 6 and the variation pattern table set in Steps 1002, 1005, and 1006. Perform (step 1007). That is, the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 refers to the fluctuation pattern table set in the RAM 203 and selects a fluctuation pattern corresponding to the random value of the fluctuation pattern random number. Therefore, even if the same random number value is acquired, the variation referred to depending on the state difference such as whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit or not and whether or not a reach effect is performed if it is not a big hit Since the pattern table is different, the determined variation pattern is different.

  Thereafter, the variation pattern selection unit 235 sets the variation pattern selected in Step 1007 in the RAM 203 as setting information (Step 1008). The variation pattern setting information set in step 1008 is included in the variation start command set in step 811 of FIG. 8, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Processing during stop by game control unit]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the stop process (step 815 in FIG. 8).
In this stop process, the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not a flag indicating that the time is short (hereinafter referred to as a short time flag) is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1101). If the time reduction flag is ON (Yes in step 1101), the game control unit 200 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of fluctuations) J in the time reduction state (step 1102), and whether the number of lotteries J has become 0. Whether or not is checked (step 1103). If the number of lotteries J = 0 (Yes in Step 1103), the time reduction flag is turned OFF (Step 1104). It should be noted that the operation for turning on the hourly flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number J are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special winning opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  If the time reduction flag is OFF (No in Step 1101), or after the time reduction flag is turned OFF in Step 1104, or if the value of the lottery count J is not 0 (No in Step 1103), the game control unit 200 next In the flag setting of the RAM 203, it is checked whether or not a flag indicating a high probability state (hereinafter, probability variation flag) is ON (step 1105). When both the probability variation flag and the previous time-short flag are ON, the high-probability short-time gaming state is established, and when the probability variation flag is ON and the time-short flag is OFF, the high-probability time-short no-game state.

  When the probability variation flag is ON (Yes in Step 1105), the game control unit 200 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of variations) X in the high probability state (Step 1106), and the number of lotteries X becomes 0. It is checked whether or not (step 1107). If the number of times of lottery X = 0 (Yes in Step 1107), the probability variation flag is turned OFF (Step 1108). Note that the operation for turning on the probability change flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number X are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special prize opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  If the probability change flag is OFF (No in step 1105), or after the probability change flag is turned OFF in step 1108, or if the value of the lottery count X is not 0 (No in step 1107), the game control unit 200 next Then, it is determined whether or not the special symbol lottery has been won (step 1109). If it is a big hit (Yes in step 1109), the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the big hit type is a long win (step 1110).

  Here, the determination of whether or not the jackpot is possible can be made based on the determination result of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). For example, if any of the symbols shown in the diagram of FIG. 20B described later is set, “Yes” is determined in step 1109. If a lost symbol or a small bonus symbol is set in the RAM 203 by the big hit determination process, No in step 1109.

  When the jackpot type is a long hit (Yes in Step 1110), the game control unit 200 turns on the long hit game flag (Step 1111). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a jackpot gaming state (long winning gaming state) in which the jackpot type is long winning. In addition, here, in the long hit, it is not distinguished whether it is a high probability state or a low probability state. Whether the state is a high probability state or a low probability state is specified by turning on a corresponding flag in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special prize opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  When the big hit type is not long hit (No in Step 1110), the game control unit 200 turns on the short hit game flag (Step 1112). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a big hit gaming state (short winning gaming state) in which the big hit type is short hit. Similar to the case of long hit, the case of short hit does not distinguish between a high probability state and a low probability state.

  After turning on the winning game flag in step 1111 or step 1112, the game control unit 200 initializes the values of the lottery times J and X (step 1113). Further, the game control unit 200 turns off the time reduction flag when the time reduction flag is ON in step 1101 and the lottery count J is not 0 in step 1103 (step 1114). Similarly, if the probability variation flag is ON in step 1105 and the lottery count X is not 0 in step 1107, the probability variation flag is turned OFF (step 1114).

On the other hand, when the result of the special symbol lottery this time is not a big win (No in Step 1109), the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery this time is a big hit (Step 1115). ). If it is not a small hit (No in step 1115), the in-stop process is terminated.
On the other hand, if it is a small hit (Yes in step 1115), the game control unit 200 starts a small hit game (step 1116). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the small hit gaming state. In the small hit game, as described above, the special winning opening 125 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times, and is ended after a predetermined time has elapsed.

After initializing the values of the lottery times J and X in step 1113, the game control unit 200 starts an opening operation (step 1117). Here, the contents of the opening operation differ depending on which of steps 1111 and 1112 the winning game flag is turned on. That is, according to the state of the winning game flag, one of the opening operations set in each gaming state of the long winning game and the short winning game is performed.
Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets an opening command for performing an effect in the opening operation according to the winning game flag in the effect control unit 300 (step 1118), and ends the in-stop process. This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Customer waiting setting process by game control unit]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of the customer waiting setting process (step 816 in FIG. 8).
In this customer waiting setting process, the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the customer waiting flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1201). Here, the customer waiting flag is a flag that is set to identify that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a customer waiting state.

  When the customer waiting flag is ON, since the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, the processing is ended as it is (Yes in step 1201). On the other hand, when the customer waiting flag is OFF, the game control unit 200 generates a customer waiting command and sets it in the RAM 203 (step 1202), and turns on the customer waiting flag (step 1203). The customer waiting command set in step 1202 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG. The customer waiting flag is set in a state where there is no suspension with the special symbol change stopped.

[Normal symbol processing by game control unit]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of the normal symbol processing in the symbol processing shown in step 503 of FIG.
In this normal symbol process, the normal symbol variation control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1301). Here, the auxiliary game flag is a flag that is set when a normal symbol lottery is won. The state in which the auxiliary game flag is set is a state in which the electric tulip 123 is opened in accordance with the electric tulip process (FIG. 16) described later and it is easy to win the second start port 122 (auxiliary game state).

  When the auxiliary game flag is ON, since the auxiliary game state has already been reached and the normal symbol is stopped, the normal symbol processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation (Yes in step 1301). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is OFF (No in step 1301), the normal symbol variation control unit 237 next determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the normal symbol variation (step 1302). . If the normal symbol is not changing (No in step 1302), then the normal symbol change control unit 237 determines whether the number G of the normal symbols remaining unchanged (see FIG. 7) is 1 or more (step 1303). If the holding number G = 0 (No in step 1303), it means that there is no winning for starting the normal symbol lottery, and therefore the processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation.

  On the other hand, when the reserved number G is 1 or more (Yes in Step 1303), the normal symbol variation control unit 237 subtracts 1 from the value of the reserved number G (Step 1304), and the random number in the current normal symbol lottery It is determined whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won (step 1305). Whether or not the winner has been won is determined by determining whether or not the value of the winning random number acquired in step 704 in FIG. 7 matches the value set as the winning value in the table shown in FIG. Determined by.

  Next, the normal symbol variation control unit 237 sets the normal symbol according to the result of the normal symbol lottery (step 1306). That is, when a normal symbol lottery is won, a symbol representing the winning (hereinafter referred to as a winning symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as setting information. On the other hand, when the normal symbol lottery is not won, a symbol indicating that the lottery has been lost (hereinafter referred to as a lost symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as setting information.

  Next, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 237 sets the fluctuation time of the normal symbol (step 1307). This variation time is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processing of steps 1104 and 1114 in FIG. 11 and steps 1504 and 1507 in FIG. That is, when the time reduction flag is ON in the setting in step 1307, it is set to a short time (for example, 1.5 seconds), and when the time reduction flag is OFF, it is set to a long time (for example, 4.0 seconds). Is set. After this setting, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 237 starts normal symbol fluctuations in the normal symbol display 223 shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3 based on the setting contents of step 1307 (step 1308).

  After starting normal symbol variation in step 1308 or when it is determined in step 1302 that normal symbol variation is in progress (Yes in step 1302), the normal symbol variation control unit 237 determines whether or not the variation time has elapsed. (Step 1309). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the start of normal symbol fluctuation in step 1308 has reached the fluctuation time set in step 1307. If the fluctuation time has not elapsed (No in step 1309), the normal symbol variation is continued, and the normal symbol processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the fluctuation time is over (Yes in step 1309), the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 237 stops the fluctuation of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display unit 223 (step 1310). Then, the normal symbol variation control unit 237 determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won based on the stopped normal symbol (step 1311). If it is elected (Yes in Step 1311), the auxiliary game flag is turned ON (Step 1312). On the other hand, if the lottery is off (No in step 1311), the normal symbol process is terminated without turning on the auxiliary game flag.

[Large winning mouth processing by game control unit]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of the big prize opening process in the electric accessory process shown in Step 504 of FIG.
In this special winning opening process, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the winning game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1401). If the winning game flag is OFF, there is no prize winning in the big prize opening 125, so the big prize opening process is terminated (No in step 1401). On the other hand, if the winning game flag is ON (Yes in Step 1401), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 next performs the operation control at the time of the big hit started in the pachinko gaming machine 100 being stopped (FIG. 11). It is determined whether or not the opening operation is in progress (step 1402).

  When the pachinko gaming machine 100 is opening (Yes in Step 1402), the next prize opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not a predetermined time for opening operation (opening time) has elapsed. Judgment is made (step 1403). If the opening time has not elapsed, the opening operation at the special winning opening 125 is continued, and the special winning opening process is terminated (No in step 1403). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in step 1403), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 next sets the operation of the special winning opening 125 (step 1404) and initializes the winning number C (C = 0) (step 1405), the value of the number of operation rounds R of the big prize opening 125 is incremented by 1 from the current value (step 1406), and the big prize opening 125 is started (opened) (step 1407).

  In the operation setting of step 1404, the operation pattern of the special winning opening 125 and the number of rounds (operation round number) operated by the operation pattern are set. As the case where the big prize opening 125 is operated, there are a case where it is a big win per long or short in a special symbol lottery and a case where it is a small win. The operation pattern and the number of rounds are variously set according to the hit type. In the case of a long hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and 29.5 seconds are released once in one round. In the case of a short hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and one round is performed once for 0.1 seconds. In the case of a small hit, for example, one round (1R) is operated, and 0.1 second is released 15 times in this round. Here, when the operation with short hits and the operation with small hits are compared in the above examples, both 0.1 seconds of opening is performed 15 times. That is, the action of the big winning opening 125 that can be seen by the player is the same for the case of short win and the case of small win, and the short win and the small win are distinguished only from the action of the big winning opening 125 on the game board 110. I can't do it.

  As another example, 15 rounds (15R) are activated per long, 29.5 seconds are released once per round, 2 rounds (2R) are activated per short, and 0 are rounded per round. .9 seconds are opened twice, and with a small hit, one round (1R) is operated, and 0.9 seconds is opened twice in this round. In this case as well, when the operation with short hits and the operation with small hits are compared, both 0.9 seconds are released twice, and the action of the big prize opening 125 that can be seen by the player is in the case of short hits. It is the same in the case of small hits.

  The law stipulates that the cumulative opening time of the special winning opening 125 must be set within 1.8 seconds for a small hit. On the other hand, in the case of a big hit (long hit or short win), the big winning opening 125 must be continuously opened a plurality of times. Therefore, when trying to make it difficult to visually distinguish the operation with a small hit and the operation with a short hit as described above, within the range that satisfies the cumulative open time within 1.8 seconds in one operation, An operation mode in which the big prize opening 125 is opened two or more times is set, and in the short win, the same number of rounds as the number of small hits is set.

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the opening time in the operation pattern set in Step 1404 has elapsed (Step 1408). When the open state at the big prize opening 125 has not passed the opening time (No in step 1408), the big prize opening operation control unit 238 then determines that the number C of winning prizes to the big prize opening 125 is a predetermined number (for example, It is determined whether or not (9) or more (step 1409). If the opening time has not elapsed and the number C of winning prizes is less than the prescribed number, the operating state (opening state) of the big winning opening 125 is continued, so that the big winning opening process is terminated (step 1409). No). On the other hand, if the opening time has passed (Yes in Step 1408) or the winning number C has reached the specified number (Yes in Step 1409), the special winning opening operation controller 238 ends the operation of the special winning opening 125 ( (Step 1410).

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the round number R of the operation of the special winning opening 125 has reached the maximum value set in Step 1404 (Step 1411). If the maximum value has not been reached, the remaining operations are performed, and the special winning opening process is terminated (No in step 1411).

If the number of rounds R of the operation of the special prize opening 125 reaches the maximum value (Yes in Step 1411), the special prize opening operation control unit 238 then starts the ending operation (Step 1412). Here, the content of the ending operation corresponds to the state of the winning game flag among the ending operations set in each gaming state of the long winning game and the short winning game.
Thereafter, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 sets an ending command for performing the effect in the ending operation according to the winning game flag in the effect control unit 300 in the RAM 203 (step 1413). This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

  Next, the prize winning opening operation control unit 238 resets the round number R of the action of the prize winning opening 125 to 0 (step 1414), and then performs an ending operation in which an elapsed time from the start of the ending operation is set in advance. It is determined whether or not the time to be played (ending time) has passed (step 1417). If the ending time has not elapsed, the ending operation is continued, and thus the big prize opening process is terminated (No in step 1417). On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (Yes in step 1417), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 then performs a game state setting process by the game control unit 200 (step 1418), and then turns off the winning game flag. Then, the special winning opening process is terminated (step 1419). The contents of the game state setting process will be described later.

  If it is determined in step 1402 that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not opening (No in step 1402), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not ending is in progress (step 1415). If ending is in progress (Yes in step 1415), the operations after step 1417 are executed.

On the other hand, if the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not ending (No in step 1415), the special prize opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the special prize opening 125 is operating (opening) (step 1416). . If it is not in operation (No in Step 1416), the operation after Step 1405 is executed. If it is in operation (Yes in Step 1416), the operation after Step 1408 is executed.
The effect performed in the small hit game described above is the same as the effect performed in the short hit game, and it is not possible to distinguish short hit and small hit from the effect.

[Game state setting process]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the contents of the game state setting process.
FIG. 15 shows the contents of the game state setting process (step 1418) by the game control unit 200, which is executed when the ending time has elapsed (Yes in step 1417).
When the game state setting process is performed, the winning game flag is set to ON in step 1401 of FIG. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the game control unit 200 first determines the type of the hit (steps 1501, 1502, 1503, 1506). These determinations can be made based on, for example, the type of symbol set as setting information in the RAM 203 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). Since these determinations are substantially the same as steps 902, 903, and 905 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the determination results of steps 902, 903, and 905 may be used.

If it is a small hit (Yes in step 1501), the gaming state (internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 100) is not changed, so the gaming state setting process is terminated.
When the winning type is a big hit in the low probability short game state (No in step 1501, Yes in steps 1502 and 1503), the game control unit 200 turns on the short time flag (step 1504). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the low gaming state with a low probability. In addition, the game control unit 200 sets an initial value of the lottery count J (step 1505), and ends the game state setting process. The initial value of the lottery number J is 100 in the illustrated example. Therefore, if the lottery in the low probability short game state is performed 100 times, the low probability short game state is ended and the low probability short short game state is entered.

  On the other hand, when the hit type is a big hit in the low probability short-time non-game state (No in step 1501, Yes in 1502, No in step 1503), the game control unit 200 performs processing without turning on both the short-time flag and the probability variation flag. Exit. Therefore, the setting of the game state of the RAM 203 for the game after the jackpot becomes a low probability short time no game state.

  When the winning type is a big hit in the high probability short-time gaming state (No in Steps 1501 and 1502, Yes in Step 1506), the game control unit 200 turns on the short-time flag (Step 1507) and the initial value of the number of lottery J Is set (step 1508). In this case, the initial value of the number of times of lottery J is 10,000 in the illustrated example. In addition, the game control unit 200 turns on the probability variation flag (step 1509) and sets the initial value of the number of lotteries X (step 1510). The initial value of the number of times of lottery X is 10,000 in the illustrated example. As a result, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a high probability and short gaming state. If the lottery in the high probability short game state is performed 10,000 times, the high probability short game state is terminated and the low probability short short game state is entered.

  On the other hand, when the winning type is a big hit with a high probability short-time non-game state (No in steps 1501, 1502, and step 1506), the game control unit 200 turns on only the probability change flag (step 1509), An initial value (10000 times) is set (step 1510). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a high probability short time no gaming state. Then, if the lottery in the high probability short-time non-game state is performed 10,000 times, the high-probability short-time non-game state is finished and the low-probability short-time non-game state is entered.

[Electric tulip processing by game control unit]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the contents of the electric tulip process in the electric accessory process shown in Step 504 of FIG.
In the electric tulip process, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1601). When the auxiliary game flag is OFF, the electric tulip 123 is not released, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated (No in step 1601). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is ON (Yes in Step 1601), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 determines whether the electric tulip 123 is in operation (Step 1602).

  When the electric tulip 123 is not in operation (No in Step 1602), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 sets the operation pattern of the electric tulip 123 (Step 1603), and operates the electric tulip 123 with the set operation pattern ( Step 1604). Here, the operation pattern is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processing of steps 1104 and 1114 in FIG. 11, steps 1504 and 1507 in FIG. For example, when the time reduction flag is OFF at the time of setting in step 1603, an operation pattern that opens once with a release time of 0.15 seconds is set, and when the time reduction flag is ON, 1.80 seconds are set. An operation pattern that opens three times in the opening time is set. As described above, normally, when the hourly flag is ON (when the hourly gaming state is set), the electric tulip 123 is opened a plurality of times for a long time, and the winning support that makes it easy to win the second starting port 122 (electric chewing support) ) Is performed.

  When it is determined in step 1602 that the electric tulip 123 is in operation (Yes in step 1602), or after the electric tulip 123 is operated in step 1604, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 opens in the set operation pattern. It is determined whether time has passed (step 1605). If the opening time has not elapsed, the operation state (open state) of the electric tulip 123 is continued, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated (No in step 1605). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in step 1605), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 sets the auxiliary game flag to OFF and ends the electric tulip process (step 1606).

[Holding ball detection sensor input processing]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the contents of the holding ball detection sensor input process.
The game ball holding device control unit 243 (CPU 201) of the game control unit 200 determines whether or not a detection signal is input from the holding ball sensor unit (a first holding ball sensor unit 61 and a second holding ball sensor unit 65 described later). Determination is made (step 1701).
When the game ball holding device control unit 243 determines that a detection signal is input from the holding ball sensor unit (the first holding ball sensor unit 61 and the second holding ball sensor unit 65 described later) (Yes in Step 1701), the game ball holding device control unit 243 is released. An operation valid flag is set in the storage area of the RAM 203 (step 1702).
On the other hand, the game ball holding device control unit 243 does not determine that the detection signal is input from the holding ball sensor unit (the first holding ball sensor unit 61 and the second holding ball sensor unit 65 described later) (No in Step 1701). ), The process is terminated.

  Note that the game ball holding device control unit 243 transmits a command based on the release operation valid flag to the effect control unit 300 in the output process shown in Step 506 of FIG. Then, in the effect control unit 300, various effects related to the game ball holding device 50 are executed using the image display unit 114 or the like based on the command based on the release operation valid flag.

[Hold release sensor input processing]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the contents of the hold release sensor input process.
The game ball holding device control unit 243 (CPU 201) of the game control unit 200 determines whether or not a signal is input from the release operation unit 128 (step 1801).
If the game ball holding device control unit 243 determines that a signal is input from the release operation unit 128, the game ball holding device control unit 243 proceeds to step 1802, and if it determines that a detection signal is not input from the release operation unit 128, the process proceeds to step 1805. .
If it is determined that a signal is input from the release operation unit 128 (Yes in step 1801), the game ball holding device control unit 243 sets a hold release designation command in the storage area of the RAM 203 (step 1802). Thereby, in this embodiment, when the player's operation is detected by the release operation unit 128, the hold release designation command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300.
Here, the “hold release designation command” is data indicating that the player's operation is detected by the release operation unit 128.

Further, the game ball holding device control unit 243 determines whether or not the release operation valid flag is set in the storage area of the RAM 203 (step 1803). If it is determined that the release operation valid flag is set, the process proceeds to step 1804. If it is determined that the release operation valid flag is not set, the process proceeds to step 1805.
When it is determined that the release operation valid flag is set (Yes in Step 1803), the game ball holding device control unit 243 sets the hold release flag in the storage area of the RAM 203 (Step 1804). In other words, a moving piece 561 (to be described later) of the game ball holding device 50 performs a releasing operation of moving from the protruding position to the immersive position.
Here, the “hold release flag” is data for driving an electric solenoid 563 described later. As will be described later, when the hold release flag is set, a drive signal for driving an electric solenoid 563, which will be described later, is output, and a release operation in which a moving piece 561, which will be described later, moves from the protruding position to the retracted position is performed. (See FIG. 26 described later).

  When the game ball holding device control unit 243 determines that the detection signal is not input from the release operation unit 128 (No in step 1801), or when it is determined that the release operation valid flag is not set ( In step 1803, No), the hold release flag in the storage area of the RAM 203 is cleared (step 1805). For this reason, the moving piece 561 described later of the game ball holding device 50 is moved or held at the protruding position.

[Hold release data creation processing]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the contents of the hold release data creation process.
The game ball holding device control unit 243 (CPU 201) of the game control unit 200 performs a process for creating hold release data that is output to drive a moving piece 561, which will be described later, of the game ball holding device 50 by the electric solenoid 563.
Specifically, the game ball holding device control unit 243 refers to the storage area of the RAM 203 (step 1901). Then, it is determined whether or not the hold release flag is set in the storage area of the RAM 203 (step 1902).

  Then, if the hold release flag is set in the storage area (Yes in Step 1902), the game ball holding device control unit 243 drives a later-described electric solenoid 563 for moving the later-described moving piece 561 to the immersive position. Data is created (step 1903). If the hold release flag is not set in the storage area (No in step 1902), the process is terminated.

  Note that the game ball holding device control unit 243 generates the hold release data created in the hold release data creation process to drive the electric solenoid 563 described later, using the output process shown in step 506 of FIG. Also send to. Then, the effect control unit 300 executes various effects related to the game ball holding device 50 using the image display unit 114 or the like based on the hold release data.

[Random number judgment method]
Here, a determination method using random numbers performed in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the variation pattern selection process (FIG. 10), the normal symbol process (FIG. 13), and the like will be described in detail.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of random number determination (determination table) used in the present embodiment.
FIG. 20A shows a configuration example for determining a jackpot random number, FIG. 20B shows a configuration example for determining a jackpot symbol random number, FIG. 20C shows a configuration example for determining a reach random number, and FIG. ) Each show a configuration example of the hit random number determination.

  Referring to FIG. 20 (a), as the determination value of the jackpot random number, two types, that is, a jackpot of a low probability state and a jackpot of a high probability state, and a jackpot are set for the pachinko gaming machine 100. The range of values of random numbers (big hit random numbers) is 300 from 0 to 299. In the case of a special symbol lottery at the low probability (big hit lottery), only one winning value is set, and the winning probability is 1/300. In the case of a special symbol lottery in a high probability state, 10 winning values are set, and the winning probability is 10/300 (= 1/30). That is, in the example shown in the figure, if the winning symbols 121 and 122 are won in the high probability state and the special symbol lottery is performed, the winning probability is 10 times that in the case where the special symbol lottery is performed in the low probability state. Further, three winning values are set regardless of the low probability state or the high probability state, and the winning probability is 3/300 (= 1/100).

  Referring to FIG. 20B, five types of jackpot symbols are prepared: low probability symbol A, low probability symbol B, high probability symbol A, high probability symbol B, and latent symbol symbol. Here, the low-probability symbol A and the low-probability symbol B are symbols indicating that the low-probability state is a big hit. Of these, the low-probability symbol A is a long win (low-probability short-time gaming state), and the low-probability symbol B is Represents each short hit (low probability, short no-game state). The high-probability symbol A and the high-probability symbol B are symbols representing a jackpot of a high-probability state. Among these symbols, the high-probability symbol A is a long win (high-probability short-time gaming state) and the high-probability symbol B is a short-win High probability short-time non-game state). The latent symbol is a symbol representing that it is a big hit in a high probability short-time no-game state. Therefore, the high probability symbol B and the latent probability symbol have the same gaming state after the jackpot game, but the latent probability symbol is a condition for performing a latent effect that does not clearly notify the player that the probability state is high. Therefore, it is provided separately from the high probability symbol B. The range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249. In addition, in the jackpot symbol random number, a winning value is set for each of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 that trigger the special symbol lottery.

In the low probability pattern A, 35 values are assigned as winning values in both the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning with the low probability symbol A when winning a jackpot is 35/250 (= 7/50).
In the low probability symbol B, 15 values are assigned as winning values for both the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. Therefore, when winning the jackpot, the probability of winning with the low probability symbol B is 15/250 (= 3/50).

In the high probability symbol A, 25 values are assigned as winning values when winning in the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning with the high-probability symbol A is 25/250 (= 1/10) in the case of winning the jackpot in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121.
On the other hand, 175 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning with the high-probability symbol A is 175/250 (= 7/10) in the case of winning the jackpot in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122.

In the high probability symbol B, 75 values are assigned as winning values when winning in the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning with the high-probability symbol B in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121 is 75/250 (= 3/10).
On the other hand, 25 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning with the high-probability symbol B in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122 is 25/250 (= 1/10).

In the latent symbol, 100 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning in the latent symbol when winning a big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121 is 100/250 (= 2/5).
On the other hand, the winning value in the latent symbol is not assigned to the second starting port 122, and when winning in the second starting port 122, it is not won in the latent symbol.

  As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 20B, the jackpot when winning the first starting port 121 has a probability of becoming a jackpot (high probability symbol B, latent probability symbol) of the high probability short-time non-game state. The probability that the jackpot when winning the second start port 122 is high is a jackpot (high probability symbol A) in the short game state with high probability is high. In this way, by making the winning probabilities of the jackpot types different when winning at the first start port 121 and when winning at the second start port 122, various game characteristics can be provided. Further, the arrangement of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 on the game board 110 is devised so that it is easy to aim at either the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 in a specific state (mode). By configuring the above, it is possible to encourage the player to participate in more aggressive games.

Next, the determination of reach random numbers will be described.
Referring to FIG. 20C, the range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249, and 22 random numbers are assigned to the lottery result (with reach) for performing the reach effect, and the reach effect is not performed. 228 random numbers are assigned to the result (no reach). In other words, in the illustrated example, when a special symbol lottery is not won, a reach effect is performed with a probability of 22/250 (= 11/125).

Next, the determination of the winning random number used for the normal symbol lottery will be described.
Referring to FIG. 20 (d), the range of random number values is 10 from 0 to 9, and one value is assigned as the winning value when the time-short flag is OFF, and the winning value when the time-short flag is ON. Nine values are assigned. Therefore, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is performed in the timeless state, the player wins with a probability of 1/10. On the other hand, if the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is performed in the short-time state, the player wins with a probability of 9/10.

A random value as determination information used for various types of lottery starts from a predetermined initial value and is incremented by one each time the random number update process (step 501) shown in FIG. 5 is performed. Then, the values at the time each lottery is performed are acquired by the start opening switch process (FIG. 6) and the gate switch process (FIG. 7), and used in the special symbol process (FIG. 8) and the normal symbol process (FIG. 13). The Note that this random value counter is an infinite loop counter, and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 1009 for the big hit random number). In addition, since the random number update process is performed at regular intervals, if the initial value of each random number is specified, the winning value may be estimated based on such information. Therefore, in general, a mechanism for randomly changing the initial value of each random number at an appropriate timing has been introduced.
Note that the random number range, winning value ratio, and winning value shown in the configuration example of each random number in FIG. 20 are merely examples, and are not limited to the illustrated values.

[Operation of production control unit]
Next, the operation of the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of the effect control unit 300 when a command is received from the game control unit 200.
The operation of the effect control unit 300 includes a main process shown in FIG. 21A and an interrupt process shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 21A, the production control unit 300 first performs initial setting at the time of activation (step 2101), sets the cycle of the CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) (step 2102), and then sets the set cycle. Accordingly, the interrupt process is accepted while updating the random number used in the production control (step 2103).

  Interrupt processing is periodically performed according to the period set in step 2102. Referring to FIG. 21B, in this interruption process, the effect control unit 300 receives a command from the game control unit 200 and performs a command reception process (step 2111). In this command reception process, an effect pattern is selected. Furthermore, the effect control unit 300 performs effect button processing for accepting operations such as effect buttons by the player (step 2112). Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 performs command transmission for transmitting a command including information on the selected effect pattern to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 (step 2113). As a result, effects such as image display on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 are performed.

(Game Ball Holding Device 50)
Next, the game ball holding device 50 of this embodiment will be described in detail.
FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the game ball holding device 50 of the present embodiment.
FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining in detail the path forming unit 52 of the present embodiment.
FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining in detail the first reservation unit 53 and the first reservation ball sensor unit 61 of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the game ball holding device 50 holds a housing part 51, a path forming part 52 that forms a path of a game ball in the housing part 51, and a first game ball that holds the game ball flowing through the path forming part 52. A holding unit 53, a second holding unit 54 that holds a game ball flowing through the route forming unit 52, a first holding ball sensor unit 61 that detects the presence or absence of a game ball held by the first holding unit 53, a second A second holding ball sensor unit 65 that detects the presence or absence of a game ball held by the holding unit 54. Further, the game ball holding device 50 includes a first gate switch 71 provided in the housing portion 51 for detecting the passage of the game ball, a second gate switch 72 for detecting the passage of the game ball, and the outside of the game ball holding device 50. And an out port 73 that constitutes a game ball discharge unit.

The housing part 51 constitutes the outer shape of each part such as the path forming part 52 constituting the game ball holding device 50. In this embodiment, the housing part 51 is comprised with the resin member transparent in visible light. The housing portion 51 includes a plate-like base portion 511 provided on the game board 110 side and a plate-like near side member 512 provided on the player side.
The base 511 holds each unit such as the path forming unit 52, the first holding unit 53, the second holding unit 54, the first gate switch 71, and the second gate switch 72. In addition, the base 511 can allow the first holding part 53 and the first holding ball sensor part 61, and the second holding part 54 and the second holding ball sensor part 65 to protrude from the game board 110 side of the base 511, respectively. An opening 511H is formed (see FIG. 24 described later).

  The front side member 512 is located on the player side so that a game ball that has entered the game ball holding device 50 does not spill into the game area 111 from a place other than an opening 523o or an out port 73, which will be described later. Function. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the near side member 512 is comprised by the transparent member. Therefore, the player can visually recognize, for example, a game ball flowing through the route forming unit 52 and a game ball held in the first holding unit 53 or the second holding unit 54.

  The path forming unit 52 includes an opening 521i that constitutes the entrance of the game ball in the game ball holding device 50, a first path 521 that guides the game ball in the left-right direction, and an inversion path 521r that reverses the direction in which the game ball flows. A second path 522 provided between the first holding unit 53 and the second holding unit 54, a third path 523 provided on the downstream side of the second holding unit 54, and a downstream side of the third path 523. And an opening 523o constituting one of the exits of the game ball to be played. Further, the path forming unit 52 is provided on the extension line on the downstream side of the reversing path 521r and provided on the extension line of the second path 522 apart from the first wall surface 524 provided on the extension line of the second path 522. Second wall surface 525.

  The opening 521i is located at the top of the game ball holding device 50 in the present embodiment. And the opening part 521i opens toward the upper side in an up-down direction, and is provided facing the guide member 113 in this embodiment (refer FIG. 1). The opening 521i is located at the upstream end of the first path 521. Then, the opening 521i causes the received game ball to flow through the first path 521.

  The first path 521 is inclined from the upper right to the lower left of the game board 110. Then, the game ball is made to flow from the right side to the left side in the left-right direction. The first path 521 is continuous with the reversing path 521r on the downstream side in the flow direction. And the 1st path | route 521 flows the game ball received from the opening part 521i to the inversion path 521r.

The reversing path 521r inverts the game ball flowing toward the left side received from the first path 521 so as to flow toward the right side. The reversing path 521r causes the game ball to flow toward the first holding unit 53 or the second holding unit 54.
As shown in FIG. 23A, the inversion path 521r has a first corner P1 at the downstream end. The first corner P1 of the reversing path 521r is formed so as to protrude to the position of the first holding portion 53 in the left-right direction. And the 1st corner | angular part P1 is located above the 1st recessed part 55 mentioned later of the 1st storage part 53 in an up-down direction. Furthermore, the first corner P1 is not formed toward the first recess 55 described later, but is formed in a direction away from the first recess 55. And in this embodiment, the 1st corner | angular part P1 has faced the approximate center part of the flow-path cross section formed of the 2nd path | route 522 located in the downstream in the flow-down direction of a game ball.

The second path 522 is provided at a position lower than the height of the right end of the inversion path 521r. Accordingly, the second path 522 forms a step with respect to the inversion path 521r. The second path 522 is inclined from the upper left side toward the lower right side. And the 2nd path | route 522 flows the game ball which passed the 1st holding | maintenance part 53 toward the right side. Further, as shown in FIG. 23A, the second path 522 has a second corner P2 formed at the left end and a third corner P3 formed at the right end.
Unlike the first corner portion P1, the second corner portion P2 does not protrude toward the first recess portion 55 above the first recess portion 55 described later of the first retaining portion 53. That is, the second corner portion P2 is not positioned above the first recess 55 described later in the up-down direction.

The third corner P3 is formed so as to protrude toward the second recess 57 (described later) of the second retaining portion 54 in the left-right direction. And the 3rd corner | angular part P3 is located above the 2nd recessed part 57 mentioned later in an up-down direction. In addition, as shown to Fig.23 (a), the amount which the 3rd corner | angular part P3 protrudes with respect to the 2nd reservation part 54 is smaller than the amount which the 1st corner | angular part P1 protrudes with respect to the 1st reservation part 53. Has been.
The third corner P3 is not formed toward the second recess 57, but is formed in a direction away from the second recess 57. And in this embodiment, the 3rd corner | angular part P3 has faced the approximate center part of the path | route cross section formed of the 3rd path | route 523 located in the downstream in the flow-down direction of a game ball. Furthermore, the third corner P3 is formed with a smaller curvature than the first corner P1.

The third path 523 is provided at a position lower than the height of the second path 522. Accordingly, the third path 523 forms a step with respect to the second path 522. The third path 523 is inclined from the upper left side toward the lower right side. And the 3rd path | route 523 flows the game ball which passed the 2nd holding | maintenance part 54 toward the right side. Further, as shown in FIG. 23A, the third path 523 has a fourth corner P4 formed at the left end.
Unlike the third corner portion P3, the fourth corner portion P4 does not protrude above the second recess 57 described later in the left-right direction. That is, the fourth corner P4 is not located above the second recess 57 described later in the up-down direction.

And in this embodiment, as shown to Fig.23 (a), the 1st corner | angular part P1 and the 2nd corner | angular part P2 are the virtual straight lines (FIG. 23) which connect the 1st corner | angular part P1 and the 2nd corner | angular part P2. (A) is assumed so that the game ball located in the first holding portion 53 protrudes beyond the virtual straight line in the direction of exiting from the first holding portion 53.
Similarly, the third corner P3 and the fourth corner P4 are assumed to be a virtual straight line (shown by a broken line in FIG. 23A) that connects the third corner P3 and the fourth corner P4. The game ball located in the second holding portion 54 is formed so as to protrude beyond the virtual straight line in the direction of exiting from the second holding portion 54.

Further, the first corner portion P1 to the fourth corner portion P4 are configured as follows.
That is, when another game ball is brought into contact with the game ball located in the first holding unit 53 and the first corner P1, each other ball is located in the first holding unit 53. The distance connecting the contact point with the game ball and the contact point between the other game ball and the first corner P1 is set to be smaller than the radius of the game ball.
In addition, when another game ball is in contact with the game ball located in the first holding portion 53 and the second corner portion P2, the distance connecting each contact is larger than the radius of the game ball. It is set to be smaller.

Similarly, when another game ball is brought into contact with the game ball located at the second holding portion 54 and the third corner portion P3, the distance connecting each contact is determined by the radius of the game ball. Is set to be smaller.
In addition, when another game ball is in contact with the game ball located in the second holding portion 54 and the fourth corner portion P4, the distance connecting each contact is larger than the radius of the game ball. It is set to be smaller.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 23 (b), another game ball that flows along the path toward the recess may be received by the game ball located in the recess, and the other game ball may remain. In this case, for example, when another game ball contacts the game ball located in the recess, the distance connecting the contact point between the game balls and the contact point between the other game ball and the route is equal to the radius of the game ball. Then, the center of another game ball coincides with the intermediate position of each contact. This state forms a state in which the game ball is particularly stably supported, and the game ball is most difficult to move and stays easily.

  In the present embodiment, the first holding unit 53 is set so as to hold one game ball. Therefore, for example, the relationship between the distance between the game ball located in the first holding unit 53 and the first corner P1 is set as described above. Thereby, for example, a game ball held in the first holding unit 53 does not block the flow of other game balls, or a plurality of game balls are not held in the single first holding unit 53.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the opening 523 o is located on the downstream side in the flow-down direction in the third path 523. In the present embodiment, the opening 523o faces downward in the vertical direction. The opening 523o releases the game ball that has passed through the third path 523 onto the surface of the game board 110 (see FIG. 1).

The first wall surface 524 is a wall surface extending along the vertical direction and is formed to face the downstream end of the reversing path 521r. And the 1st wall surface 524 is arrange | positioned in the distance which the game ball which flows through the inversion path 521r can collide with the flow-down speed of a game ball.
The second wall surface 525 is a wall surface extending in the vertical direction and is formed to face the second path 522. And the 2nd wall surface 525 is arrange | positioned in the distance which the game ball which flows through the 2nd path | route 522 can collide with the flow-down speed of a game ball.

As shown in FIG. 22, the first retaining portion 53 includes a first recessed portion 55 and a first retaining mechanism 56 positioned in the first recessed portion 55.
The first recess 55 includes a first left wall 551 extending downward from the right end (first corner P1) of the reversing path 521r and a left end (second corner P2) of the second path 522. ) And the first right wall 552 extending downward. A moving piece 561 (to be described later) of the first holding mechanism 56 is disposed below the first recess 55. An interval (width) in the left-right direction between the first left wall 551 and the first right wall 552 is formed larger than the diameter of the game ball. And the 1st recessed part 55 forms the space which a game ball can approach.

As shown in FIG. 24, the first holding mechanism 56 includes a moving piece 561, a crank portion 562 connected to the moving piece 561, and an electric solenoid 563 that drives the crank portion 562.
The moving piece 561 is a member formed in a plate shape capable of holding a game ball. The moving piece 561 has a holding portion 561B that holds a game ball on one end side, and a connection pin 561P that constitutes a connection portion of the crank portion 562 on the other end side. The moving piece 561 is configured such that the holding portion 561B can advance and retract in the front-rear direction from the base portion 511 side toward the front side member 512 at the opening portion 511H of the housing portion 51. The moving piece 561 holds the game ball with the holding portion 561B protruding from the opening 511H, and does not hold the game ball with the holding portion 561B retracted from the opening 511H.

  The crank portion 562 is a member that transmits the driving force of the electric solenoid 563 to the moving piece 561. The crank portion 562 is positioned between the connection portion 562J connected to the connection pin 561P of the moving piece 561 on one end side, the connection portion 562R connected to the electric solenoid 563 on the other end side, and the connection portion 562J and the connection portion 562R. Rotating shaft 562S. Connection portion 562J is configured by a groove having a groove width larger than the outer diameter of connection pin 561P. And the crank part 562 rotates centering on the rotating shaft 562S by receiving force in the connection part 562R by the electric solenoid 563, and moves the moving piece 561 in the connection part 562J.

  The electric solenoid 563 has a plunger 563P that is controlled based on a drive signal and can be moved forward and backward, and a connection portion 563J provided at the tip of the plunger 563P. The connecting portion 563J is connected to the connecting portion 562R of the crank portion 562. The electric solenoid 563 is controlled by the lamp control unit 320 to move the plunger 563P forward and backward, and drives the crank part 562 connected to the connection part 563J.

As shown in FIG. 22, the second retaining portion 54 includes a second recessed portion 57 and a second retaining mechanism 58 positioned in the second recessed portion 57. The second holding mechanism 58 has the same basic configuration as the first holding mechanism 56 described above. Therefore, in the present embodiment, detailed description of the second holding mechanism 58 is omitted.
The second recess 57 includes a second left wall 571 extending downward from the right end (third corner P3) of the second path 522 and a left end (fourth corner) of the third path 523. And a second right wall 572 extending downward from P4). A second holding mechanism 58 is disposed below the second recess 57. A distance (width) in the left-right direction between the second left wall 571 and the second right wall 572 is formed larger than the diameter of the game ball. And the 2nd recessed part 57 forms the space which a game ball can approach.

  The first holding ball sensor unit 61 is provided in the first holding unit 53 and detects whether or not a game ball is located in the first holding unit 53. Then, as shown in FIG. 24, the first retaining ball sensor unit 61 is in the state of the swing piece 62 (swing member), the rotation shaft 63 that is the center of rotation of the swing piece 62, and the swing piece 62. And a photosensor 64 (detection means) for detecting a change.

The swing piece 62 is a member whose cross section in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction is formed in a fan shape. The swing piece 62 includes a shaft cylinder 621 through which the rotation shaft 63 penetrates, a contact portion 622 with which a game ball contacts, and a detected portion 623 to be detected by the photosensor 64.
The swing piece 62 is disposed on the upper side of the moving piece 561 of the first retaining portion 53 at the opening 511 </ b> H of the housing portion 51. The swing piece 62 is partially positioned on the holding portion 561B of the moving piece 561 by its own weight when the gaming ball is not positioned on the moving piece 561, and is played when the gaming ball is positioned on the moving piece 561. It moves by being pushed away from the holding part 561B of the moving piece 561.

  The shaft cylinder 621 is formed at the apex of the swing piece 62 formed in a fan shape. Accordingly, when the rotating shaft 63 is passed through the shaft cylinder 621, the swing piece 62 has the apex located on the upper side and the arc portion located on the lower side. The swing piece 62 is suspended from the rotating shaft 63. Further, the inner diameter of the shaft cylinder 621 is formed larger than the outer diameter of the rotating shaft 63. Accordingly, the swing piece 62 is configured to be swingable (rotatable) about the rotation shaft 63 as a rotation center.

  The contact portion 622 is a surface orthogonal to the rotation direction of the swinging piece 62 that swings, and is formed to face the rotation direction. The contact portion 622 is configured to be able to advance and retract in the front-rear direction from the base portion 511 side toward the near side member 512 at the opening portion 511H of the housing portion 51.

  In this embodiment, the detected portion 623 is disposed on the side opposite to the contact portion 622 in the swing piece 62. The detected portion 623 has a convex shape protruding from the swing piece 62. The detected portion 623 moves as the swing piece 62 swings, and moves forward and backward with respect to the photosensor 64.

The rotating shaft 63 extends in the left-right direction, and is held by the base 511 of the housing portion 51 in the present embodiment. The rotating shaft 63 supports the swing piece 62 so as to be swingable.
The photosensor 64 has a light emitting unit that emits light and a light receiving unit that outputs a signal when receiving the light. The photosensor 64 is configured such that the detected portion 623 of the swing piece 62 can pass between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion. In the present embodiment, the detected portion 623 is arranged to block light from the light emitting portion to the light receiving portion in a state where the swing piece 62 is in contact with the game ball. And the detection signal of the photo sensor 64 is received in the game control part 200 in this embodiment.

  The second holding ball sensor unit 65 is provided in the second holding unit 54 and detects whether or not a game ball is located in the second holding unit 54. Note that the basic configuration of the second reserved ball sensor unit 65 is the same as that of the first reserved ball sensor unit 61, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The first gate switch 71 detects the passage of the game ball and sends a detection signal to the game control unit 200. The first gate switch 71 is located below the first holding unit 53. The first gate switch 71 is configured to allow the game ball to pass when the hold of the game ball held by the first holding unit 53 is released.
The second gate switch 72 detects the passage of the game ball and sends a detection signal to the game control unit 200. The second gate switch 72 is located below the second holding unit 54. The second gate switch 72 is configured to allow the game ball to pass when the hold of the game ball held by the second holding unit 54 is released.

The detection signals detected by the first gate switch 71 and the second gate switch 72 are received by the game control unit 200. In this embodiment, for example, when a game ball is detected by the first gate switch 71, the game is determined to be a 10-round jackpot game. Further, for example, when a game ball is detected by the second gate switch 72, either a 4-round or a 16-round jackpot game is determined.
Therefore, the player can select the number of game rounds of the jackpot game by operating the release operation unit 128 to release the hold of the game balls of the first hold unit 53 and the second hold unit 54. ing.

  The out port 73 is provided below the first gate switch 71 and the second gate switch 72. The out port 73 is configured such that the game ball that has passed through the first gate switch 71 or the second gate switch 72 is directed to be released from the hold by the first holding unit 53 or the second holding unit 54. Then, the out port 73 discharges these game balls out of the game area 111.

FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the flow of the game ball in the game ball holding device 50.
When a game ball is launched toward the right side of the game area 111 (see FIG. 1), one of the game balls enters the opening 521i of the game ball holding device 50 as shown in FIG. The game ball that has entered the opening 521i flows through the first path 521 and is reversed by the reversing path 521r. And the game ball which flowed to the 1st corner | angular part P1 of the inversion path 521r differs in the subsequent behavior according to the speed of a game ball.
Specifically, for example, when the speed of the game ball is high, as shown in FIG. 25, the game ball jumps around the first corner P1 and collides with the first wall surface 524. Depending on the angle at which the game ball rebounds on the first wall surface 524, the game ball is accommodated in the first recess 55 of the first holding portion 53 or flows toward the second path 522. Next, when the speed of the game ball that has flowed to the first corner P1 of the reversing path 521r is slow, for example, it flows along the first corner P1 and falls into the first recess 55 as it is. 55. When the speed of the game ball flowing to the first corner P1 of the reversing path 521r is, for example, medium, the first ball passes through the first corner P1, does not contact the first wall surface 524, and the first The concave portion 55 may also jump over and land on the second path 522.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the game ball is not held in the first recess 55 by the first corner portion P1 of the reversing path 521r, the flowing game ball always fits in the first recess 55, etc. All game balls are configured not to have the same behavior. This is based on the rule that all the game balls flow along the same route and do not go to the same location (for example, the first recess 55 of the first holding portion 53) according to the rules regarding gaming machines.

  Thereafter, the game ball flows through the second path 522 and reaches the third corner P3. Then, as in the case described in the first corner portion P1, depending on the speed of the game ball, it collides with the second wall surface 525, flows directly into the second recess 57 of the second holding portion 54, or the third path Or land at 523. Note that when the game ball reaches the second path 522, the speed of the game ball may decrease. Therefore, in this embodiment, the amount of protrusion of the third corner P3 to the second recess 57 is made smaller than that of the first corner P1, or the curvature of the third corner P3 is reduced, so that the second A game ball can easily enter the recess 57.

As described above, the game ball that has entered the game ball holding device 50 is held by the first holding unit 53 and the second holding unit 54. As described above, the reversing path 521r is positioned on the upstream side of the first holding unit 53, the second path 522 is positioned on the downstream side, and the second path 522 is positioned on the upstream side of the second holding unit 54. And the third path 523 is located downstream. Accordingly, when another game ball enters the game ball holding device 50 in a state where the game ball is held in the first holding unit 53 or the second holding unit 54, the other game balls are the first ones. It passes over the upper side of the game ball held by the holding unit 53 or the second holding unit 54. Therefore, in the game ball holding device 50, the game balls held by the first holding unit 53 and the second holding unit 54 are prevented from obstructing the flow of other game balls.
Note that the game balls that have passed through the first holding unit 53 and the second holding unit 54 pass through the third path 523 to the game area 111 (see FIG. 1) from the opening 523o.

Here, in the present embodiment, for example, when another game ball flows in a state where the game ball is held in the first holding unit 53, the present embodiment is configured such that the game ball jumps out from the first holding unit 53. (See FIG. 23A). Therefore, other game balls may come into contact with the game balls held in the first holding unit 53. As a result, for example, collisions between metal game balls having a large repulsive force occur as compared with a case where the collision occurs with the path forming portion 52 formed of resin.
When the game balls having a large repulsive force collide with each other, the momentum (speed) of the game ball is less likely to be lower than when the game ball collides with the path forming unit 52 having a small repelling force. That is, in the game ball holding device 50 of the present embodiment configured to cause a collision between game balls, the speed at which the game ball that has entered the game ball holding device 50 comes out of the game ball holding device 50 decreases. It becomes difficult to do. In this embodiment, a decrease in the number of passing game balls per time (supply speed) flowing through the game ball holding device 50 and flowing to the game area 111 is suppressed.

FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the first holding unit 53 and the first holding ball sensor unit 61.
When the game ball is held in the first holding unit 53, the first holding ball sensor unit 61 detects the game ball. In the first reserved ball sensor unit 61, as shown in FIG. 26, the game ball comes into contact with the contact portion 622 of the swing piece 62 by positioning the game ball on the moving piece 561 of the first reservation unit 53. Then, the swing piece 62 swings about the shaft cylinder 621 as the center of rotation, and moves in a direction away from the opening 511H. As a result, the detected portion 623 of the swing piece 62 moves toward the photosensor 64, and the detected portion 623 blocks light traveling from the light emitting portion to the light receiving portion. Then, based on the detection signal from the photosensor 64 in the first hold ball sensor unit 61, the game control unit 200 determines that the game ball is held in the first hold unit 53.

  Similarly, in the second reserved ball sensor unit 65, when the game ball is held in the second hold unit 54, the game ball held is detected. Based on the detection signal from the photosensor 64 in the second holding ball sensor unit 65, the game control unit 200 determines that the game ball is held in the second holding unit 54.

As described above, in the present embodiment, for example, the first holding ball sensor unit 61 is configured so that the swing piece 62 can come into contact with the game ball, and by detecting the state of the swing piece 62, the game ball The presence or absence of is detected. This makes it possible to reduce the influence of the positional deviation of the game ball compared to the case where the presence or absence of the game ball is detected, for example, by direct light on the game ball. As a result, game ball detection accuracy can be increased.
Further, the swing piece 62 automatically moves depending on whether or not the game ball is in contact, and does not operate using any other components, so that the configuration for detecting the game ball can be simplified. Can be.

  Thereafter, when a release operation by the player is received at the release operation unit 128 (see FIG. 1), for example, in the first holding unit 53, the held game ball is released. Specifically, the electric solenoid 563 is operated to retract the holding portion 561B of the moving piece 561 from the opening 511H to the game board 110 side. Then, the game ball held on the moving piece 561 falls downward. In the present embodiment, the dropped game ball passes through the first gate switch 71. Then, the passage of the game ball is detected by the first gate switch 71, and the detection signal is sent to the game control unit 200.

On the other hand, as the game ball is no longer positioned at the first holding portion 53, the center of gravity of the swing piece 62 in the first hold ball sensor portion 61 tries to move directly below the rotation shaft 63, and the swing piece 62. Swings due to its own weight. As a result, the swing piece 62 is in a state of protruding toward the front side member 512 at the opening 511H of the housing portion 51. Further, as the swing piece 62 moves, the detected portion 623 does not block light from the light emitting portion to the light receiving portion in the photosensor 64. Based on the detection signal of the photo sensor 64, the game control unit 200 determines that the first holding unit 53 does not hold the game ball.
As described above, in the game ball holding device 50 of the present embodiment, the game ball is held and released, and the held game ball is detected.

Note that the number of game balls held by the game ball holding device 50 is not limited to two, and may be one or more. What is necessary is just to provide the structure part similar to the 1st holding | maintenance part 53 and the 2nd holding | maintenance part 54 suitably according to the number of the game balls hold | maintained with the game ball | bowl reservation apparatus 50. FIG.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the example which uses the game ball holding | maintenance apparatus 50 for selection of the number of game rounds in a jackpot game is illustrated, However, The game ball holding | maintenance apparatus 50 is not limited to this example, and is applied to various game modes can do. For example, the game ball holding device 50 holds the game ball, and the game ball flows toward a predetermined target such as the gate 124 or the electric tulip 123 in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment. Then, the player may cause the game ball held by the game ball holding device 50 to flow toward a predetermined target by an arbitrary operation by the release operation unit 128.

50: Game ball holding device, 51: Housing part, 52: Path forming part, 53: First holding part,
54 ... 2nd reservation part, 55 ... 1st recessed part, 56 ... 1st reservation mechanism, 57 ... 2nd recessed part, 58 ... 2nd reservation mechanism, 61 ... 1st reservation ball sensor part, 62 ... Swing piece, 65 ... 2nd reservation ball sensor part, 71 ... 1st gate switch, 72 ... 2nd gate switch, 100 ... Pachinko game machine, 110 ... Game board

Claims (2)

A holding section for holding a game ball provided in the game area;
It is installed so as to be able to swing in the holding part, and when the game ball is located in the holding part, it shifts to a retreat state where it moves away from the holding part, and it protrudes when the game ball is not located in the holding part. A swinging member that transitions into a protruding state;
A gaming machine comprising: detecting means for detecting a mutual change between the retracted state and the protruding state of the swing member.   The swinging member is provided suspended from a rotating shaft, and when the game ball is not located on the holding part, at least a part is located on the holding part by its own weight, and the game ball is located on the holding part. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is located at a position in contact with the game ball and away from the holding unit.

Images