JP2016054754A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can suppress an occurrence of jamming with balls by game balls entering variable entering means.SOLUTION: There are provided: a special variable prize winning device 7 as variable entering means which changes to an open state to be a first state that game balls P flowing down a game area 10 easily enter and a closed state as a second state that it is impossible or hard for game balls to enter; a plurality of routes A to E where the game balls entering the special variable prize winning device 7 flow down; a joint part S where the plurality of routes A to E join; count switches 23A, 23B as detection means which are provided on a rear flow side of the joint part S and detect the game balls P; and a discharge route which discharges the game balls detected by the count switches 23A, 23B. The joint part S is provided with an evacuation part 560 where game balls P4 flowing down at least one route A of the plurality of routes A to E can evacuate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that plays a game by firing a game ball in a game area.

  As this type of gaming machine, a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game ball wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. There is something. Further, a variable display unit capable of variably displaying the identification information (also referred to as “fluctuation”) is provided, and a predetermined game value is obtained when the display result of the variable display of the identification information in the variable display unit becomes a specific display result. Are configured to give the player.

  In a pachinko machine, when a specific display mode is derived and displayed as a display result of variable display of a special symbol (identification information) that is started in the variable display unit based on the winning of a game ball at the start winning opening, When a big hit occurs and the big hit occurs, for example, a variable approach that changes between a first state in which a game ball easily enters (for example, an open state) and a second state in which entry is difficult or difficult to enter (for example, a closed state). The game proceeds to a big hit gaming state in which an entrance (for example, a big prize opening) of means (for example, a special variable prize winning device) is opened a predetermined number of times. In each opening period, a predetermined opening time (for example, 29 seconds) elapses even if there is a predetermined number (for example, 10) of entrances or the number of winnings does not reach the predetermined number. Then the entrance is closed. In addition, the number of times the special winning opening is opened is a predetermined number (for example, 15 rounds).

  As such variable entry means, there is a movable member formed as the bottom surface of the flow path through which the game ball flows, and the movable member has a second position protruding into the game area in the second state, and in the first state. In the case of being provided so as to be slidable between the first position retracted from the game area, the game ball is sandwiched between the glass plate and the movable member that are seen through the game area when moving to the second position. Some of them have been prevented (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-212365 A

  In the gaming machine described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, there is a problem that measures against ball biting of the movable member are taken, but no measures are taken against ball clogging caused by game balls entering the variable entry means. It was.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can suppress the occurrence of clogging due to game balls that have entered the variable entry means.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of means 1 of the present invention is:
A gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) that plays a game by launching a gaming ball (for example, gaming ball P) to a gaming area (for example, gaming area 10),
Variable entry means (for example, special variable prize winning) that changes between a first state (for example, an open state) in which a game ball flowing down the game area easily enters and a second state (for example, a closed state) in which entry is impossible or difficult to enter (for example, a closed state). Ball device 7 / special variable winning ball device 700A / special variable winning ball device 700B / special variable winning ball device 700C),
A plurality of paths through which the game balls that have entered the variable entry means flow down (for example, path A that falls downward (flows down) from the big prize opening 7A, path B that flows down the passage wall 510, and flow down the passage walls 512b and 512c). Path C, path D flowing down the passage wall 511, path E flowing down the path wall 512, etc.)
A merging portion where the plurality of paths merge (for example, a merging portion S);
Detection means (for example, count switches 23A, 23B / count switch 23) provided on the merging portion or on the downstream side of the merging portion to detect a game ball;
A discharge path for discharging the game ball detected by the detection means (for example, a discharge path for discharging the game ball P that has passed through the count switch 23A, 23B / count switch 23 to the outside of the gaming machine);
With
The merging portion is provided with a retreat area (for example, a retreat unit 560 / a retreat unit 560A / a retreat unit 560B / a retreat unit 560C) in which a game ball flowing down at least one of the plurality of routes can be retreated. (For example, see FIGS. 23 and 26 to 28)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, when game balls flowing down a plurality of paths merge at the merge section, the game balls flowing down at least one path are retreated to the retreat area, thereby causing clogging of the balls at the merge section. Can be suppressed.
The plurality of paths include not only a plurality of passages partitioned by walls and the like, but also a space having a plurality of trajectories through which game balls can flow down.

The gaming machine of means 2 of the present invention is the gaming machine described in means 1,
The variable approach means (for example, the special variable winning ball device 7 / the special variable winning ball device 700A / the special variable winning ball device 700B / the special variable winning ball device 700C) flows down the game ball (for example, the game ball P). It has a movable member formed as the bottom of the road (for example, a big prize door 7B),
The movable member has a second position (for example, a closed position, see FIG. 18) that protrudes into the gaming area (for example, the gaming area 10) in the second state (for example, a closed state), and the first state (for example, a closed state). , In an open state), and is provided so as to be movable between a first position (eg, an open position, see FIG. 19) for retreating from the game area.
According to this feature, when the variable approach means changes between the first state and the second state, it becomes difficult for ball engagement to occur.

The gaming machine of means 3 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to means 1 or 2,
The evacuation area (for example, the evacuation unit 560 / the evacuation unit 560A / the evacuation unit 560B / the evacuation unit 560C) is a game ball (for example, a game) that flows down one of the plurality of routes (for example, the routes D and E). A game ball (for example, game ball P4) that flows down another path (for example, path A) from the balls P1 to P3) is provided at a position where it can easily retreat (see FIGS. 23 and 26 to 28).
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, it is possible to cause the game balls flowing down one route to flow down preferentially over other routes, so that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of ball clogging at the junction.

A gaming machine according to means 4 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 3,
The merging portion (for example, the merging portion S) has an outflow portion (for example, outflow port 542A, 542B / outflow port 542) from which a game ball (for example, game ball P) flows out,
The detection means (for example, count switches 23A, 23B / count switch 23) detects a game ball that has flowed out of the outflow portion,
The evacuation area (for example, the evacuation part 560 / the evacuation part 560A / the evacuation part 560B / the evacuation part 560C) is provided in the vicinity of the outflow part (see FIGS. 23 and 26 to 28).
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of ball clogging in the vicinity of the outflow portion, so that the merged game balls can be smoothly flowed out and detected by the detection means.

The gaming machine of means 5 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to means 4,
The outflow part (for example, the outlets 542A, 542B / outlet 542) is provided at the terminal part of one of the plurality of paths (for example, the path D, E / path X1),
A standing wall part (for example, standing wall 540A / standing wall 540B) is provided on the back side from the outflow part as seen from the one path,
The evacuation area (for example, the evacuation unit 560 / the evacuation unit 560A / the evacuation unit 560B) is provided so that a game ball (for example, the game ball P4) flowing down the other path (for example, the route A) can retreat to the standing wall. (See FIGS. 23, 26, and 27)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, a game ball that flows down one path is pushed by a game ball that flows down another path and easily retreats to the retreat area. Therefore, a game ball that flows down one path has priority over other paths. And can be discharged from the outflow part.

The gaming machine of means 6 of the present invention is the gaming machine described in means 4,
The outflow part (e.g., the outlet 542) is provided at a terminal part of one of the plurality of paths (e.g., the path X1),
A side wall (for example, a base plate 501) is provided on the side of the flow direction of the one path,
The retreat area (for example, retreat unit 560B / retreat unit 560C) is provided on the side wall portion so that game balls (for example, game balls P4 and P5) flowing down another route (for example, route X2) can retreat. (See FIGS. 27 and 28)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, a game ball that flows down one path is pushed by a game ball that flows down another path and easily retreats to the retreat area. Therefore, a game ball that flows down one path has priority over other paths. And can be discharged from the outflow part.

A gaming machine according to means 7 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 6, wherein
The merging portion (for example, the merging portion S) has an outflow portion (for example, outflow ports 542A and 542B) from which a game ball (for example, the game ball P) flows out,
The detection means (for example, count switches 23A and 23B) detects a game ball that has flowed out of the outflow portion,
The plurality of paths includes two paths (for example, paths D and E) arranged in parallel with each other,
The outflow part (for example, the outlets 542A, 542B) is provided at the terminal part of each of the two paths,
A standing wall part (for example, standing wall 540A) is erected on the back side from the outflow part as seen from the two paths,
The evacuation area (for example, the evacuation part 560) is provided in the standing wall part so that a game ball flowing down each of the two paths can be evacuated (see FIG. 23).
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, the occurrence of ball clogging in the vicinity of the outflow portion of each of the two paths can be suppressed in one retreat area.

A gaming machine according to means 8 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 7,
At least one of the plurality of paths is a first path (for example, path C) that causes the game ball to flow down in a direction different from that of the detection means, and a game ball that has flowed down the first path to the detection means. A second path (for example, paths D and E) that flow downward (see FIG. 14B).
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, it is possible to disperse the ball pressure of the game ball on the one path, and thus it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a ball clogging near the detection means.

A gaming machine according to means 9 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 8, wherein
The variable entry means (for example, the special variable winning ball apparatus 7) has a movable member (for example, a big winning opening door 7B) formed as a bottom surface of the flow path through which the game ball (for example, the game ball P) flows down. ,
The movable member has a second position (for example, a closed position) that protrudes into the gaming area (for example, the gaming area 10) in the second state (for example, the closed state), and retracts from the gaming area in the first state. Provided to be movable between a first position (for example, an open position)
It is characterized by comprising delay means (for example, inclined surfaces 570A, 570B, 570C, regulation pieces 505a to 505c, 506a to 506c, etc.) for delaying the flow time of the game ball flowing down the flow path of the movable member.
According to this feature, by moving the movable member to the first position, a large number of game balls can be made to enter the variable entry means all at once.

A gaming machine according to means 10 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 9, wherein
The variable entry means (for example, the special variable winning ball apparatus 7) has a movable member (for example, a big winning opening door 7B) formed as a bottom surface of the flow path through which the game ball (for example, the game ball P) flows down. ,
The movable member has a second position (for example, a closed position) that protrudes into the gaming area (for example, the gaming area 10) in the second state (for example, the closed state), and retracts from the gaming area in the first state. Provided to be movable between a first position (for example, an open position)
Movement control means (for example, CPU 103) for moving the movable member to the first position and the second position;
The movement control means includes
The movable member over a period (for example, 0.8 seconds) shorter than a required period (for example, the flow time Ta (s) = 2.0 seconds) for the game ball to flow from the upstream region to the downstream region of the bottom surface member. Is controlled to the closed state in step S1468 in the game control microcomputer 100, and in step S1472, the timer for opening the big prize opening is set to 0. 0 based on the opening / closing time table. 8 seconds is set, and the closed state is maintained until the timer before opening the grand prize opening times out).
According to this feature, the proportion of game balls that enter the variable entry means with respect to the launched game balls can be improved, and interest can be improved.

  In addition, this invention may have only the invention specific matter described in the claim of this invention, and has a structure other than this invention specific matter with the invention specific matter described in the claim of this invention. It may be a thing.

It is a front view which shows the state which looked at the pachinko gaming machine from the front. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU of the microcomputer for game control performs. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the program of the special symbol process process which the microcomputer for game control performs. It is a flowchart which shows the big prize opening pre-processing which the microcomputer for game control performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the opening / closing time table in which the opening / closing time for every round was set. It is a flowchart which shows the process during the special prize opening | release opening which the microcomputer for game control performs. It is a flowchart which shows the post-opening of the big winning opening executed by the game control microcomputer. It is a front view which shows a special variable winning ball apparatus. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which looked at the special variable winning ball apparatus from diagonally behind. (A) is a perspective view which shows the closed state of a special variable winning ball apparatus, (B) is a perspective view which shows an open state. (A) (B) is a perspective view which shows the inside of a special winning opening. (A) is a front view which shows the principal part in a special winning opening, (B) is AA sectional drawing of (A). It is BB sectional drawing of FIG.14 (B). (A) is a perspective view which shows a grand prize opening door, (B) is a top view. 16A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 16B, FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 16B, and FIG. 16C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE in FIG. (A) is a schematic plan view which shows the state in which the game ball P flows down on the grand prize opening door, and (B) is a GG sectional view of (A). (A) is a schematic plan view showing a state in which a game ball flows down in the special winning opening, and (B) is a G′-G ′ sectional view of (A). (A) is a schematic plan view which shows the state in which a game ball | bowl flows down on a grand prize opening door, (B) is HH sectional drawing of (A). (A) is a schematic plan view showing a state in which a game ball flows down in a special winning opening, and (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line H'-H 'in (A). (A) is a perspective view showing a state where a game ball flows down a junction, (B) is a plan view of (A), and (C) is a longitudinal sectional view of (B). (A) is a perspective view showing a state where a game ball flows down a junction, (B) is a plan view of (A), and (C) is a longitudinal sectional view of (B). (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the state in which a game ball flows down the junction part when there is no evacuation part, (B) is explanatory drawing which shows the state in which game ball flows down the junction part when there is a evacuation part. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the time of the game ball which passes a special variable prize-winning device, and the round interval at the time of big hit, (A) is a figure which shows the flow time of a game ball conceptually, (B) is the figure at the time of big hit It is a timing chart of opening and closing of the special variable winning device. (A) is a schematic plan view showing a special variable winning ball apparatus as Modification 1 of the present invention, (B) is a schematic front view, and (C) is a schematic plan view showing the movement of a game ball following (A). is there. (A) is a schematic plan view showing a special variable winning ball apparatus as a second modified example of the present invention, (B) is a schematic front view, (C) is a schematic plan view showing the movement of a game ball following (A). is there. (A) is a schematic front view showing a special variable winning ball apparatus as Modification 3 of the present invention, (B) is a schematic plan view, (C) is a schematic front view showing the movement of a game ball following (A), (D) is a schematic front view showing the movement of the game ball following (B).

  A mode for carrying out a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below based on examples.

  First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 1 that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the front. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration on the main board. In the following, the front side of FIG. 1 is the front (front, front) side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, the back side is the back (rear) side, and the vertical and horizontal directions when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is viewed from the front side are shown. This will be explained as a standard. In addition, the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in this embodiment is a facing surface that faces a player who plays a game on the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment and shows an arrangement layout of main members. Pachinko gaming machines (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as gaming machines) 1 are roughly divided into a gaming board (gauge board) 2 constituting a gaming board surface, and a gaming machine frame (base frame) for supporting and fixing the gaming board 2. 3. A game area 10 having a substantially circular shape in front view surrounded by the guide rails 2b is formed in the game board 2. In this game area 10, a game ball as a game medium is launched from a ball striking device (not shown) and driven. Further, the gaming machine frame 3 is provided with a glass door frame 50 having a glass window 50a so as to be rotatable around the left side, and the gaming area 10 can be opened and closed by the glass door frame 50. When the glass door frame 50 is closed, the game area 10 can be seen through the glass window 50a.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the game board 2 is configured in a substantially square shape when viewed from the front with a non-transparent member such as a plywood board, and a obstacle nail (not shown), a guide rail 2 b, and the like are provided on the front of the game board surface. It is comprised with the board surface board made. In the present embodiment, the game board 2 is composed of a plywood board, but it is made of a transparent synthetic resin material such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, methacrylic resin, etc. (Not shown) or the like, and a spacer member (not shown) integrally attached to the back side of the board plate.

  A first special symbol display 4A and a second special symbol display 4B are provided at a predetermined position of the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, the lower right position of the game area 10). Each of the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B is composed of, for example, a 7 segment LED or a dot matrix LED (light emitting diode) and the like. A special symbol (also referred to as “special”), which is a plurality of types of identification information (special identification information), is displayed so as to be variable (also referred to as variable display or variable display). For example, the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B each variably display a plurality of types of special symbols composed of numbers indicating "0" to "9", symbols indicating "-", and the like. To do. The special symbols displayed on the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B are limited to those composed of numbers indicating "0" to "9", symbols indicating "-", and the like. However, for example, a plurality of types of lighting patterns in which the combination of the LED to be turned on and the LED to be turned off in the 7-segment LED may be set in advance as a plurality of types of special symbols.

  Hereinafter, the special symbol variably displayed on the first special symbol display 4A is also referred to as "first special symbol", and the special symbol variably displayed on the second special symbol indicator 4B is also referred to as "second special symbol". .

  An effect display device 5 is provided near the center of the game area 10 on the game board 2. The effect display device 5 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display device) or the like, and forms a display area for displaying various effect images. In the display area of the effect display device 5, the first special symbol display by the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display by the second special symbol display 4B in the special game are respectively displayed. In the effect symbol display area, which is a plurality of variable display units such as three, for example, the effect symbols that are a plurality of types of identification information (decoration identification information) that can be identified are variably displayed. This variation display of the effect symbol is also included in the variation display game.

  As an example, in the display area of the effect display device 5, “left”, “middle”, and “right” effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are arranged. When the confirmed special symbol is stopped and displayed as a variation display result in the special game, the effect is displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. The finalized design symbol (final stop symbol) that is the symbol variation display result is stopped and displayed.

  As described above, in the display area of the effect display device 5, a special game using the first special graphic in the first special symbol display 4A or a special graphic using the second special graphic in the second special symbol display 4B. In synchronism with the game, a plurality of types of effect symbols that can be identified are displayed in a variable manner, and a definite effect symbol that is a variable display result is derived and displayed (or simply referred to as “derivation”). In addition, for example, various display symbols such as special symbols and effect symbols are derived and displayed by stopping display of identification information such as effect symbols (also referred to as complete stop display or final stop display) and ending the variable display. .

  For example, eight kinds of symbols (alphanumeric characters “1” to “8” or Chinese characters) are displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. It may be any combination of numbers, English letters, eight character images related to a predetermined motif, a combination of numbers, letters, symbols, and character images. Character images may be, for example, people, animals, other objects, or , A decorative image showing a symbol such as a character or other arbitrary figure). A corresponding symbol number is attached to each of the effect symbols. For example, symbol numbers “1” to “8” are assigned to alphanumeric characters indicating “1” to “8”, respectively. The production symbols are not limited to eight types, and may be any number (for example, seven types, nine types, etc.) as long as an appropriate number of combinations such as a jackpot combination or a combination that is lost can be configured.

  A first reserved memory display area 5D and a second reserved memory display area 5U are set in two places on the left and right of the display area of the effect display device 5. In the first hold memory display area 5D and the second hold memory display area 5U, the hold memory display for displaying the variable hold memory number (the special figure hold memory number) corresponding to the special figure game is specified.

  Here, the suspension of the variable display corresponding to the special game is that the game ball passes through the first start winning opening formed by the normal winning ball apparatus 6A and the second starting winning opening formed by the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B. Generated based on the start winning by entering (entering). In other words, the start condition (also referred to as “execution condition”) for executing the variable display game such as the special figure game or the variable display of the effect symbol is established, but the variable display game based on the start condition established previously is being executed. When the start condition for allowing the start of the variable display game is not satisfied due to the fact that the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to the big hit gaming state, the variable display corresponding to the established start condition is suspended. Done. In the present embodiment, the stored storage display generated based on the start winning when the game ball passes (enters) the first start winning opening is a round white display, and the game ball passes through the second starting winning opening ( The reserved storage display generated on the basis of the start winning due to the entry) is similarly a round white display.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first hold indicator 25A and the second hold for displaying the number of special figure hold memories in an identifiable manner above the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B. A display 25B is provided. The first hold indicator 25A displays the first special figure hold memory number so that it can be specified. The second hold indicator 25B displays the second special figure hold memory number so that it can be specified.

  Below the effect display device 5, an ordinary winning ball device 6A and an ordinary variable winning ball device 6B are provided. The normal winning ball device 6A forms, for example, a first starting winning opening as a starting region (first starting region) that is always kept in a certain open state by a predetermined ball receiving member. The normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B has an electric motor having a pair of movable wing pieces that are changed into a normal open state as a vertical position and an expanded open state as a tilt position by a solenoid 81 for a normal electric accessory shown in FIG. A tulip-shaped accessory (ordinary electric accessory) is provided, and a second starting prize opening is formed as a starting region (second starting region).

  As an example, in the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B, the movable wing piece is in the vertical position when the solenoid 81 for the ordinary electric accessory is in the off state, so that the game ball passes (enters) the second starting winning opening. It is difficult to open normally. On the other hand, in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B, the game ball passes through the second start winning opening by the tilt control in which the movable blade piece is tilted when the solenoid 81 for the normal electric accessory is in the ON state ( It will be in an expanded open state that is easy to enter.

  A game ball that has passed (entered) the first start winning opening formed in the normal winning ball apparatus 6A is detected by, for example, a first start opening switch 22A shown in FIG. The game ball that has passed (entered) the second start winning opening formed in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B is detected by, for example, the second start opening switch 22B shown in FIG. Based on the detection of the game ball by the first start port switch 22A, a predetermined number (for example, three) of game balls are paid out as prize balls, and the first special figure holding memory number is set to a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “ 4 ") If the following, the first start condition is satisfied. Based on the detection of the game ball by the second start port 22B, a predetermined number (for example, three) of game balls are paid out as prize balls, and the second special figure holding memory number is set to a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “ 4 ") If the following, the second start condition is satisfied. The number of prize balls to be paid out based on the detection of the game ball by the first start port switch 22A and the number of prize balls to be paid out based on the detection of the game ball by the second start port switch 22B. May be the same number or different numbers.

  A special variable winning ball device 7 (variable entry means) is provided below the normal winning ball device 6A and the normal variable winning ball device 6B. 2 is provided with a large winning opening door 7B (movable member) that is opened and closed by solenoids 82A and 82B for the large winning opening door shown in FIG. 2, and the open state (first state) and the closed state ( 7A (see the halftone dot area in FIG. 19A) that changes to the second state).

  As an example, in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, when the solenoids 82A, 82B for the big prize opening doors are in the off state, the big winning opening door 7B closes the big winning opening 7A, and the game ball becomes the big winning opening 7A. Can no longer pass (enter). On the other hand, in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, when the solenoids 82A, 82B for the big prize opening doors are in the on state, the big prize opening door 7B opens the big winning opening 7A, and the game ball is the big prize opening. Make it easy to pass (enter) 7A. In this way, the special winning opening 7A as the specific area is in an open state in which a game ball easily passes (enters) and is advantageous to the player, and a closed state in which the game ball cannot pass (enters) and is disadvantageous to the player. Change. Instead of the closed state where the game ball cannot pass (enter) through the big prize opening 7A, or in addition to the closed state, a partially opened state where the game ball is difficult to pass (enter) through the big prize port 7A may be provided. Good.

  A game ball that has passed (entered) the big winning opening 7A is detected by, for example, the count switches 23A and 23B shown in FIG. Based on the detection of game balls by the count switches 23A and 23B, a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out as prize balls. Thus, when the game ball passes (enters) the large winning opening 7A that has been opened in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, for example, the other starting holes such as the first starting winning opening and the second starting winning opening are used as the gaming balls. More prize balls are paid out than when the player passes (enters). Therefore, if the special prize winning device 7 is opened in the special variable prize winning ball device 7, the game ball can enter the special prize winning port 7A, which is a first state advantageous to the player. On the other hand, if the special winning opening 7A is closed in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, it becomes impossible or difficult to obtain a winning ball by passing (entering) the gaming ball to the special winning opening 7A. The second state is disadvantageous to the person. The detailed structure of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 will be described later.

  A normal symbol display 20 is provided above the second holding display 25B. As an example, the normal symbol display 20 is composed of 7 segments, dot matrix LEDs, and the like, like the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B, and a plurality of types of identification information different from the special symbols. Is displayed (variable display) so that it can be variably displayed. Such a normal symbol variation display is referred to as a general game (also referred to as a “normal game”).

  Above the normal symbol display 20, a universal figure holding display 25 </ b> C is provided. The general-purpose hold indicator 25C includes, for example, four LEDs, and displays the general-purpose hold storage number as the number of effective passing balls that have passed through the passing gate 41.

  In addition to the above configuration, the surface of the game board 2 is provided with a windmill for changing the flow direction and speed of the game ball and a number of obstacle nails. In addition, as a winning opening different from the first starting winning opening, the second starting winning opening, and the large winning opening 7A, for example, there is a single or plural general winning openings that are always kept in a certain open state by a predetermined ball receiving member. It may be provided. In this case, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls may be paid out as a prize ball based on the fact that a game ball that has entered one of the general prize openings is detected by a predetermined general prize ball switch. In the lowermost part of the game area 10, there is provided an out-port for taking in a game ball that has not entered any of the winning ports.

  Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the left and right upper positions of the gaming machine frame 3, and a game effect lamp 9 is provided at the periphery of the gaming area 10. . A decorative LED may be arranged around each structure (for example, the normal winning ball device 6A, the normal variable winning ball device 6B, the special variable winning ball device 7, etc.) in the game area 10 of the pachinko gaming machine 1. . At the lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3, a hitting operation handle (operation knob) operated by a player or the like to launch a game ball as a game medium toward the game area 10 is provided. For example, the hitting operation handle adjusts the resilience of the game ball according to the operation amount (rotation amount) by the player or the like. The hitting operation handle only needs to be provided with a single shot switch or a touch ring (touch sensor) for stopping driving of a shooting motor provided in a hitting ball shooting device (not shown).

  A gaming ball paid out as a prize ball or a gaming ball lent out by a predetermined ball lending machine can be supplied to a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area 10 to a launching device (not shown). An upper plate (hit ball supply tray) that is held (stored) is provided. Below the gaming machine frame 3, there is provided a lower plate that holds (stores) surplus balls overflowing from the upper plate so as to be discharged to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  A stick controller 31A that can be held and tilted by a player is attached to a member that forms the lower plate, for example, at a predetermined position on the front side of the upper surface of the lower plate body (for example, the central portion of the lower plate). Yes. The stick controller 31A includes an operation stick that the player holds, and a trigger button is provided at a predetermined position of the operation stick (for example, a position where the index finger of the operator is hooked when the player holds the operation stick). Yes. The trigger button can be operated in a predetermined direction by performing a push-pull operation with a predetermined operation finger (for example, an index finger) in a state where the player holds the operation stick of the stick controller 31A with an operation hand (for example, the left hand). What is necessary is just to be comprised. A trigger sensor that detects a predetermined instruction operation such as a push / pull operation on the trigger button may be built in the operation rod.

  A controller sensor unit 35 </ b> A for detecting a tilting operation with respect to the operating rod may be provided inside the lower plate body or the like below the stick controller 31 </ b> A. For example, the controller sensor unit includes two transmissive photosensors (parallel sensors) arranged in parallel to the board surface of the game board 2 on the left side of the center position of the operating rod when viewed from the player side facing the pachinko gaming machine 1. And a pair of transmission type photosensors (vertical sensor pairs) arranged perpendicularly to the surface of the game board 2 on the right side of the center position of the operation rod when viewed from the player side. What is necessary is just to be comprised including a shape photosensor.

  The member that forms the upper plate includes, for example, a push button 31B that allows a player to perform a predetermined instruction operation by a pressing operation or the like at a predetermined position on the front side of the upper surface of the upper plate body (for example, above the stick controller 31A). Is provided. The push button 31B only needs to be configured to be able to detect the pressing operation from the player mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically. A push sensor 35B that detects a pressing operation performed by the player on the push button 31B may be provided inside the main body of the upper plate at the position where the push button 31B is installed.

  Next, the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be schematically described. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, the normal symbol display 20 executes the normal symbol variation display such that the game ball that has passed through the passing gate 41 provided in the gaming area 10 is detected by the gate switch 21 shown in FIG. 2. The normal symbol indicator is displayed on the basis of the fact that the normal symbol start condition for starting the normal symbol variation display is satisfied, for example, that the previous general symbol game has been completed The usual game by 20 is started.

  In this ordinary game, after a normal symbol change is started, when a predetermined time which is a normal symbol change time elapses, a fixed normal symbol which is a normal symbol change display result is stopped and displayed (derived display). At this time, if a specific normal symbol (symbol per symbol), such as a number indicating “7”, is stopped and displayed as the fixed normal symbol, the fluctuation display result of the normal symbol becomes “per symbol”. On the other hand, if a normal symbol other than the symbol per symbol, such as a number or symbol other than the number indicating “7”, is stopped and displayed as the fixed ordinary symbol, the fluctuation display result of the normal symbol is “usually lost”. Become. Corresponding to the fact that the variation display result of the normal symbol is “per normal”, the expansion / release control (tilt control) is performed in which the movable wing piece of the electric tulip constituting the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B is tilted. The normal opening control is performed to return to the vertical position when a predetermined time has elapsed.

  After the first start condition is satisfied, for example, when the game ball that has passed (entered) the first start winning opening formed in the normal winning ball apparatus 6A is detected by the first start opening switch 22A shown in FIG. Based on the fact that the first start condition is satisfied, for example, because the previous special figure game or the big hit gaming state has ended, the special figure game by the first special symbol display 4A is started. Further, the second starting condition is satisfied, for example, when a game ball that has passed (entered) the second starting winning opening formed in the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B is detected by the second starting opening switch 22B shown in FIG. Later, based on the fact that the second start condition is satisfied, for example, due to the end of the previous special game or the big hit gaming state, the special game by the second special symbol display 4B is started.

  In the special symbol game by the first special symbol display 4A or the second special symbol indicator 4B, after the special symbol variation display is started, when the variation display time as the special symbol variation time elapses, the special symbol variation display is performed. The resulting definite special symbol (special diagram display result) is derived and displayed. At this time, if a specific special symbol (big hit symbol) is stopped and displayed as a confirmed special symbol, it becomes a “big hit” as a specific display result, and if a special symbol different from the big bonus symbol is stopped and displayed as a fixed special symbol, “ It will be “losing”. In addition, a predetermined special symbol (small hit symbol) different from the big hit symbol may be stopped and displayed. When the predetermined special symbol (small hit symbol) as a result of the predetermined display is stopped and displayed. What is necessary is just to control to the small hit game state as a special game state different from the big hit game state.

  After the fluctuation display result in the special figure game becomes “big hit”, the game is controlled to the big hit gaming state as a specific gaming state in which a round advantageous to the player (also referred to as “round game”) is executed a predetermined number of times.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, as an example, special symbols indicating numbers “3”, “5”, and “7” are jackpot symbols, and a special symbol indicating a symbol “−” is a lost symbol. When the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed, for example, a special symbol indicating the number “2” may be used as the small hit symbol. It should be noted that each symbol such as a jackpot symbol or a lost symbol in the special symbol game by the first special symbol display 4A may be different from each symbol in the special symbol game by the second special symbol display 4B. However, a special symbol common to both special symbol games may be a jackpot symbol or a lost symbol.

  After the jackpot symbol indicating the numbers “3”, “5”, and “7” as the special symbols for the special figure game is stopped and displayed as the “big hit” as the specific display result, it is specially variable in the jackpot game state. During a period until a predetermined upper limit time (for example, 29 seconds or 0.1 second) elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 9) of winning balls is generated by the big winning door 7B of the winning ball apparatus 7 Then, the special winning opening 7A is opened. Thereby, the round which makes the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 the 1st state (open state) advantageous for a player is performed.

  The special prize opening door 7B which opened the special prize opening 7A during the round is specially variable by receiving the game ball falling on the surface of the game board 2 and then closing the special prize opening 7A. The winning ball device 7 is changed to the second state (closed state) disadvantageous to the player, and one round is completed. The round that is the opening cycle of the big winning opening 7A can be repeatedly executed until the number of executions reaches a predetermined upper limit number (for example, “16” or the like). Even before the number of rounds reaches the upper limit, the execution of the round may be terminated when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, a game ball has not won the big prize opening 7A). Good.

  Of the rounds in the big hit gaming state, the round in which the upper limit time for which the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is in the first state (open state) advantageous for the player is relatively long (for example, 29 seconds) is normally opened. Also called round. On the other hand, a round in which the upper limit time during which the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is in the first state (open state) is relatively short (for example, 0.1 seconds) is also referred to as a short-term open round.

  When the small hit symbol (for example, the number “2”) is stopped and displayed, after the small hit symbol is derived as a confirmed special symbol, the small hit symbol is controlled as a special gaming state. good. Specifically, in the small hit game state, for example, in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 as described above, in the same way as in the short-term open big hit state in which substantially no exit ball (prize ball) is obtained, What is necessary is just to perform the variable winning operation | movement which changes to the advantageous 1st state (open state).

  In the “left”, “middle”, and “right” effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R provided in the effect display device 5, a special symbol game using the first special symbol in the first special symbol display 4A and In response to the start of any one of the special figure games using the second special figure in the second special symbol display 4B, the variation display of the effect symbols is started. The period from the start of the variation display of the effect symbols to the end of the variation display due to the stop display of the confirmed effect symbols in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, 5R Then, the variation display state of the effect symbol may be a predetermined reach state.

  Here, the reach state refers to an effect design (“reach variation design”) that has not been stopped yet when the effect design that is stopped and displayed in the display area of the effect display device 5 forms part of the jackpot combination. Is also a display state in which the fluctuation continues, or a display state in which all or part of the design symbols change synchronously while constituting all or part of the jackpot combination. Specifically, in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R (for example, “left” and “right” effect symbol display areas 5L and 5R, etc.) in advance. The remaining effect symbol display area (for example, “medium” effect) that has not been stopped yet when the effect symbol (for example, the effect symbol indicating the alphanumeric character of “7”) constituting the determined jackpot combination is stopped and displayed. In the symbol display area 5C, etc., the presentation symbols are changing, or in all or part of the “left”, “middle”, “right” effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, 5R This is a display state that changes synchronously while constituting all or part of the combination.

  In response to the reach state, the variation speed of the effect symbol is reduced, or a character image (effect image imitating a person) different from the effect symbol is displayed in the display area of the effect display device 5. Or change the display mode of the background image, play and display a moving image that is different from the production symbol, or change the variation mode of the production symbol, so that the production operation different from before reaching the reach state is executed May be. Such an effect operation such as display of the character image, change of the display mode of the background image, reproduction display of the moving image, and change of the change mode of the effect pattern is referred to as reach effect display (or simply reach effect). In the reach effect, not only the display operation in the effect display device 5, but also the sound output operation by the speakers 8L and 8R, the lighting operation (flashing operation) in the light emitter such as the game effect lamp 9, and the like are in the reach state. An operation mode different from the previous operation mode may be included.

  As an effect operation in the reach effect, a plurality of types of effect patterns (also referred to as “reach patterns”) having different operation modes (reach modes) may be prepared in advance. Each reach mode has a different possibility of “big hit” (also referred to as “reliability” or “big hit reliability”). That is, it is possible to vary the possibility that the variable display result will be a “big hit” depending on which of the multiple types of reach effects is executed.

  When a special symbol that becomes a lost symbol is stopped (derived) as a confirmed special symbol in the special symbol game, the variation display state of the production symbol does not reach the reach state after the variation display of the production symbol is started. In addition, a definite effect symbol that is a predetermined non-reach combination may be stopped and displayed. Such a variation display mode of the effect symbol is referred to as a “non-reach” (also referred to as “normal loss”) variable display mode when the variation display result is “losing”.

  When a special symbol that becomes a lost symbol is stopped (derived) as a confirmed special symbol in the special symbol game, the variation display state of the production symbol becomes the reach state after the variation display of the production symbol is started. Correspondingly, after the reach effect is executed, or when the reach effect is not executed, a confirmed effect symbol that becomes a predetermined reach lose combination may be stopped and displayed. Such a variation display result of the effect symbol is referred to as a variation display mode of “reach” (also referred to as “reach lose”) when the variation display result is “losing”.

  Corresponding to the fact that the variation display state of the production symbol has reached the reach state when the jackpot symbol indicating the number “3” is stopped and displayed as a special symbol that is a jackpot symbol as a special symbol to be confirmed in the special symbol game Then, after a predetermined reach effect is executed, a definite effect symbol that is a predetermined normal big hit combination (also referred to as “non-probable variable big hit combination”) among a plurality of types of big hit combinations is stopped and displayed. It should be noted that the non-probable big hit combination may be stopped and displayed as a confirmed effect symbol without the reach effect being executed.

  The confirmed effect symbol which is a normal big hit combination (non-probable variation big hit combination) is variably displayed in, for example, the “left”, “middle” and “right” effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C and 5R in the effect display device 5. Among the effect symbols having the symbol numbers “1” to “8”, any one of the effect symbols having the even symbol numbers “2”, “4”, “6”, “8” is “left”, “ What is necessary is just to be able to be stopped and displayed on a predetermined effective line in each of the effect display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of “middle” and “right”. The effect symbols having the even number “2”, “4”, “6”, “8” constituting the normal jackpot combination are referred to as normal symbols (also referred to as “non-probable variation symbols”).

  Corresponding to the fact that the confirmed special symbol in the special figure game becomes the normal jackpot symbol, after the predetermined reach effect is executed, the finalized symbol of the normal jackpot combination (non-probable variable jackpot combination) is stopped and displayed. The variable display mode is referred to as a variable display mode (also referred to as “big hit type”) of “non-probable change” (also referred to as “normal big hit”) when the variable display result is “big hit”. It should be noted that the normal jackpot combination (non-probable variation jackpot combination) may be stopped and displayed as the confirmed effect symbol without executing the reach effect. Based on the fact that the fluctuation display result is “big hit” for the big hit type of “non-probable change”, the normal open big hit state is controlled, and after the end, time reduction control (time reduction control) is performed. By performing the time reduction control, the special symbol change display time (special figure change time) in the special figure game is shortened compared to the normal state. In the short-time control, so-called electric chew support is performed in which the winning frequency of the normal symbol is increased and the winning frequency of the normal variable winning ball device 6B is increased as described later. Here, the normal state is a normal game state that is different from a specific game state such as a big hit game state, and the initial setting state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (for example, when a system reset is performed, after the power is turned on) The same control as in the state in which the initialization process is executed is performed. In the time-saving control, one of the conditions is established first, that is, a special game is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) after the big hit gaming state ends, and the fluctuation display result is “big hit”. Sometimes it just needs to end.

  In the special symbol game, among the special symbols that become jackpot symbols, if the probability variation jackpot symbol such as the special symbol indicating the numbers “5” and “7” is stopped and displayed, the change display state of the effect symbol In response to the reach state being reached, after the reach effect similar to the case where the variation display mode of the effect symbol is “normal” is executed, among the multiple types of big hit combinations, a predetermined probability variation big hit combination and The determined effect design may be stopped and displayed. It should be noted that the probability variation big hit combination may be stopped and displayed as the confirmed effect symbol without the reach effect being executed. The confirmed effect symbol that is a probable big hit combination is, for example, a symbol number “1” that is variably displayed in each of the effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” in the effect display device 5. Among the effect symbols of “8”, the effect symbols whose symbol numbers are “5” or “7” are displayed in the effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. Any device that can be stopped and displayed on a predetermined effective line may be used. The effect symbols having the symbol numbers “5” and “7” constituting the probability variation jackpot combination are referred to as probability variation symbols. When the probability variation jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed as the confirmed special symbol in the special figure game, the confirmed effect symbol that is a normal jackpot combination may be stopped and displayed as a variation display result of the effect symbol.

  Regardless of whether the confirmed effect symbol is a normal jackpot combination or a promiscuous jackpot combination, the variation display mode in which the probability variation jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed as a confirmed special symbol in the special figure game will have a "big hit" variation display result. This is referred to as a variation display mode of “probability variation” (also referred to as “big hit type”). In this embodiment, among the big hit types of “probable change”, control is made to the normally open big hit state based on the fact that “5” and “7” change display results are “big hit” as the confirmed special symbols. Then, after the end, probability variation control (probability variation control) is performed together with the time reduction control.

  By performing the probability variation control, the probability that the fluctuation display result (special display result) becomes “big hit” in each special figure game is improved so as to be higher than that in the normal state. The probability variation control may be ended when the condition that the fluctuation display result is “big hit” and the game is controlled to the big hit gaming state again after the big hit gaming state is ended. Similar to the time reduction control, the probability variation control is ended when a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times the same as the time reduction number or 90 times different from the time reduction number) are executed after the end of the big hit gaming state. May be. In addition, even if the probability variation control is ended when the probability variation control is ended by the probability variation control lottery executed every time the special game is started after the big hit gaming state is ended, the probability variation control is terminated. Good.

  When the time-shortening control is performed, the normal symbol display unit 20 controls the normal symbol in the normal symbol game so that the variation time of the normal symbol (ordinary symbol variation time) is shorter than that in the normal state. Control to improve the probability that the display result is “per normal figure” than in the normal state, and tilt control of the movable blade piece in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B based on the fact that the fluctuation display result is “per normal figure”. The game ball can easily pass (enter) the second start winning opening, such as a control to make the tilt control time for performing longer than that in the normal state, and a control to increase the number of tilts than in the normal state. Control (electricity support control) that is advantageous to the player by increasing the possibility that the start condition is satisfied is performed. In this way, the control that facilitates the entry of the game ball into the second start winning opening in accordance with the time-shortening control and is advantageous to the player is also referred to as high opening control. As the high opening control, any one of these controls may be performed, or a plurality of controls may be combined.

  By performing the high opening control, the frequency at which the second start winning opening becomes the expanded opening state is higher than when the high opening control is not performed. As a result, the second start condition for executing the special figure game using the second special figure in the second special symbol display 4B is easily established, and the special figure game can be executed frequently. The time until the fluctuation display result becomes “big hit” is shortened. The period during which the high opening control can be performed is also referred to as a high opening control period, and this period may be the same as the period during which the time reduction control is performed.

  The gaming state in which both the short time control and the high opening control are performed is also referred to as a short time state or a high base state. The gaming state in which the probability variation control is performed is also referred to as a probability variation state or a high probability state. A gaming state in which the time-shortening control or the high opening control is performed together with the probability variation control is also referred to as a high probability high base state. In this embodiment, the gaming state to be controlled is not set, but the probability variation state in which only the probability variation control is performed and the time-shortening control or the high opening control is not performed is also referred to as a high probability low base state. In addition, only the gaming state in which the time-shortening control or the high opening control is performed together with the probability variation control is sometimes referred to as a “probability variation state”, and may be referred to as a time variation probability variation state in order to distinguish from the high probability low base state. On the other hand, a probability variation state (high probability low base state) in which only time variation control is performed and time reduction control or high opening control is not performed is sometimes referred to as a time variation probability variation state in order to be distinguished from a high accuracy high base state. The short time state in which the short time control or the high opening control is performed without performing the probability variation control is also referred to as a low probability high base state. The normal state in which neither the probability variation control, the time reduction control nor the high opening control is performed is also referred to as a low probability low base state. When at least one of time-shortening control and probability variation control is performed in a gaming state other than the normal state, the probability that the special-figure game can be executed frequently and the fluctuation display result in each special-figure game will be “big hit” As a result, the player is in an advantageous state. A gaming state advantageous to a player different from the big hit gaming state is also referred to as a special gaming state.

  When the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the game state is not changed after controlling to the small hit game state described above, and the game state before the change display result becomes “small hit” is displayed. Control may be continued.

  Various control boards such as a main board 11, an effect control board 12, an audio control board 13, and a lamp control board 14 as shown in FIG. 2 are mounted on the pachinko gaming machine 1. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is also equipped with a relay board 15 for relaying various control signals transmitted between the main board 11 and the effect control board 12. In addition, various boards such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, a launch control board, and an interface board are disposed on the back surface of the game board 2 in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The main board 11 is a main-side control board on which various circuits for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are mounted. The main board 11 is mainly addressed to a sub-side control board composed of a random number setting function used in a special game, a function of inputting a signal from a switch or the like disposed at a predetermined position, and an effect control board 12. A function of outputting and transmitting a control command as an example of command information as a control signal, a function of outputting various information to a hall management computer, and the like are provided. In addition, the main board 11 performs on / off control of each LED (for example, segment LED) constituting the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B, and thereby the first special diagram and the second special diagram. The display of fluctuation of a predetermined display pattern such as controlling the fluctuation display of the normal symbol display 20 or controlling the fluctuation display of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display 20 by controlling the lighting / extinguishing / coloring control of the normal symbol display 20 is performed. It also has a function to control.

  The main board 11 includes, for example, a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110 that receives detection signals from various switches for game ball detection and transmits the detection signals to the game control microcomputer 100, and the game control microcomputer 100. A solenoid circuit 111 for transmitting a solenoid drive signal to the solenoids 81 and 82 is mounted.

  The effect control board 12 is a sub-side control board independent of the main board 11, receives the control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15, and produces the effect display device 5, speakers 8L, 8R. In addition, various circuits for controlling the production operation by the production electrical parts such as the game effect lamp 9 are mounted. That is, the effect control board 12 provides effects such as display operations on the effect display device 5, all or part of sound output operations from the speakers 8L and 8R, and all or part of lighting / extinguishing operations on the game effect lamp 9 or the like. A function of determining the control content for causing the electrical component to execute a predetermined performance operation is provided.

  The sound control board 13 is a control board for sound output control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and outputs sound from the speakers 8 </ b> L and 8 </ b> R based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12. For example, a processing circuit for executing audio signal processing is mounted. The lamp control board 14 is a control board for lamp output control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and is turned on / off in the game effect lamp 9 and the like based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12. A lamp driver circuit for driving is mounted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main board 11 has wiring for transmitting detection signals from the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port switch 22B, the count switches 23A and 23B, and the out ball switch 24. It is connected. The gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port switch 22B, the count switches 23A and 23B, and the out ball switch 24 are game balls as game media such as what are called sensors. Any configuration can be used as long as it has an arbitrary configuration. Further, the main board 11 includes a first special symbol display 4A, a second special symbol display 4B, a normal symbol display 20, a first hold indicator 25A, a second hold indicator 25B, and a general figure hold indicator 25C. Wiring for transmitting a command signal for performing display control such as is connected.

  A control signal transmitted from the main board 11 toward the effect control board 12 is relayed by the relay board 15. The control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the relay board 15 is, for example, an effect control command transmitted and received as an electric signal. In the effect control command, for example, a change pattern designation command indicating a change pattern indicating a change pattern such as a change time of an effect symbol, a type of reach effect, and the presence or absence of a pseudo-continuous, and an image display operation in the effect display device 5 are controlled. Display control commands used for the purpose, voice control commands used for controlling the sound output from the speakers 8L, 8R, lamp control commands used for controlling the lighting operation of the game effect lamp 9 and the decoration LED, etc. It is included.

  The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101 for storing a game control program, fixed data, and the like, and a game control work area. A RAM (RandomAccessMemory) 102 to be provided; a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103 that executes a control program by executing a game control program; a random number circuit 104 that updates numeric data indicating a random number value independently of the CPU 103; And an I / O (Input / Output port) 105.

  As an example, in the game control microcomputer 100, a process for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is executed by the CPU 103 executing a program read from the ROM 101. At this time, the CPU 103 reads fixed data from the ROM 101, the CPU 103 writes various fluctuation data to the RAM 102 and temporarily stores the fluctuation data, and the CPU 103 temporarily stores the various fluctuation data. The CPU 103 receives the input of various signals from outside the game control microcomputer 100 via the I / O 105, and the CPU 103 goes outside the game control microcomputer 100 via the I / O 105. A transmission operation for outputting various signals is also performed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the effect control board 12 is provided with an effect control CPU 120 that performs a control operation according to a program, a ROM 121 that stores an effect control program, fixed data, and the like, and a work area for the effect control CPU 120. Random number which updates the numerical data which shows the random value independently of RAM122 which performs, the display control part 123 which performs the process for determining the control content of the display operation in the production | presentation display apparatus 5, and CPU120 for production control A circuit 124 and an I / O 125 are mounted.

  As an example, in the effect control board 12, when the effect control CPU 120 executes an effect control program read from the ROM 121, a process for controlling the effect operation by the effect electric component is executed. At this time, the effect control CPU 120 reads the fixed data from the ROM 121, the effect control CPU 120 writes the various data to the RAM 122 and temporarily stores the data, and the effect control CPU 120 stores the effect data in the RAM 122. Fluctuation data reading operation for reading out various fluctuation data temporarily stored, the reception control CPU 120 for receiving the input of various signals from the outside of the presentation control board 12 via the I / O 125, and the presentation control CPU 120 for I / O A transmission operation for outputting various signals to the outside of the effect control board 12 via O125 is also performed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the effect display device 5 is disposed on the back side of the game board 2 and can be visually recognized through the opening 2c formed in the game board 2. Note that a frame-shaped center decorative frame 51 is provided in the opening 2 c in the game board 2. In addition, an effect unit (not shown) is provided between the back of the game board 2 and the effect display device 5, and the effect control board 12 has various motors, solenoids, sensors, light emission provided in the effect unit. A plurality of electronic components such as diodes (LEDs) are connected. In FIG. 2, these electronic components are not shown.

  Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in this embodiment will be described. In the main board 11, when power supply from a predetermined power supply board is started, the game control microcomputer 100 is activated, and the CPU 103 executes a predetermined process as a game control main process. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the CPU of the game control microcomputer. When the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes high level, the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 executes a security check process that is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid. The main processing after step S1 is started. In the main process, the CPU 103 first performs necessary initial settings.

  In the initial setting process, the CPU 103 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, an interrupt mode for maskable interrupts is set (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set for the stack pointer (step S3). In step S2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) of the microcomputer 100 for game control and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is Set to the mode indicating the interrupt address. When a maskable interrupt occurs, the CPU 103 automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter in the stack.

  Next, the built-in device register is set (initialized) (step S5). By the processing in step S5, the CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits) are set (initialized).

  The game control microcomputer 100 used in this embodiment also includes an I / O port (PIO) and a timer / counter circuit (CTC).

  Next, the CPU 103 sets the RAM 102 in an accessible state (step S6), and proceeds to a clear signal check process.

  Note that a software delay process for delaying the start timing of the game device control process (game control process) for controlling the progress of the game by software may be executed. By such software delay processing, the start timing of the game control processing can be delayed as compared with the case where the software delay processing is not executed. When the delay process is executed, a situation occurs in which the microcomputer of the other control board cannot receive the command transmitted from the game control board (main board 11) to the other control board (for example, the payout control board). Can be prevented.

  Next, the CPU 103 confirms whether or not the clear switch is turned on (step S7). Note that the CPU 103 may confirm the state of the clear signal only once via the input port 0, but may confirm the state of the clear signal a plurality of times. For example, if it is confirmed that the state of the clear signal is an off state, after a delay time of a predetermined time (for example, 0.1 seconds), the state of the clear signal is reconfirmed. If it is confirmed that the clear signal is in the on state at that time, it is determined that the clear signal is in the on state. Further, at this time, if it is confirmed that the state of the clear signal is the off state, after a delay time of a predetermined time, the state of the clear signal may be confirmed again. Here, the number of reconfirmations is not limited to once or twice, but may be three or more times. It is also possible to check twice and check again when the check results do not match.

  If the clear switch is not turned on in step S7, whether or not data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) has been performed when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped Confirm (step S8). In this embodiment, when power supply is stopped, a process for protecting data in the backup RAM area is performed. When it is confirmed that such power supply stop processing has been performed, the CPU 103 determines that the power supply stop processing has been performed, that is, the control state at the time of power supply stop is stored. . When it is confirmed that the power supply stop process is not performed, the CPU 103 executes an initialization process.

  Whether or not the power supply stop process has been performed is determined based on the value of the backup monitoring timer stored in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process according to the execution of the power supply stop process (for example, 2). ) Is confirmed by whether or not. Note that such a confirmation method is merely an example. For example, a flag indicating that the power supply stop process has been executed is set in the backup flag area in the power supply stop process, and the flag is set in step S8. If it is confirmed that the power supply is stopped, it may be determined that the power supply stop process has been performed.

  If it is determined that the control state at the time of stopping power supply is stored, the CPU 103 performs data check (parity check in this example) in the backup RAM area (step S9). In this embodiment, clear data (00) is set in the checksum data area, and the checksum calculation start address is set in the pointer. Also, the number of checksum calculations corresponding to the number of data to be checksum is set. Then, the exclusive OR of the contents of the checksum data area and the contents of the RAM area pointed to by the pointer is calculated. The calculation result is stored in the checksum data area, the pointer value is incremented by 1, and the checksum calculation count value is decremented by 1. The above processing is repeated until the value of the checksum calculation count becomes zero. When the value of the checksum calculation count becomes 0, the CPU 103 inverts the value of each bit of the contents of the checksum data area and uses the inverted data as a checksum.

  In the power supply stop process, a checksum is calculated by the same process as described above, and the checksum is stored in the backup RAM area. In step S9, the calculated checksum is compared with the stored checksum. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power failure or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area may be different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, the initialization process (the process of steps S10 to S14) executed when the power is turned on, not when the power supply is stopped is stopped. Run.

  If the check result is normal, the CPU 103 performs a game state restoration process for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electrical component control means such as the effect control means to the state when the power supply is stopped. Specifically, the start address of the backup setting table stored in the ROM 101 is set as a pointer (step S41), and the contents of the backup setting table are sequentially set in the work area (area in the RAM 102) (step S42). ). The work area is backed up by a backup power source. In the backup setting table, initialization data for an area that may be initialized in the work area is set. As a result of the processing in steps S41 and S42, the saved contents of the work area that should not be initialized remain as they are. The parts that should not be initialized include, for example, data indicating the gaming state before the power supply is stopped (special symbol process flag, probability change flag, etc.), the area where the output state of the output port is saved (output port buffer), This is a portion where data indicating the number of payout prize balls is set.

  Further, the CPU 103 sets the head address of the backup command transmission table stored in the ROM 101 as a pointer (step S43). Further, the CPU 103 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery (step S44). Then, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 103 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). The predetermined data may be left as it is without initializing the entire area of the RAM 102. Also, the initial address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 101 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area (step S12).

  By the processing of steps S11 and S12, for example, a normal symbol determination random number counter, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol buffer, a special symbol process flag, a winning ball flag, a ball-out flag, and the like are selectively processed according to the control state. An initial value is set in a flag for performing the above.

  Further, the CPU 103 sets the start address of the initialization command transmission table stored in the ROM 101 as a pointer (step S13), and transmits an initialization command for initializing the sub board according to the contents to the sub board. Processing is executed (step S14). As the initialization command, a command indicating an initial symbol displayed on the effect display device 5, an initialization command to the payout control board 91, or the like can be used.

  Then, the CPU 103 executes a timer interrupt setting process for setting a CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 100 so that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every predetermined time (for example, 4 ms) ( Step S16). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 4 ms is set as an initial value in a predetermined register (time constant register). In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 4 ms.

  When the setting of the timer interrupt is completed, the CPU 103 first disables the interrupt (step S17), and executes the initial value random number update process (step S18a) and the display random number update process (step S18b). The interrupt is permitted again (step S19). That is, the CPU 103 sets the interrupt disabled state when the initial value random number update process and the display random number update process are executed, and interrupts enable state when the initial value random number update process and the display random number update process are finished. To.

  The initial value random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. The initial value random number is a random number for determining the type of jackpot (for example, a jackpot symbol determining random number for determining a special symbol for generating a jackpot or whether to shift the gaming state to a probable state) Initial value of the count value such as a counter (determination random number generation counter) for generating a probability variation determining random number for generating, a normal random number for determining whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol It is a random number for determining the value. Game control processing described later (the game control microcomputer 100 controls the game devices such as the effect display device 5, the ordinary variable winning ball device 6B, and the payout device (not shown) provided in the game machine itself. In the process of transmitting or sending a command signal to cause another microcomputer to control, or a gaming device control process), when the count value of the determination random number generation counter makes one round, an initial value is set in the counter. The

  The display random number is a random number for determining the display of the special symbol display (first special symbol display 4A, second special symbol display 4B). In this embodiment, as a display random number, a random number for determining a variation pattern for determining a variation pattern of a special symbol, or a random number for determining a reach for determining whether or not to reach when a big hit is not generated is used. It is done. The display random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number.

  In addition, when the display random number update process is executed, the interrupt disabled state is executed by the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process also in the timer interrupt process described later (that is, the timer This is because the same process is executed in steps S26 and S27 of the interrupt process), so as to avoid conflict with the process in the timer interrupt process. That is, if a timer interrupt is generated during the processing of steps S18a and S18b and the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and the display random number is updated during the timer interrupt processing, The continuity of values may be impaired. However, such an inconvenience does not occur if the interrupt is prohibited during the processing of steps S18a and S18b.

  Next, the timer interrupt process will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process. During execution of the main process, specifically, when a timer interrupt occurs during a period in which the interrupt is permitted during the execution of the loop process of steps S17 to S19, the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 A timer interrupt process that is activated in response to the occurrence of a timer interrupt is executed. In the timer interrupt process, the CPU 103 first executes a power-off process (power-off detection process) for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether the power-on signal is turned on) (step S20). Then, the CPU 103 inputs detection signals from the switches such as the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port switch 22B, the count switches 23A and 23B, and the like via the switch circuit 110, and An input is detected (switch process: step S21). Specifically, if the state of the input port for inputting the detection signal of each switch is ON, the value of the switch timer provided corresponding to each switch is incremented by one.

  Next, the CPU 103 displays a special symbol display (first special symbol display 4A, second special symbol display 4B), normal symbol display 20, first hold indicator 25A, second hold indicator 25B, general symbol. A display control process for controlling the display of the hold indicator 25C is executed (step S22). For the special symbol display (the first special symbol display 4A, the second special symbol display 4B) and the normal symbol display 20, for each display according to the contents of the output buffer set in steps S36 and S37. Control to output the drive signal.

  Next, the CPU 103 executes a winning notification process for detecting the occurrence of an abnormal winning at the big winning opening 7A and notifying the abnormality (step S24).

  After step S24, the CPU 103 performs processing for updating the count value of each counter for generating each determination random number such as a random number for determination per ordinary symbol used for game control (determination random number update processing: step S25). ). Further, the CPU 103 performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number (initial value random number update process: step S26). Further, the CPU 103 performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number (display random number update process: step S27).

  Next, the CPU 103 performs special symbol process processing (step S28). In the special symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. The value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state. Further, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S29). In the normal symbol process, the corresponding process is selected and executed according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 20 in a predetermined order. The value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

  Next, the CPU 103 performs a process of transmitting an effect control command related to the effect symbol synchronized with the variation of the special symbol to the effect control microcomputer (effect symbol command control process: step S30). Note that the fact that the change in the design symbol is synchronized with the change in the special symbol means that the change time (variable display period) is the same.

  Next, the CPU 103 performs information output processing for outputting data such as a start port signal supplied to the hall management computer, a symbol determination number 1 signal, a symbol determination number 2 signal, a jackpot 1 to 3 signal, a time reduction signal, and the like. (Step S31).

  Further, the CPU 103 executes prize ball processing for setting the number of prize balls based on the detection signals from the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port switch 22B, the count switches 23A and 23B ( Step S32). Specifically, the payout control board 91 is activated in response to detection of a winning based on one of the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port switch 22B, and the count switches 23A and 23B being turned on. A payout control command (award ball number signal) indicating the number of prize balls is output to a mounted payout control microcomputer. The payout control microcomputer drives a payout device (not shown) in response to a payout control command indicating the number of prize balls.

  In addition, a test terminal process, which is a process for outputting a test signal for enabling the control state of the gaming machine to be confirmed outside the gaming machine, is executed (step S33). In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided, but the CPU 103 outputs the contents related to the solenoid in the RAM area of the output port 0 to the output port. (Step S34: Output processing). Then, the CPU 103 executes a storage process for checking increase / decrease in the number of reserved storage (step S35).

  Further, the CPU 103 performs special symbol display control processing for setting special symbol display control data for effect display of special symbols in an output buffer for setting special symbol display control data in accordance with the value of the special symbol process flag ( Step S36). Further, the CPU 103 performs a normal symbol display control process for setting normal symbol display control data for effect display of the normal symbol in an output buffer for setting the normal symbol display control data according to the value of the normal symbol process flag ( Step S37).

  Next, the CPU 103 performs a status display lamp display process for setting status display control data for displaying each status display lamp in an output buffer for setting the status display control data (step S38). In this case, when the gaming state is also controlled to a high probability state (for example, a probability variation state), the state display control data for displaying the state indicator lamp indicating the high probability state is set in the output buffer. You may make it do. Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (step S39), and the process is terminated.

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 4 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes of steps S21 to S39 (excluding steps S31 and S33) in the timer interrupt process. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed in the main process. It may be executed.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process (step S26) program executed by the game control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the CPU 103) mounted on the main board 11. As described above, in the special symbol process, a process for controlling the first special symbol display 4A or the second special symbol display 4B and the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is executed. In the special symbol process, the CPU 103 detects that the first start port switch 22A for detecting that the game ball P has won the first start winning port, or that the game ball P has won the second start winning port. If the second start opening switch 22B is turned on, that is, if a start winning to the first start winning opening or a start winning to the second starting winning opening has occurred, the start opening switch passing process is executed. (Steps S311, S312). Then, any one of steps S300 to S308 is performed. If the first start winning port switch 13a or the second start port switch 22B is not turned on, any one of steps S300 to S308 is performed according to the internal state. The processes in steps S300 to S308 are as follows.

  Special symbol normal processing (step S300): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is zero. When the game control microcomputer 100 is in a state where variable symbol special display can be started, the game control microcomputer 100 checks the number of numerical data stored in the reserved storage number buffer (total number of reserved storage). The stored number of numerical data stored in the pending storage number buffer can be confirmed by the count value of the total pending storage number counter. Also, if the count value of the total pending storage number counter is not 0, whether or not the variation display result of the special symbol or effect symbol is “big hit” based on the numerical data indicating the random value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result Is determined (predetermined) before the fluctuation display result is derived and displayed. Further, in the special symbol normal process, in response to the special symbol variation display result in the special symbol game, the confirmed special symbol (the jackpot symbol or the like in the special symbol game by the first special symbol indicator 4A or the second special symbol indicator 4B). One of the lost symbols) is set. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (1 in this example) according to step S301. The jackpot flag is reset when the jackpot game ends.

  Fluctuation pattern setting process (step S301): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 1. Also, the variation pattern is determined, and the variation time in the variation pattern (variable display time: the time from the start of variable display until the display result is derived and displayed (stop display)) is defined as the variation display variation time of the special symbol. Decide to do. Also, a variable time timer for measuring the special symbol variable time is started. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (2 in this example) corresponding to step S302.

  Display result designation command transmission process (step S302): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 2. Control is performed to transmit a display result designation command to the effect control microcomputer. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (3 in this example) corresponding to step S303.

  Special symbol changing process (step S303): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 3. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern setting process elapses (the variation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the variation time timer value becomes 0), the symbol confirmation designation is given to the effect control microcomputer. Control to transmit the command is performed, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (4 in this example) corresponding to step S304. The effect control microcomputer controls the effect display device 5 to stop the fourth symbol when receiving the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 100.

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. When the big hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. If the big hit flag is not set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S300 (0 in this example). In this embodiment, the special symbol display control data for stopping and displaying the stop symbol of the special symbol in the special symbol display control processing, as will be described later, based on the value of the special symbol process flag being 4. Is set in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data, and the stop symbol of the special symbol is actually stopped and displayed in accordance with the set contents of the output buffer in the display control processing in step S22.

  Preliminary winning opening opening process (step S305): This is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 5. In the pre-opening process for the big prize opening, control for opening the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is performed. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big winning opening 7A) is initialized, and the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is opened by driving the solenoids 82A and 82B. . Also, the execution time of the special prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S306 (6 in this example). The pre-opening process for the big prize opening is executed for each round, but when starting one round, the pre-opening process for the big winning opening is also a process for starting the big hit game.

  Large winning opening opening process (step S306): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 6. A control for transmitting an effect control command for a round display during the big hit gaming state to the microcomputer for effect control, a process for confirming that the closing condition of the special variable winning ball device 7 is satisfied, and the like are performed. If the closing condition for the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S305 (5 in this example). When all the rounds are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S307 (7 in this example).

  Post-winner opening process (step S307): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 7. After the last round in the big hit gaming state is completed and the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is closed, a process for waiting until the timing when the big hit gaming state ends is performed. When the timing for ending the big hit gaming state is reached, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308.

  Big hit end process (step S308): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 8. Control is performed to cause the microcomputer for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. In addition, a process for setting a flag indicating a gaming state (for example, a probability change flag, a time reduction flag) is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the pre-opening process for the special winning opening. In the process for pre-opening the big prize opening, first, the CPU 103 decrements the timer before opening the big prize opening by 1 (step S1401). Then, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the pre-winner opening timer has timed out (step S1402). When the timeout has occurred, the CPU 103 sets the value of the round number counter in the EXT data, and transmits a special winning opening open designation command (step S1403).

  Thereafter, the CPU 103 sets 0 to a winning number counter indicating the number of winning game balls P in the same round (step S1404), and sets an opening time corresponding to the round number counter to an opening time timer (step S1408). Here, the opening time is set according to the jackpot type and the number of rounds. Specifically, step S1408 is realized by using the opening / closing time table shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an open / close time table in which open / close times for each round are set. For example, FIG. 7 (1) shows the opening / closing time in each round when the big hit type is a normal big hit or a probable big hit A. Specifically, in step S1408, if the big hit type is a normal big hit or a probable big hit A, 27 seconds is set as the opening time for any number of rounds. In addition, when the open state in the round ends, if the number of rounds (that is, the value of the round number counter) is 1 to 14, 0.8 seconds, and if the number of rounds is 15, 3.0 seconds. , Set as closing time respectively.

  Further, for example, FIG. 7B shows the opening / closing time in each round when the big hit type is a probable big hit B. Specifically, in step S1408, when the big hit type is a probable big hit B, if the number of rounds (that is, the value of the round number counter) is 1 to 8, 27 seconds is set as the opening time, and the number of rounds Is any one of 9 to 15, 0.1 seconds is set as the opening time. Also, when the open state in the round ends, if the number of rounds (that is, the value of the round number counter) is 1 to 8, 0.8 seconds, and if the number of rounds is 9 to 14, 1 .5 seconds, if the number of rounds is 15, 3.0 seconds is set as the closing time respectively. Thereby, the opening / closing pattern of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is realized.

  After step S1408, the CPU 103 controls the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 to the open state (step S1410), and updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the large winning opening opening process (step S306) ( Step S1412).

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process during opening of the special winning opening. In the special winning opening opening process, first, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the count switches 23A and 23B are turned on, that is, whether or not a winning of a game ball to the special winning opening 7A is detected (step S1451). ), If not, the process proceeds to step S1453. If the count switches 23A and 23B are on, the value of the winning number counter is incremented by 1 (step S1452).

  Next, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the value of the winning number counter is 10 (step S1453). If not, the CPU 103 decrements the opening time timer (step S1454), and whether the opening time timer has timed out. It is determined whether or not (step S1455). If it has not timed out, the process for opening the big prize opening is ended as it is. If the value of the winning number counter is 10 in step S1453 or if the open time timer has timed out in step S1455, the CPU 103 controls the special variable winning ball device 7 to be closed (step S1468). As a result, the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is controlled to be closed when ten game balls are won in the big winning opening 7A or when the opening time timer times out. It should be noted that the order of determining whether or not 10 game balls have won in the big winning opening 7A and determining whether or not the opening time timer has timed out is not limited to this.

  Thereafter, the CPU 103 sets the value of the round number counter in the EXT data and transmits a designation command after the special winning opening is released (step S1470), whether or not the value of the round number counter is 15, that is, the final round is It is determined whether or not the processing has been completed (step S1471). If the final round has not ended, a timer for opening a big prize opening is set according to the value of the round number counter (step S1472). Here, specifically, the closing time is set in the pre-opening timer opening timer using the opening / closing time table described above with reference to FIG. Then, the CPU 103 increments the value of the round number counter by 1 (step S1473), updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the pre-opening process for the big winning opening (step S305) (step S1475), Terminate the process during opening.

  If it is determined in step S1471 that the value of the round number counter is 15, the CPU 103 sets the closing time in the timer after opening the big prize opening according to the value of the round number counter (step S1476). The timer after opening the big prize opening is a timer that measures the time from the end of the 15th round until the end of the big hit gaming state. At this time, since the number of rounds is 15, 3.0 seconds is set as a timer after the big winning opening is opened for any type of big hit. Then, the CPU 103 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special winning opening opening post-processing (step S307) (step S1477), and ends the special winning opening open process.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the post-opening process for the special winning opening. In the process after opening the big prize opening, first, the CPU 103 decrements the timer after opening the big prize opening by 1 (step S2900). Then, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the timer after the big winning opening is timed out (step S2901), and if it does not time out, the processing after the big winning opening is ended as it is, and the timer after the big winning opening is timed out. Wait until. If the timer after the big winning opening is timed out, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit ending process (step S308) (step S2902), and the processing after the big winning opening is ended. In this way, in the post-opening process of the big winning opening, by waiting for the timer after the big winning opening to time out and then proceeding to the big winning end process, the final round in the big winning gaming state is completed for 3.0 seconds. It is supposed to ensure that the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is closed. As described above, the count switches 23A and 23B are installed at a position where the game ball can be detected by 2.0 seconds after the game ball has won the big winning opening 7A. The game ball that has won the big winning opening 7A immediately before (just before the closed state) is detected by the count switches 23A and 23B during the post-opening processing of the big winning opening.

  Next, the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a front view showing the special variable winning ball apparatus. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the special variable winning ball apparatus is viewed obliquely from behind. 12A is a perspective view showing a closed state of the special variable winning ball apparatus, and FIG. 12B is a perspective view showing an open state. 13A and 13B are perspective views showing the inside of the special winning opening. FIG. 14A is a front view showing the main part in the special winning opening, and FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. FIGS. 16A and 16B are perspective views showing a special prize opening door, and FIG. 16B is a plan view. 17A is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 16B, FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 16B, and FIG. 17C is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. FIG. FIG. 18A is a schematic plan view showing a state where the game ball P flows down on the grand prize winning door, and FIG. 18B is a GG cross-sectional view of FIG. FIG. 19A is a schematic plan view showing a state in which a game ball flows down in the special winning opening, and FIG. 19B is a G′-G ′ cross-sectional view of FIG. FIG. 20A is a schematic plan view showing a state in which a game ball flows down on the prize winning door, and FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view taken along line HH in FIG. FIG. 21A is a schematic plan view showing a state in which a game ball flows down in the special winning opening, and FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view taken along line H′-H ′ of FIG. FIG. 22A is a perspective view showing a state in which a game ball flows down the junction, FIG. 22B is a plan view of FIG. A, and FIG. 22C is a longitudinal sectional view of FIG. FIG. 23A is a perspective view showing a state in which a game ball flows down the junction, FIG. 23B is a plan view of FIG. 23A, and FIG. 23C is a longitudinal sectional view of FIG. FIG. 24A is an explanatory diagram showing a state where game balls flow down the merging portion when there is no retracting portion, and FIG. 24B is an explanation showing a state where game balls flow down the merging portion when there is a retracting portion. FIG. FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the time of the game ball passing through the special variable winning device and the round interval at the time of the big hit, (A) is a diagram conceptually showing the flow time of the game ball, (B) Is a timing chart of opening and closing of the special variable winning device at the time of a big hit.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 includes a base plate 501 attached to the game board surface of the game board 2, a passage forming member 502 attached to the front side of the base board 501, and a big prize opening. A front-rear direction between a closed position where the door 7B protrudes toward the game area 10 and closes the big prize opening 7A and an open position where the door 7B retreats from the game area 10 to the game board 2 side and opens the big prize opening 7A And a drive unit 503 that slides substantially horizontally toward.

  A passage gate 41 is provided on the upper right side of the base plate 501. In addition, an opening 504 having a horizontally long rectangular shape inclined diagonally to the left is formed on the left side of the passage gate 41, and a plate-like big prize opening door 7B is movable in the front-rear direction in the opening 504. Provided. The big prize opening door 7B is provided at a substantially central position in the up-down direction of the opening 504 so as to be inclined obliquely to the left, and the game ball P that has flowed into the upper surface of the big prize opening door 7B can flow downward. ing.

  A concave rear wall 540 is formed on the back surface of the base plate 501 so as to cover the back surface side of the opening 504. A horizontally long hole 541 (see FIG. 15) is formed on the back surface of the rear wall 540, and the big prize opening door 7 </ b> B is provided so as to be movable in the front-rear direction while being inserted into the hole 541. The gap formed between the hole 541 and the upper surface 7F of the prize winning door 7B is shorter than the diameter of the game ball P so that the game ball P does not flow out to the back side through the gap. It has become.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the upper surface 7F of the special prize opening door 7B is an inclined surface that can flow down toward the lower inclined side on the left side while meandering the game ball P flowing in from the upper inclined side on the right side. It is said that. Specifically, it has an inclined surface 570A inclined downward toward the rear side, an inclined surface 570B inclined downward toward the left side, and an inclined surface 570C inclined downward toward the front side. By connecting the inclined surfaces 570A to 570C continuously, an inclined surface that causes the game ball P flowing in from the upper inclined side on the right side to fold back and forth to the left and flow down toward the lower inclined side on the left side. It is composed.

  In the present embodiment, the top surface 7F of the big prize opening door 7B constituting the bottom surface from which the game ball can flow down is formed by connecting a plurality of inclined surfaces 570A to 570C having different inclination directions. The present invention is not limited to this, and the game ball P flowing in from the upper inclined side on the right side can flow down toward the lower inclined side on the left side while meandering back and forth to the left. If there is, for example, it may be formed by one continuous inclined surface that gradually inclines from the upper inclined side on the right side toward the lower inclined side on the left side.

  The opening 504 has a size capable of passing the game ball P above and below the special winning opening door 7B. Further, plate-shaped restricting pieces 505a to 505c facing the front-rear direction are suspended downward from the upper edge of the opening 504.

  On the right side of the lower edge of the opening 504 in the base plate 501, a passage wall 510 that is inclined downward toward the front is provided toward the back side. On the lower left side of the passage wall 510, passage walls 511 and 512 that are inclined downward toward the rear are juxtaposed, and a game ball P falls on the lower end of the inclination of the passage walls 511 and 512 ( Outflow outlets 542A and 542B are formed. Count switches 23A and 23B are provided below the outflow ports 542A and 542B, respectively, and detect the game ball P flowing out from the outflow ports 542A and 542B. The game ball P that has passed through the count switches 23A and 23B flows down a discharge path (not shown) and is discharged out of the gaming machine. A passage wall 513 that is inclined downward toward the front is provided on the upper left side of the passage wall 512.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the passage walls 511 and 512 are provided on the left side of the passage wall 510 at a position lower than the passage wall 510. The passage walls 511 and 512 are arranged side by side apart from each other, and a partition wall 550 is provided between the passage walls 511 and 512. The partition wall 550 extends from the front ends of the passage walls 511 and 512 to the rear wall 540, and the upper surface thereof is provided substantially horizontally in the front-rear direction. The upper surface of the partition wall 550 includes an inclined surface 550A inclined downward toward the right passage wall 511 and an inclined surface 550B inclined downward toward the left passage wall 512. P is allowed to flow down to one of the left and right passage walls 511 and 512.

  Further, a standing wall 540A constituting a part of the rear wall 540 is provided on the back side of the outlets 542A, 542B when viewed from the passage walls 511, 512. The standing wall 540A is formed with a concave evacuation part 560 (retraction area) in which the game ball P can be retreated, as will be described later. The retracting portion 560 is formed in a substantially quadrangular shape when viewed from the front, the right side is positioned at a substantially central position of the left and right width of the passage wall 511, the left side is positioned at a substantially central position of the left and right width of the passage wall 512, and the lower side Is located at substantially the same height as the left and right sides of the inclined lower surfaces of the inclined surfaces 550A and 550B of the partition wall 550.

  Further, the retracting portion 560 has a front opening formed larger than the game ball P, and the depth dimension L1 is about 1.8 mm, that is, shorter than the radius (about 5.5 mm) of the game ball P. Yes. The lower side is a horizontal surface 560a, while the other periphery is a tapered surface 560b that inclines backward toward the inside. That is, although a part of the game ball P may enter the retreating part 560, the depth dimension L1 is about 1.8 mm and shorter than the radius (about 5.5 mm) of the game ball P. The game ball P is not maintained while entering the retreating part 560, but flows out immediately.

  Returning to FIGS. 10 to 12, the passage forming member 502 includes a plate-like portion 520 disposed substantially parallel to the base plate 501 at a position separated from the base plate 501 by a distance equal to or larger than the diameter of the game ball P, The passage walls 521a to 521d, which are provided on the back side of the shaped portion 520 and constitute the bottom surface from which the game ball P can flow down, and are located rearward from the upper surface of the passage walls 521a to 521d above the diameter of the game ball P. And restricting pieces 506a to 506c to be protruded. As shown in FIG. 18, the restriction piece 506a is disposed between the restriction pieces 505a and 505b, the restriction piece 506b is disposed between the restriction pieces 505b and 505c, and the restriction piece 506c is disposed on the left side of the restriction piece 505c. Thus, the game ball P can pass between the restriction pieces 505a to 505c on the base plate 501 side and the restriction pieces 506a to 506c on the passage forming member 502 side.

  The passage wall 521a is provided at a position corresponding to the passage gate 41 so as to be inclined downward toward the left side, and the passage wall 521b is provided at a position corresponding to the passage wall 510 so as to be inclined downward toward the left side. The passage wall 521c is provided so as to be inclined downward toward the rear side at a position corresponding to the passage walls 511 and 512, and the passage wall 521d is downward toward the left side at a position corresponding to the passage wall 513. It is provided to be inclined.

  Thus, by assembling the passage forming member 502 on the front side of the base plate 501, a space through which the game ball P can pass is formed between the base plate 501 and the plate-like portion 520, and corresponds to the opening 504. Above the passage walls 521b, 521c and the passage walls 510, the passage walls 511, 512 disposed at the positions where the game ball P is opened, a big winning opening 7A (FIGS. ), And the large winning opening 7A can be opened and closed by the large winning opening door 7B.

  The passage walls 510 to 513 and the passage walls 521a to 521d constitute a bottom surface on which the game ball P can flow down. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the flow path through which the game ball P that has entered the prize winning opening 7 </ b> A flows down is the path A that falls downward (flows down) from the prize winning opening 7 </ b> A, the path B that flows down the passage wall 510, It includes a plurality of paths including a path C that flows down the passage walls 512b and 512c, a path D that flows down the passage wall 511, and a path E that flows down the passage wall 512. As described above, the plurality of paths through which the game balls P that have entered the prize winning opening 7A flow down are not only a plurality of paths (for example, paths B to E) partitioned by walls or the like but also from the prize winning opening 7A. A space having a plurality of trajectories through which the game ball P can flow down, such as a path A that falls (flows down), is also included.

  Further, in the lower region of the big prize opening 7A, that is, the passage walls 510 to 512 and the passage walls 521b and 521c, the game balls P falling from above join when the big prize door 7B moves to the open position. It is a junction. Specifically, the passage walls 521b and 521c are merging portions where the game balls P flowing down the game area 10 can join when the grand prize opening door 7B is in the open position, and the passage walls 510 to 512 are game areas. The game balls P flowing down 10 do not merge, but as described later, the game balls P flowing down the upper surface 7F of the big prize door 7B fall when the big prize door 7B moves to the open position. It is a merging part that merges.

  In the present embodiment, the position near the outflow ports 542A and 542B in the passage walls 511 and 512 of the confluence portion below the large winning opening 7A is directed toward the outflow ports 542A and 542B where the count switches 23A and 23B are located. The game balls P that flow down are joined together S.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the drive unit 503 includes solenoids 82A and 82B, and connecting arms 530A and 530B that connect the tips of the plungers 82a of the solenoids 82A and 82B and the big prize opening door 7B. The solenoids 82A and 82B are provided such that the plunger 82a faces the left and right sides, and when not energized, the solenoid 82A and 82B are urged in a direction in which the plunger 82a protrudes by a compression spring 82b provided around the plunger 82a. The connecting arms 530A and 530B are connected at one end via a connecting shaft 531 that is provided at the rear of the prize winning door 7B and faces the vertical direction, and the other end is a shaft that faces the case cover (not shown). The members 532A and 532B are supported so as to be rotatable. Further, the connecting arms 530A and 530B are connected to the tips of the plungers 82a of the solenoids 82A and 82B via the connecting shafts 533A and 533B at positions near the shaft members 532A and 532B. Further, the connecting shaft 531 is guided substantially horizontally toward the front-rear direction by a guide groove 534 facing the front-rear direction formed in a case cover (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 18, the drive unit 503 configured as described above is configured so that when the solenoids 82A and 82B are in a non-energized state, the plunger 82a protrudes from the main body by the urging force of the compression spring 82b. The connecting shaft 531 of 530A and 530B is moved to the front end of the guide groove 534, and thereby the big prize opening door 7B is in a closed state where the game ball P does not enter (or is difficult to enter) into the big prize opening 7A. In the closed state, the upstream end on the right side of the prize winning door 7B and the passage wall 521a are located at substantially the same height and are flush with each other, and the downstream end on the left side of the prize winning door 7B. And the passage wall 513 are substantially flush with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 19, when the solenoids 82A and 82B are energized, the plunger 82a retracts toward the main body against the urging force of the compression spring 82b, so that the connecting shaft 531 of the connecting arms 530A and 530B. Is moved to the rear end of the guide groove 534, whereby the special winning opening door 7B is in an open state in which the game ball P enters (or is easy to enter) into the special winning opening 7A.

  Next, the flow situation of the game ball P in the special variable winning ball device 7 will be described based on FIGS.

  First, as shown in FIG. 18, the case where the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is in the closed state, that is, the case where the special winning opening door 7B is in the closed position will be described. In the present embodiment, when the player operates the hitting operation handle, the game ball P is launched to the right side of the game area 10 (for example, the right side of the effect display device 5) by the launching device (not shown) (so-called right By hitting), at least a part of the launched game ball P is guided to the special variable winning ball apparatus 7. In the present embodiment, when the game ball P is fired to the right side of the game area 10, at least a part of the fired game ball P is guided to the special variable winning ball device 7. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, at least a part of the game ball P launched to the left of the game area 10 may be guided to the special variable winning ball apparatus 7.

  The game ball P guided by the special variable winning ball device 7 and passing through the passing gate 41 and falling onto the passage wall 521a flows down toward the left side and flows onto the upper surface 7F of the big winning door 7B. The game ball P that has flowed onto the upper surface 7F flows down toward the left side while meandering back and forth on the inclined surfaces 570A to 570C (see FIGS. 16 and 17), as indicated by a one-dot chain line in the drawing. Further, the game balls P that have flowed down to the left on the respective inclined surfaces 570B are restricted from flowing to the left by the restricting pieces 506a to 506c, and the game balls P that have flowed to the left on the respective inclined surfaces 570B are The flow to the left is restricted by the restriction pieces 505b and 505c.

  In addition, the game ball P flowing down on the upper surface 7F of the grand prize winning door 7B is guided to the front side and the rear side of the base plate 501 through the opening 504 formed in the base plate 501. Since the game ball P flowing down on the upper surface 7F of the grand prize winning door 7B can be greatly meandered not only between the base plate 501 and the glass window 50a but also around the base plate 501, the special winning prize entrance door 7B. Even if the left and right dimensions are not increased, the flow path of the game ball P on the upper surface 7F can be made as long as possible.

  In the present embodiment, the game ball P flowing down on the upper surface 7F of the grand prize winning door 7B is guided to the front side and the rear side of the base plate 501 through the opening 504 formed in the base plate 501. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be meandered back and forth between the base plate 501 and the glass window 50a.

  The game ball P guided to the rear side by the restriction piece 506c flows down to the left side at the rear side of the restriction piece 506c, flows into the passage wall 513, is guided to the front passage wall 521d, and then to the left side. Leaked. As described above, when the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is in the closed state, the base plate 501 and the plate-like portion 520 are flown down toward the left side while meandering the upper surface 7F of the big winning opening door 7B back and forth. It takes longer to pass through the upper surface 7F of the big prize opening door 7B than to flow down in a straight line.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 19, when the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is in the open state, that is, when the big prize opening door 7B is in the open position, the big prize opening door 7B includes the passage wall 510, the passage The walls 511 and 512 and the passage wall 513 are retracted to the rear side. In the open position, the grand prize winning door 7B is arranged so as to cover about 2/3 of the rear side of the outlets 542A, 542B (count switches 23A, 23B) from above. That is, the special winning opening door 7B is arranged so that the front side is located in front of the center of the outlets 542A, 542B (count switches 23A, 23B).

  The game ball P that has passed through the passage gate 41 and dropped onto the passage wall 521a flows down toward the left side and then falls onto the passage wall 521b. Then, after flowing down to the left side, it is guided to the rear side by the passage wall 521c, flows down the passage walls 511 and 512, and passes through the count switches 23A and 23B. In this way, since the restricting pieces 506a to 506c are located above the passage walls 521b and 521c, the game balls P flowing down the passage walls 521b and 521c when the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is in the open state are restricted pieces 506a to 506a. Since the flow to the left side is not restricted by 506c, it flows down the passage walls 521b and 521c and the passage walls 511 and 512 and is smoothly guided to the count switches 23A and 23B.

  Further, in this embodiment, for example, when the right hitting operation is continued with the hitting operation handle in the probability changing state, the game ball P is shot at intervals of about 0.6 seconds by the launching device (not shown). Therefore, when the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is in the closed state and the player continues to make a right turn, as shown in FIG. 20, one gaming ball P passes through the upper surface of the big winning opening door 7B. In the meantime, subsequent balls flow in one after another, so that a plurality of game balls P (for example, about 8 to 10 balls) flow down on the upper surface of the grand prize winning door 7B.

  Therefore, in this state, when the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 changes from the closed state to the open state, that is, when the big prize opening door 7B slides from the closed position to the open position, the big prize opening door 7B is moved behind the rear wall 540. The plurality of game balls P on the upper surface 7F of the big prize opening door 7B are restricted from moving backward by the rear wall 540, and as shown in FIG. The plurality of game balls P on the upper surface 7F fall all at once on the passage walls 510 to 512 and the passage walls 521b and 521c. In other words, a plurality of game balls P on the upper surface 7F of the big prize opening door 7B enter the inside from the big prize opening 7A all at once. Note that the game ball P indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 21 shows an example of an arrangement position before dropping.

  As shown in FIG. 21, among the plurality of game balls P on the upper surface 7F of the prize winning door 7B, most of the game balls P that have fallen on the passage wall 510 flow down to the passage wall 521b, but will be described later. In addition, some game balls P may fall to the passage wall 510 side. Further, most of the game balls P falling on the passage wall 521b flow down to the left side, and most of the game balls P falling on the passage walls 511 and 512 flow down to the outlets 542A and 542B. In this way, since a plurality of game balls P enter the inside from the prize winning opening 7A all at once, the game balls P flowing down the passage walls 510, 511, 512, 512b, and 512c concentrate on the outlets 542A and 542B. The flow is made straight by flowing down the passage walls 511 and 512, and the game ball P flows out smoothly from the outlets 542A and 542B.

  Here, the other game balls P fall from the upper side, which is the other path A, to the joining portion S by dropping onto the plurality of game balls P that flow down the passage wall 511 that is one path D through which the game balls P can flow down. The flow situation of the game ball P in the case of joining together will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 22, in the situation where the game balls P1 and P2 flow down on the passage wall 511 and the game ball P3 which is a succeeding ball flowing down the passage wall 521b flows in, for example, at the junction S The game ball P4 that has fallen to the left side of the passage wall 510 due to the sliding movement of the big prize door 7B to the open position may jump and fall onto the game balls P1 and P2 flowing down the passage wall 510.

  Since the game ball P4 dropped between the game balls P1 and P2 cannot be balanced, for example, the game ball P4 spills on the partition wall 550 side, and the game balls P1 and P2 and the inclined surface 550A are in contact with each other at three points. It moves to the outlet 542A side together with the balls P1 and P2. At this time, since the ball pressure is applied to the game ball P2 from the game ball P3 toward the outlet 542A, the game balls P1, P2 and the inclined surface 550A 3 are not interrupted between the game balls P1, P2. It flows down in contact with points.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 23, when the game ball P1 falls from the outlet 542A, the subsequent game ball P2 falls from the outlet 542A. At this time, the game ball P4 is more than the game ball P2. It has moved to the upper position of the outlet 542A first, and a part of the game ball P4 reaches the path D of the game ball P2 (for example, as shown in FIG. 23B, a part of the game ball P4 is Therefore, the inflow of the game ball P2 to the outflow port 542A may be hindered.

  However, the game ball P4 that has moved to the upper position of the outlet 542A is pushed out to the upper left by the game ball P2, and a part of the game ball P4 enters the retreating unit 560. That is, the game ball P4 deviates from the path A where the game ball P4 flows down toward the outlet 542A, and is temporarily retracted to the retracting portion 560. As a result, a path D for the game ball P2 to fall to the outlet 542A is secured, so that the game ball P2 flows into the outlet 542A with priority over the game ball P4 and falls.

  Here, based on FIG. 24, the case where there is no evacuation unit 560 is compared with the case where there is no retraction unit 560. As shown in FIG. 24A, when the standing wall 540A does not have the retracting portion 560, the tip T1 on the downstream side of the game ball P2 that contacts the game ball P4 that is in contact with the standing wall 540A, and FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, when the standing wall 540A has the retracting portion 560, the position of the game ball P2 that is in contact with the game ball P4 that is in contact with the wall portion of the retracting portion 560 is compared with the downstream end portion T2. The tip portion T2 of the game ball P2 shown in FIG. 24 (B) is on the rear side of the tip portion T1 of the game ball P2 shown in FIG. The difference dimension L2 between the tip portions T1 and T2 is substantially the same as the depth dimension L1 of the retracting portion 560. Thus, since the retreating part 560 is present, the game ball P4 can be avoided behind the outflow port 542A, so that the flow of the game ball P2 is hardly hindered.

  In this way, the vicinity of the outlet 542A is a junction S where the game ball P2 flowing down the passage wall 511 which is one path D and the game ball P4 flowing down (falling) from the other path A merge. Among these one route D and other route A, a retreating unit 560 is provided that can retreat the game ball P4 flowing down the other route A. Specifically, the retracting portion 560 is provided on the standing wall 540A at a position where the game ball P flowing down the passage wall 511 can collide when flowing out from the outlet 542A, that is, at an upper position on the rear side of the outlet 542A. As a result, the game balls P1 to P3 that have flowed down the passage wall 511 are in a position that is difficult to enter even when they collide with the standing wall 540A beyond the outlet 542A. Does not disturb.

  As described above, the game ball P4 flowing down the other path A is retracted to the retracting portion 560, so that it can be temporarily avoided in the direction away from the outlet 542A. Since the outflow from the outflow port 542A of the game ball P2 to be played is less likely to be hindered, the ball pressures of both the game balls P2 and P4 that are in contact in front of the outflow port 542A become equal and balanced, and the outflow from the outflow port 542A This makes it easier to avoid clogging.

  Further, in this embodiment, the passage wall 511 that is one route D is a main route in which a plurality of game balls P1 to P3 join together and flow down in a daisy chain state, while the other route A in the daisy chain state is a daisy chain state. Therefore, when the game ball P2 and the game ball P4 come into contact with each other, the game ball P2 pushes the game ball P4 into the evacuation unit 560 because the ball pressure such as the subsequent game ball P3 is applied to the game ball P2. Therefore, the retreating unit 560 is provided at a position where it is easier to retreat the game ball P4 falling from above, which is the other route A than the game balls P1 to P3 flowing down the one route D. .

  Next, the game ball P3 flows down toward the outflow port 542A following the game ball P2, but when the game ball P4 that has been temporarily retracted to the retreating portion 560 falls, the game ball P4 is discharged. When the game ball P3 flows out from the outlet 542A and the game ball P3 approaches the outlet 542A before the game ball P4, the gaming ball P3 flows out from the outlet 542A. In addition, when a plurality of succeeding balls flow down in a daisy chain after the game ball P3, the game ball P flowing down the passage wall 511 is always subjected to the ball pressure of the succeeding ball, and therefore has priority over the game ball P4. And flows out from the outlet 542A.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 22B and 22C, when the big prize opening door 7B is in the open position, it is located above the outflow port 542A, so that it is in the closed position. Since the game ball P flowing down on the upper surface 7F does not fall directly to the outflow port 542A, the downflow speed increases and the game ball P can be detected by the count switches 23A and 23B near the lower side of the outflow port 542A. It is possible to avoid the occurrence of damage or contact with the count switches 23A and 23B.

  Here, the case where the game balls P1 to P3 flowing down the path D that is the passage wall 511 and the game balls P4 flowing down the path A are described, but the game ball that flows down the path E that is the path wall 512 Even when P and the game ball P flowing down the route A merge, the game ball P flowing down the route A retreats to the evacuation unit 560, so that the game balls P1 to P3 flowing down the route D and the route A Since the same action and effect as when the game ball P4 flowing down joins is obtained, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 14B, the retracting portion 560 has a passage wall 511 in a standing wall 540A that is erected on the back side of the outlets 542A and 542B when viewed from the passage walls 511 and 512 arranged in parallel with each other. , 512 are arranged so that a part (about half in this embodiment) corresponds to each of them, so that the game ball P that has interrupted one of the routes D, E is on the back side (rear side) And can be retracted to the side.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, as an example of a situation in which a large number of game balls P enter the winning prize opening 7A all at once, for example, a player performs a right-handed game in a probability change state or a short time state. When a big hit occurs when the first round of the big hit is started and the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 changes to an open state while the right hit is continued, it is on the upper surface 7F of the big winning opening door 7B. A large number of game balls P are to enter the big prize opening 7A all at once. However, even if such a situation occurs, even if a large number of game balls P enter the big prize opening 7A all at once due to the provision of the retreating unit 560 described above, It is possible to preferably avoid the occurrence of clogging in the vicinity of the outlets 542A and 542B.

  In addition, as an example of a situation in which a large number of game balls P enter the big winning opening 7A all at once, if a big hit occurs when the player is playing a right-handed game in a probability change state or a short-time state, While the case where the first round of jackpot is started and the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is changed to the open state has been described, for example, when the round interval time in the jackpot gaming state is increased, or in the normal gaming state, it is small. Based on the fact that a hit has occurred, the above-described situation can occur, for example, when a notification that promotes the start of a right-handed game is made before the small hit game is started.

  Next, FIG. 22 is applied to flow down from the upstream area (right area) to the downstream area (left area) of the game ball P delayed by the restricting pieces 505a to 505c and 506a to 506c. It is a figure explaining the relationship between time (henceforth flow time) and the round interval in a jackpot game state.

  In FIG. 22A, for the sake of convenience, the flow time of the game ball P from the upstream region (the right end portion of the upper surface 7F) to the downstream region (the left end portion of the upper surface 7F) of the grand prize winning door 7B is represented by the symbol Ta (s). Show. On the other hand, in FIG. 22B, the round interval in the big hit gaming state is indicated by Tin (s). The round interval Tin (s) is a time for changing the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 from the open state to the closed state and then to the open state again in the big hit gaming state. Note that the round interval Tin (s) may be a value in consideration of the prize ball detection waiting time. The winning ball detection waiting time is the time it takes for the game ball P won immediately before closing the big winning door 7B to pass through the count switches 23A, 23B, from the big winning port 7A to the count switches 23A, 23B. It is set according to the length of the winning ball guiding path.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the regulation pieces 505a to 505c and 506a to 506c are provided so that the relationship of the flow time Ta (s)> the round interval Tin (s) is established. Specific means for achieving such a relationship include, for example, a game when the flow distance of the game ball P meandering down from the upstream area to the downstream area on the big prize door 7B reaches the upstream area. The number and arrangement of the restricting pieces 505a to 505c and 506a to 506c may be determined arithmetically based on dividing by the average speed of the sphere P. Specifically, as will be described later, the round interval Tin (s) in the first round to the eighth round of the normal jackpot or the probability variation big hit A or the probability variation big hit B is about 0.8 seconds. If the restriction pieces 505a to 505c and 506a to 506c are provided so that (s) is about 2.0 seconds, the relationship of the flow time Ta (s)> the round interval Tin (s) is established.

  Thus, by the operation of the big prize opening door 7B formed as the bottom surface of the flow path through which the game ball P flows down, an open state in which the game ball P can win the big prize opening 7A and a prize cannot be won (or difficult to win). A special variable winning ball apparatus 7 that changes into a closed state is provided in the game area 10, and the required period (flow time Ta (s)) for the game ball P to flow down from the upstream area to the downstream area of the big winning door 7B. = About 2.0 seconds), the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is changed to the closed state for a period shorter than 0.8 seconds. As a result, immediately after the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is closed, the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is opened before the game ball P located in the upstream area of the big prize opening door 7B flows down to the downstream area. Since it is in a state, the game ball P can be awarded to the big winning opening 7A. Accordingly, even when the game ball P is closed, the game ball P flowing down on the grand prize opening door 7B can easily win the big prize opening 7A, and therefore wins the big prize opening 7A for the launched game ball P. The ratio of the game balls P can be improved and the interest can be improved.

  As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 as an embodiment of the present invention, the first state in which the game ball P flowing down the game area 10 is easy to enter and the first state in which the game ball P is inaccessible or difficult to enter. Special variable winning ball device 7 as a variable approach means that changes to a closed state that is two states, and a plurality of paths through which game balls that have entered special variable winning ball device 7 flow down (for example, downward from large winning port 7A) A path A that falls (flows down), a path B that flows down the path wall 510, a path C that flows down the path walls 512b and 512c, a path D that flows down the path wall 511, a path E that flows down the path wall 512, etc. Count switches 23A and 23B as detection means for detecting a game ball P flowing down the paths A to E, and a merging portion S where the plurality of paths A to E merge. Route A to E By providing the retreating part 560 as a retreat area where the game ball P4 flowing down at least one path A can be retreated, the game balls P flowing down the plurality of paths A to E merge at the confluence part S. Occasionally, the game ball P4 flowing down at least one path A is retracted to the retracting portion 560, so that the occurrence of ball clogging in the confluence portion S can be suppressed.

  Further, in this embodiment, the retracting portion 560 is formed to have a size that can accommodate a part of the game ball P, and the retracted game ball P is formed so as to return to the path by its own weight. The invention is not limited to this, and the depth dimension, size, shape, etc. of the retracting portion can be variously modified as long as the retracted game ball P returns to the path by its own weight. Moreover, the size (depth dimension) which can accommodate the whole game ball P may be sufficient even if it is not the size (depth dimension) which can accommodate a part of the game ball P.

  The special variable winning ball apparatus 7 has a large winning opening door 7B as a movable member formed as a bottom surface of a flow path through which the game ball P flows down. Is provided so as to be slidable between a closed position protruding in the open state and an open position retracted from the game area 10 in the open state, so that it is difficult to generate a ball bite when changing between the open state and the closed state. .

  Further, the retracting unit 560 is provided at a position where the game ball P4 flowing down the path A is more easily retracted than the game balls P1 to P3 flowing down the paths D and E, so that one path D than the other paths A is provided. , E can be preferentially caused to flow down, and the occurrence of ball clogging at the junction S can be suppressed.

  In addition, by providing the retracting unit 560 at a position where the game balls P of the other route A are more easily retracted than the one of routes D and E among the plurality of routes to be joined, the game balls flowing down the one route D and E P1 to P3 can be preferentially flowed out from the outlet 542A, but in this case, the path A having a small ball pressure due to the succeeding sphere is withdrawn from the one path D and E and the other path A. By providing at an easy position, the game ball P4 on the route A can be more easily retracted.

  In the present embodiment, the retracting portion 560 is provided at a position where the game balls P of the other route A are more easily retracted than the one of the routes D and E among the plurality of routes to be joined. It is not limited to this, and only the game ball P4 of another route A may be provided at a position where it can be retracted. Alternatively, the game balls P1 to P4 of both the route A and the routes D and E may be provided at retreatable positions.

  The merging portion S has outlets 542A and 542B as outflow portions from which the game balls P flow out, and the count switches 23A and 23B detect the game balls that have flowed out from the outflow ports 542A and 542B. Is provided in the vicinity of the outlets 542A and 542B, so that the occurrence of ball clogging in the vicinity of the outlets 542A and 542B can be suppressed. Therefore, the joined game balls P are smoothly discharged and counted. It can be detected by the switches 23A and 23B.

  In the present embodiment, the retracting portion 560 is provided in the joining portion S in the vicinity of the outlets 542A and 542B, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the retreating portion 560 is located at a position below the large winning opening 7A. You may be provided in the confluence | merging part of the position distant from outflow port 542A, 542B rather than the confluence | merging part S. FIG.

  In addition, the outlets 542A and 542B are provided at the end portions of the one path D and E, the standing wall 540A is provided on the back side from the outflow part when viewed from the one path D and E, and the retracting part 560 is Since the game ball P4 flowing down the other route A is provided in the 540A so as to be retractable, the game ball P4 flowing down the other route A is pushed by the game ball P flowing down the one route D, E. Since it becomes easy to evacuate to the evacuation unit 560, the game balls P1 to P3 flowing down the one path D, E over the other path A can be preferentially discharged from the outlets 542A, 542B.

  FIG. 26 shows a special variable winning ball apparatus 700A as Modification 1 of the present invention. The special variable winning ball apparatus 700A has a passage wall 600 that allows the game ball P to flow downward toward the left side on the front side of the base plate 501, and an outlet 542 is provided at the end of the passage wall 600. The game balls P1 to P3 that are formed on the plate 501 and flow down the path X1 change direction to the side at the terminal portion and flow out from the outlet 542 formed on the base plate 501 that is the side wall portion. A standing wall 540B is provided on the far side of the outflow port 542 as viewed from the wall 600, and a retracting portion 560A is provided on the standing wall 540B at a position where the game ball P4 flowing down the path X2 from above can be retracted. In the special variable winning ball apparatus 700A, in FIG. 26, the big prize opening door 7B is in the open position, and the big prize opening 7A is provided on the game area side from the base plate 501.

  In the above embodiment, the outlets 542A and 542B are formed on the bottom wall of the end portion of the one path D and E. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first modification shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, it may be formed on the base plate 501 or the like which is the side wall of the terminal portion of one path X1.

  FIG. 27 shows a special variable winning ball apparatus 700B as a second modification of the present invention. The special variable winning ball apparatus 700B has a passage wall 600 that allows the game ball P to flow down toward the left side on the front side of the base plate 501, and an outflow port 542 is formed on the bottom surface of the end portion of the passage wall 600. The game balls P1 to P3 flowing down the path X1 fall and flow out downward from the outlet 542 at the end portion, and a standing wall 540B is provided on the back side of the outlet 542 when viewed from the passage wall 600, The base plate 501 serving as the side wall of the passage wall 600 is provided with a retracting portion 560B at a position where the game ball P4 flowing down the path X2 from above can be retracted. In the special variable winning ball apparatus 700B, in FIG. 27, the big prize opening door 7B is in the open position, and the big prize opening 7A is provided on the game area side from the base plate 501.

  FIG. 28 shows a special variable winning ball apparatus 700C as a third modification of the present invention. The special variable winning ball apparatus 700C has passage walls 600 and 601 for allowing the game ball P to flow down from the left and right sides toward the center on the front side of the base plate 501, and at the end of each of the passage walls 600 and 601, An outflow port 542 is formed on the bottom surface, and the game balls P1 to P5 flowing down the paths X1 and X2 fall and flow out from the outflow port 542 at the terminal portion, and become side walls of the passage walls 600 and 601. The base plate 501 is provided with a retracting portion 560C at a position where the game balls P4 and P5 flowing down the path X2 can be retracted. In the special variable winning ball apparatus 700C, in FIG. 28, the big prize opening door 7B is in the open position, and the big prize opening 7A is provided on the game area side from the base plate 501.

  In the embodiment, the outlets 542A and 542B are provided at the end portions of the one path D and E, and the retracting part 560 is provided on the standing wall 540A on the back side from the outflow part when viewed from the one path D and E. The game ball P4 flowing down the route A is provided so as to be retractable, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, as shown in Modification 2 shown in FIG. 27 and Modification 3 shown in FIG. As described above, the outflow port 542 is provided at the terminal portion of one path X1 among the plurality of paths, and the retreating part 560B / retreating part 560C is the other in the base plate 501 as the side wall part in the flow-down direction of the one path X1. The game balls P4 and P5 (the game ball P5 is not shown in FIG. 27) flowing down the route X2 may be provided so as to be retractable. By doing in this way, the game balls P4 and P5 flowing down the other route X2 are pushed by the game balls P1 to P3 flowing down the one route X1, and are easily retracted to the retracting unit 560B / retracting unit 560C. A game ball that flows down one path over another path can be given priority to flow out from the outlet 542.

  In addition, the merging portion S where a plurality of paths merges flows down from the upper side to the lower side of the paths D, E, and X1 of the game ball P that flows down on the bottom surface as in the above-described embodiment and the first and second modifications. As shown in Modification 3 shown in FIG. 28, the paths X1 and X2 along which the game ball P flows down on the bottom face join together as well as the junction S where the paths A and X2 of the game ball P meet. It may be. In addition, the merging unit S is not limited to a combination of two paths, but may be a combination of three or more paths.

  The plurality of paths include two paths D and E arranged in parallel to each other, and the outlets 542A and 542B are provided at the end portions of the two paths D and E, respectively, as viewed from the two paths D and E. The standing wall 540A is erected on the back side from the outlets 542A and 542B, and the retreating part 560 is provided with a game ball P that flows down the two paths D and E on the standing wall 540A so that 2 The occurrence of clogging in the vicinity of the outlets 542A and 542B of the two paths D and E can be suppressed by the single retracting portion 560.

  In addition, at least one of the plurality of routes is a first route C that causes the game ball P to flow down in a direction (for example, the left side) different from the count switches 23A and 23B, and a game that has flowed down the first route C. By having the second paths D and E that cause the ball P to flow downward toward the count switches 23A and 23B (for example, rearward), the ball pressure of the game ball P on the one path can be dispersed. , 23B can be prevented from clogging.

  In the embodiment, the game ball P flowing out from the outlets 542A and 542B provided in the junction S is detected when passing through the count switches 23A and 23B, and then flows down the discharge path (not shown). However, the count switches 23A and 23B are provided on the downstream side (downstream side) of the merging portion S and the retreating portion 560, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the merging portion S and the retracting portion 560 may be provided on the downstream side (downstream side) of the count switches 23A and 23B.

  Moreover, in the said Example, count switch 23A, 23B is provided in the back flow side (downstream side) of the confluence | merging part S which can detect the game ball P which flowed out from outflow port 542A, 542B provided in the confluence | merging part S. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be provided in the merging portion S (for example, the outlets 542A and 542B or the upstream side of the outlets 542A and 542B).

  Further, the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 has a large winning opening door 7B formed as a bottom surface of a flow path through which the game ball P flows, and the large winning opening door 7B is closed so as to protrude into the game area 10 in the closed state. A delay means (for example, an inclination) that is provided so as to be movable between the position and an open position that is retracted from the game area 10 in the open state, and that delays the flow time of the game ball P that flows down the flow path of the prize winning door 7B. By providing the surfaces 570A, 570B, 570C, the restricting pieces 505a to 505c, 506a to 506c, etc.), the large winning opening 7A of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 can be changed to a large number by changing the large winning opening 7a to the open state. The game balls P can be passed all at once.

  In the present embodiment, as an example of delay means for delaying the flow time of the game ball P flowing down the flow path of the prize winning door 7B, the inclined surfaces 570A, 570B, 570C, the regulation pieces 505a to 505c, 506a to 506c. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and not only the flow path of the game ball P is lengthened but, for example, the flow path of the game ball P is not limited to this. By making the bottom surface uneven, the flow velocity is reduced, or the bottom of the flow path of the game ball P (including the overall winning entrance door 7B, the top surface 7F, etc.) is moderated. The flow velocity reduction means for reducing the flow velocity may be applied.

  Further, the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 has a large winning opening door 7B formed as a bottom surface of a flow path through which the game ball P flows, and the large winning opening door 7B is closed so as to protrude into the game area 10 in the closed state. The CPU 103 is provided so as to be movable between the position and the open position where the game area 10 is retracted in the open state, and includes a CPU 103 as a movement control means for moving the special prize opening door 7B to the open position and the closed position. In step S1468, the closed state is controlled, and in step S1472, based on the opening / closing time table, the timer before opening the big prize opening is set to 0.8 seconds, and the closed state is maintained until the timer before opening the big prize opening times out. Thus, the proportion of the game balls P entering the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 with respect to the launched game balls P can be improved, and the interest can be improved.

  In the embodiment, the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is used as an example of variable entry means that changes between the first state in which the game ball P flowing down the game area 10 is easy to enter and the second state in which entry is impossible or difficult to enter. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, a variable prize having a probability change switch or the like provided therein for determining that a probability change state is to be given based on the passing of a game ball. It may be a device, an ordinary variable winning ball device 6B, or the like.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the big prize opening door 7B was provided so that sliding movement was possible in the front-back direction between an open position and a closed position, this invention is not limited to this, An open position And a closed position may be provided so as to be movable in the left-right direction. In addition, the variable entry means is not limited to the one in which the big prize opening door (movable member) that opens and closes the big prize opening (advance entrance) slides between the open position and the closed position as described above, but also the rotating shaft. It may be provided so as to be rotatable around the center. Further, it may not have the delay means described above.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and modifications and additions within the scope of the present invention are included in the present invention. It is.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is illustrated as an example of the gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a predetermined number of gaming balls are inside the gaming machine. The number of loaned balls that are enclosed in a circulating manner and lent in response to a loan request by a player and the number of prize balls that are awarded in response to winnings are added, while the number of game balls used in the game is subtracted. The present invention can also be applied to so-called enclosed game machines that are stored in the memory.

  In the above embodiment, a spherical game ball (pachinko ball) is applied as an example of the game medium. However, the present invention is not limited to the spherical game medium, and for example, a non-spherical game medium such as a medal. It may be.

1 Pachinko machines 7,700A to 700C Special variable winning ball apparatus 7A Large winning opening 7B Large winning opening door 7F Upper surface 540A, 540B Standing walls 560, 560A to 560C Retraction portions 505a to 505c Restricting pieces 506a to 506c Restricting pieces 510 to 512 Passage Walls 521a to 521b Passage wall 542A, 542B Outlet

Claims (2)

A gaming machine that plays a game by firing a game ball in a game area,
Variable entry means that changes between a first state in which a game ball flowing down the game area easily enters and a second state in which entry is impossible or difficult to enter;
A plurality of paths through which game balls that have entered the variable entry means flow down;
A merging portion where the plurality of paths merge;
Detecting means for detecting a game ball provided on the merging portion or the wake side of the merging portion;
A discharge path for discharging the game ball detected by the detection means;
With
The gaming machine is characterized in that a retreat area in which a game ball flowing down at least one of the plurality of paths can be retreated is provided in the junction. The variable entry means has a movable member formed as a bottom surface of a flow path through which game balls flow down,
The movable member is movably provided between a second position protruding into the game area in the second state and a first position retracting from the game area in the first state. The gaming machine according to claim 1.

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