JP2016129762A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine that performs a switching of a plurality of game states where difference in advantageous degree is provided and that can properly suppress reduction of operation rate in the game machine.SOLUTION: A pachinko machine 10 includes an operation ball entrance part where game balls can enter, and on the basis of a lottery based on a ball entrance to the operation ball entrance part, a switching is performed between a high frequency support mode advantageous to a player and a low frequency support mode disadvantageous to the player. Also, at an occurrence of a ball entrance to the operation ball entrance part, a lottery for a big win and the like is performed. At the moment, a variable display of a symbol is performed in a symbol display device, and the lottery result is explicitly shown by a stop mode of the symbol. As a table to be referred to when determining a variable display mode of symbols, a first table and a second table are provided, the second table being a table where a variable display mode that may cause a player to recognize that an expectation level for a generation of a big win and the like is higher than the first table is more likely to be selected. When a switching is made to the low frequency support mode, a reference object is switched to the second table.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  Some gaming machines such as pachinko machines are set with a plurality of gaming states with differences in the degree of advantage to the player, and switch the gaming state according to the result of a lottery or the like. In this type of gaming machine, by making a transition to a gaming state that is advantageous to the player, for example, it becomes easier for a player to be given a privilege such as paying out game media, and the game is advantageously advanced. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). In this way, by setting a plurality of gaming states in which differences in the degree of advantage are set, it becomes possible to give the game sharpness, and the monotonization of the game can be suitably suppressed.

JP 2003-190511 A

  However, as described above, in the case where a difference in the degree of advantage is provided in the gaming state, a profit (for example, gaming) obtained when the gaming state is shifted from a relatively advantageous gaming state to a relatively disadvantaged gaming state. It is assumed that the player is likely to end the game immediately for the purpose of avoiding the release of the medium. That is, it is assumed that switching to a relatively disadvantageous gaming state is likely to trigger the player's game. This is not preferable because it may be a factor of reducing the operating rate in the gaming machine.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances and the like, and in a gaming machine that switches between a plurality of gaming states with a difference in advantage, it is preferable to suppress a reduction in operating rate in the gaming machine. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can be used.

The present invention
Grant determination means for determining whether to grant a privilege to a player;
Privilege granting means for granting a privilege to a player when the result of the grant determination in the grant determination means is a result that should give a privilege to the player;
A pattern display means having a display screen and variably displaying the pattern on the display screen;
In a gaming machine comprising display control means for notifying a player of the result of the grant determination by performing display control of the picture display means based on the result of the grant determination,
The gaming state has a first gaming state and a second gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the first gaming state,
The display control means includes
At least the first correspondence information is stored as correspondence information referred to when the display mode in the picture display means is determined, and the privilege is given more than when the first correspondence information is referred to. Correspondence information storage means for storing second correspondence information in which a display mode that allows the player to recognize when the degree of expectation is high is stored;
Execution means for determining the display mode with reference to any of the plurality of correspondence information stored in the correspondence information storage unit, and executing variable display of the pattern in the pattern display unit according to the determined display mode;
When the game state shifts to the first game state based on the fact that the game state transition condition is established in the second game state, the correspondence information referred to by the execution means is the first correspondence information. Switching means for switching from the second correspondence information to the second correspondence information;
Return means for returning the correspondence information referred to from the second correspondence information to the first correspondence information after the correspondence information referred to by the execution means is switched to the second correspondence information by the switching means; With
The return condition by the return means is set based on a transition opportunity to the first gaming state.

  In a gaming machine that switches between a plurality of gaming states with a difference in advantage, it is possible to suitably suppress a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine.

It is a perspective view which shows the pachinko machine in 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows the main structures of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows the structure of an inner frame. It is a front view which shows the structure of a game board. (A) It is a front view of the operating port apparatus which shows the case where an electrically-driven accessory is a closed state, (b) It is a front view of the operating-port apparatus which shows the case where an electric accessory is an open state. It is a front view of a right side variable pitching device. It is a rear view which shows the structure of an inner frame. It is a perspective view which shows the back surface structure of a game board. It is a rear view of the game board which shows the state which removed the main controller unit. It is a front view which shows the structure of a back pack unit. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the various counters used for a success / failure lottery. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process in MPU of a main controller. It is a flowchart which shows a normal process. It is a flowchart which shows game times control processing. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation | variation start process. It is a flowchart which shows a game state transfer process. It is a flowchart which shows the transfer process for special hits. It is a flowchart which shows the setting process of a fluctuation | variation display time. (A) Explanatory diagram for explaining the first table for selecting a display mode to be referred to when a winning to the lower operation ball entering portion occurs in the low frequency support mode, (b) down in the low frequency support mode It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the 2nd table for display mode selection referred when the winning to a side action | operation ball | bowl entering part generate | occur | produces. It is a flowchart which shows the migration process for special wins in 2nd Embodiment. (A) It is a flowchart which shows continuation frequency determination processing, (b) It is a flowchart which shows table counter setting processing. It is a flowchart which shows the alerting | reporting mode determination process in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process for an expectation degree alerting | reporting. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of expectation degree alerting | reporting.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a “pachinko machine”), which is a type of gaming machine, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the main configuration of the pachinko machine 10 in an exploded manner. In FIG. 2, the configuration in the game area in the pachinko machine 10 is omitted for convenience.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and a gaming machine main part 12 attached to the outer frame 11.

  The outer frame 11 is configured by connecting wooden plates to four sides and has a rectangular frame shape. By attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island facility, the pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall. In the pachinko machine 10, the outer frame 11 is not an essential configuration, and the outer frame 11 may be provided on the island facility of the game arcade.

  The gaming machine main part 12 is supported by the outer frame 11 so as to be opened and closed. Specifically, the upper support bracket 17 is fixed to a connection portion between the upper frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11, and further, a lower portion is connected to the connection portion between the lower frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11. Side support fittings 18 are provided. The upper support bracket 17 and the lower support bracket 18 form a support mechanism. The support mechanism causes the gaming machine main unit 12 to turn the left side of the pachinko machine 10 in the front view with respect to the outer frame 11. In addition, the right side can be turned forward of the pachinko machine 10 with the turning tip side.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine main part 12 includes an inner frame 13 as a base body, a front door frame 14 arranged in front of the inner frame 13, and a back pack arranged behind the inner frame 13. Unit 15. The inner frame 13 of the gaming machine main part 12 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the outer frame 11. Specifically, the inner frame 13 can be rotated forward with the left side as a rotation base end side and the right side as a rotation front end side in front view.

  A front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13 and can be rotated forward with the left side as a rotation base end side and the right side as a rotation front end side in a front view. Further, the back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported on the inner frame 13, and can be rotated backward with the left side as a rotation base end side and the right side as a rotation front end side in a front view.

  Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the front door frame 14 is mainly composed of a synthetic resin frame body 20 whose outer shape is substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11, and covers almost the entire front surface of the inner frame 13. Yes. A substantially elliptical window portion 21 is formed in the central portion of the frame body 20 so that a substantially entire game area PE described later can be viewed from the front. The window portion 21 is formed by the glass unit 22. The front door frame 14 is closed from the back side.

  The glass unit 22 includes a plurality of glass panels 23 having transparency and a glass holder that holds the glass panels 23. The glass holder is formed with a partition portion for partitioning the holding region of the glass panel 23 in the front-rear direction, and the two glass panels 23 face each other in the front-rear direction with the partition portion interposed therebetween. That is, by securing a predetermined gap between the glass panels 23, the gaming area PE is covered by the glass panels 23 from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 while avoiding interference between the glass panels 23. It is in a state.

  Note that it is not always necessary to unitize both glass panels 23 using a glass holder, and each glass panel 23 may be individually attached to the frame 20. Furthermore, the number of glass panels is arbitrary, and may be one or three or more. However, from the viewpoint of improving safety and security, it is preferable to employ a plurality of glass panels and to make the glass panels face each other across a predetermined gap. Incidentally, it is also possible to employ a synthetic resin panel member having transparency instead of the glass panel.

  Around the glass unit 22 (specifically, the window portion 21), light emitting means such as various lamps are provided. For example, an annular illumination part 26 incorporating a light emitting means such as an LED is provided along the periphery of the window part 21. In the annular illumination part 26, lighting or blinking is performed according to a change in the gaming state at the time of big hit or at a predetermined reach. In addition, an error display lamp unit 27 that is turned on at the time of a predetermined error is provided in the center of the annular illumination unit 26 and at the uppermost part of the pachinko machine 10, and a prize that is turned on while the prize ball is being paid out on the left and right sides. A sphere lamp portion 28 is provided. Further, a speaker unit 29 is provided at a position close to the left and right prize ball lamp units 28 to output sound effects corresponding to the gaming state.

  Below the window portion 21 in the front door frame 14 (frame body 20), an upper bulging portion 31 and a lower bulging portion 32 that bulge toward the front side are arranged side by side. An upper pan 33 that opens upward is provided inside the upper bulging portion 31, and a lower pan 34 that also opens upward is provided inside the lower bulging portion 32. The upper plate 33 has a function of temporarily storing game balls paid out from a payout device described later and guiding them to the game ball launching mechanism described later while aligning them in a line. In addition, the lower tray 34 has a function of storing game balls that become surplus in the upper tray 33.

  A game ball launching handle 41 is provided on the right side of the lower bulging portion 32 so as to protrude toward the front side. By operating the game ball launch handle 41, a game ball is launched from a game ball launch mechanism described later.

  A passage forming unit is attached to the back surface of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit is formed of a synthetic resin, and includes a front door side upper tray passage leading to the upper tray 33 and a front door side lower tray passage leading to the lower tray 34. In the passage forming unit, a receiving portion that protrudes rearward and opens upward is formed at the upper corner of the passage forming unit, and the inlet portion of the front door side upper dish passage is divided by a partition wall. And an entrance portion of the front door side lower dish passage are partitioned. The upstream side of the front door side upper dish path and the front door side lower dish path are connected to a game ball distributing section described later, and the game balls that have entered the front door side upper dish path are guided to the upper plate 33 and are moved to the lower side of the front door. The game ball that has entered the dish passage is guided to the lower dish 34.

  Projecting shafts are provided at the upper end and the lower end of the rotation base end side of the back surface of the front door frame 14. These projecting shafts constitute an assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of metal fittings 63 extending rearward are arranged in parallel in the vertical direction on the rotating front end side of the back surface of the front door frame 14. These hooks 63 constitute a locking mechanism for the inner frame 13.

  Next, the inner frame 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of the inner frame 13. In FIG. 3, as in FIG. 2, the configuration in the game area PE of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted for convenience.

  The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 70 whose outer shape is substantially rectangular like the outer frame 11. The height dimension of the resin base 70 is set slightly smaller than the height dimension of the outer frame 11. The resin base 70 is arranged close to the upper frame portion of the outer frame 11, and a slight gap is formed between the lower frame portion of the outer frame 11 and the resin base 70. A curtain plate is attached to the outer frame 11 so as to close the gap. The curtain plate is disposed below the resin base 70 (specifically, the lower end portion thereof). When the inner frame 13 is closed with respect to the outer frame 11, the resin base 70 is placed on the curtain plate. . A slight clearance may be provided between the curtain plate and the resin base 70.

  Support metal fittings 71 and 72 are attached to the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the rotation base end side (left side in FIG. 3) on the front surface of the resin base 70. Although illustration is omitted, shaft holes are formed in the support fittings 71 and 72, and the projection shaft of the front door frame 14 is inserted into these shaft holes, so that the front door frame 14 is attached to the inner frame 13. It is rotatably supported.

  An insertion hole 73 for inserting a metal fitting 63 (see FIG. 2) provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14 is provided on the front end of the rotation of the resin base 70 (on the right side in FIG. 3). Yes. The pachinko machine 10 is configured such that a locking device 75 for locking the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is hidden behind the inner frame 13. Therefore, the front door frame 14 is locked to the inner frame 13 so that it cannot be opened by the hook metal 63 being locked to the locking device 75 (specifically, the front door hook receiving member 76) through the insertion hole 73. The The locking device 75 has an inner frame collar member 77 extending rearward of the inner frame 13. These inner frame hook members 77 are hooked on the hook receiving member 19 of the outer frame 11, so that the gaming machine main part 12 is locked in a closed state with respect to the outer frame 11.

  A cylinder lock 78 for performing an unlocking operation of the locking device 75 is installed at the lower right corner of the resin base 70. The cylinder lock 78 is integrated with the locking device 75. When the key inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 78 is turned to the right, the lock of the front door frame 14 with respect to the inner frame 13 is released, and the cylinder lock 78 is inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 78. The locking device 75 is configured such that when the key is turned counterclockwise, the locking of the inner frame 13 with respect to the outer frame 11 is released.

  A substantially elliptical window hole 74 is formed at the center of the resin base 70, and the window hole 74 is closed from behind by a game board 80 attached to the resin base 70. The game board 80 includes a wooden plywood and a sheet material that covers a front plate surface of the plywood, and the front surface thereof is exposed to the front side of the resin base 70 through the window hole 74. In the exposed portion, that is, the front surface of the game board 80, a game area PE in which game balls flow down is formed. As already described, the game area PE is covered with the glass unit 22 (specifically, the rear glass panel 23). In the glass unit 22, the gap between the rear glass panel 23 and the front surface of the game board 80 is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, that is, the game balls flowing down the game area PE are the same in the game area PE. It is arranged so that it is not lined up back and forth at a point. Thereby, the ball blockage in the game area PE is suppressed. Note that the game board 80 is not limited to wooden, and may be made of synthetic resin.

  Hereinafter, the game board 80 (in particular, various configurations arranged in the game area PE) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of the game board 80.

  The game board 80 is formed with a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in its own thickness direction (front-rear direction) by performing router processing. Each opening is provided with a general winning opening 81, operating ball entry portions 82 and 83, variable ball entry devices 84 and 85, a through gate 86, a main display unit 87, a variable display unit 88, and the like. When game balls enter the general winning opening 81, the operation ball entry portions 82 and 83, and the variable ball entry devices 84 and 85, the game balls are detected by a detection sensor described later, and a predetermined number of prize balls are based on the detection results. Benefits such as paying out are given to the player. In addition, an out port 89 is provided at the lowermost part of the game board 80, and game balls that have not entered the winning port etc. are discharged from the game area PE through the out port 89. In the following description, in order to clearly distinguish the game ball from entering the out port 89, the game to the general winning port 81, the actuated ball entering parts 82 and 83, the variable ball entering devices 84 and 85, and the through gate 86. A ball entry is also expressed as a prize.

  The game board 80 is provided with a large number of nails 90 for distributing and adjusting the flow path of the game balls as appropriate, and various members (functions) such as a windmill. The flow path of the game ball is differentiated by various configurations such as the nails 90 and the windmills, and is adjusted so that a winning in the above-described general winning opening 81 and the like occurs with an appropriate probability.

  The variable display unit 88 is arranged in the center of the game board 80, and the operation entrance parts 82, 83 and the like are arranged around the variable display unit 88. The operation entrance parts 82 and 83 are a lower operation entry part 82 (hereinafter referred to as a lower operation entry part 82 for convenience) disposed below the variable display unit 88, and the variable display unit 88. It is composed of a right-hand working ball portion 83 (hereinafter, referred to as a right-hand working ball portion 83 for convenience) disposed on the right side. In particular, the right-hand working ball portion (lottery trigger ball portion) 83 includes Further, an electric accessory 91 is provided as an openable / closable entrance assist device (entrance assisting means) or an opening / closing member (opening / closing means). As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 5, the electric accessory 91 includes a pair of movable pieces 91 a disposed on the left and right sides of the right working port 83 a and a solenoid-type drive unit 91 b that drives the movable piece 91 a. Thus, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), an open state (assist state) that enables or facilitates entry into the right operation entrance portion 83 (right operation port 83a), and as shown in FIG. 5 (b). It is possible to switch to a closed state (non-auxiliary state) where it is impossible or difficult to enter the ball.

  Referring to FIG. 4 again, the through gate 86 is arranged above the right operation ball entry portion 83, and a lottery (support lottery) triggered by the passage of the game ball through the through gate 86 is used. In the case of winning, the electric accessory 91 is opened for a predetermined time.

  In addition, when the entrance to the lower operation entrance portion 82 (specifically, the lower operation entrance 82a) occurs, three game balls are paid out, and the right operation entrance portion 83 (specifically, the right operation entrance is provided). When a ball enters 83a), four game balls are paid out, but the number of game balls to be paid out is not limited to the above. However, in order to increase the advantage of the right working ball entering portion 83 with respect to the lower working ball entering portion 82, the number of payouts related to the right working ball entering portion 83 is set larger than the number of payouts related to the lower operation entering ball portion 82. It is preferable to do.

  The variable pitching device (special pitching device or special pitching means) 84 and 85 is also individually provided below and to the right of the variable display unit 88 in the same manner as the lower actuation ball entry portion 82 and the right actuation ball entry portion 83. Is arranged. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, the variable pitching device 84 disposed below the variable display unit 88 (specifically, below the lower working pitching portion 82) will be referred to as a “lower variable pitching device 84”, and the right side of the variable display unit 88 will be described. The variable pitching device 85 arranged in the direction (specifically, below the right side actuating pitching portion 83) is referred to as “right variable pitching device 85”.

  The lower variable pitching device 84 includes a large winning opening 84a leading to the back side of the game board 80, and an open / close door 84b as an opening / closing member (opening / closing means) for opening and closing the large winning opening 84a. Yes. The open / close door 84b can be switched between an open state (assist state) in which a game ball can be entered or facilitated and a closed state (non-assist state) in which the enter ball is impossible or difficult. Further, the opening / closing door 84b is connected to a variable ball driving portion 84c (specifically, a solenoid) provided on the back side of the game board 80, and the opening / closing door 84b is kept closed in a normal state. The open / close door 84b is switched to an open state when winning the opening / closing execution mode (opening / closing execution state) in the internal lottery.

  Here, the opening / closing execution mode is a mode that is shifted to, for example, a case where a big win is won. As an opening mode of the lower variable pitching device 84 in the opening / closing execution mode, for example, a predetermined time (for example, 30 sec) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) winnings is defined as one round, and a plurality of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) are performed. Some are set so that the opening of the open / close door 84b as the upper limit is repeated.

  Similar to the lower variable pitching device 84, the right side variable pitching device 85 is a large winning port 85a that leads to the back side of the game board 80, and an open / close member (opening / closing means) that opens and closes the large winning port 85a. And an open / close door 85b. The open / close door 85b can be switched between an open state (assist state) in which a game ball can be entered or facilitated and a closed state (non-assist state) in which the entrance ball is impossible or difficult. The opening / closing door 85b is connected to a variable ball driving unit 85c (specifically, a solenoid) provided on the back side of the game board 80, and the opening / closing door 85b is maintained in a closed state in a normal state. In the internal lottery based on the entrance to the right operation entrance portion 83 (right operation opening 83a), the winning lottery result confirmation mode is switched when a special win described later is won.

  Here, the lottery result confirmation mode means that the lottery result (special hit) based on the entrance to the right operation entrance portion 83 becomes valid and the lower variable entrance device 84 is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode, That is, it is a mode in which the transition to the opening / closing execution mode is confirmed or whether the lottery result is invalid and the transition to the opening / closing execution mode is avoided. As an opening mode of the right variable pitching device 85 in the lottery result confirmation mode, the open / close door is used until a predetermined period (about 3 sec) elapses from the timing when a picture indicating a special hit is displayed on the right working port display unit described later. It is set to be released.

  Hereinafter, the right variable pitching device 85 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a front view of the right side variable pitching device 85.

  The right variable pitching device 85 is provided with a guide passage 92 that guides the game balls that have flowed from the big winning opening 85a to a collection passage that will be described later. The guide passage 92 is formed so that a plurality of game balls cannot pass through the same portion of the guide passage 92 at the same time, and is branched into two branches at a midway position thereof. That is, the guide passage 92 has one upstream passage 92a located upstream of the branch position, and two downstream passages 92b and 92c located downstream of the branch position.

  A detection sensor 95a is provided in the middle of the upstream passage 92a, and a game ball that has flowed into the right variable pitching device 85 is detected by the detection sensor 95a. Specifically, the detection sensor 95a detects a ball entry when the game ball passes through a detection area DE0 provided in the upstream passage 92a. The detection sensor 95a is electrically connected to the main control device, and based on the detection information output from the detection sensor 95a, the right-hand variable pitching device 85 (specifically, the big winning opening 85a) Presence / absence is determined.

  In the upstream passage 92a, a part of the downstream side including the outlet portion extends in the vertical direction, and the outlet portion is opened downward. On the extension of the upstream passage 92a to the downstream side, an inlet portion of one downstream passage 92b (hereinafter referred to as a first downstream passage 92b for convenience) is located. Opened to the outlet part side (upper side). On the other hand, the inlet portion of the other downstream passage 92c (hereinafter referred to as the second downstream passage 92c for convenience) is disposed at a position deviated from the extension of the upstream passage 92a and is different from the extending direction. It is open to. For this reason, the game ball that has dropped along the upstream passage 92a normally flows into the first downstream passage 92b, and the inflow into the second downstream passage 92c is avoided.

  In addition, a switching member 93 that can be switched between a guiding state for guiding the game ball that has flowed out of the upstream passage 92a to the second downstream passage 92c and a non-guidance state that does not perform the guiding is provided at the branch position. ing. The switching member 93 is prevented from projecting into the guide passage 92 (specifically, the inlet portion of the first downstream passage 92b) in the non-guide state, and covers the entrance portion by switching to the guide state. It protrudes to a position where the inflow of the game ball to is disabled (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 6).

  More specifically, the switching member 93 is formed with a guide inclined surface 93a that is positioned on the extension of the upstream side passage 92a in the guide state and that slopes downward toward the inlet portion of the second downstream side passage 92c. Yes. For this reason, in the guiding state, the game ball that has flowed out of the upstream passage 92a collides with the guiding inclined surface 93a and moves along the guiding inclined surface 93a to be guided to the second downstream passage 92c. Become. Thus, if attention is paid to the function of guiding the game ball to the second downstream passage 92c, the switching member 93 can also be referred to as “guidance means 93”. Further, if attention is paid to the point function of preventing the game ball from flowing into the first downstream passage 92b, the switching member 93 can also be referred to as a “shutter 93”.

  In addition to the switching member 93, the right variable pitching device 85 includes an urging member (not shown) that urges the switching member 93 toward a position where the protrusion to the guide passage 92 is suppressed. A solenoid-type drive unit 94 that moves the switching member 93 to the protruding position against the urging force of the urging member is provided. The drive unit 94 is electrically connected to a main controller described later, and is driven based on a signal output from the main controller.

  In the present embodiment, the switching member 93 is normally held in a non-inducted state by the urging force of the urging member, and a special win occurs in the lottery based on the winning to the right working ball entering portion 83. When the drive unit 94 is driven, the switching member 93 is switched to the guiding state. That is, the inflow of game balls to the second downstream side passage 92c is allowed.

  A detection area DE1 is provided in the middle of the first downstream passage 92b, and when the game ball flowing into the first downstream passage 92b passes through the detection area DE1, the detection ball 95 is detected by the detection sensor 95b. Detected by. Further, a detection area DE2 is provided in the middle of the second downstream path 92c, and the game ball is detected when the game ball flowing into the second downstream path 92c passes through the detection area DE2. Detected by sensor 95c. The detection sensors 95b and 95c are electrically connected to the main controller, and based on detection information output from the detection sensors 95b and 95c, the first downstream passage 92b and the second downstream passage 92c. It is determined whether or not a ball has entered the ball. As described above, by adopting the detection sensors 95a to 95c, it is possible to monitor whether or not the game ball that has flowed into the right variable pitching device 85 remains in the guide passage 92.

  Although details will be described later, in the lottery result determination mode, the main control device determines that a ball has entered the second downstream passage 92c as an advantageous ball portion based on detection information from the detection sensor 95b. In such a case, the lottery result (special hit) based on the entry to the right operation entry portion 83 becomes valid and the transition to the opening / closing execution mode is confirmed.

  Further, in the right variable pitching device 85, a synthetic resin in which a part of the wall surface of the passage constituting the guide passage 92 is colorless and transparent so that the game ball flowing down in the guide passage 92 can be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine. It is formed using a material. Thereby, it is possible to visually confirm the state of the lottery based on the distribution of the inflow destinations of the game balls and the presence or absence of the remaining balls.

  The variable display unit 88 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 again. The variable display unit 88 is provided with a symbol display device 96 that variably displays symbols with the winning of the activated ball entering portions 82 and 83 as a trigger. The variable display unit 88 is provided with a center frame 97 so as to surround the symbol display device 96. At the lower part of the center frame 97, there is a lower working opening holding lamp section 98 corresponding to the lower working entrance section 82 (lower operation opening 82a) and a right operation entrance section 83 (right operation opening 83a). A working lamp holding lamp 99 is provided. In the present embodiment, the number of times that the game ball has passed through each of the actuated ball entering parts 82 and 83 is held up to a maximum of 4 times. The reserved number corresponding to the ball portions 82 and 83 is individually displayed.

  The symbol display device 96 is configured as a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display, and display contents are controlled by a display control device described later. In the symbol display device 96, for example, three symbol rows are displayed side by side in the top, middle, and bottom, and these symbol rows are scrolled in the left-right direction and displayed in a variable manner. When a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on a preset active line, a special gaming state (specifically, a big win or a special win) occurs.

  The operation entrance parts 82 and 83 are arranged at positions close to the variable display unit 88. Since a big win or a special win can be generated by using a winning at the operating ball entering portion 82 or 83 as a trigger, the player pays attention to whether or not he / she wins the operating ball entering portion 82 or 83, and a big hit or a special win is obtained. It is considered that attention is paid to the symbol display device 96 in order to grasp whether or not it occurs. Providing the operation entrance parts 82 and 83 close to the variable display unit 88 is a device for concentrating a portion that the player wants to pay attention to around the variable display unit 88.

  The main display unit 87 is arranged on the side opposite to the right side variable pitching device 85 across the variable display unit 88. The main display unit 87 is arranged along the outer edge on the lower side of the game area PE, and protrudes from the front surface of the game board 80 to the front of the pachinko machine 10. The front surface of the main display unit 87 is opposed to the glass unit 22 (specifically, the rear glass panel 23) that allows the game area PE to be visually recognized from the front of the pachinko machine 10, and further to the rear glass panel 23. The distance between them is narrower than that of one game ball. This prevents the game ball from dropping in front of the front surface of the main display unit 87.

  Here, the main display unit 87 will be supplementarily described with reference to a partially enlarged view of FIG.

  In the main display unit 87, a main display portion D on which a predetermined pattern or the like is displayed is provided at a portion facing the glass unit 22. The main display section D includes a lower working opening display section DL for displaying a lottery result based on winning in the lower working entrance section 82 (lower operation opening 82a), and a right operation entrance section 83 (right operation opening 83a). ) And the right working port display section DR for displaying the result of the lottery performed based on the winning.

  In the lower working port display portion DL, the variation display of the picture is performed with the winning of the lower operation entrance portion 82 (lower operation port 82a) as a trigger, and the lower operation entrance portion as a result of stopping the variation display. The result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning to 82 is clearly shown. For example, when the result of the internal lottery based on the winning to the lower operation entry portion 82 is the winning result corresponding to the shift to the opening / closing execution mode, the change display is stopped on the lower operation opening display portion DL. Then, after a predetermined pattern is displayed as a stop result, the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode.

  In the right working port display section DR, the variation display of the pattern is performed with the winning of the right operation entrance portion 83 (right operation port 83a) as a trigger, and the right operation entrance portion 83 is displayed as a result of stopping the variation display. The result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of is clearly indicated. For example, when the result of the internal lottery based on the winning to the right-hand actuated entry portion 83 is a winning result corresponding to the big hit or special win, the change display is stopped and stopped at the right actuating port display portion DR. After a predetermined pattern is displayed as a result, the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode or the lottery result determination mode according to the result.

  Here, based on the winning in any one of the activated ball entering portions 82 and 83, the variation display is started on the corresponding display portions DL and DR, a predetermined stop result is displayed, and the variation display is stopped. Corresponds to one game time. However, the number of game times is not limited to the above-mentioned content. For example, a single display area is provided, and no matter which winning ball is entered in any of the active ball entering portions 82 and 83, the single game region is provided. In the configuration in which the variable display is performed in one display area, the variable display is started in the single display area, and the above-mentioned variable display is stopped in a state where the predetermined stop result is displayed. It is also possible to make it once.

  In addition to the display portions DL and DR, the main display unit D of the main display unit 87 is also provided with a through gate display portion DS for displaying a lottery result based on winning through the through gate 86. In the through gate display unit DS, the display of the variation of the picture is performed with the winning of the through gate 86 as a trigger, and the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the through gate 86 is displayed as a result of stopping the variation display. It is clearly shown. When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning to the through gate 86 is a winning result corresponding to the transition to the electric power open state, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the through gate display section DS, and the display is changed. After is stopped, it shifts to the electric utility open state. In the electric combination open state, the electric combination 91 provided in the right operation entrance portion 83 is opened in a predetermined manner.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the number of times that the game ball has passed through the through gate 86 is retained up to 4 times, but the number of suspension is displayed on the main display portion D of the main display unit 87. A holding number display section DH is provided.

  These display parts DL, DR, DS, and DH are visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 22 of the front door frame 14, and the front of these various display parts DL, DR, DS, and DH. Visibility is secured by avoiding the movement of the game ball. In addition, the display mode in each of these display units DL, DR, DS, and DH will be described later.

  Referring to FIG. 3 again, the configuration of the inner frame 13 will be described below. A game ball for launching a game ball to the game area PE based on the operation of the game ball launch handle 41 is provided below the game board 80 in the resin base 70. A firing mechanism 110 is provided. The game ball launching mechanism 110 includes a solenoid 111 that launches a game ball placed at a predetermined launch standby position, a launch rail 112 that defines the launch direction of the game ball launched by the solenoid 111, and a game at the launch standby position. A ball feeding device 113 for supplying a ball and a base plate 114 on which the various configurations 111 to 113 are mounted are provided as main components, and the base plate 114 is fixed to the resin base 70, whereby the resin base 70. Are integrated.

  The firing rail 112 is fixed to the base plate 114 in an inclined state so as to be inclined upward toward the game board 80 side. A ball stopper that holds the game ball supplied from the ball feeding device 113 at the above-described firing standby position is disposed at a position closer to the downstream end portion (that is, the lower end portion) of the firing rail 112. The solenoid 111 is arranged at a position further downstream than the ball stopper.

  The solenoid 111 is electrically connected to a power source / launch control device described later. Based on the output of the electrical signal from the power supply / launch control device, the output shaft of the solenoid 111 reciprocates in the expansion / contraction direction, so that the game ball placed at the launch standby position is on the game board 80 side, more specifically, the game. It is driven out toward the guide rail 100 mounted on the board 80.

  In the guide rail 100, the game area PE is partitioned so that the outer shape of the game area PE is substantially circular. In addition, the guide rail 100 includes an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 arranged so as to face each other with a gap slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, and a single guide passage 103 is defined by both the rails 101 and 102. Is formed. The guide passage 103 has an inlet portion that is open to the tip end side (obliquely downward) of the firing rail 112 and an outlet portion that is located above the game area PE. The game ball fired based on the operation of the solenoid 111 is guided to the game area PE by moving in the order of the firing rail 112 → guide rail 100 (entrance portion → exit portion). In the game board 80, a reverse prevention member 106 for preventing the game ball reaching the game area PE from going back into the guide passage 103 is attached to the front side of the exit portion, specifically near the tip of the inner rail 101. (See FIG. 4), it is possible to prevent the subsequent launch of the game ball by the game ball that has reached the game area PE first.

  Each of the rails 101 and 102 constituting the guide rail 100 has an arc shape centered at a substantially central portion of the game area PE. For this reason, the game ball passing through the guide passage 103 is likely to move (slide or roll) along the outer rail 102, that is, in contact with the outer rail 102 due to the centrifugal force generated by itself.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112 are arranged such that the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the tip end portion of the launch rail 112 face each other with the lower end edge of the game board 80 interposed therebetween. ing. That is, both the rails 100 and 112 are arranged such that the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the firing rail 112 are shifted left and right in the vicinity of the lower end edge of the game board 80. Thus, a gap of a predetermined interval is formed between the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112 while bringing both rails 100 and 112 close to the lower end edge of the game board 80.

  A foul ball passage is disposed below the gap formed in this way. The foul ball passage is integrally formed with the passage forming unit of the front door frame 14. If the game balls launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 do not reach the game area PE and return to the inside of the guide passage 103 as foul balls, the foul balls enter the foul ball passage through the gap. Become. The foul ball path leads to the front door side lower dish path, and the game balls that have entered the foul ball path are discharged to the lower dish 34 shown in FIG. This suppresses interference between the foul ball and the next game ball to be launched.

  A through hole that penetrates the resin base 70 in the front-rear direction is formed on the left side of the firing rail 112 in the resin base 70 (specifically, the side that supports the front door frame 14). A passage forming member is formed in the through hole. 121 is disposed. The passage forming member 121 is screwed to the resin base 70 and has a main body side upper dish path 122 and a main body side lower dish path 123. The upstream side of the main body side upper dish passage 122 and the main body side lower dish passage 123 communicates with a game ball distributing section described later. In addition, a receiving portion of a passage forming unit attached to the front door frame 14 enters below the passage forming member 121, and a front door side upper plate passage is disposed below the main body side upper plate passage 122, A front door side upper dish passage is disposed below the main body side lower dish passage 123.

  An opening / closing member 124 that opens and closes the main body side upper dish path 122 and the main body side lower dish path 123 is attached below the passage forming member 121 in the resin base 70. The opening / closing member 124 is supported by a support shaft provided at the lower end of the opening / closing member 124 so as to be pivotable in the front-rear direction. A member is provided. Therefore, when the front door frame 14 is opened with respect to the inner frame 13, the opening / closing member 124 rises as shown in the figure, and the main body side upper dish passage 122 and the main body side lower dish path 123 are closed. Thereby, when the front door frame 14 is opened in a state in which the game balls are stored in the main body side upper dish passage 122 or the main body side lower dish passage 123, it is possible to prevent the stored balls from spilling down. On the other hand, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening / closing member 124 is pushed open against the biasing force by the receiving portion provided in the passage forming unit of the front door frame 14. In this state, the main body side upper dish path 122 and the front door side upper dish path communicate with each other, and the main body side lower dish path 123 and the front door side lower dish path communicate with each other.

  Next, the back configuration of the inner frame 13 (the resin base 70 and the game board 80) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a rear view of the inner frame 13.

  On the rotation base end side (the right side in FIG. 7) on the back surface of the resin base 70, bearing fittings 132 are arranged vertically. The bearing bracket 132 is formed with bearing portions spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, and the back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to the inner frame 13 by these bearing portions.

  A plurality of locking fittings 135 are provided on the back surface of the resin base 70, and the game board 80 is attached to the resin base 70 by the locking fittings 135 as described above. Here, the configuration of the back surface of the game board 80 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the gaming board 80 as seen from the rear of the gaming machine, and FIG. 9 is a rear view showing a state in which the main controller unit is removed from the gaming board 80.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a synthetic resin frame cover 141 that covers the center frame 97 from behind is provided on the variable display unit 88 disposed in the center of the game board 80 so as to protrude rearward. The above-described symbol display device 96 is attached to 141 from the rear side, and a display control device for driving the symbol display device 96 is attached (not shown). The symbol display device 96 and the display control device are arranged so as to overlap in the front-rear direction (the symbol display device is the front and the display control device is the rear), and the sound lamp control device unit 142 is mounted on the rear side. The sound lamp control device unit 142 includes a sound lamp control device 143 and a mounting table 144, and the sound lamp control device 143 is mounted on the mounting table 144.

  The sound lamp control device 143 includes a sound lamp control board that controls sound, lamp display, and display control device in accordance with instructions from a main control device to be described later, and the sound lamp control board is made of a transparent resin material or the like. It is configured to be accommodated in a substrate box 145.

  As shown in FIG. 9, below the variable display unit 88, a game ball that has moved to the back side of the game board 80 via a general winning opening 81, operating ball entering portions 82 and 83, variable ball entering devices 84 and 85, and the like. A collective plate unit 150 is provided for collecting the. The collective board unit 150 is fixed to the game board 80, and the main controller unit 160 is mounted on the collective board unit 150 so as to cover the collective board unit 150 from behind (see FIG. 8). The mounting target of the main controller unit 160 is not limited to the collective plate unit 150. For example, the main controller unit 160 can be mounted on the game board 80.

  The main controller unit 160 includes a colorless and transparent mounting base 161 made of a synthetic resin and a main control apparatus 162 mounted on the mounting base 161. The mounting base 161 is rotatably supported by the collective plate unit 150, and the main control unit 162 is rotated together with the mounting base 161 so that the main control unit 162 is removed from the mounting base 161 for visual confirmation. Work is possible.

  The main controller 162 includes a main control board having a function (main control circuit) that controls the main control of the game and a function (power failure monitoring circuit) that monitors the power source, and the main control board is made of a transparent resin material. It is configured to be accommodated in a substrate box 163 made of, for example.

  The board box 163 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base (front case body) and a box cover (back case body) that covers an opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected so as not to be opened by a sealing portion 164 as a sealing means, whereby the substrate box 163 is sealed. Five sealing portions 164 are provided on the long side portion of the substrate box 163, and at least one of them is used for sealing processing.

  Any configuration can be applied to the sealing portion 164 as long as the box base and the box cover are coupled so as not to be opened. However, the box base and the box cover can be inserted by inserting a locking claw into the long hole constituting the sealing portion 164. And can be unopened. The sealing process by the sealing unit 164 prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily even if unauthorized opening is performed. It is possible to perform the sealing process again even after it has been performed. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting a locking claw into at least one of the five sealing portions 164. When opening the board box 163 such as when a failure occurs in the housed main control board or when inspecting the main control board, the connecting part between the sealing part into which the locking claw is inserted and another sealing part is provided. Disconnect. As a result, the box base and the box cover of the substrate box 163 are separated, and the internal main control substrate can be taken out. Thereafter, when the sealing process is performed again, the locking claws are inserted into the long holes of the other sealing portions. If the history of opening the substrate box 163 is left in the substrate box 163, it can be easily found that the unauthorized opening has been performed by looking at the substrate box 163.

  A plurality of coupling pieces are provided on one short side portion of the substrate box 163 so as to protrude laterally. These coupling pieces have a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of coupled pieces formed on the mounting base 161, and a sealing process is performed between the board box 163 and the mounting base 161 by the coupling pieces and the coupled pieces. Is called.

  Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a front view of the back pack unit 15.

  As already described, the inner frame 13 is covered from behind by the back pack unit 15. As shown in FIG. 10, the back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 201, and a payout mechanism unit 202, a discharge passage board, and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the back pack 201.

  The back pack 201 is formed of a synthetic resin having transparency, and includes a base portion 211 to which the payout mechanism portion 202 and the like are attached, and a protective cover portion 212 that protrudes rearward from the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover 212 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the variable display unit 88.

  The base portion 211 is provided with an external terminal plate 213 at the upper right portion thereof. The external terminal board 213 is provided with various output terminals, and various signals are output to the management control device on the game hall side through these output terminals. The base portion 211 is provided with a pair of upper and lower retaining pins 214 at the right end when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10, and a bearing fitting 132 (specifically, a bearing portion) provided on the inner frame 13 with the retaining pins 214. The back pack unit 15 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the inner frame 13. In addition, a fastening tool 215 for fastening to a fastening hole provided in the inner frame 13 is provided at the rotating tip of the base portion 211, and the fastening tool 215 is fitted into the fastening hole. Thus, the back pack unit 15 is fixed to the inner frame 13.

  In the base portion 211, a payout mechanism portion 202 is disposed so as to bypass the protective cover portion 212. The payout mechanism 202 is provided with a tank 221 that is arranged at the top of the back pack 201 and that opens upward, and game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are sequentially replenished to the tank 221. The A tank rail 222 that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected to the lower side of the tank 221, and a case rail 223 that extends in the vertical direction is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 222. A payout device 224 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 223. The game balls paid out from the payout device 224 are supplied to the game ball distribution unit 225 provided in the base portion 211 of the back pack 201 through a payout passage (not shown) provided on the downstream side of the payout device 224.

  The game ball distribution unit 225 has a function of distributing the game balls paid out from the payout device 224 to any one of the upper plate 33, the lower plate 34, and a discharge passage described later, and the inner opening is the main body described above. It is formed so that it communicates with the upper plate 33 through the side upper plate passage 122 and the front door side upper plate passage, and the outer opening communicates with the lower plate 34 through the main body side lower plate passage 123 and the front door side lower plate passage. Has been.

  A discharge passage board and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the lower end portion of the base portion 211 so as to sandwich the lower end portion in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 2). In the discharge passage board, a discharge passage opened rearward is formed on a surface facing the control device assembly unit 204, and an open portion of the discharge passage is closed by the control device assembly unit 204. The discharge passage is formed so as to discharge the game ball to the island facility or the like of the game hall, and the game ball led to the discharge passage from the recovery passage described above passes through the discharge passage to the outside of the pachinko machine 10. Discharged.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the control device assembly unit 204 has a horizontally long mounting base 241, and a payout control device 242 and a power supply / launch control device 243 are mounted on the mounting base 241. The payout control device 242 and the power supply / launch control device 243 are arranged so as to overlap each other so that the payout control device 242 is behind the pachinko machine 10.

  In the payout control device 242, a payout control board for controlling the payout device 224 is accommodated in the board box 244, and a state return switch 245 provided on the payout control board projects out of the board box 244. For example, when the state return switch 245 is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball jam in the payout device 224, the ball jam is eliminated.

  The power source / launch control device 243 includes a power source / launch control board housed in the board box 246, and a predetermined power source required for various control devices and the like is generated and output by the board. Control of the launch of the game ball accompanying the operation of the firing handle 41 is performed. Further, the power supply / launch control device 243 is provided with a RAM erase switch 247. This pachinko machine 10 has a function to store and store various data so that even if a power failure occurs, it maintains the state at the time of the power failure, and when it recovers from the power failure, it can be restored to the state at the time of the power failure. It has become. Therefore, for example, when the power supply is turned off in the normal procedure, as in the case of the game hall being closed, the state before the interruption is stored and held, but when the power is turned on while the RAM erase switch 247 is pressed, the RAM data is initialized. It is like that.

  Here, a supplementary description will be given of the aggregate plate unit 150 and the configuration related thereto. The collective board unit 150 includes a collective board 151 that collects game balls guided to the back side of the game board 80 through the above-described general winning opening 81 or the like. The collective plate 151 is made of a light-transmitting (specifically colorless and transparent) synthetic resin material, which facilitates visual confirmation of the flow path of the game balls. Thereby, even if a ball clogging or the like occurs in the collective plate 151, it is possible to easily grasp where such an inconvenience occurs.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the collective plate 151 is formed by integrally forming a main body portion provided with a function of collecting game balls and a mounting portion with respect to the game board 80, and straddles the left and right ends of the game board 80 as a whole. It has a horizontally long shape. The mounting portion has a plate shape parallel to the back surface of the game board 80, and the mounting plate 261 and the game board 80 are connected to each other by screwing the mounting portion 261 against the game board 80. Are integrated.

  The main body portion of the collective plate 151 is provided with a pair of wall portions that stand up toward the back surface of the game board 80, and a collection passage for collecting game balls is defined by these wall portions. A plurality of collection passages are provided corresponding to the respective winning portions such as the general winning opening 81, the actuating entering portions 82 and 83, and the variable entering devices 84 and 85. All of the game balls that have won the respective ball entry portions are collected at the lower part of the game board 80 through the collection passage.

  The above-described discharge passage board 203 (see FIG. 2) is arranged below the game board 80, and the game balls collected at the lower part of the game board 80 by the collection passage are led to the discharge passage 231 and then the pachinko machine 10 In detail, it is returned to the island facility. Note that the above-described out port 89 is also connected to the discharge passage 231 in the same manner, and the game balls that have not won any prize opening are led out into the discharge passage 231 through the out port 89, and the pachinko machine 10 Is discharged outside.

  A detection sensor for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided at a midway position in the collection path corresponding to the general winning port 81 and the lower operation entrance part 82 among the collection paths. Each detection sensor detects a ball entering a ball-entry portion such as the general winning opening 81 by passing a game ball through a detection area provided in the middle of each collection passage. A magnetic sensor that grasps a change in a magnetic field that occurs when a game ball passes through the detection area is employed.

  Each of these detection sensors is electrically connected to a main control unit 160 (specifically, main control unit 162) provided on the back side of the game board 80, and the detection signals generated by these detection sensors are the same. It is configured to be output to the main controller 162.

(Electric configuration of the pachinko machine 10 in the first embodiment)
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described based on the block diagram of FIG.

  An MPU 602 is mounted on a main control board 601 provided in the main controller 162. The MPU 602 includes a ROM 603 that stores various control programs executed by the MPU 602 and fixed value data, and a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 603 is executed. It is an element incorporating a RAM 604, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, various counter circuits as a random number generator, and the like. Note that a part of the functions of the MPU 602, for example, the function of the ROM 603 and the function of the RAM 604 may be included as another element.

  The MPU 602 is provided with an input port and an output port. On the input side of the MPU 602, a power failure monitoring board 605, a payout control device 242 and various detection sensors (for example, a detection sensor 95) provided in the main control device 162 are connected. In this case, the power failure monitoring board 605 is connected to the power source / emission control device 243, and power is supplied to the MPU 602 via the power failure monitoring board 605. In addition, as part of the sensor group, a prize such as a general prize opening 81, a lower action entry part 82, a right action entry part 83, a lower variable entry apparatus 84, a right change entry apparatus 85, a through gate 86, etc. Various detection sensors provided in the corresponding pitching part (payout-corresponding pitching part) are connected, and the MPU 602 of the main control device 162 performs a winning determination (speech determination) to each pitching part. In addition, the MPU 602 executes a lottery for special or special winnings based on winning to the lower working ball entering part 82 and the right working ball entering part 83, and performs a support lottery based on winning to the through gate 86. Run.

  On the output side of the MPU 602, a power failure monitoring board 605, a payout control device 242 and an audio lamp control device 143 (specifically an audio lamp control board) are connected. For example, a payout ball command is output to the payout control device 242 based on a winning determination result to the winning corresponding winning portion. In this case, the command information storage area 625 of the ROM 603 is referred to when a prize ball command is output. When a winning to the general winning opening 81 is specified, a winning ball command corresponding to payout of 10 game balls is output, and when a winning to the variable pitching devices 84 and 85 is specified, When a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 15 game balls is output and a winning to the lower operation ball entering part 82 is specified, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 3 game balls is output. When the winning to the right operation entering ball portion 83 is specified, a winning ball command corresponding to the payout of four game balls is output.

  Various commands such as a change command, a type command, a change end command, an opening command, and an ending command are output to the sound lamp control device 143. In this case, the command information storage area 625 of the ROM 603 is referred to when these various commands are output. Details of these various commands will be described later. Each command is configured as information of a predetermined number of bytes, and various information is included as information of the predetermined number of bytes.

  Further, on the output side of the MPU 602, a variable ball driving unit 84c of the lower variable ball driving device 84, a variable ball driving unit 85c of the right variable ball driving device 85, a driving unit 94 of the switching member 93, and a right operation ball. An electric accessory driving unit 91b that opens and closes the electric accessory 91 of the unit 83 and a main display unit 87 are connected. The main control board 601 is provided with various driver circuits, and the MPU 602 executes drive control of various drive units through the driver circuits.

  That is, in the opening / closing execution mode, the MPU 602 executes drive control of the variable ball driving unit 84c so that the open / close door 84b of the lower variable ball pitching device 84 is opened and closed. In addition, when the electric combination 91 is won, the MPU 602 executes drive control of the electric combination drive unit 91b so that the electric combination 91 is opened and closed. In each game round, the MPU 602 executes light emission control of the main display portion D.

  The power failure monitoring board 605 relays between the main control board 601 and the power / fire control device 243, and monitors the DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power / fire control device 243. The payout control device 242 controls payout of prize balls and rental balls by the payout device 224 based on the prize ball command input from the main control device 162.

  The power / launch control device 243 is connected to, for example, a commercial power source (external power source) in a game hall or the like. Based on external power supplied from the commercial power supply, necessary operating power is generated for each of the main control board 601, the payout control device 242, and the like, and the generated operating power is supplied through a predetermined power path. To do. The power supply / launch control device 243 is responsible for launch control of the game ball launch mechanism 110, and the game ball launch mechanism 110 (specifically, the solenoid 111) is driven when predetermined launch conditions are met.

  The sound lamp control device 143 drives and controls the various lamp units 26 to 28 and the speaker unit 29 provided on the front door frame 14 and controls the display control device 725 based on various commands input from the main control device 162. To do.

  The sound lamp control board of the sound lamp control device 143 controls the various lamp units 26 to 28, the speaker unit 29, and the display control device 725 based on various commands input from the main control device 162. Has been implemented. The MPU includes a ROM that stores a control program executed by the MPU, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM that is used as a work memory.

  The display control device 725 executes display control of the symbol display device 96 based on the command input from the sound lamp control device 143. In this case, the voice lamp control device 143 specifies the symbol variation display time on the symbol display device 96 and the type of symbol combination to be finally stopped and displayed based on various commands input from the main control device 162. The presence / absence of reach is specified, and the contents of reach production are determined.

(About various counters)
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described.

  The MPU 602 uses various counter information during the game to perform a jackpot or special winning lottery, setting the display of the main display D (that is, setting the light emission mode), setting the outline of the symbol display of the symbol display device 96, and the like. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, in the various counter areas 634 of the RAM 604, a winning random number counter C1 used for lottery for generating big wins or special wins, and winning a big hit or special wins. A hit type counter C2 used when determining whether or not a high-frequency support mode described later is possible, an outline of a display mode in the main display portion D (specifically, the display portions DL and DR for the operation opening) and the symbol display device 96 are determined. Used for setting the initial value of the reach random number counter C3 and the hit random number counter C1 used at the time (for example, when performing the reach lottery) A number initial value counter CINI, a lower working port display unit DL and a right working port display unit DR, and a variation type counter CS used when determining a variation display time in the symbol display device 96, etc. Is set up. Furthermore, in the various counter areas 634 of the RAM 604, there is provided an electric accessory release counter C4 that is used for a lottery to determine whether or not the electric accessory 91 of the right working ball entry portion 83 is set to the electric utility open state.

  Each of the counters C1 to C4, CINI, and CS is a loop counter that adds “1” to the previous value every time it is updated and returns to “0” after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a lottery counter buffer 631 set in a predetermined area of the RAM 604. The RAM 604 includes a first result display area holding area Ra corresponding to the lower operation entrance section 82 (lower operation opening display section DL), and a right operation entrance section 83 (right operation opening display section DR). A holding ball storage area 632 having a corresponding second result display area holding area Rb, an execution area AE, and a total holding number storage area is provided. Then, in the reserved ball storage area 632, the winning random number counter C1, the winning type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are matched with the winning history of the game balls to the lower operating ball entering unit 82 or the right operating ball entering unit 83. Each value is stored in time series.

  Here, the respective counters C1 to C4 described above will be described in detail.

  The winning random number counter C1 is, for example, incremented by 1 within a range of “0 to 599”, and returns to “0” after reaching the maximum value. In particular, when the winning random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the initial random number counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the winning random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the winning random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599). The hit random number counter C1 is periodically updated and stored in the reserved ball storage area 632 of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins the lower operation ball entering portion 82 or the right operation ball entering portion 83. More specifically, the game ball is stored in the first result display holding area Ra of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball is won in the lower operation ball entering portion 82, and at the timing when the game ball is won in the right operation ball entering portion 83. It is stored in the second result display area reservation area Rb.

  The value of the random number for winning is stored as a success / failure table (availability information group) in a success / failure table storage area 621 as a success / failure information group storage means in the ROM 603. Here, the contents of the success / failure table will be described.

  As the success / failure table, two types are set in association with each of the activated ball entering portions 82 and 83 individually. In other words, a lower working opening success / failure table (lower working opening success / failure information group) and a right working entry ball portion 83 that are referred to when a winning is made to the lower working entry portion 82 (lower operation opening 82a). A right operation port success / failure table (right operation port success / failure information group) which is referred to when a winning to the (right operation port 83a) occurs is set.

  In the gaming state in which the winning / failing table for the lower working port is referred to at the time of the lottery, the random number values (that is, winning information) for winning the jackpot are two, “7” and “307”. That is, among the values of the hit random number counter C1 of “0 to 599”, “7” and “307” correspond to the jackpot result, and the others correspond to the outlier result.

  On the other hand, in the gaming situation in which the winning table for the right working port is referred to at the time of the lottery, the random value (that is, the winning information) for winning the big hit is the same as the winning table for the lower working port. “7” and “307”. Further, among the values of the random number counter C1 of “0 to 599”, “51 to 60”, “151 to 160”,..., “551 to 560” correspond to the special winning results, and other than that Corresponds to outliers.

  Here, the difference between the jackpot result and the special hit result will be described. When a big win result is obtained by a lottery based on winning in each of the activated ball entering portions 82 and 83, the open / close execution mode is entered and the lower variable ball entering device 84 is opened. On the other hand, if the lottery results in a special winning result, it does not immediately shift to the open / close execution mode, but is given the right to perform another lottery again. As in the case of the result, the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode, and the lower variable pitching device 84 is opened.

  Specifically, when a special winning result is obtained, the right variable pitching device 85 is first switched to the open state, and the game ball that has won the right large winning opening 85a is the first among the downstream passages 92b and 92c. 2 The winning is determined by flowing into the downstream side passage 92c, and the lower variable pitching device 84 is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode. In other words, when a special win is won, the player is given the same result as the big win when the ball enters the second downstream passage 92c. Note that the second downstream passage 92c can also be referred to as an “advantageous entry ball portion 92c” in view of the fact that the hit is determined by entering the second downstream passage 92c.

  Next, the win type counter C2 will be described. The winning type counter C2 is incremented by 1 in order within the range of “0 to 29”, and returns to “0” after reaching the maximum value. The hit type counter C <b> 2 is periodically updated and stored in the reserved ball storage area 632 of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins the lower working ball entering portion 82 or the right working ball entering portion 83. More specifically, the game ball is stored in the first result display holding area Ra of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball is won in the lower operation ball entering portion 82, and at the timing when the game ball is won in the right operation ball entering portion 83. It is stored in the second result display area reservation area Rb.

  The game result distribution destination for the win type counter C2 is stored as a distribution table (distribution information group) in a distribution table storage area 622 as a distribution information group storage unit in the ROM 603. Here, the contents of the distribution table will be described.

  Two types of sorting tables are set so as to correspond one-to-one with each of the activated ball entering portions 82 and 83. That is, a lower working port sorting table (lower working port sorting information group) and a right working ball that are referred to when a winning is made to the lower working ball entering portion 82 (lower working port 82a). A right working port sorting table (right working port sorting information group) which is referred to when a winning in the unit 83 (right working port 83c) occurs is individually set.

  With reference to these distribution tables, the distribution of whether the support mode in the electric working component 91 of the right-hand actuated ball entering portion 83 after the end of the opening / closing execution mode is the high frequency support mode or the low frequency support mode is performed. Is called.

  As a support mode for the electric action component 91 of the right-hand actuated ball entering portion 83, when compared with a situation in which the game ball is continuously being emitted in the same manner with respect to the game area PE, the electric accessory 91 is a unit. The low frequency support mode (the low frequency support state or the low frequency guide state) and the high frequency support mode (the high frequency support state or the high frequency guide state) so that the frequency of the open state per time is relatively high and low. Is set.

  Specifically, in the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode, the probability of winning the power combination open state in the electric combination release lottery using the electric combination release counter C4 is the same (for example, both 4/5) However, in the high frequency support mode, the number of times that the electric utility item 91 is opened is set more frequently than in the low frequency support mode. The time is set longer. In this case, in the high frequency support mode, when the electrified open state is selected and the open state of the electric utility item 91 occurs a plurality of times, the closed state from the end of one open state until the next open state is started The time is set shorter than one opening time. Furthermore, in the high frequency support mode, the minimum secured time is set shorter when the next electric character opening lottery is performed after one electric character opening lottery is performed than in the low frequency support mode. Has been.

  As described above, in the high-frequency support mode, the probability that a winning to the right-hand acted ball entering portion 83 occurs is higher than in the low-frequency support mode. In other words, in the low frequency support mode, there is a higher probability of winning the lower operation ball entry portion 82 than in the right operation ball entry portion 83, but in the high frequency support mode, the lower operation ball entry portion 82. As a result, the probability that a winning in the right-hand actuated ball entering portion 83 will occur becomes higher. When a winning is made to the right-hand actuated pitching portion 83, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out. Therefore, in the high-frequency support mode, the player plays a game while not reducing the number of possessed balls so much. It can be performed.

  The configuration for increasing the frequency at which the high frequency support mode is set to the power release state per unit time as compared with the low frequency support mode is not limited to the above-described configuration, for example, the electric component release lottery It is good also as a structure which makes high the probability that it will be elected in the electric character open state in. Furthermore, the number of times of opening is increased, the opening time is lengthened, and the minimum secured time is secured when the next electric character opening lottery is performed after one electric character releasing lottery is performed. By applying any one condition or any combination of conditions among various conditions (that is, shortening the one-time variable display time in the through gate display section DS) and increasing the winning probability, the frequency is low. The advantage of the high frequency support mode over the support mode may be increased.

  However, this high-frequency support mode shifts to the low-frequency support mode when the number of games reaches the end reference number (100 in this embodiment) after the shift.

  In the pachinko machine 10, the distribution mode to the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode in the case of a big hit result or a special hit result is a win based on winning in the lower operation ball entering portion 82. And the case where the winning combination is based on the winning to the right-hand actuated entry portion 83.

  Specifically, in the gaming state in which the lower work opening success / failure table is referred to at the time of the allocation, the random number value (that is, the winning information) for winning the high frequency support mode is “0 to 14”. It is 15 pieces. On the other hand, under the gaming situation in which the distribution table for the right working port is referred to at the time of the distribution, the random number value (that is, the winning information) for winning the high-frequency support mode is 25 of “0-24”. It is set to be a piece. For this reason, if a big win is won by winning the lower operating ball entering portion 82, it is assigned to the high frequency support mode with a probability of 1/2, and a big win or special hit is awarded by winning the right operating ball entering portion 83. When winning, it will be distributed to the high frequency support mode with a probability of 5/6.

  In addition, when it becomes a losing result in the success / failure lottery, the mode does not shift to the opening / closing execution mode, and the support mode is not changed.

  In the present embodiment, it is preferable to switch the firing operation when the player tries to advance the game advantageously. Specifically, during the high-frequency support mode, the game ball launching handle 41 is operated so that the game ball passes above the variable display unit 88 and reaches the area on the right side of the variable display unit 88 in the game area PE. By adjusting the amount and playing the game ball so that the game ball flows down toward the right-hand actuating ball entering portion 83, the game ball reaches the region on the left side of the variable display unit 88 in the game region PE. It is set so that the game can proceed more advantageously than when playing a game, and in the low frequency support mode, the game ball does not pass above the variable display unit 88, and the same variable display is made in the game area PE. The amount of operation of the game ball launch handle 41 is adjusted so as to reach an area on the left side of the unit 88 so that the game ball flows down toward the lower operation entrance portion 82. By playing the game, it is set so that the game can be advanced more advantageously than when the game is played such that the game ball reaches the area on the right side of the variable display unit 88 in the game area PE. .

  By the way, a game ball (a game ball that has passed through the right region) that is aimed at the right-hand actuated entrance portion 83 is variable when the right-hand actuated entrance portion 83 and the right-hand variable entrance device 85 are passed through. The nails 90 and the like are arranged so as to be guided toward the ball device 84. However, since these game balls are guided to the downstream side of the lower operation ball entry portion 82, the lower operation entry ball portion 82 is entered. It becomes difficult to flow in (see FIG. 4).

  The reach random number counter C3 is configured such that “1” is sequentially added within a range of “0 to 199”, for example, and after reaching the maximum value, returns to “0”. In particular, when the reach random number counter C3 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the reach random number counter C3. The reach random number counter C3 is periodically updated and stored in the reserved ball storage area 632 of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins the lower operation ball entering portion 82 or the right operation ball entering portion 83. More specifically, the game ball is stored in the first result display holding area Ra of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball is won in the lower operation ball entering portion 82, and at the timing when the game ball is won in the right operation ball entering portion 83. It is stored in the second result display area reservation area Rb.

  Based on the value of the reach random number counter C3 stored in this way, the outline of the display mode in the game times is determined. For example, the selection of which of the three display modes is executed, that is, complete deviation without reach fluctuation, normal reach, and super reach that has a lower occurrence frequency than normal reach and a higher expectation level of hit occurrence Is done.

  The variation type counter CS is configured such that, for example, “1” is sequentially added within a range of “0 to 198”, and after reaching the maximum value, returns to “0”. When determining the details of the display mode, the variation type counter CS, more specifically, the variation display time in the lower working port display unit DL and the right working port display unit DR and the symbol display device 96 in the main display unit 87. The MPU 602 uses the reach random number counter C3 in combination to determine the symbol variable display time. The variation type counter CS is updated once every time a normal process to be described later is executed once, and is repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal process. Then, the buffer value of the variation type counter CS is acquired when the variation pattern is determined at the start of variation display in the lower working port display unit DL and the right working port display unit DR and at the time of symbol variation start by the symbol display device 96. .

  In the present embodiment, the variable display time varies depending on the combination of symbols that are finally stopped and displayed on the display screen 96a of the symbol display device 96. In other words, the combination of symbols that are finally stopped and displayed is determined by determining the variable display time. Therefore, by transmitting the fluctuation display time determined using the reach random number counter C3 and the fluctuation type counter CS to the voice lamp control device 143 and the like, the voice lamp control device 143 and the like can stop the symbols and change the display manner. Can be specified.

  The electric accessory release counter C4 is configured so that, for example, 1 is added in order within a range of “0 to 249”, for example, and after reaching the maximum value, it returns to 0. The electric accessory release counter C <b> 4 is periodically updated and stored in the electric accessory reservation area 633 of the RAM 604 at the timing when a game ball wins the through gate 86. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to control the electric accessory 91 to the open state based on the stored value of the electric accessory release counter C4. For example, when C4 = “0 to 199”, the electric accessory 91 is controlled to be in an open state, and when C4 = “200 to 249”, the electric accessory 91 is not controlled to be in an open state.

  As described above, the MPU 602 determines the variation display time in the lower working port display unit DL and the right working port display unit DR using at least the buffer value of the variation type counter CS. The variable display time table storage area 623 of the ROM 603 is used. In addition, the MPU 602 determines the stop result in the lower working port display unit DL and the right working port display unit DR using the value of the hit random number counter C1 and the value of the hit type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE. However, in the determination, the stop result table stored in the stop result table storage area 624 of the ROM 603 is used.

(Various processes executed by the MPU 602 of the main control board 601)
Next, each control process executed by the MPU 602 of the main control board 601 will be described. The processing of the MPU 602 is roughly classified into a normal processing that is started when the power is turned on and a timer interrupt processing that is started by periodically interrupting the normal processing. For convenience of explanation, the timer interrupt processing is first described. Thereafter, the normal process will be described. The MPU 602 is activated by inputting a power interruption signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal) in addition to the timer interrupt process and the normal process, and a power interruption flag storage area (power interruption information storage in the various flag storage areas of the RAM 604). NMI interrupt processing for storing a power interruption flag (power interruption information) in the means) is executed, but a detailed description of the processing is omitted.

(Timer interrupt processing)
First, timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is started periodically by the MPU 602 (for example, at a cycle of 2 msec).

  In step S101, various detection sensor reading processes are executed. That is, the status of various detection sensors connected to the main control device 162 is read, and the status of the detection sensors is determined and the detection information (winning detection information) is stored.

  Thereafter, in step S102, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by “1” and cleared to “0” when the counter value reaches the maximum value. Then, the update value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 604.

  In the subsequent step S103, the winning random number counter C1, the winning type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release counter C4 are updated. Specifically, “1” is added to the values of the hit random number counter C1, the hit type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release counter C4, respectively, and when the counter values reach the maximum values, Clear to "0". Then, the updated values of the counters C1 to C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 604.

  In the subsequent step S104, a winning process for the through gate accompanying the winning to the through gate 86 is executed.

  In the winning process for the through gate, it is first determined whether or not the game ball has won the through gate 86. When it is determined that the game ball has won the through gate 86, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved items is less than the upper limit (4 in the present embodiment).

  If it is not determined that the game ball has won the through gate 86, or if the value of the number of reserved items is determined to be greater than or equal to the upper limit value, the value of the electric accessory release counter C4 is not stored and the main prize is won. The process ends.

  On the other hand, when the game ball wins the through gate 86 and the number of stored item reservations <4, the number of stored item holdings is incremented by “1”. Thereafter, the updated value of the electric utility article release counter C4 is stored in the first area of the free storage area of the electric utility reservation area 633 of the RAM 604, and the winning process is completed.

  It should be noted that in the through winning process, a process for turning on the hold number display section DH is executed. The light emitters corresponding to the number-of-holds display section DH are sequentially turned on in accordance with the number of reserved items stored.

  After performing the winning process for the through gate in step S104, the process proceeds to step S105, and the winning process for the activated pitching part is executed.

  First, in the winning process for the actuating ball part, whether or not a game ball has won a prize (start prize) in the lower actuating ball part 82 is detected by a detection sensor corresponding to the lower actuating ball part 82 (detection). (Detection information from sensor). When it is determined that the game ball has won the lower action ball entry portion 82, a prize ball command for paying out three game balls is set in the payout control device 242, and the lower action ball entry portion 82 is set. External signal setting processing is performed to output a signal to the management control device on the game hall side that the game ball has won. After such processing is executed, the value stored in the number-of-holds storage area Ra of the result display section reservation area Ra is read, and the start-up storage number RaN stored in the result display section reservation area Ra is set ( Hereinafter, it is also referred to as the first start reserved memory number RaN). And the information acquisition process which stores each value of the hit random number counter C1-reach random number counter C3 is performed, and this winning process is complete | finished.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the game ball has not won the lower operation ball entry portion 82, the right operation ball entry portion 83 indicates whether or not the game ball has won the right operation ball entry portion 83 (start winning). It is determined based on the detection state (detection information from the detection sensor) of the detected sensor. When it is determined that the game ball has won the right-hand action ball portion 83, a prize ball command for paying out four game balls is set in the payout control device 242, and the game ball has won the right-hand action ball portion 83. In order to output a signal to the management control device on the game hall side, external signal setting processing is performed. After executing such processing, the value stored in the number-of-holds storage area of the second result display area reservation area Rb is read, and the number of start-up storage memories stored in the second result display area reservation area Rb. RbN is set (hereinafter also referred to as the second start reserved memory number RbN). And the information acquisition process which stores each value of the hit random number counter C1-reach random number counter C3 is performed, and this winning process is complete | finished.

  If it is determined that the game ball has not won any of the lower operation entrance portion 82 and the right operation entrance portion 83, the main winning process is terminated.

  The prize ball command set based on the entrance to the operation entrance parts 82 and 83 is transmitted to the payout control device 242 in the external output process of the normal process described later.

  Here, a supplementary explanation will be given for the information acquisition process. In the information acquisition process, first, it is determined whether or not the set start pending storage number (RaN or RbN) is less than the upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment). judge. If the start pending storage number is the upper limit value, the information acquisition process is terminated as it is, and if the start pending storage number is less than the upper limit value, “1” is added to the start pending storage number of the corresponding result display area holding area, “1” is added to the value stored in the total number-of-holds storage area (hereinafter referred to as the common number of holds).

  Thereafter, the updated values of the hit random number counter C1 to the reach random number counter C3 are added to the first storage area in the corresponding free storage area of the result display area, that is, the reserved storage obtained by adding “1” as described above. Store in the storage area corresponding to the number. That is, when the first start hold storage number RaN is set, the updated values of the hit random number counter C1 to the reach random number counter C3 are set in the free storage area of the first result display unit hold area Ra. The first storage area, that is, the storage area corresponding to the first start pending storage number RaN obtained by adding “1” as described above is stored.

  Further, when the second start reserved memory number RbN is set, the updated values of the hit random number counter C1 to the reach random number counter C3 are set in the free storage area of the second result display area reserved area Rb. The data is stored in the first storage area, that is, the storage area corresponding to the second start pending storage number RbN obtained by adding 1 as described above.

  After performing the winning process for the working pitching unit in step S105, the process proceeds to step S106, and the winning process for the right variable pitching apparatus is performed, and then this timer interrupt process is terminated.

  In the winning process for the right variable pitching device, first, based on the detection state of the upstream detection sensor 95a of the right variable pitching device 85 (detection information from the upstream detection sensor 95a), the right variable pitching device 85 is entered. It is determined whether or not a game ball has flowed in. If it is determined that a game ball has entered, a prize ball command for paying out 15 game balls is set in the payout control device 242, and a game ball is awarded to the right variable ball entry device 85. External signal setting processing is performed in order to output a signal to the management control device on the hall side.

  Next, based on the detection state of the downstream second detection sensor 95c (detection information from the downstream second detection sensor 95c), the game ball has arrived at the advantageously entering ball portion 92c (specifically, the second detection region DE2). It is determined whether or not. When it is determined that the game ball has arrived at the advantageous ball entering portion 92c, it is determined whether the arrival has occurred during the effective period. Here, the effective period will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration is such that when the winning lottery based on the entry to the right operation entry portion 83 is won, the right variable entry device 85 is switched from the closed state to the open state over a predetermined period. Accordingly, the entry into the right variable entry device 85 is temporarily permitted based on such switching. Since winning to the right variable pitching device 85 can be a trigger for shifting to the opening / closing execution mode, the transition to the opening / closing execution mode based on the pitching (for example, entering due to fraud) at a timing that cannot normally occur. Ingenuity to avoid is given. Specifically, the valid period is set as a period for validating the winning.

  The right variable pitching device 85 is provided with a lottery function for determining the avoidance of shifting to the opening / closing execution mode, and the game balls that flow into the right variable pitching device 85 flow down when flowing down the guide passage 92. Whether to shift to the opening / closing execution mode is determined by the route. In adopting such a configuration, a predetermined period is required for the game ball that has passed through the special winning opening 85a to reach the detection area DE2, for example. Therefore, the above-described effective period is set in consideration of the period during which the right variable pitching device 85 is opened.

  When the winning of the game ball is confirmed during the effective period, the flag corresponding to the winning ball 92c is stored in various flag storage areas 635 of the RAM 604, and the winning process for the right variable pitching device is stored. Exit. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not in the valid period, a notification process is executed to notify the hall manager or the like that a winning has occurred at a timing that cannot normally occur, and then for the right variable pitching device. Finishes the winning process. In the notification process, an abnormality notification command is set. The abnormality notification command is output to the sound lamp control device 143 in an external output process of normal processing described later. When the abnormality notification command is received in the sound lamp control device 143, the error display lamp unit 27 and the speaker Abnormality notification using the unit 29 is executed.

<Normal processing>
Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The normal process is a process that is started after the main process that is started when the power is turned on, and the main process of the game is executed in the normal process. As an overview, the processing of steps S201 to S206 is executed as a periodic processing with a period of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps S208 and S209 is executed with the remaining time.

  In the normal process, in step S201, output data such as a command set in the timer interrupt process or the previous normal process is transmitted to each control device on the sub side. Specifically, the presence or absence of a prize ball command is determined, and if a prize ball command is set, it is transmitted to the payout control device 242. Further, when a predetermined effect command is set or when an abnormality notification command or the like is set, the command is transmitted to the sound lamp control device 143.

  Next, in step S202, the variation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, “1” is added to the variation type counter CS, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value, the counter value is cleared to “0”. Then, the update value of the variation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 604.

  In subsequent step S203, a game number control process for controlling a game in each game time is executed. In this game times control process, jackpot determination or special hit determination is performed, symbol variation display setting by the symbol display device 96, display control of the display units DL and DR on the variable display side, and the like are performed.

  Thereafter, in step S204, a game state transition process for shifting the game state is executed. Although details will be described later, the gaming state shifts to an opening / closing execution mode, a high frequency support mode, or the like by this gaming state transition processing.

  Details of the game turn control process in step S203 and the game state transition process in step S204 will be described later.

  In step S <b> 205, an electric combination support process for driving and controlling the electric combination 91 provided in the right operation entrance portion 83 is executed. In this electric combination support process, it is determined whether or not the electric combination 91 is in an open state, display control of the through gate display unit DS, and the like.

  Thereafter, in step S206, a game ball launch control process is executed. In the game ball launch control process, the solenoid 111 of the game ball launch mechanism 110 is excited once every predetermined period (for example, 0.6 sec) on condition that a launch permission signal is input from the power source / launch controller 243. To do. Thereby, the game ball is launched toward the game area.

  In subsequent step S207, it is determined whether or not the execution timing of the next normal process has been reached, that is, whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in the present embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the previous normal process. Then, the random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counter CS are repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the next normal processing execution timing.

  That is, in step S208, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by “1” and cleared to “0” when the counter value reaches the maximum value. Then, the update value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding area of the RAM 604. In step S209, the variation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the variation type counter CS is incremented by “1” and cleared to “0” when the counter values reach the maximum value. Then, the update value of the variation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding area of the RAM 604.

  Here, since the execution time of each process of steps S201 to S206 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant and varies. Therefore, by repeatedly executing the update of the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time, the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the hit random number counter C1) can be updated at random. The variation type counter CS can also be updated at random.

(Game control process)
Here, the game times control process of step S203 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the game times control process, first, in step S301, it is determined whether or not the opening / closing execution mode is in effect. Specifically, it is determined whether the opening / closing execution mode flag (opening / closing execution state information) is stored in the opening / closing execution mode flag storage area (opening / closing execution state information storage means) in the various flag storage areas 635 of the RAM 604. The opening / closing execution mode flag is stored when the gaming state is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode in the gaming state transition process described later, and is erased when the opening / closing execution mode is ended in the gaming state transition process.

  When in the opening / closing execution mode, the game is executed without executing any of the processes after step S302, that is, the game turn starting process in steps S303 to S305 and the game turn progress process in steps S306 to S309. End control processing. In other words, in the open / close execution mode, the game round is not started regardless of whether or not a winning has been made to the activated ball entering portions 82 and 83.

  If it is not in the opening / closing execution mode, it is determined in step S302 whether either one of the operation port display portions DL and DR of the main display unit 87 is in a variable display. In this determination, it is determined whether or not the variable display flag (variable display information) is stored in the variable display flag storage area (variable display information storage unit) in the various flag storage areas 635 of the RAM 604. To do. The variable display flag is stored when the variable display is started for either one of the operation port display portions DL and DR, and is erased when the variable display is ended.

  When the operation port display portions DL and DR are not in a variable display, the process proceeds to a game turn start process in steps S303 to S305. In the game turn starting process, first, in step S303, it is determined whether or not the common pending number is “0”. The case where the common hold number is “0” means that the start hold storage number is “0” for both the lower operation entrance portion 82 and the right operation entrance portion 83. Therefore, the game times control process is finished as it is. If the common hold number is not “0”, the data stored in the first result display area reservation area Ra or the second result display area reservation area Rb in step S304 is set for variable display. Execute data setting process.

(Data setting process)
In the data setting process, first, it is determined whether or not the second start hold memory number RbN stored in the second result display section hold area Rb is “0”. When the second start reserved memory number RbN is “0”, the data setting process for the first result display unit is executed, and when the second start reserved memory number RbN is not “0”, the second result display unit. Execute data setting process.

  Here, the case where the data setting process is executed is a case where the common pending number is 1 or more as described above. In this case, in the data setting process, it is determined whether or not the second start reserved memory number RbN is “0”. If it is not “0”, that is, the variable display hold information for the right working port display portion DR. Is stored, the data stored in the second result display area Rb is set for variable display regardless of whether or not the first start reservation storage number RaN is 1 or more. I did it. Thereby, when the hold information is stored in both the hold area Ra for the first result display section and the hold area Rb for the second result display section, the second result display section corresponding to the right operation entrance section 83. The hold information stored in the hold area for use Rb is prioritized.

  In the data setting process for the first result display section, first, the first start reserved storage number RaN of the first result display section reservation area Ra is decremented by 1, then the common hold number is decremented by 1, and the first result display section The data stored in the first area of the reserved area Ra is moved to the execution area AE. And the process which shifts the data stored in the storage area of the holding area Ra for 1st result display parts is performed.

  This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the first to fourth areas to the lower area side, and clears the data in the first area, and the second area → the first area, the first area, Data in each area is shifted, such as 3 area → second area, fourth area → third area, and so on.

  After the data shift described above, the following processing is executed. That is, the second result display portion flag (second result display portion information) is stored in the second result display portion flag storage area (second result display portion information storage means) provided in the various flag storage areas 635 of the RAM 604. If it is stored, it is erased, and if not stored, the state is maintained. The second result display unit flag is information for specifying whether the start of the current variation display is the lower working port display unit DL or the right working port display unit DR.

  After that, a shift command (shift occurrence information) that is information for causing the audio lamp control device 143, which is the sub-side control device, to recognize that the data in the reserved area has been shifted is set. In this case, from the command information storage area 625 of the ROM 603, information indicating that the reserved area to which the current data is shifted corresponds to the first result display area reserved area Ra, that is, the lower action entry ball. The shift time command including the information indicating that it corresponds to the unit 82 is selected, and the selected shift time command is set as a command to be transmitted to the sound lamp control device 143. Thereafter, the data setting process is terminated.

  The shift time command set as described above is transmitted to the sound lamp control device 143 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 14). The voice lamp control device 143 executes a process for changing the display on the lower working port holding lamp section 98 of the variable display unit 88 in accordance with the decrease in the number of holdings based on the received shift command.

  On the other hand, in the data setting process for the second result display section, “1” is subtracted from the second start reserved memory number RbN of the second result display section reserved area Rb, and then “1” is subtracted from the common hold number. Thereafter, the data stored in the first area of the second result display section reservation area Rb is moved to the execution area AE.

  Then, the process which shifts the data stored in the storage area of 2nd reservation area Rb for result display parts is performed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the first to fourth areas to the lower area side, and clears the data in the first area, and the second area → the first area, the first area, Data in each area is shifted, such as 3 area → second area, fourth area → third area, and so on.

  Subsequently, a second result display unit flag (second result display unit information) is stored in a second result display unit flag storage area (second result display unit information storage unit) provided in various flag storage areas 635 of the RAM 604. If not, the second result display section flag is stored, and if stored, the state is maintained. Then, a shift command (shift occurrence information), which is information for causing the audio lamp control device 143, which is a sub-side control device, to recognize that the data in the reserved area has been shifted is set.

  In this case, from the command information storage area 625 of the ROM 603, information indicating that the reserved area to which the current data is shifted corresponds to the reserved area Rb for the second result display section, that is, the right action entry section 83. Is selected as a command to be transmitted to the audio lamp control device 143. Thereafter, the data setting process is terminated.

  The shift time command set as described above is transmitted to the sound lamp control device 143 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 14). The voice lamp control device 143 executes a process for changing the display on the right working port holding lamp section 99 of the variable display unit 88 in accordance with the decrease in the number of holdings, based on the received shift command.

  After executing the data setting process of step S304, the process proceeds to step S305, and the fluctuation start process is executed.

(Variation start processing)
Here, the variation start process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the variation start process, a command to be output to the sound lamp control device 143 is set so as to start the variation display in each of the operation port displays DL and DR of the main display unit 87 and to start the variation display in the symbol display device 96. To do.

  First, in step S401, the determination process is executed. In the success / failure determination process, it is determined whether the value of the hit random number counter C1 stored in the execution area AE corresponds to a jackpot result, a special hit result, or a miss result. Specifically, it is first determined whether the winning prize destination is the lower action entry part 82 or the right action entry part 83. Then, the winner table is selected according to the determined winning destination, and it is determined by referring to the selected winner table whether the value of the winning random number counter C1 corresponds to the winning result or the like.

  More specifically, when the determination process is based on the entry to the lower operation entry portion 82, the value of the hit random number counter C1 is determined to be the jackpot result with reference to the lower operation port success / failure table. If it does not correspond to the jackpot result, it is determined that it corresponds to the outlier result. In addition, when the determination process is based on the entrance to the right operation entrance portion 83, the value of the hit random number counter C1 corresponds to the big hit result or the special hit result with reference to the right operation opening / failure table. If it does not correspond to the hit result, it is determined that it corresponds to the outlier result. That is, it is not determined whether or not the value of the hit random number counter C1 matches the value corresponding to the outlier result.

  In addition, you may change the method of the success / failure determination process, for example, whether or not it corresponds to the jackpot result, whether or not it corresponds to the special loss result, whether or not it corresponds to the complete loss result Each of these determinations may be made.

  In a succeeding step S402, a distribution determination process is executed. In the distribution determination process, it is determined whether or not the result of the success / failure determination process in step S401 is a jackpot result or a special winning result. If the determination result is an outlier result, the distribution determination process ends. . On the other hand, when the result of the success / failure determination process is a big hit result or a special win result, it is determined whether the winning destination is the lower operation entrance portion 82 or the right operation entrance portion 83. Then, the distribution table is selected according to the determined winning destination, and it is determined whether or not the value of the win type counter C2 corresponds to the high frequency support mode with reference to the selected distribution table. . That is, it is not determined whether or not the value of the hit type counter C2 corresponds to the low frequency support mode.

  After performing the hit / no-go determination process and the distribution determination process, in step S403 to step S413, a stop result for ending the variable display executed in the working port display units DL and DR in the current game round is set. For example, the process is executed.

  Specifically, in step S403, it is determined whether or not the result of the success / failure determination process is a big win. If it is a big win, the process proceeds to step S404, and an open / close execution mode flag is set in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604, and then the process proceeds to step S405.

  In step S405, it is determined whether or not the result of the distribution determination process corresponds to the high frequency support mode. As a result, if the high-frequency support mode is supported, the process proceeds to step S406, and a winning set corresponding to the high-frequency support mode (hereinafter referred to as a first jackpot for convenience) is executed.

  In the first jackpot winning stop result setting process, it is set whether to display the lottery result on the lower working port display unit DL or the right working port display unit DR according to the destination of the game ball. At the same time, the stop display mode is determined with reference to the stop result table stored in the stop result table storage area 624 of the ROM 603. That is, the final lighting pattern (picture) of the plurality of LEDs constituting each of the operation port display portions DL and DR is determined. Furthermore, a flag corresponding to the first jackpot result is set. Thereby, it can identify that this game time corresponds to the 1st jackpot result. The flag corresponding to the first jackpot result is cleared at the timing when the game round ends and the transition processing for ending variation ends.

  On the other hand, if the high-frequency support mode is not supported, the process proceeds to step S407, and a stop result setting process for winning that does not support the high-frequency support mode (hereinafter referred to as a second jackpot for convenience) is executed.

  In the stop result setting process for the second jackpot winning, whether to display the lottery result on the lower working port display unit DL or the right working port display unit DR is set according to the destination of the game ball. At the same time, the stop display mode is determined with reference to the stop result table stored in the stop result table storage area 624 stored in the ROM 603. That is, the final lighting pattern (picture) of the plurality of LEDs constituting each of the operation port display portions DL and DR is determined. Furthermore, a flag corresponding to the second jackpot result is set. Thereby, it can be specified that the current game time corresponds to the second jackpot result. The flag corresponding to the second jackpot result is cleared at the timing when the game round ends and the transition process for ending the change ends.

  If the result of the success / failure determination process in step S401 is not a big win, the process proceeds to step S408, and it is determined whether or not the result of the same success / failure determination process is a special win. If it is a special win, the process proceeds to step S409, the lottery result confirmation mode flag is set in the various flag storage areas 635 of the RAM 604, and then the process proceeds to step S410. Whether or not the lottery result confirmation mode flag allows the winning to the second downstream side passage 92c as the above-mentioned advantageous pitching portion by opening the right side variable pitching device 85 after the special hit occurs, That is, it is a flag that is referred to when determining whether to shift to the lottery result determination mode.

  In a succeeding step S410, it is determined whether or not the result of the distribution determination process corresponds to the high frequency support mode. As a result, if the high-frequency support mode is supported, the process proceeds to step S411, and the special result corresponding to the high-frequency support mode (hereinafter referred to as the first special hit for convenience) is executed. .

  In the first special winning winning stop result setting process, it is set whether to display the lottery result on the lower working port display unit DL or the right working port display unit DR according to the destination of the game ball. In addition, the stop display mode corresponding to the first special hit result is determined with reference to the stop result table stored in the stop result table storage area 624 stored in the ROM 603. That is, the final lighting pattern (picture) of the plurality of LEDs constituting each of the operation port display portions DL and DR is determined. Furthermore, a flag corresponding to the first special hit result is set. Thereby, it can identify that this game time corresponds to the 1st special hit result. The flag corresponding to the first special hit result is cleared at the timing when the game round is finished and the transition process for ending the change is finished.

  On the other hand, if the high-frequency support mode is not supported, the process proceeds to step S812, and a special hit that does not support the high-frequency support mode (hereinafter referred to as a second special hit for convenience) is executed. .

  In the second special winning winning stop result setting process, it is set whether to display the lottery result on the lower working port display unit DL or the right working port display unit DR according to the destination of the game ball. At the same time, the stop display mode corresponding to the second special hit result is determined with reference to the stop result table stored in the stop result table storage area 624 stored in the ROM 603. That is, the final lighting pattern (picture) of the plurality of LEDs constituting each of the operation port display portions DL and DR is determined. Furthermore, a flag corresponding to the second special hit result is set. Thereby, it can identify that this game time corresponds to the 2nd special hit result. The flag corresponding to the second special hit result is cleared at the timing when the game round is finished and the transition process for ending the change is finished.

  In the present embodiment, the special hit result is only when entering the right operation entrance portion 83, and therefore, in each processing of step S411 and step S412, the display portion DR for the right operation port is displayed. It is set as the display target of the lottery result.

  If it is determined in step S408 that the special winning is not won, the process proceeds to step S413. In step S413, a stop result setting process for a detachment result is executed. In the stop result setting process, the stop display mode corresponding to the detachment result is determined with reference to the stop result table stored in the stop result table storage area 624 stored in the ROM 603.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 4 again, the display mode in each of the operation port display portions DL and DR will be described. As already described, the main display unit D of the main display unit 87 is provided with a plurality of (specifically, 26) LEDs (hereinafter referred to as light emitters 87a), of which 10 are the lower working port display units. Assigned to DL. When these ten light emitters 87a blink, etc., a variable display is performed, and a preset picture is stopped and displayed by finally turning on or off. As a stop picture in the lower working port display portion DL, a first jackpot result, a second jackpot result, and a disengagement result are set.

  In addition, ten light emitters 87a are assigned to the right working port display portion DR, and when these light emitters 87a blink, the variable display is performed. As the stop picture in the right working port display section DR, a first jackpot result, a second jackpot result, a first special hit result, a second special hit result, and a disengagement result are set.

  A plurality of stop pictures in the display units DL and DR are stored in the stop result table storage area 624 of the ROM 603 in correspondence with each result of the first big hit result to the off result, thereby diversifying the display mode. .

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the number of stop pattern display patterns corresponding to the hit results corresponding to the high frequency support mode is the same as the number of stop pattern display patterns corresponding to the hit results not corresponding to the high frequency support mode. . This makes it difficult to determine whether the lottery result is compatible with the high-frequency support mode by checking the display pattern of the stopped pattern.

  If the stop result setting process is executed in any of step S406, step S407, step S411, step S412, and step S413, the process proceeds to step S414.

  In step S414, a variable display time setting process is executed. Details regarding the setting process of the variable display time will be described later.

  After the variable display time is set in step S414, the process proceeds to step S415. In step S415, a change start command and a type command are set. The variation start command includes information on the variation display time and the final stop mode of the symbol. The type command includes game result information. That is, the type command includes, as game result information, jackpot result, special hit result, information on presence / absence of high frequency support mode support, and the like.

  The variation start command and type command set in step S415 are transmitted to the sound lamp control device 143 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 14). Based on the received change start command and type command, the audio lamp control device 143 determines the contents of the effect at the game time and controls various devices so that the determined contents of the effect are executed. The contents of this effect include the symbol variation display mode on the symbol display device 96, and the determined symbol variation display mode is output from the voice lamp control device 143 to the display control device 725 as a display content command. Is done. Based on the display content command received from the sound lamp control device 143, the display control device 725 controls the display of the symbol display device 96 so as to perform a variable display of symbols corresponding to each game time.

  Thereafter, in step S416, the variable display of the pattern is started on each display unit DL, DR. Then, the variation display flag is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604, and the variation start processing is terminated.

  Returning to the description of the game times control process (FIG. 15), when the operation port display portions DL and DR of the main display portion D are in a variable display state, that is, the above-mentioned variable display flag is stored in the various flag storage areas 635 of the RAM 604. If it is, the game turn progression processing in steps S306 to S309 is executed.

  In the process for advancing game times, first, in step S306, it is determined whether or not the variation display time of the current game time has elapsed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable display time counter (variable display time information) stored in the various counter areas 634 of the RAM 604 is “0”. The variable display time counter is set in the above-described variable display time setting process (see FIG. 16) in step S414, and the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 13) is activated for the set variable display time counter value. Every time, 1 is subtracted.

  If the variable display time has not elapsed, the variable display process is executed in step S307. In the variable display process, the display mode in the working port display units DL and DR related to the current game round is changed. Then, this game times control process is complete | finished.

  If the change display time has elapsed, change end processing is executed in step S308. In the variation end process, the information stored in the RAM 604 is specified in any one of the above steps S406, S407, S411, S412, and S413, and the stop pattern corresponding to the information is displayed on the display part for the operating port of the main display part D. The operation port display units DL and DR are controlled to be displayed in DL and DR.

  In the subsequent step S309, a change end command is set. The variation end command set here is transmitted to the sound lamp control device 143 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 14). The sound lamp control device 143 ends the effect in the game time based on the received variation end command. Further, the change end command is transmitted from the sound lamp control device 143 to the display control device 725, and the display control device 725 receives the change end command to thereby display the combination of the final stop symbols in the game times. A final display (final stop display) is displayed on the 96 display screen 96a.

  After executing the process of step S309, the game times control process is terminated.

(Game state transition process)
Next, the gaming state transition processing in step S204 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  First, in step S501, it is determined whether or not the open / close execution mode corresponding to the jackpot result or the special hit result is in effect. If it is not in the opening / closing execution mode corresponding to the big hit result or the special hit result, the process proceeds to step S502. In step S502, it is determined whether or not the lottery result determination mode corresponding to the special winning result is in progress. In other words, it is determined whether or not the lottery result based on the winning to the right-hand actuated pitching unit 83 becomes a special winning result, and the mode is switched to a mode in which the inflow of the game ball to the right variable pitching device 85 is allowed.

  In each of step S501 and step S502, each determination is made depending on whether or not the flags corresponding to the opening / closing execution mode flag storage area and the lottery result determination mode flag storage area provided in the various flag storage areas 635 of the RAM 604 are set. . Note that the lottery result confirmation mode flag is stored in the flag storage area by winning a special winning when a lottery based on winning in the right-hand acted ball entering portion 83 is performed.

  If it is determined in step S502 that the lottery result determination mode corresponding to the special winning result is in progress, the process proceeds to a special winning transition process in step S503. This special winning transition process will be described later.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S502 that the lottery result determination mode is not in progress, the process proceeds to step S504. In step S504, it is determined whether or not it is the timing when the variable display on each display part DL, DR of one game time is finished. If it is not the timing when the variable display is finished, the gaming state transition process is finished as it is.

  If it is the timing when the variable display is completed, it is determined in step S505 whether or not the game result of the current game time corresponds to the transition to the opening / closing execution mode. Specifically, it is determined whether an open / close execution mode flag is stored in various flag storage areas 635 of the RAM 604. If the flag is not stored, the gaming state transition process is terminated as it is.

  If any of the above flags is stored, “15” is set in the first round counter RC1 in step S506. The first round counter RC1 is stored in various counter areas 634 of the RAM 604, and is used when counting the number of times that the lower variable pitching device 84 (large winning opening 84a) is opened.

  In subsequent step S507, it is determined whether or not the current hit result corresponds to the high frequency support mode. If the hit result corresponds to the high frequency support mode, the high frequency is stored in the various flag storage areas 635 of the RAM 604. Set the support mode flag.

  After executing the process of step S507, the process proceeds to step S508, and the update process of the table change counter CC stored in the various counter areas 634 of the RAM 604 is executed. Here, in the present embodiment, a plurality of display mode selection tables (specifically, details) to be referred to when determining the variable display mode (specifically, the variable display time) in the operation port display units DL and DR and the symbol display device 96 are described. 2), and a display mode selection table to be referred to according to the value of the table change counter CC is determined. Specifically, a normal table as the display mode selection table and a specific table set with a higher frequency of reach production than the normal table are provided, and the value of the table change counter CC is When it is “0”, a normal table is referred to, and when it is not “0”, the referenced table is switched to a specific table. In the update process of step S508, the value of the table change counter CC is cleared to “0”, so that the table referred to in the subsequent game times becomes the normal table.

  After executing the update process in step S508, the process proceeds to step S509, and a table return command is set. The table return command is transmitted to the sound lamp control device 143 in the external output process of step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 14). In the present embodiment, the background displayed on the display screen 96a of the symbol display device 96 and the BGM output from the speaker unit 29 are selected according to the table being referred to, and the table restoration is performed. Based on the command, the background and BGM for the high-precision stage are switched to the background and BGM for the normal stage.

  The relationship between the table change counter CC and the display mode selection table described above and details of the table return command will be described later.

  After step S509, an opening command is set in step S510, and the gaming state transition process is terminated. The opening command set in step S509 is transmitted to the audio lamp control device 143 in the external output process in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 14).

  This opening command includes information indicating whether the high-frequency winning mode or the low-frequency winning mode is set. The sound lamp control device 143 determines the contents of the effect corresponding to the opening / closing execution mode based on the received opening command, and controls various devices so that the determined contents of the effect are executed. In addition, the opening command is transmitted from the sound lamp control device 143 to the display control device 725, and the display control device 725 receives the opening command to display corresponding to the current opening / closing execution mode (for example, moving image display). Display control of the symbol display device 96 is performed. In addition, as a result of the lottery based on the entry to the right-hand actuated entry part 83, specifically, whether or not the high-frequency support mode is supported when a special win is won, for example, an opening movie or an ending movie described later Alternatively, it is notified by a moving image or the like displayed during the opening / closing execution mode.

(Migration process for special bonus)
Here, the special winning transition process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S601, it is determined whether or not the right variable pitching device 85 is being opened. Specifically, this determination is performed based on the driving state of the variable ball driving unit 85c. If the right variable pitching device 85 is not open, the switching member 93 is switched from the non-guided state to the guided state in step S602. Specifically, the driving member 94 is excited to switch the switching member 93 to the guiding state, thereby making it impossible for the game ball to flow into the first downstream passage 92b and playing the game into the second downstream passage 92c. A sphere can be guided.

  In the subsequent step S603, “2500: equivalent to 5 sec” is set in the first timer counter t1 provided in the various counter areas 634 of the RAM 604. The count value set here is decremented by “1” by a predetermined period (2 msec period).

  After executing the setting process of the first timer counter t1, the process proceeds to step S604, where an opening command is set and the opening process of the right variable pitching device is executed. The release command is transmitted to the sound lamp control device 143 in the external output process (step S201) of the normal process (see FIG. 14). The voice lamp control device 143 determines an effect when the right variable pitching device 85 is open in the lottery determination execution mode corresponding to the special winning result based on the received release command, and the content of the determined effect Various devices are controlled so that is executed. Further, in the opening process of the right side variable pitching device, the variable pitch driving unit 85c is driven to open the big prize opening 85a. After executing the process of step S604, the special win-use migration process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S601 that the right variable pitching device 85 is open, the process proceeds to step S605. In step S605, it is determined whether or not the value of the first timer counter t1 is “1500”. That is, it is determined whether 2 seconds have elapsed after switching the switching member 93 to the guiding state. When it is determined that the value of the first timer counter t1 is “1500”, the process proceeds to step S1006 and the return process of the switching member 93 is executed. In the switching member return process, the switching member 93 is switched to the non-induction state by releasing the excitation of the drive unit 94. As a result, the inflow of the game ball into the second downstream passage 92c becomes impossible, and the game ball that has flowed into the right variable entrance device 85 at a later timing is guided to the first downstream passage 92b.

  If a negative determination is made in step S605, the process proceeds to step S607 to determine whether or not the value of the first timer counter t1 is “1000”. That is, it is determined whether 3 seconds have elapsed after the switching member 93 is switched to the guiding state. If it is determined that the value of the first timer counter t1 is “1000”, the process proceeds to step S608 to set a closing command and execute the closing process of the right variable pitching device 85. The close command is transmitted to the sound lamp control device 143 in the external output process (step S201) of the normal process. The sound lamp control device 143 determines an effect when the right variable pitching device 85 is closed based on the received closing command, and controls various devices so that the contents of the determined effect are executed. In the closing process of the right variable pitching device 85, the variable pitch driving unit 85c is set in a non-driven state so as to close the big prize opening 85a.

  If a negative determination is made in step S607, the process proceeds to step S609 to determine whether or not the value of the first timer counter t1 is “0”. That is, it is determined whether or not 5 seconds have elapsed after switching the switching member 93 to the guiding state and opening the right variable pitching device 85. If a negative determination is made in step S609, or after the processes in steps S606 and S608 are executed, the process proceeds to step S610.

  In step S610, it is determined whether or not a game ball has flown into the second downstream passage 92c serving as an advantageous pitching portion. Specifically, whether or not the detection sensor 95c provided in the right variable pitching device 85 has detected the winning of the game ball in the reading process of step S101 in the timer interrupt process described above (various flag storage area 635). Whether or not a winning flag for the advantageous ball portion is stored). If it is determined in step S610 that there is a winning at the advantageous pitching portion, an opening / closing execution mode setting process corresponding to the lower variable pitching device 84 is executed in step S611. If it is determined in step S610 that there is no winning entry in the advantageous ball portion, or if the opening / closing execution mode setting process is executed in step S611, the transition process for the special miss result is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S609 that the value of the first timer counter t1 is “0”, it means that the lottery result determination mode corresponding to the special winning result has ended. In this case, first, a confirmation mode end command is set in step S612. The confirmation mode end command is transmitted to the sound lamp control device 143 in the external output process (step S201). The sound lamp control device 143 controls various devices so that a predetermined effect is executed based on the received confirmation mode end command. Specifically, when this process is executed, it means that the lottery result confirmation mode corresponding to the special winning result has ended without winning the advantageous winning club, so the special winning result is supported. An effect corresponding to the end of the lottery result confirmation mode is executed. For example, a message such as “Retry!” Is displayed on the display screen 96 a of the symbol display device 96.

  In subsequent step S613, the lottery result determination mode flag corresponding to the special winning result is cleared and the transition process for the special winning is finished.

  Returning to the description of the gaming state transition process (FIG. 17), when it is determined in step S501 that the open / close execution mode corresponding to the jackpot result or the special hit result is being determined, the jackpot result or the special hit result in steps S511 to S519 is obtained. The processing for the corresponding opening / closing execution mode is executed.

  If it is determined in step S501 that the open / close execution mode corresponding to the jackpot is in progress, the process proceeds to step S511. In step S511, it is determined whether or not the opening standby time has elapsed. If the opening standby time has not elapsed, the gaming state transition process is terminated. If the opening standby time has elapsed, the lower variable pitching device opening / closing process is executed in step S512.

  In the opening / closing process of the lower variable pitching device 84, when the lower large winning opening 84a is closed, the variable pitch driving unit is set on condition that the first round counter RC1 is “1” or more. By making 84c into a driving state, the special winning opening 84a is opened. Further, when the special winning opening 84a is being opened, it means that the opening limit time (30 sec in this embodiment) has elapsed since the opening of the special winning opening 84a, or that the open limit number (this embodiment). 10), the driving state of the variable ball driving unit 84c is stopped and the big winning port 84a is closed.

  After executing the lower variable pitching device opening / closing process in step S512, it is determined in subsequent step S513 whether or not the value of the first round counter RC1 is “0”. If the value of the first round counter RC1 is not “0”, the gaming state transition process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the value of the first round counter RC1 is “0”, the open / close execution mode flag is cleared in step S514.

  After clearing the opening / closing execution mode flag in step S514, the process proceeds to step S515 to determine whether or not the high frequency support mode flag is set. If the high-frequency support mode flag is set, the process proceeds to step S516, where “100” is set in the game number counter provided in the various counter areas 634 of the RAM 604, and the game state transition process is terminated. When “100” is set in the game number counter, the game state is shifted to the high frequency support mode. However, the high-frequency support mode ends when the game times continue 100 times, and thereafter, the support mode shifts to the normal game state in which the low-frequency support mode is set. Note that the number of continuous high-frequency support (limited game number) is not limited to 100 times, and may be 1 or more and less than 100 times, such as 10 times, 20 times, 30 times, and 101 times or more. There may be.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S515, that is, if the high-frequency support mode flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S517, and a table change counter CC setting process is executed. In the setting process of the table change counter CC, the final stop pattern of the operation port display units DL and DR that are finally stopped and displayed at the game times that have been triggered to enter the opening / closing execution mode, that is, the reach random number counter C3 and The value of the table change counter CC is determined according to the final stop pattern of the working port display units DL and DR determined based on the variation type counter CS.

  Specifically, 256 types of patterns are set as the final stop patterns of the operation port display units DL and DR, and among the 256 types of patterns, 122 types correspond to the second hit result described above. It has become. These 122 types of patterns are roughly divided into the first group to the third group. When the final stop pattern is the first group, “50” is set to the table change counter CC, and the second group Is set to “20” for the table change counter CC, and “0” is set to the table change counter CC for the third group.

  After executing the setting process of the table change counter CC in step S518, the process proceeds to step S519, and it is determined whether or not the value of the table change counter CC is “0”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S519, that is, if the value of the table change counter CC is “0”, the gaming state transition process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S518, that is, if the table change counter CC is “50” or “20”, the process proceeds to step S519, and a table change command is set. This table change command is transmitted to the sound lamp control device 143 in the external output process of step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 14). Based on the reception of the table change command, the sound lamp control device 143 sets the BGM in the normal gaming state according to the high-precision stage, and sets the background displayed on the symbol display device 96 (display screen 96a) to the stage. A command for switching the stage is output to the display control device 725 in order to change it according to the above. The display control device 725 receives the stage switching command to change the background of the display screen 96a to the background for the high accuracy stage, and returns to the table described later from the main control device 162 via the audio lamp control device 143. The background is displayed until a command is entered.

  In the present embodiment, as already described, based on the presence / absence of hit occurrence, the number of holds, the reach random number counter C3, and the variation type counter CS, the variation display mode in the display units DL and DR for the operation port and the symbol display device 96 The outline (more specifically, the variable display time) is determined.

  Specifically, the variable display time is set to be different depending on the combination of symbols that are displayed at the final stop, and the variable display time is set to differ depending on the presence or absence of reach or super reach. When it comes off, the variable display time is set to change according to the number of holds, and the outline of the variable display mode is determined by the variable display time. In other words, the combination of symbols to be finally stopped, the presence / absence of reach or super reach, and the like are associated with each variable display time set in a one-to-one correspondence. The sound lamp control device 143 stores a table in which the variable display time and the outline of the production are associated with each other, and when information related to the variable display time is received from the main control device 162, the game is referred to by referring to the table. The outline of the performance to be executed at a time is determined.

(Variable display time setting process)
Hereinafter, the change display time setting process in the game times control process (change start process) will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the setting process of the variable display time, and FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a display mode selection table.

  In the variable display time setting process, first, in step S701, it is determined whether or not the value of the table change counter CC is “0”. If a positive determination is made in step S701, that is, if the table change counter CC is “0”, the process proceeds to step S702.

  In step S702, the display mode (variable display mode and stop display mode) is referred to with reference to a display mode selection table (hereinafter referred to as the first table for convenience) set for the normal stage because it is a game stage in the normal stage. ) Is selected. Thereby, the variable display time is determined.

  As already described, in the present embodiment, during the low-frequency support mode, it is better to launch the game ball aiming at the lower operation entrance portion 82 rather than aiming at the right operation entrance portion 83. The game can be advantageously advanced. For this reason, during the low frequency support mode, it is assumed that the game times are likely to be executed solely based on the entrance to the lower operation entrance portion 82. Hereinafter, with reference to Fig.20 (a), it illustrates about the 1st table referred when the entrance to the lower side operation entrance part 82 generate | occur | produced, and supplementary description is given about determination of the fluctuation | variation display time after that.

  As shown in FIG. 20 (a), as a result of performing the lottery determination based on the entry to the lower operation entry portion 82 in the game turn control process, the reach variation display is always selected when the big win is won. . As described above, the reach variation display is roughly divided into normal reach and super reach, and the reach variation display is selected with reference to the value of the reach random number counter C3. Specifically, when the value of the reach random number counter C3 is “0 to 49”, normal reach is selected, and when the value of the reach random number counter C3 is “50 to 199”, super reach is selected. . For this reason, super-reach is more likely to occur than normal reach when winning a big hit.

  As the outline of the display mode is determined, the variation type counter CS is referred to, and finally stopped and displayed on the symbol and symbol display device 96 which is finally stopped and displayed on the lower working port display unit DL. The combination of symbols is determined. Thereby, the variable display time is determined.

  On the other hand, as a result of performing the lottery determination based on the entry to the lower operation entry portion 82 in the game times control process, if the result is a failure, normal reach, super reach and reach fluctuation display are not performed as display modes. One of complete deviation is selected. Specifically, when the value of the reach random number counter C3 is “0 to 181”, complete deviation is selected, and when the value of the reach random number counter C3 is “182 to 197”, normal reach is selected. When the value of the reach random number counter C3 is “198 to 199”, the super reach is selected. For this reason, when the jackpot is not won (when it is a miss), it is likely to occur in the order of super reach <normal reach <complete miss.

  Here, the normal reach is set to have a lower chance of hitting than the super reach, and is set to have a higher expectation of hitting than the complete reach. For this reason, the player can grasp whether or not the winning is likely to occur depending on which display mode is selected.

  By referring to the variation type counter CS in conjunction with the determination of the outline of the display mode, the display finally stopped on the symbol and symbol display device 96 is finally displayed on the lower working port display unit DL. The combination of symbols to be performed is determined. In particular, when the completely off is selected as the display mode, the variable display time is changed according to the number of holds. Specifically, the change display time is changed to be shorter as the number of holds increases. Based on these various conditions, the variable display time is determined.

  If a negative determination is made in step S701, that is, if the table change counter CC is not “0”, the process proceeds to step S703. In step S703, the display mode (variable display mode and stoppage is referred to with reference to a display mode selection table (hereinafter referred to as the second table for convenience) set for the high-accuracy stage because the game times are in the high-accuracy stage. Display mode) is selected. Thereby, the variable display time is determined.

  As described above, during the low-frequency support mode, it is assumed that game times are likely to be executed solely based on the entry into the lower operation entry portion 82. Therefore, hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 20B, a second table that is referred to when the entry into the lower operation entry portion 82 is illustrated will be exemplified, and thereafter, the determination of the variable display time will be supplementarily described.

  As shown in FIG. 20 (b), as a result of performing the lottery determination based on the entry to the lower operation entry portion 82 in the game turn control process, the reach variation display is always selected when the big win is won. . As described above, the reach variation display is roughly divided into normal reach and super reach, and the reach variation display is selected with reference to the value of the reach random number counter C3. Specifically, when the value of the reach random number counter C3 is “0 to 39”, the normal reach is selected, and when the value of the reach random number counter C3 is “40 to 199”, the super reach is selected. . For this reason, super-reach is more likely to occur than normal reach when winning a big hit.

  As the outline of the display mode is determined, the variation type counter CS is referred to, and finally stopped and displayed on the symbol and symbol display device 96 which is finally stopped and displayed on the lower working port display unit DL. The combination of symbols is determined. Thereby, the variable display time is determined.

  On the other hand, as a result of performing the lottery determination based on the entry to the lower operation entry portion 82 in the game times control process, if the result is a failure, normal reach, super reach and reach fluctuation display are not performed as display modes. One of complete deviation is selected. Specifically, when the value of the reach random number counter C3 is “0 to 179”, complete deviation is selected, and when the value of the reach random number counter C3 is “180 to 195”, normal reach is selected. When the value of the reach random number counter C3 is “196 to 199”, super reach is selected. For this reason, when the jackpot is not won (when it is a miss), it is likely to occur in the order of super reach <normal reach <complete miss.

  As the outline of the display mode is determined, the variation type counter CS is referred to, and finally stopped and displayed on the symbol and symbol display device 96 which is finally stopped and displayed on the lower working port display unit DL. The combination of symbols is determined. In particular, when the complete disengagement is selected as the display mode, the variable display time is changed according to the number of holds. Specifically, the change display time is changed to be shorter as the number of holds increases. Based on these various conditions, the variable display time is determined.

  When the variable display time is determined, the variable display patterns of the display units DL and DR are selected according to the variable display time, but the variable display patterns in the display units DL and DR are stored in the ROM 603. A plurality of variation display pattern tables are set in advance, and one variation display pattern is selected with reference to the table when determining the variation display pattern.

  Here, the difference between the first table and the second table will be described by comparing FIGS. 20 (a) and 20 (b).

  When the lottery based on the winning random number counter C1 is lost, the probability of occurrence of normal reach is set to “16/200” between the normal stage and the high-accuracy stage. Is set to be “182/200” in the first table and “180/200” in the second table, and the probability of occurrence of super reach is “2/200” in the first table. In the second table, “4/200” is set. That is, compared with the first table, the second table has a lower probability of being completely out of place and a higher probability of being super reach.

  On the other hand, when a lottery based on the winning random number counter C1 is won, the probability of occurrence of normal reach is set to be “50/200” in the first table and “40/200” in the second table. Therefore, the probability of occurrence of super reach is set to be “150/200” in the first table and “160/200” in the second table. That is, the probability that the second table becomes super reach is set higher than that of the first table.

  In general, in the high-accuracy stage, the probability of occurrence of reach and the probability of occurrence of super-reach are high, and there are more opportunities for the performance with high expectation and low occurrence frequency compared to the normal stage. However, since the tables referred to in the hit determination are the same, the hit occurrence probability is not changed between the high-accuracy stage and the normal stage.

  Returning to the explanation of FIG. 19, after executing the processing of step S703, the process proceeds to step S704, and the value of the table change counter CC is decremented by “1”. Thereafter, in step S705, it is determined whether or not the value of the updated table change counter CC is “0”. If a negative determination is made in step S705, the processing for setting the present variation display time is terminated. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S705, the process advances to step S706 to set a normal stage return command. This normal stage return command is transmitted to the audio lamp control device 143 in the external output process of step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 14).

  The sound lamp controller 143 switches from the high-accuracy stage to the normal stage by receiving the normal stage return command. Specifically, the BGM is switched to the normal stage and a normal stage return command is output to the display control device 725. The display control device 725 receives the normal stage return command and changes the background of the display screen 96a to the normal stage background.

  According to the first embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are obtained.

  When the high-frequency support mode falls to the low-frequency support mode (demotion), it is assumed that the operation rate in the gaming machine is lowered because the player stops the game with this as a trigger. When transitioning to the low frequency support mode, the number of game balls acquired by the player is likely to be the maximum, and thereafter, the game can be continued using the acquired game balls. When the game is stopped, it is assumed that other players are likely to have a suspicion that nail adjustment is likely to be disadvantageous to the player. This is not preferable because it can cause other players to move away from the gaming machine.

  In this regard, in the present embodiment, after the low frequency support mode correspondence is completed, the stage is shifted to a high-accuracy stage in which reach display is likely to occur temporarily. In the reach display, the expectation that a hit will occur is higher than in the case of complete losing, so the frequency of occurrence of such reach display increases, and the gaming state becomes advantageous to the player for the player. It is easy to give an impression that you are. Thus, after the transition to the low frequency support mode, the player can be encouraged to continue the game, and a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine can be suitably suppressed.

  Furthermore, even if the player has finished the game after the fall to the infrequent support mode, even if the player has finished the game, the other player has the above impression on the gaming machine. Holding can be suppressed. Thereby, it can contribute to the further operation rate improvement of a game machine.

  The high-accuracy stage in the low-frequency support mode is terminated after a predetermined number of game times have elapsed, and the normal stage is entered. After that, when returning to the low-frequency support mode again via the high-frequency support mode, the same low-frequency support mode (the advantage to the player is not different) by going from the normal stage to the high-accuracy stage. ), It is possible to give the player an impression as if the player has entered another gaming state. This prevents the game from becoming monotonous and contributes to improving the fun of the gaming machine.

  In addition, the player is prompted to switch the launch operation by switching from the high frequency support mode to the low frequency support mode, and the impression is as if the game state has shifted to another game state based on the player's operation. Can be given to the player. Thereby, the said interest improvement effect can be made still more suitable.

<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment described above, a configuration is adopted in which the number of continuations (upper limit) of game times in the high-accuracy stage is determined in accordance with the picture to be stopped and displayed on the operation port display units DL and DR. In this embodiment, the manner of determining the number of continuations is different from that of the first embodiment. More specifically, in the first embodiment, a configuration is adopted that allows a transition to a high-accuracy stage after the opening / closing execution mode ends when the second big hit and the second special hit are achieved. In the embodiment, when the opening / closing execution mode based on the second special hit is completed, the transition to the high-accuracy stage is allowed, while when the opening / closing execution mode based on the second big hit is completed, the high-accuracy stage is entered. The structure which does not perform this transfer is adopted, and the structure related to the determination of the number of continuations of the high-accuracy stage is changed accordingly. Therefore, a configuration relating to determination of the number of continuations will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 21 and 22. In the following description, detailed description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is simplified or omitted.

  First, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 21, the special winning transition process in the present embodiment will be described.

  Various processes in steps S801 to S809 in the special winning transition process are the same as steps S601 to S609 in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. If an affirmative determination is made in step S810, that is, if a game ball flows into the second downstream passage 92c as an advantageous entry ball portion, the process proceeds to step S811, which triggers the transition process for this special hit. It is determined whether the lottery result at the game times is a special hit result corresponding to the low frequency support mode.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S811, the process proceeds to a continuation count determination process in step S812. Hereinafter, the continuation count determination process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Continuation count determination process)
In the number-of-continuations determination process, first, in step S901, the first period elapses after the winning to the second downstream passage 92c as the advantageous pitching portion is during the first period, that is, the right variable pitching device 85 is opened. It is determined whether or not it has occurred before. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a winning has occurred during a period in which the value of the timer counter t1 is “2500 to 2000”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S901, the process proceeds to step S902, and a flag corresponding to a winning during the first period (hereinafter referred to as a first period winning corresponding flag) is stored in various flag storage areas 635 of the RAM 604. Then, the continuation count determination process ends.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S901, that is, if it is determined that no winning has occurred during the first period, the process proceeds to step S903, and a winning has occurred during the second period after the first period has elapsed. It is determined whether or not. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a winning has occurred during a period in which the value of the timer counter t1 is “2000 to 1500”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S903, the process proceeds to step S904, and a flag corresponding to a winning during the second period (hereinafter referred to as a second period winning corresponding flag) is stored in various flag storage areas 635 of the RAM 604. Then, the continuation count determination process ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step S903, that is, if it is determined that a winning entry to the advantageous pitching portion has occurred after the second period has elapsed, the present continuation number determination process is terminated.

  After executing the continuation count determination process in step S812 or in the case where a negative determination is made in step S811, the process for step S813 is executed, and then the special winning transition process is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S809, the processing for steps S814 and S815 is executed, and then the special winning transition processing is terminated. Note that the processes in steps S813 to S815 are the same as the processes in steps S611 to S613 in the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In the game state transition process in the present embodiment, the contents of the table change counter setting process are changed to be based on the various flags set by the continuation number determination process. Therefore, the table change counter setting process in the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

(Table change counter setting process)
In the table change counter setting process, first, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not a winning correspondence flag for the first period is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1001, the process proceeds to step S1002, and “50” is set to the table change counter CC.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1001, the process proceeds to step S1003, and it is determined whether or not the winning correspondence flag is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604 in the second period. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1003, the process proceeds to step S1004, where “20” is set in the table change counter CC.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1003, that is, if the winning flag corresponding to the first period and the winning flag corresponding to the second period are not stored in the various flag storage areas 635 of the RAM 604, the process proceeds to step S1005 to change the table. Set "0" to the counter CC.

  After executing the processing of steps S1002, S1004, and S1005, the process proceeds to step S1006, where the various winning correspondence flags are erased, and the table change counter setting processing ends.

  According to the second embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects can be obtained.

  When a game ball flows into the right action entry part 83, the right variable entry apparatus 85 is not immediately opened, but the lottery result based on the entry ball changes the pattern in the right action opening display part DR. The right variable pitching device 85 is opened only when the picture corresponding to the winning result is stopped and displayed after being stopped and displayed. For this reason, it is assumed that a player who hates launching a game ball during such a waiting time performs an action of suppressing the waste of the possessed ball by avoiding the launch operation of the game ball. This is not preferable because it may be a factor of reducing the operating rate in the gaming machine.

  In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, the higher the stage at which the game ball arrives at the second downstream passage 92c serving as an advantageous ball portion, the earlier the number of times the highly accurate stage is continued (the period is longer). ), It is possible to give an impression that the game can be advantageously advanced by increasing the arrival timing (specifically, the inflow timing) to the right variable pitching device 85. Thereby, it becomes possible to prompt the player to continue the launch operation, and the above-described decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine can be suitably suppressed.

<Third Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, it is practically impossible to advance the game by extending the stay period of the high-precision stage. However, in the present embodiment, the right variable pitching device 85 is By adopting notification means for notifying the degree of expectation regarding the stay allowable period at a timing prior to switching to the fixed mode, it is possible to play a game aiming at a highly accurate stage.

  The notification mode by the notification means will be briefly described. By controlling the symbol display device 96 by the display control device 725, information indicating the degree of expectation is displayed on the display screen 96a (specifically, outside the variable display area of the symbol). The image is displayed. The dolphin image is set so that the degree of continuation expectation of the high accuracy stage when it shifts to the high accuracy stage differs depending on the color assigned to the dolphin image. Specifically, the number of continuations is likely to increase when shifting to the high-accuracy stage in the order of yellow <blue <red.

  In the MPU of the display control device 725, a normal process that is periodically executed is set. As a part of this normal process, a notification mode is set based on various commands for game times transmitted from the main controller 162. The determination process and the expectation degree notification process for performing the expectation degree notification are executed.

  Hereinafter, the notification mode determination process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Notification mode determination process)
In the notification mode determination process, first, in step S1101, it is determined whether a change start command and a type command (display content command) are received.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1101, the notification mode determination process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1101, the process proceeds to step S1102, and with reference to these commands, whether or not the current game time is a game time based on a ball entering the right-hand actuated ball entering portion 83 is determined. Determine.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1102, that is, if the current game time is a game time based on a ball entering the lower operation ball entry portion 82, the notification mode determination process is terminated. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1102, the process proceeds to step S1103, and it is determined whether or not a special win corresponding to the low frequency support mode is won.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1103, the process proceeds to step S1104 to calculate the number of continuations of the high-accuracy stage. In the present embodiment, the number of times of continuation is determined according to the pattern stop result in the right working port display section DR. When the stop result is determined, a stop result table provided in the ROM 603 of the main controller 162 is used. Is referenced. The display control device 725 stores a table similar to the stop result table. The stop result is determined based on information included in the type command, and then the number of continuations is calculated according to the stop result. For this reason, the number of continuations calculated by the main control device 162 is the same as the number of continuations calculated by the display control device 725. The main controller 162 calculates the number of continuations during the game times control process and adopts a configuration in which the number of continuations is given to the variation start command or type command as the number of times of continuation, so that the display controller 725 continues. It is also possible to omit the calculation of the number of times.

  After calculating the number of continuations in step S1104, the process proceeds to step S1105, and it is determined whether or not the number of continuations is “50”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1105, the process proceeds to step S1106, and an expectation display pattern selection process for the continuation count “50” is executed. In this selection process, a character of red dolphin, blue dolphin or yellow dolphin is determined by comparing the notification mode selection table stored in the ROM of the display control device 725 with the value of the notification mode selection counter. . Specifically, when the number of continuations is “50”, the red dolphins with the highest expectation are selected with a probability of 2/4, the blue dolphins are selected with a probability of 1/4, and the yellow with the lowest expectation. Dolphins are selected with a probability of 1/4. Note that the value of the notification mode selection counter is periodically updated by timer interrupt processing executed by the MPU of the display control device 725.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1105, the process proceeds to step S1107 to determine whether or not the number of continuations is “20”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1107, the process advances to step S1108 to execute an expectation display pattern selection process for the continuation count “20”. In this selection process, a character of red dolphin, blue dolphin or yellow dolphin is determined by comparing the notification mode selection table stored in the ROM of the display control device 725 with the value of the notification mode selection counter. . Specifically, when the number of continuations is “20”, the red dolphins with the highest expectation are selected with a probability of 1/4, the blue dolphins are selected with a probability of 2/4, and the yellow with the lowest expectation. Dolphins are selected with a probability of 1/4.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1107, the number of continuations is “0”. For this reason, an expectation display pattern selection process for the continuation count “0” is executed. In such a selection process, it is determined which character among red dolphins, blue dolphins, and yellow dolphins is displayed by comparing the notification mode selection table stored in the ROM of the display control device 725 with the value of the notification mode selection counter. decide. Specifically, when the number of continuations is “0”, the red dolphins with the highest expectation are selected with a probability of 1/4, the blue dolphins are selected with a probability of 1/4, and the yellow with the lowest expectation. Dolphins are selected with a probability of 2/4.

  In the present embodiment, the selection probabilities of the respective continuation times “50”, “20”, and “0” are the same. Specifically, the number of continuations “50” is selected with a probability of 1/3, the number of continuations “20” is selected with a probability of 1/3, and the number of continuations “0” is selected with a probability of 1/3. Has been. Therefore, when the special hit result corresponding to the low frequency support mode is obtained, the selection probability of the red dolphin is 1/3, the selection probability of the blue dolphin is 1/3, and the selection probability of the yellow dolphin is 1/3. Become.

  As already described, in this embodiment, a special winning corresponding to the low-frequency support mode is won in the lottery based on the entry to the right-hand actuating entry unit 83, and the advantageous entry unit of the right variable entry device 85 When the transition to the opening / closing execution mode is confirmed based on the game ball to, the transition to the high-accuracy stage after the opening / closing execution mode ends is permitted. If the configuration is such that the above-described notification of the expected degree is executed only when the transition to the high-accuracy stage is permitted, that is, the special hit corresponding to the low frequency support mode, the notification of the expected degree is performed. By doing so, it becomes possible to indirectly know whether the player or the like is a special hit corresponding to the low frequency support mode or a special hit corresponding to the low frequency support mode. In such a configuration, for example, when the notification of the degree of expectation is performed (that is, when a special win corresponding to the low frequency support mode is won), the launch of the game ball is suppressed and the notification of the degree of expectation is not performed (that is, high By launching a game ball when a special win corresponding to the frequency support mode is won), it is possible to avoid falling to the low frequency support mode and advance the game advantageously. This is not preferable because it can be a factor that facilitates acquisition of excessive benefits.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, a device for suppressing the occurrence of the inconvenience is taken. Hereinafter, the structure concerning the said device is demonstrated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1103, that is, if the result is a missed result or a special hit result corresponding to the high-frequency support mode, the process proceeds to step S1110, and an expectation display for pseudo-notifying the expectation A pattern selection process is executed. In other words, as described above, when the result is a losing result or a special hit result corresponding to the high frequency support mode, when the opening / closing execution mode ends, the stage does not move to the high accuracy stage, but the lottery result is obtained. Even in this case, a selection process is performed in order to perform pseudo notification of the expected degree similar to the case where the special hit result corresponding to the low frequency support mode is obtained.

  In such a selection process, the pseudo notification mode selection table stored in the ROM of the display control device 725 is compared with the value of the notification mode selection counter to determine which of the red dolphins to yellow dolphins is to be displayed. To do. That is, in the present embodiment, when a ball enters the right-hand actuated ball-entry unit 83, the expectation notification character is displayed at each game round regardless of the lottery result. Become. This makes it difficult to determine the lottery result based on the presence / absence of expectation notification.

  The pseudo notification mode selection table is set so that the red dolphin selection probability is 1/3, the blue dolphin selection probability is 1/3, and the yellow dolphin selection probability is 1/3. That is, the appearance probability of each character when the result is a disapproval result and the special hit result corresponding to the high frequency support mode is set to be equal to the appearance probability of each character when the special hit result corresponding to the low frequency support mode is set. . As a result, it is difficult to determine the lottery result based on the display content of the expected degree notification, and it is assumed that a configuration is adopted in which the expected degree is notified prior to the display (stop display) of the lottery result in the right working port display unit DR. However, it is difficult to grasp the lottery result from the notification content.

  After performing the expectation degree display pattern selection processing S1106, S1108, S1109, and S1110, the notification mode determination processing ends.

(Expectation notification process)
Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 24, the expectation degree notification process for executing the expectation degree notification based on the notification mode determined in the notification mode determination process will be described.

  In the expectation degree informing process, first, in step S1201, it is determined whether or not the current game time is a game time executed based on a ball entering the right-hand actuated ball entering portion 83. Specifically, based on the change start command and the type command transmitted from the main control device 162 via the sound lamp control device 143, the game times executed based on the entrance to the right operation entrance portion 83. It is determined whether or not. If a negative determination is made in step S1201, that is, if it is determined that the current game time is a game time based on a ball entering the lower operation ball entry portion 82, the expectation degree notification process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1201, the process proceeds to step S1202 to determine whether it is the expected degree correspondence information display start timing. Specifically, a start timing counter is stored in the RAM of the display control device 725, and a predetermined value is set in the start timing counter at the start timing of the game times. This value is subtracted by timer interrupt processing periodically executed by the MPU of the display control device 725, and when the value finally becomes "0", display of expectation degree correspondence information is started. . Here, the value set in the start timing counter is the correspondence information displayed during the period when all symbols are variably displayed on the symbol display device 96, that is, before one symbol row is stopped and displayed. It is set to start. The start timing is arbitrary, but is preferably set to be the timing before the variable display of all symbol sequences is stopped.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1202, the process proceeds to step S1203, and a display process of expectation degree correspondence information is executed. In the expectation degree correspondence information display process, the display pattern flag stored in the RAM of the display control device 725 in the notification mode determination process is referred to, and the character image (one-to-one correspondence with the flag) ( Specifically, any one of red dolphins and yellow dolphins) is displayed outside the symbol variation display area on the display screen 96a.

  After performing the display process of step S1203 or when a negative determination is made in step S1202, the process proceeds to step S1204. In step S1204, it is determined whether it is the display end timing of the expected degree correspondence information. Specifically, an end timing counter is stored in the RAM of the display control device 725, and a predetermined value is set in the start timing counter at the start timing of the game times. This value is subtracted by a timer interrupt process periodically executed by the MPU of the display control device 725, and when the value finally becomes "0", an affirmative determination is made in step S1204. In step S1204, it is determined whether or not the transition to the opening / closing execution mode has been confirmed based on the entry into the right variable entry device 85. Specifically, it is determined whether or not an opening command from main controller 162 has been received. If a negative determination is made in step S1204, that is, if the value of the end timing counter is not “0” and the opening command has not been received, the expectation degree notification process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1204, the process proceeds to step S1205, and the display of expected degree correspondence information is terminated. Specifically, the dolphin image being displayed on the display screen 96a of the symbol display device 96 is not displayed.

  After executing the process of step S1205, the various flags for notifying the degree of expectation are erased in step S1206, and this expectation degree notifying process is terminated.

(Expectation notification flow)
Here, the flow of expectation notification will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. FIG. 25 (a) shows the display mode of the right working port display section DR of the main display section D, FIG. 25 (b) shows the state of the right variable entry device 85, and FIG. 25 (c) shows the right variable entry. FIG. 25 (d) shows the display mode of the symbols displayed on the symbol display device 96, and FIG. 25 (e) shows the symbols. The display mode of the post-expectation correspondence information on the display device 96 is shown. In the following description, a case where a lottery based on the entry to the right-hand side actuated entry unit 83 is first won is exemplified, and then a case where the same lottery is not won is exemplified.

  When a game ball launched so as to pass over the variable display unit 88 (symbol display device 96) wins the through gate 86 and wins a lottery based on the winning prize, The electric accessory 91 is switched to the open state, and the inflow of game balls to the right-hand side actuating ball entering portion 83 is allowed.

  When the game ball flows into the right working ball entering portion 83 at the timing of ta1, the display of the variation of the pattern on the right working port display unit DR is started in response to the entering ball, and the symbol display device 96 changes the symbol. Display starts. A dolphin image as expected degree correspondence information is displayed on the display screen 96a of the symbol display device 96 at the timing ta2 when a predetermined period has elapsed from the timing ta1. At the timing of ta2, all symbol sequences are displayed in a variable manner on the symbol display device 96. However, by displaying the image of the above dolphins outside the variable display area of these symbol sequences, the symbol and expectation level are displayed. Visibility with corresponding information is guaranteed.

  At the timing ta3 when a preset period has elapsed since the start of the display of symbols and symbols, the symbol corresponding to the lottery result is stopped and displayed on the right working port display unit DR, and the symbol display device 96 is displayed. The combination of symbols corresponding to the lottery result is stopped and displayed on the display screen 96a. As a result of the lottery based on entering at the timing of ta1, when a special winning result is won, a pattern corresponding to the special winning result is stopped and a combination of symbols corresponding to the special winning result is stopped and displayed. .

  The right variable pitching device 85 is switched to the open state at the timing ta4 at which a preset period has elapsed from the timing ta3, and entering the right variable pitching device 85 is allowed. Moreover, it becomes an effective period which receives the inflow of the game ball to the downstream 2nd channel | path 96c as an advantageous entrance ball part effectively at the timing of ta4.

  At the timing ta5 when a predetermined opening period has elapsed from the timing ta4, the right variable pitching device 85 is switched to the closed state, and subsequent inflow of game balls becomes impossible. At the timing of ta6 after the timing of ta5, specifically, at the timing of ta6 when the valid period has elapsed from the timing of ta4, the subsequent entry into the advantageous entry is invalid, and further the display on the symbol display device 96 The expectation degree correspondence information (dolphin image) displayed on the screen 96a is not displayed.

  In addition, when a winning to the advantageous pitching part occurs at a timing before ta6 timing, the expectation correspondence information (dolphin image) is not displayed at the winning occurrence timing, and the symbol display device After the predetermined opening moving image is displayed at 96, the mode is immediately shifted to the opening / closing execution mode.

  When a holding ball is stored, for example, when a ball entering the right working ball entering portion 83 is generated between the timing ta1 and the timing ta6, at the timing ta7 immediately after the timing ta6, The variation display of the pattern on the operation port display unit DR is started, and the variation display of the symbol is started on the display screen 96a of the symbol display device 96.

  A dolphin is displayed as expectation correspondence information on the display screen 96a of the symbol display device 96 at the timing ta8 when a predetermined period has elapsed from the timing ta7.

  At the timing of ta9 after the timing of ta8, specifically, at the timing of ta9 when a preset period has elapsed since the start of the display of the change of the symbol and the pattern, the lottery result is displayed on the right working port display section DR. The corresponding symbol is stopped and displayed, and the symbol combination corresponding to the lottery result is stopped and displayed on the display screen 96a of the symbol display device 96. When a result of losing is obtained in the lottery based on the entry at the timing ta1, the pattern corresponding to the result of losing is stopped and the combination of symbols corresponding to the result of losing is stopped.

  At the timing ta10 when a preset period has elapsed from the timing ta9, the pattern variation display on the right working port display unit DR and the symbol variation display on the symbol display device 96 are activated, and ta8 The expectation correspondence information (dolphin image) that has been displayed at the timing is not displayed.

  According to the third embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are produced.

  When falling from the high frequency support mode to the low frequency support mode, information (expected degree) corresponding to the number of times the high accuracy stage is continued is notified, so a player who wants to continue the high accuracy stage for a long time, By selecting whether or not to play the game ball, it is possible to reflect the intention of the player in the game. Thereby, monotonization of a game can be suppressed and it can contribute to the interest improvement in a game machine.

  In addition, by performing the above notification prior to the display of the lottery result based on the entry to the right-hand actuated entry unit 83 (the result of distribution indicating whether or not the high-frequency support mode is continued), It is possible to determine whether or not the game ball can be fired before switching to the open state of the right side variable pitching device 85, and while exhibiting the above-described monotonic suppression effect, the operation becomes hesitant. Can be suppressed.

  Furthermore, before the right variable pitching device 85 is opened, its own judgment result based on the notification information (judgment result of whether or not to perform the launch operation) can be reflected in the operation, and the player's intention It is possible to reduce the possibility that the game progresses in a manner contrary to the above. Thereby, it becomes possible to reflect a player's intention suitably in a game.

  If the lottery result (whether continuation of the high frequency support mode can be continued) can be easily determined from the notification content, the game ball is intentionally launched into the right variable pitching device 85 by the game ball launch / non-launch operation. It may be possible to obtain excessive profits by avoiding the problem. This is not preferable because it may cause a decrease in the soundness of the gaming machine.

  In this regard, in the present embodiment, regardless of whether the lottery result corresponds to the high frequency support mode or not, by adopting a configuration that performs the notification in the same manner, the type of winning with reference to the notification content Making it difficult to judge.

  Further, the lottery result is displayed while avoiding that the game ball fired at the timing after the lottery result is displayed reaches the right variable pitching device 85 during the opening period of the right variable pitching device 85. By making the above-mentioned notification prior to, it is easy to reflect in the game result whether or not the player can perform the firing operation. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the soundness of the game resulting from it while suitably exhibiting the interest improvement effect in the gaming machine.

  In addition, it is not limited to the description content of each embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows. Incidentally, the configurations of the following different modes may be applied individually to the configurations of the above embodiments, or may be applied in combination with each other.

  (1) In each of the above embodiments, the variable display mode selection table that is referred to when the number of games after the end of the opening / closing execution mode reaches a preset number is referred to as “second correspondence information” from the second table. Although the first table is returned to the first table as the “first correspondence information”, the return condition to the first table is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the variable display mode selection table that is referred to when the period that has passed after the end of the opening / closing execution mode becomes a preset period is returned from the second table to the first table.

  However, in the present embodiment, by switching the table to be referred to, it is made easier for a player to generate a super reach after the opening / closing execution mode, thereby allowing the player to recognize that the player is highly expected to win. Although such a display mode has been realized, when the return condition of the reference table is “elapsed period”, it may be difficult to appropriately exhibit the function. Specifically, there is a concern that if the game ball is launched toward the lower operation ball entry portion 82 but does not enter well, the above function will be hardly exhibited. Such an inconvenience can be conspicuous when a nail adjustment or the like is performed so that it is difficult to enter the lower operation entrance portion 82 according to the business form of the game hall. Therefore, if the switching is performed in accordance with the “number of times” as described above, the effects of the game hall sales form and the like can be suppressed, and the above-described effects can be suitably achieved.

  (2) In each of the above embodiments, the first table and the second table are increased by increasing the frequency of reach display as a variable display mode that allows the player to recognize that the degree of expectation that a win will occur is high. However, it is not limited to this. It is also possible to increase the degree of expectation in the high-accuracy stage by setting the difference in the occurrence frequency between the normal reach and the super reach while equalizing the occurrence frequency of reach display in both tables.

  For example, it is possible to reverse the occurrence frequency of super reach and normal reach in the high-accuracy stage. When making such a change, it is preferable to reverse the winning winning expectation degree in normal reach and the winning winning expectation degree in super reach. In general, when normal reach and super reach are compared, the latter is less likely to occur, and if it occurs, the expectation level for winning is set higher. Therefore, unexpectedness can be imparted to the game by temporarily reversing the relationship.

  For example, instead of setting the normal reach occurrence frequency in the second table to be higher than that in the first table, the super reach occurrence frequency in the second table is set to be higher than in the first table. It is also possible to increase the degree of expectation on the stage.

  (3) In each of the above embodiments, the table is switched after completion of the opening / closing execution mode when the low-frequency support mode is supported regardless of the destination of the game ball. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Is not to be done. The table may be switched only when the result of the lottery based on the entry to the right operation entry portion 83 is a big hit for the low frequency support mode or a special hit for the low frequency support mode.

  (4) In each of the embodiments described above, the background image displayed on the symbol display device 96 and the BGM output from the speaker unit 29 are used to notify that the stage is a highly accurate stage. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to adopt a configuration that does not notify that the stage is a highly accurate stage. That is, it is good also as a structure which raises the occurrence frequency of reach display internally, without notifying of the change of a stage. When making such a change, it is preferable to set the reach display probability higher and clarify the difference between the normal stage and the high-accuracy stage.

  (5) In each of the above embodiments, the winning lottery based on the entry to the lower working entry portion 82 as the “first entry portion” results in a winning result and a failure result. In both cases, a configuration is adopted in which the frequency of occurrence of super reach display is increased, that is, the table to be referenced is switched to a table for a high accuracy stage. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a table to be referred to is switched to a table for a high-accuracy stage when either a hit result or a miss result is obtained.

  (6) In each of the above-described embodiments, the lower operation entrance portion 82 is provided as the “first entry portion” and the right operation entrance portion 83 is provided as the “second entry portion”, and the target is changed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to employ a configuration in which the display mode selection table is changed in a configuration in which there is one operation ball entry portion as the “ball entry portion” and the target destination is not changed. However, when such a configuration is adopted, it may be difficult to give the impression that the stage has changed according to the player's operation.

  (7) In each of the above-described embodiments, the right-hand actuated entrance portion 83 as the “second entrance portion” has a holding function. It can be omitted. When making such changes, the following changes may be made. That is, in the above embodiment, the first operation and the second table for the lower operation entrance portion 82 and the first table and the second table for the right operation entrance portion 83 are provided. The second table for the ball entering portion 83 may be omitted. Even when such a change is made, the holding function is omitted, so that the variable display of the pattern based on the entrance to the right operation entrance portion 83 is executed during the high-accuracy stage. Occurrence can be suppressed.

  (8) In the second embodiment, the case where a winning occurs immediately after the right variable pitching device 85 is opened is more than the case where a winning occurs just before the right variable pitching device 85 is closed. However, the high-accuracy stage is likely to be continued (the duration is likely to be long or the number of continuations is likely to be increased), but this may be changed as follows. That is, when a winning occurs immediately after the right variable pitching device 85 is opened, the highly accurate stage is less likely to continue than when a winning occurs immediately before the right variable pitching device 85 is closed (continuation). It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the period is easily shortened or the number of continuous times is likely to be reduced.

  However, the lottery result based on the entrance to the right operation entrance portion 83 is displayed, and when the right variable entrance device 85 is opened, the game ball launch operation is continued to improve the operating rate in the gaming machine. Considering the point, it is assumed that by adopting the above-described modification, an action such as temporarily avoiding the operation of launching the game ball is likely to be performed. Therefore, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the high-accuracy stage tends to be long when a winning occurs at an early timing, as shown in the above embodiment.

  (9) In the third embodiment described above, when the entrance to the right operation entrance portion 83 as the “second entrance portion” occurs, the notification of the expected degree is always executed. It is not always necessary to perform the notification of the above-mentioned expectation every time a ball enters, and whether or not the notification of the expectation can be notified may be determined according to a preset condition or the like.

  However, it is not preferable that it is easy to determine whether the current game result is a hit result corresponding to the low frequency support mode or a hit result corresponding to the high frequency support mode based on the notification of the degree of expectation. Therefore, when performing the above-described change, for example, a configuration in which an expected degree is notified at random may be employed.

  (10) In the third embodiment, the end timing of the notification of expectation is set to be the same as the end timing of the effective period in the right variable pitching device 85 as the “variable pitching unit”. Timing is arbitrary. For example, when the right variable pitching device 85 is closed, the subsequent pitching becomes difficult, so that the notification of the expected degree can be terminated at the closing timing.

  (11) In the third embodiment, the configuration is such that the degree of expectation regarding the number of continuations of the high-precision stage is notified based on the entry to the right operation entry portion 83 as the “second entry portion”. The notification content is not limited to this, and for example, the number of continuations itself may be notified. However, when such a change is made, it is assumed that it is easy to determine whether or not the high-frequency support mode is continued based on the notification content. Therefore, it is preferable that the degree of expectation be notified as shown in the above embodiment.

  (12) In the third embodiment, the symbol display device 96 employs the configuration in which the notification of expectation is started while the symbol variation display is being performed. About is optional. However, in order to encourage active participation in the game, when the game ball is fired after confirming the notification content, the game ball can flow into the right variable ball entry device 85 as a “variable ball entry portion”. Is desirable.

  (13) Other types of pachinko machines different from the above embodiment, for example, a pachinko machine in which the electric accessory is released a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters the specific area of the special device, or a game ball in the specific area of the special device The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine that generates a right if a player enters, a pachinko machine equipped with other objects, an arrangement ball machine, a sparrow ball, and other gaming machines.

  Also, a non-ball-type gaming machine, for example, a plurality of reels with a plurality of types of symbols attached in the circumferential direction, starts rotation of the reel by inserting a medal and operating a start lever, and a stop switch is operated. If a specific symbol or a combination of specific symbols is established on the effective line visible from the display window after the reel has stopped after a predetermined time has passed, a privilege such as paying out medals is given to the player The present invention can also be applied to a slot machine.

  Further, the gaming machine main body supported by the outer frame so as to be openable and closable is provided with a storage unit and a capture device, and the start lever is operated after a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage unit are captured by the capture device. Thus, the present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused to start the rotation of the reel.

<Invention Group Extracted from the Embodiments>
Hereinafter, the features of the invention group extracted from the above-described embodiment will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for easy understanding, the corresponding configuration in the above embodiment is appropriately shown in parentheses, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses.

Feature A1. A game board (game board 80) having a game area (game area PE) formed on the front surface;
Launch operation means (game ball launch handle 41) capable of a first predetermined operation and a second predetermined operation;
When the first predetermined operation is performed on the launch operation means, a game ball is launched toward the first position in the game area (the area on the left side of the symbol display device 96 in the game area PE), When the second predetermined operation is performed on the launching operation means, a game that launches a game ball toward the second position in the game area (the area on the right side of the symbol display device 96 in the game area PE) Ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110);
A ball entry part (acting ball entry part 82, 83) provided in the game area and capable of entering a game ball launched by the game ball launching means;
A pattern display device that variably displays a pattern based on the entrance to the entrance portion (the display portions DL and DR for the operation opening of the main display portion D and the design display device 96);
Display control means (main control device 162 and display control device 725) for controlling the display of the pattern display device,
The ball entry part has a first ball entry part (lower action ball entry part 82) and a second ball entry part (right action ball entry part 83) arranged separately,
The first ball entry unit is capable of entering a game ball launched toward the first position by the launching means, and a game ball launched towards the second position cannot enter or It is provided so that it is harder to enter than the second entrance part,
The second ball entry unit is capable of entering a game ball launched toward the second position by the launching unit, and a game ball launched towards the first position cannot enter or It is provided so that it is harder to enter than the first entrance part,
As a gaming state, a first gaming state in which a game can be advantageously advanced by performing the first predetermined operation and a first predetermined operation by performing the second predetermined operation. A second gaming state that allows the game to proceed more advantageously than when a predetermined operation is performed,
Based on the fact that a game ball has entered the second ball entry section in the second game state, game state control means for switching the game state to the first game state (game state transition processing in the MPU 602 of the main controller 162) Function to execute)
The display control means includes
Correspondence information storage means (table storage area of ROM 603) storing first correspondence information (first table) and second correspondence information (second table) associated with the variable display mode of the picture in the picture display device )When,
Execution means (in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) that executes variable display of the picture with reference to the first correspondence information or the second correspondence information when the first entry into the first entry portion occurs. Variable start process to be executed)
When the target to be referred to when the variable display of the pattern is executed is switched to the first gaming state by the gaming state control means based on the entrance to the second entrance part, the first response A gaming machine comprising switching means for switching from information to the second correspondence information (variable display time setting processing executed by the MPU 602 of the main controller 162).

  According to the feature 1, when the player is in the first gaming state, the player performs the first predetermined operation, and when the player is in the second gaming state, the player performs the second predetermined operation. The game can be advantageously advanced. By adopting a configuration in which a difference of advantages and disadvantages in the game progress is achieved by performing the game ball according to the game situation in this way, the player is encouraged to actively participate in the game. it can.

  When the second gaming state is switched to the first gaming state based on the entrance to the second entrance part, the game is advantageously advanced by performing the first predetermined operation as described above. Can do. When the aim is changed to the first pitching part in accordance with the change in such a gaming state, the reference target when executing the variable display of the pattern is switched from the first correspondence information to the second correspondence information, The aspect of the variable display of the pattern based on the entrance to the 1 entrance part is in accordance with the second aspect information. According to this configuration, when the second gaming state is switched to the first gaming state, for example, the variable display mode of the pattern is different from the first gaming state before the second gaming state is entered. be able to. As a result, when returning to the first gaming state, it is possible to give the player an impression as if the player has not just returned to the first gaming state but has shifted to a different gaming state. Thereby, monotonization of a game can be suppressed and it can contribute to the interest improvement with respect to a game machine.

  In addition, the player is prompted to switch the launch operation by switching the game state, and for example, the game is given an impression that the player has shifted to the first game state different from the previous first game state based on the switch of the same operation. Can be given to a person. Thereby, the said interest improvement effect can be made still more suitable.

Feature A2. The second gaming state is a gaming state that is more advantageous for the player than the first gaming state,
The second correspondence information is such that a variable display mode that allows the player to recognize that the degree of expectation of a gaming state advantageous to the player is higher than that of the first correspondence information is easily selected. The gaming machine according to feature A1.

  According to the feature A2, when the second gaming state is changed to the first gaming state, it is likely to be a variable display mode that makes it possible to recognize that the variable display of the pattern has a high expectation that the gaming state is advantageous to the player. . For this reason, in such a situation, it is assumed that the player plays a game while expecting a transition to an advantageous gaming state. This encourages the continuation of the game ball launch operation after entering the first gaming state, and stops the game immediately after switching to the first gaming state, thereby suppressing a reduction in the operating rate of the gaming machine. be able to.

Feature A3. In the second correspondence information, a variable display mode that allows the player to recognize that the degree of expectation of a gaming state advantageous to the player is higher than that of the first correspondence information is easily selected.
The display control means includes means for switching the object referred to by the execution means from the second correspondence information to the first correspondence information when a preset switching condition is satisfied,
A variable pitching portion (right variable pitching device) that is provided in the gaming area and can be switched between an accepting state that allows entry of game balls flowing down the gaming area and a non-accepting state that prevents entry of gaming balls. 85)
Variable control means for switching the variable pitching portion to the receiving state based on the pitching into the second pitching portion (a function of executing a special winning transition process in the MPU 602 of the main controller 162). Prepared,
The variable entrance portion is provided with a guide passage (guide passage 92) for guiding the game ball that has flowed into the variable entrance portion,
The guide passage has a first branch passage (first downstream passage 92b) and a second branch passage (second downstream passage 92c) provided by branching the guide passage at an intermediate position thereof,
Further, the variable pitching portion has a distribution means (switching member 93) for distributing the game ball flowing down the guide passage and reaching the branch portion to one of the first branch passage and the second branch passage. And
The gaming state control means is configured to change the second ball from the second gaming state based on the fact that the variable pitching portion is in the receiving state and the gaming ball has flowed into the second branch passage within a preset specific period. Switch to the first gaming state,
The switching condition is set such that a period during which the second correspondence information can be referred to by the execution unit is shortened as a timing at which a game ball flows into the second branch passage is delayed. A gaming machine according to A1 or feature A2.

  According to the feature A3, when the second gaming state is changed to the first gaming state, it is likely to be a variable display mode in which it is recognized that the variable display of the pattern has a high expectation that the gaming state is advantageous to the player. . For this reason, in such a situation, it is assumed that the player plays a game while expecting a transition to an advantageous gaming state. This encourages the continuation of the game ball launch operation after entering the first gaming state, and stops the game immediately after switching to the first gaming state, thereby suppressing a reduction in the operating rate of the gaming machine. be able to.

  In addition, in the gaming machine having the variable pitching portion, the variable pitching portion is in an accepting state based on the pitching into the second pitching portion, and the game ball that has flowed into the variable pitching portion is second branched. By entering the passage, switching to the first gaming state is performed. In the configuration in which the variable pitching portion switches to the receiving state based on the pitching into the second pitching portion, a waiting time or the like may occur in switching from the pitching into the second pitching portion to the variable pitching portion. Therefore, it is assumed that the act of stopping the launching operation of the game ball is likely to be performed in order to suppress the waste of the game ball during the waiting time. If such an action is performed, the operating rate of the gaming machine may be reduced.

  In this respect, as shown in this feature, the earlier the timing at which the game ball reaches the second branch passage, the longer the period during which the second correspondence information can be referred to (the period during which variable display with high expectation can be executed). If it becomes the structure which becomes, it can give the impression that a game can be advanced advantageously by making an arrival timing early. Thereby, it is possible to prompt the player to continue the launch operation, and it is possible to suitably suppress a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine.

  In addition, the technical idea shown in the feature A1 to the feature A3 is, for example, “a lottery means for performing a lottery determination based on the entrance to the first entrance part and a lottery by the lottery means for the player. The design display device includes a means for displaying the lottery result in the design display device, and the design display device performs variable display of the design when displaying the result of the lottery by the lottery device. By applying the display control means to a “gaming machine characterized by switching the variable display mode of the picture”, a practically preferable configuration can be realized.

Feature A4. Lottery means for performing a lottery to determine whether or not to allow the transition to the first gaming state based on the entry to the second entry part (function to execute steps S401 and S402 in the MPU 602 of the main control unit 162) When,
A display unit (working port display unit DR) for displaying a lottery result by the lottery means;
A variable pitching portion (right variable pitching device) that is provided in the gaming area and can be switched between an accepting state that allows entry of game balls flowing down the gaming area and a non-accepting state that prevents entry of gaming balls. 85)
After the lottery result by the lottery means is displayed on the display unit, the variable control means for switching the variable pitching part to the receiving state (a function for executing a special winning transition process in the MPU 602 of the main controller 162) )
The gaming state control means displays a lottery result indicating that the transition to the first gaming state is allowed on the display unit, and the gaming ball has reached a specific area (detection area DE2) in the variable pitching section And a means for switching to the first gaming state based on
Determining means for determining the switching condition based on the entrance to the second entrance section (function of executing the continuation count determination process in the MPU 602 of the main controller 162);
Feature A1 thru | or the feature provided with the alerting | reporting means (function which performs the expectation alerting | reporting process in MPU of the display control apparatus 725) which alert | reports the information corresponding to the said switching condition determined by the said determination means. The gaming machine according to any one of A3.

  According to the feature A3, a period during which the second correspondence information can be referred to when switching to the first gaming state (a period during which variable display with high expectation can be performed: hereinafter referred to as a specific period for convenience) is determined by the determining unit. The information corresponding to the switching condition is notified. For this reason, a player who desires that the specific period lasts can reflect his intention in the game by selecting whether or not to release the game ball. Thereby, monotonization of a game can be suppressed and it can contribute to the interest improvement in a game machine.

  Further, by executing the above notification prior to the display of the lottery result, it becomes possible for the player to determine whether or not the operation of launching the game ball can be made before switching to the acceptance state, and the monotonous suppression effect can be achieved. While making it exhibit, it can suppress that an operation becomes hesitant due to it. Further, the determination result can be reflected in the operation before switching to the acceptance state, and the possibility that the game progresses in a manner contrary to the player's intention can be reduced. Thereby, it becomes possible to reflect a player's intention suitably in a game.

Feature A5. One of the first gaming state and the second gaming state is set to be more advantageous to the player than the other,
The notification means is a first notification means;
Second notification means (display control) for notifying the switching condition and apparently the same information as the information notified by the first notification means when the lottery means does not win the lottery A function of executing an expected degree notification process in the MPU of the device 725),
The first notification means and the second notification means are set to execute the notification prior to display of the lottery result on the display unit,
The variable control means allows the inflow of game balls that have been launched until the lottery result is displayed on the display unit, and prohibits the inflow of game balls that have been launched after the lottery result has been displayed. Thus, the gaming machine according to feature A4, wherein the variable pitching portion is switched to the receiving state.

  In the configuration in which a difference between advantages and disadvantages is set between the first game state and the second game state, if the lottery result can be easily discriminated from the notification contents, the first and second firing operations of the game ball are performed. By intentionally generating / avoiding the transition to the gaming state, excessive profit acquisition may be possible. This is not preferable because it may cause a decrease in the soundness of the gaming machine.

  In this regard, in this feature, when the lottery means does not win the lottery, the information that is not compatible with the switching condition and apparently the same as the information notified by the first notification means By doing so, it can be made difficult or impossible to analogize whether to shift from the notification content to the first gaming state. Furthermore, it is possible to allow the inflow of game balls that are fired according to the notification contents until the lottery result is displayed, and to disable the inflow of game balls that are fired after the lottery result is displayed. By adopting a configuration in which the entrance portion is switched to the receiving state, the occurrence of the inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

Feature A6. Benefit granting means for granting a privilege to the player based on the game ball entering the first ball entry unit or the second ball entry unit (function to shift to the opening / closing execution mode in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) )
The first gaming state is set to be less likely to receive a privilege by the privilege granting means than the second gaming state,
The second correspondence information is associated with an aspect of a variable display of a picture that is recognized as having a higher expectation that the privilege is given than the first correspondence information,
The gaming state control means is means for switching the object to the first correspondence information when a preset switching condition is satisfied after the object is switched to the second correspondence information by the switching means (main The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A5, which has a function of executing the processing of S701, S702, and S704 executed by the MPU 602 of the control device 162).

  When the first gaming state is set to be disadvantageous as compared to the second gaming state as indicated by the feature A6, the sharpness in the game tends to become strong. For this reason, when the game state shifts to the first gaming state which is disadvantageous to the player, the player immediately finishes the game for the purpose of avoiding the release of the acquired profit, etc. It is assumed that there is a high possibility of It is not preferable that such an action is performed because it may cause a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine.

  In this regard, according to this feature, when the transition to the first gaming state is made, a variable display with high expectation is continued until the switching condition is satisfied, so that a privilege is granted after switching to the first gaming state. It is possible to make the player recognize that there is a high possibility of being played, and to encourage the continuation of the game. Therefore, it is possible to suitably suppress the act of stopping the game with the transition to the first gaming state as an opportunity, and to adopt a configuration in which a plurality of gaming states are switched, and to suppress a decrease in the operating rate caused by it.

  The above feature A group is effective when applied to the following problems.

  Some gaming machines, such as pachinko machines, perform a lottery determination regarding the granting of a bonus by entering a game ball into a ball-entry section provided in a game board (specifically, a game area). When the lottery is won, a privilege such as a transition to a special game state or a payout of a game ball is given to the player (see, for example, JP-A-2003-190511).

  In addition, a picture display device is provided in the game area, and when the entrance to the entrance portion occurs, the picture display device variably displays the picture, and the lottery result is finally displayed according to the picture that is stopped and displayed. Some notifications are executed. In this type of gaming machine, for example, by setting a plurality of variable display patterns of the pattern, or by setting a difference in the winning expectation degree of the lottery set for each variable display pattern, it is intended to improve the interest in the gaming machine Ingenuity has been made.

  However, even if the above device is simply adopted, for example, the appearance rate of each variable display pattern becomes uniform or the expectation of variable display becomes constant, so that the game becomes monotonous, and the above-mentioned interest improvement effect is achieved. It can be difficult to demonstrate effectively. As described above, it is assumed that there is still room for improvement in the configuration for improving the interest in the gaming machine by the variable display of the pattern.

Feature B1. Grant determination means (a function for executing lottery processing in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for determining whether to grant a privilege to the player;
When the result of the grant determination by the grant determination means is a result that should give the player a privilege, privilege grant means for granting a privilege to the player (the MPU 602 of the main controller 162 shifts to the opening / closing execution mode). Function)
Informing means for notifying the degree of expectation that a privilege is given by the privilege granting means (the display portions DL and DR for the operation ports and the symbol display device 96);
In a gaming machine provided with notification control means (a function for setting reach display in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for controlling the notification means based on the result of the assignment determination by the assignment determination means,
The gaming state has a first gaming state and a second gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the first gaming state,
At least in the first gaming state, the grant determination by the grant determination unit is performed, and the expected degree is notified by the notification unit, and
The notification control means includes
In addition to storing at least first correspondence information (first table) as correspondence information referred to when determining the notification mode in the notification means, the first correspondence information is referred to more than the case where the first correspondence information is referred to. Correspondence information storage means (table storage area of the ROM 603) storing second correspondence information (second table) in which a notification mode that allows the player to recognize when the degree of expectation of the privilege is high is easily selected;
Execution means for determining the notification mode with reference to any one of a plurality of pieces of correspondence information stored in the correspondence information storage unit, and causing the notification unit to execute notification of the degree of expectation according to the determined notification mode. Variation start processing executed by the MPU 602 of the main controller 162),
When the game state shifts to the first game state based on the fact that the game state transition condition is established in the second game state, the correspondence information referred to by the execution means is the first correspondence information. And a switching means for switching to the second correspondence information (functions for executing the processing of S701 and S703 executed by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162).

  For gaming machines that have a difference between advantageous and unfavorable gaming status, the effect of switching the gaming state to make the game sharper and suppressing the monotony of the game, contributing to the enhancement of interest in the gaming machine Can be expected. On the other hand, however, when the second gaming state, which is relatively advantageous to the player, shifts to the first gaming state, which is relatively unfavorable, the player immediately It is assumed that the possibility of ending the game is increased. That is, there is a concern that switching to the first gaming state is likely to trigger the player to finish the game. It is not preferable that such an action is performed because it may cause a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine. In particular, it is considered that the inconvenience is more likely to occur as the difference in the above-described advantages increases.

  In this regard, according to this feature, when the state transitions to the first gaming state, the information that is referred to at the time of notification is switched from the first correspondence information to the second correspondence information. Since this situation is continued until the above transition condition is satisfied, the player can recognize that there is a high possibility that a privilege will be given after switching to the first gaming state, and encourage the continuation of the game. Can do. Therefore, it is possible to suitably suppress the act of stopping the game with the transition to the first gaming state as an opportunity, and to adopt a configuration in which a plurality of gaming states are switched, and to suppress a decrease in the operating rate caused by it.

  Feature B2. In the first gaming state, the grant determination unit is configured such that, when the reference target is switched from the second correspondence information to the first correspondence information by the switching unit, the degree of expectation of privilege grant to the player is the same. The gaming machine according to Feature B1, wherein the gaming machine is set to

  According to the feature B2, the expectation degree of privilege grant is the same regardless of which of the first correspondence information and the second correspondence information is referenced, and is substantially in accordance with the change of the notification mode. The expectation does not change. Thereby, the benefits given to the player are restrained from becoming excessive, and the effects shown in the feature B1 are suitably exhibited while ensuring the difference in the advantage between the first gaming state and the second gaming state. Can be made.

Feature B3. A game board (game board 80) having a game area (game area PE) formed on the front surface;
A launch operation means (game ball launch handle 41) capable of a predetermined launch operation;
Game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball toward the game area based on the predetermined launch operation in the launch operation means;
Provided in the game area, and a ball entry part (acting ball entry part 82, 83) into which a game ball launched by the game ball launching means can enter,
The grant determination means determines whether or not to enter a gaming state advantageous to a player based on the entrance to the entrance portion,
The game machine according to Feature B1 or Feature B2, wherein the notification means performs the notification based on a ball entering the ball entry section.

  According to the feature B3, when the first gaming state is entered, there is a notification mode that allows the player to recognize that the player has a high expectation of shifting to a gaming state advantageous to the player by entering the ball entering part. It becomes easy to be selected. Thereby, it is possible to prompt the continuation of the game ball launching operation, and it is possible to suitably suppress a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine.

Feature B4. The firing operation means is capable of a first predetermined operation and a second predetermined operation,
When the first predetermined operation is performed on the firing operation means, the game ball launching means is directed to the first position in the game area (the area that is the left side of the symbol display device 96 in the game area PE). When the second predetermined operation is performed on the launch operation means, the game ball is fired to the second position in the game area (the area on the right side of the symbol display device 96 in the game area PE). Are set to fire game balls,
A pattern display device that variably displays a pattern based on the entrance to the entrance portion (the display portions DL and DR for the operation opening of the main display portion D and the design display device 96);
Display control means (main control device 162 and display control device 725) for controlling the display of the pattern display device,
The entrance part has the first entrance part (lower side action entrance part 82) and the second entrance part (right side action entrance part 83) arranged separately,
The first ball entry unit is capable of entering a game ball launched toward the first position by the launching means, and a game ball launched towards the second position cannot enter or It is provided so that it is harder to enter than the second entrance part,
The second ball entry unit is capable of entering a game ball launched toward the second position by the launching unit, and a game ball launched towards the first position cannot enter or It is provided so that it is harder to enter than the first entrance part,
The first game state is set so that a game can be advantageously advanced by performing the first predetermined operation, compared to a case where the second predetermined operation is performed,
The second game state is set so that the game can be advantageously advanced by performing the second predetermined operation as compared with the case where the first predetermined operation is performed.
The gaming state control means has means for switching the gaming state to the first gaming state based on the gaming ball having entered the second pitching part in the second gaming state,
The first correspondence information and the second correspondence information are associated with a pattern variable display mode in the pattern display device,
The execution means executes variable display of the picture with reference to the first correspondence information or the second correspondence information when a ball enters the first ball entrance portion.
In the second correspondence information, a variable display mode that allows the player to recognize that the degree of expectation of a gaming state advantageous to the player is higher than that of the first correspondence information is easily selected.
A variable pitching portion (right variable pitching device) that is provided in the gaming area and can be switched between an accepting state that allows entry of game balls flowing down the gaming area and a non-accepting state that prevents entry of gaming balls. 85)
Variable control means for switching the variable pitching portion to the receiving state based on the pitching into the second pitching portion (a function of executing a special winning transition process in the MPU 602 of the main controller 162). Prepared,
The variable entrance portion is provided with a guide passage (guide passage 92) for guiding the game ball that has flowed into the variable entrance portion,
The guide passage has a first branch passage (first downstream passage 92b) and a second branch passage (second downstream passage 92c) provided by branching the guide passage at an intermediate position thereof,
Further, the variable pitching portion has a distribution means (switching member 93) for distributing the game ball flowing down the guide passage and reaching the branch portion to one of the first branch passage and the second branch passage. And
The gaming state control means is configured to change the second ball from the second gaming state based on the fact that the variable pitching portion is in the receiving state and the gaming ball has flowed into the second branch passage within a preset specific period. Switch to the first gaming state,
The switching condition is set such that a period during which the second correspondence information can be referred to by the execution unit is shortened as a timing at which a game ball flows into the second branch passage is delayed. A gaming machine according to B3.

  According to the feature B4, when the second gaming state is changed to the first gaming state, it is likely to be a variable display mode in which it is recognized that the variable display of the pattern has a high expectation that the gaming state is advantageous to the player. . For this reason, in such a situation, it is assumed that the player plays a game while expecting a transition to an advantageous gaming state. This encourages the continuation of the game ball launch operation after entering the first gaming state, and stops the game immediately after switching to the first gaming state, thereby suppressing a reduction in the operating rate of the gaming machine. be able to.

  In addition, in the gaming machine having the variable pitching portion, the variable pitching portion is in an accepting state based on the pitching into the second pitching portion, and the game ball that has flowed into the variable pitching portion is second branched. By entering the passage, switching to the first gaming state is performed. In the configuration in which the variable pitching portion switches to the receiving state based on the pitching into the second pitching portion, a waiting time or the like may occur in switching from the pitching into the second pitching portion to the variable pitching portion. Therefore, it is assumed that the act of stopping the launching operation of the game ball is likely to be performed in order to suppress the waste of the game ball during the waiting time. If such an action is performed, the operating rate of the gaming machine may be reduced.

  In this respect, as shown in this feature, the earlier the timing at which the game ball reaches the second branch passage, the longer the period during which the second correspondence information can be referred to (the period during which variable display with high expectation can be executed). If it becomes the structure which becomes, it can give the impression that a game can be advanced advantageously by making an arrival timing early. Thereby, it is possible to prompt the player to continue the launch operation, and it is possible to suitably suppress a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine.

  The basic configuration of the gaming machine to which the above features can be applied is shown below.

  Pachinko machine: operation means (game ball launching handle 41) operated by a player, game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball based on the operation of the operation means, and the fired A ball passage (guide rail 100) for guiding a game ball to a predetermined game area and game parts (nails 90, etc.) arranged in the game area, and a predetermined passage portion (general prize) among these game parts A gaming machine that gives a privilege to a player when a game ball passes through the mouth 81 or the like.

  Slot machine, etc .: A variable display means that displays a symbol sequence consisting of a plurality of symbols in a variable manner and then stops and displays the symbol sequence. Special game advantageous to the player on the condition that the change of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stoppage or when a predetermined time elapses and the final stop symbol at the time of stoppage is a specific symbol A gaming machine that generates a state (bonus game, etc.).

  Ball-use belt-type game machine: Equipped with variable display means that displays the symbol sequence consisting of multiple symbols in a variably displayed state, and then stops and displays the symbol sequence. The special game state (bonus) that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the change of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the operating means or when the predetermined time elapses, and the final stop symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol A throwing device that performs a throwing process for taking in a game ball from the ball tray and a payout device for paying out the game ball to the ball tray, A gaming machine configured such that the operation of the starting operation means is made effective when a game ball is inserted by.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine as a gaming machine, 41 ... Game ball launch handle as launch operation means, 80 ... Game board, 82 ... Lower operation entrance part as first entrance part, 83 ... As second entrance part , Right side working ball entry portion, 84... Lower variable ball entry device, 85... Right side variable ball entry device as variable ball entry portion, 92... Guide passage, 92 b .. first downstream passage, 92 c. , 93... Switching member as distribution means, 96... Symbol display device constituting the picture display device, 96 a... Display screen, 110... Game ball launching mechanism as game ball launching means, 162. Control device, 602... MPU, 603... ROM, 604... RAM, 725... Display control device constituting display control means, D... Main display portion constituting picture display device, DL. Right working port display, PE ... Area.

Claims (1)

Grant determination means for determining whether to grant a privilege to a player;
Privilege granting means for granting a privilege to a player when the result of the grant determination in the grant determination means is a result that should give a privilege to the player;
A pattern display means having a display screen and variably displaying the pattern on the display screen;
In a gaming machine comprising display control means for notifying a player of the result of the grant determination by performing display control of the picture display means based on the result of the grant determination,
The gaming state has a first gaming state and a second gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the first gaming state,
The display control means includes
At least the first correspondence information is stored as correspondence information referred to when the display mode in the picture display means is determined, and the privilege is given more than when the first correspondence information is referred to. Correspondence information storage means for storing second correspondence information in which a display mode that allows the player to recognize when the degree of expectation is high is stored;
Execution means for determining the display mode with reference to any of the plurality of correspondence information stored in the correspondence information storage unit, and executing variable display of the pattern in the pattern display unit according to the determined display mode;
When the game state shifts to the first game state based on the fact that the game state transition condition is established in the second game state, the correspondence information referred to by the execution means is the first correspondence information. Switching means for switching from the second correspondence information to the second correspondence information;
Return means for returning the correspondence information referred to from the second correspondence information to the first correspondence information after the correspondence information referred to by the execution means is switched to the second correspondence information by the switching means; With
A gaming machine, wherein a return condition by the return means is set on the basis of a transition opportunity to the first gaming state.

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