JP2017042651A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can consider a profit security of a player and can preferably suppress a game from becoming monotonous.SOLUTION: A game machine is configured so that game balls are shot toward a game area PE of a game board 60 on the basis of a shooting operation by a player. The game area PE comprises a first operation hole 63X where game balls which have flowed down a left route on the game area PE can enter, and a second operation hole 64bX where game balls which have flowed down a right route on the game area can enter, and a win/loss lottery and a distribution lottery are executed on the basis of ball entry to these operation holes 63X, 64bX. When a player wins the win/loss lottery, a mode shifts to an opening/closing execution mode in which a variable winning device 62 is opened and closed. In the distribution lottery, the second operation hole 64bX is set to be advantageous relative to the first operation hole 63X. The variable winning device 62 is arranged on a position where game balls can enter when a player shoots game balls and aims at a left route. On the other hand, a right route comprises a guide unit 90X capable of guiding game balls to the second operation holes 64bX on the basis of entry of a prescribed number of game balls.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  A gaming machine such as a pachinko machine has a gaming machine main body in which a gaming board in which a gaming area is formed is mounted on a frame body, and a front door frame attached to the front side of the gaming machine main body. is there. A game ball launching handle is provided on the front door frame, and when the game ball launching handle is operated, the game ball is launched toward the game area. In the game area, there are a variety of entrance parts such as a start entry part and a variable entry part, and a flow path of game balls so that game balls that have reached the game area enter the entrance part with an appropriate probability. Various components such as a nail to be scattered are arranged. When a ball enters the starting ball club, a lottery for determining whether or not to shift to a special game state (winning) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state, and a lottery for each type of hitting are performed. The lottery result is notified by a notification means such as a display device (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-190511 A

  However, in the above-mentioned type of gaming machine, there is still room for improvement in the configuration related to entering the entering portion, for example, in order to suppress monotonization of the game or to guarantee the player's profit.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably generating a ball entering a ball entry portion.

The present invention
A game board in which a game area is formed;
A game ball launching means for launching a game ball toward the game area based on the operation of the launch operation means by the player;
A first start entrance portion and a second start entrance portion into which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter,
A guide mechanism capable of guiding a game ball launched to a specific location to the second starting entrance part,
A first information acquisition means for acquiring special information based on a game ball entering the first starting entrance portion;
A second information acquisition means for acquiring special information based on the game ball entering the second starting pitching section;
First acquisition information storage means for storing the special information acquired by the first information acquisition means when the game ball enters the first starting entrance part, with a first prescribed number as an upper limit;
Second acquisition information storage means for storing the special information acquired by the second information acquisition means when a game ball enters the second starting entrance part, with a second prescribed number as an upper limit;
The special information stored in the first acquisition information storage means and the second acquisition information storage means determines whether or not the special information corresponds to predetermined transfer information, and stores the acquisition information in the acquisition information storage means. When a plurality of special information is stored, transition determination means for sequentially performing the transition determination for the plurality of special information,
The gaming state is shifted to a predetermined special gaming state based on the result of the transition determination by the transition determination means that the transition target result indicates that the special information to be determined corresponds to the transition information. Special gaming state transition means
A variable pitching portion that can be switched to an accepting state in which a game ball flowing down the gaming area can enter and a non-accepting state in which entering is impossible;
Switching means for switching the variable pitching portion from the non-accepting state to the accepting state when the special gaming state is achieved;
A payout means for paying out a game ball when a ball enters the variable ball portion;
A type determination unit that determines a hit type based on the result of the migration determination by the migration determination unit that is a migration response result that the special information to be determined corresponds to the migration information; ,
As the winning, there is provided a first winning and a second winning that is set so that more game balls are paid out in the special gaming state than the first winning,
When the winning type is determined based on the special information stored in the second acquisition information storage unit, the winning type is determined based on the special information stored in the first acquisition information storage unit. Is configured to be more likely to hit the second than the case where is determined,
The variable pitching portion and the guide mechanism are arranged such that when the game ball is launched to the specific location, the game ball can reach the guide mechanism and cannot reach the variable pitch portion, and When a game ball is launched into the variable ball entry part, the game ball is arranged so that it can reach the variable ball entry part and cannot reach the specific place.

  The entrance to the entrance part can be suitably generated.

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 a game board. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows the operation | movement aspect of an electrically-driven accessory. (A) It is the schematic which shows a guidance unit, (b)-(e) It is the schematic which shows the state change of a guidance unit conceptually simplified. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a pachinko machine. It is the schematic for demonstrating the display content on a display screen. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the various counters used for a success or failure lottery. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process in MPU of a main controller. It is a flowchart which shows the winning process for a working opening. It is a flowchart which shows an information acquisition process. 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 data setting process. 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 a big prize opening / closing process. It is a flowchart which shows the process for electronic combination support. It is a flowchart which shows the process for demo display transfer. It is a timing chart which shows the mode of transfer to the demonstration display in the conventional gaming machine. It is a timing chart which shows a mode that the shift to a demo display is avoided by a guidance unit. It is a timing chart which shows a mode that the shift to a demo display is avoided by a guidance unit. It is a front view of the game board in a 2nd embodiment. (A) It is a flowchart which shows the right-handed notification preparation process, (b) It is a flowchart which shows the right-handed notification execution process. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the guide unit in 3rd Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the change of the flow of the game ball based on the state change of a guidance unit. (A) Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the 1st distribution table for 1st operation ports, (b) Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the 1st distribution table for 2nd operation ports. (A) Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the 2nd distribution table for 1st operation ports, (b) Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the 2nd distribution table for 2nd operation ports. (A) It is a flowchart which shows the transfer process at the time of completion | finish of opening-and-closing execution mode, (b) It is a flowchart which shows a type determination process. It is the schematic which shows the guide unit in 4th Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the operation | movement aspect of a guide unit.

<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 perspective view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the main components of the pachinko machine 10 in an exploded manner. In FIG. 2, the configuration in the game area of 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. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in the island facility of the game hall by attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island facility. 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 is fixed to the connection portion between the upper frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11, and the lower portion is connected to the connection portion between the lower frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11. Support metal fittings are fixed. The upper support bracket and the lower support bracket constitute a support mechanism, and the support mechanism causes the gaming machine main unit 12 to turn the left side in the front view of the pachinko machine 10 with the rotation base end side and the right side. Can be rotated to the front of the pachinko machine 10 with the rotation tip side thereof.

  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 the rotation base end side and the right side as the rotation front end side in a front view of the gaming machine.

  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 of the gaming machine. Further, the back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported on the inner frame 13, and can be rotated rearward with the left side as a rotation base end side and the right side as a rotation front end side in a front view of the gaming machine. Yes.

  Note that the gaming machine main part 12 (specifically, the inner frame 13) is provided with a locking device 16 at its rotating tip, so that the gaming machine main part 12 cannot be opened relative to the outer frame 11. And has a function of locking the front door frame 14 to the inner frame 13 so that it cannot be opened. Each of these locked states is released by performing an unlocking operation using the unlocking key on the cylinder lock 17 that is exposed on the front surface of the pachinko machine 10.

(Front door frame 14)
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, which will be described later, can be viewed from the front. The window portion 21 is formed by the glass unit 30. The front door frame 14 is closed from the back side.

  The glass unit 30 includes a plurality of glass panels 31 having transparency and a glass holder that holds the glass panels 31. The glass holder is formed with a partition portion for partitioning the holding region of the glass panel 31 in the front-rear direction, and the two glass panels 31 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 31, the game area PE is double covered from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 by the glass panels 31 while avoiding interference between the glass panels 31. It is in a state.

  In addition, it is not necessary to unitize both glass panels 31 using a glass holder, and each glass panel 31 may be individually attached to the frame body 20. Furthermore, the number of glass panels is arbitrary, and may be one or three or more. However, in view of safety and security improvement, it is preferable to employ a plurality of glass panels and to make the glass panels face each other with a predetermined gap therebetween. Incidentally, it is also possible to employ a synthetic resin panel member having transparency instead of the glass panel.

  Around the glass unit 30 (specifically, the window portion 21), light emitting means such as various lamps are provided. For example, an annular illumination part 24 incorporating a light emitting means such as an LED is provided along the periphery of the window part 21. In the annular illumination unit 24, lighting or blinking is performed according to a change in the gaming state at the time of a big hit or a predetermined reach. In addition, an error display lamp unit 25 is provided at the center of the annular illumination unit 24 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10 so as to be lit when a predetermined error occurs. A prize ball lamp unit 26 is provided. Further, a speaker unit 27 for outputting a sound effect such as BGM corresponding to the gaming state is provided at a position close to the central error display lamp unit 25.

  Below the window portion 21 in the front door frame 14, an upper bulging portion 28 and a lower bulging portion 29 bulging toward the front side are arranged in parallel. An upper pan 28a that opens upward is provided inside the upper bulging portion 28, and a lower pan 29a that also opens upward is provided inside the lower bulging portion 29. The upper plate 28a has a function of temporarily storing game balls paid out from a payout device, which will be described later, and guiding the game balls to a game ball launching mechanism, which will be described later, while aligning them in a line. In addition, the lower tray 29a has a function of storing game balls that are surplus in the upper tray 28a.

  On the right side of the lower bulging portion 29, a rotating game ball launching handle 41 is provided so as to protrude forward of the gaming machine. By operating the game ball launch handle 41, a game ball is launched from a game ball launch mechanism described later. Note that the game ball firing speed increases as the amount of operation (rotation amount) of the game ball launch handle 41 increases, and the player adjusts this amount of operation to the right and left routes described later. Can be sorted.

  A passage forming unit (not shown) is attached to the back surface of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit is formed of a synthetic resin, and is formed with a front door side upper dish passage leading to the upper dish 28a and a front door side lower dish passage leading to the lower dish 29a. 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 front door-side upper dish passage and the front door are separated by a partition wall. An inlet portion of the side lower dish passage is formed. The upstream side of the front door side upper dish passage and the front door side lower dish path are connected to a game ball distributing section which will be described later, and the game balls that have entered the front door side upper dish path are guided to the upper plate 28a, The game balls that have entered the dish passage are guided to the lower dish 29a.

(Inner frame 13)
The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 50 whose outer shape is substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11. As shown in FIG. 2, support brackets 51 and 52 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the rotation base end side (left side in FIG. 2) on the front surface of the resin base 50. In addition, on the rotation base end side (the left side in FIG. 2) on the back surface of the front door frame 14, projection shafts are provided corresponding to the support fittings 51 and 52. Although illustration is omitted, shaft holes are formed in the support fittings 51 and 52, 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. That is, these support fittings 51 and 52 and the projecting shaft constitute an assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13.

  A game board housing portion for housing the game board 60 is formed at a substantially central portion of the front surface of the resin base 50. The game board storage portion is recessed behind the pachinko machine 10 to define a storage space for storing the game board 60, and the game board 60 attached to the resin base 50 is fitted into the storage space. Yes. Particularly in the present embodiment, the game board 60 is detachably attached to the resin base 50 from the front of the gaming machine (from the front side of the resin base 50), thereby facilitating maintenance work and the like. .

(Game board 60)
The game board 60 includes a wooden plywood and a sheet material that covers a front plate surface of the plywood, and a front surface thereof is exposed to a front side of the resin base 50 through an open portion of the game board housing portion. In the exposed portion, that is, the front surface of the game board 60, a game area PE in which game balls flow down is formed. As already described, the game area PE is covered with the glass panel 31. More specifically, the glass panel 31 has a gap with the front surface of the game board 60 larger than the diameter of the game ball. Specifically, the game balls flowing down the game area PE do not line up in the same area of the game area PE. Is arranged. Thereby, the ball blockage in the game area PE is suppressed. Note that the game board 60 is not limited to wood, and can be formed using a synthetic resin material.

  Hereinafter, the game board 60 (in particular, various configurations arranged in the game area PE) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of the game board 60.

  The game board 60 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 port 61, a variable winning device 62, operating ports 63 and 64, a through gate 65, a variable display unit 66, and the like. When game balls enter the general winning port 61, the variable winning device 62, and the operation ports 63 and 64, these game balls are detected by a detection sensor described later, and a predetermined number of award balls are paid out based on the detection result. The In addition, an out port 68 is provided at the lowermost part of the game board 60, and game balls that have not entered various winning holes etc. are discharged from the game area PE through the out port 68.

  Further, the game board 60 is provided with a large number of nails 69 in order to disperse and adjust the flow path of the game ball as appropriate, and various members (functions) such as a windmill are provided. The flow path of the game ball is differentiated by various configurations such as the nail 69 and the windmill, and is adjusted so that the winning to the above-described general winning opening 61 and the like occurs with an appropriate probability.

  The variable display unit 66 is disposed at the upper center of the game board 60, and an upper operation port 63 is disposed below the variable display unit 66. The variable display unit 66 and the upper operation port 63 are portions that control gameability, and the player's attention is likely to gather. By arranging the variable display unit 66 and the operation port 63 side by side in the center of the gaming machine, the movement amount of the line of sight between the two is suppressed, which contributes to the reduction of the burden on the player's eyes. On the other hand, the lower operating port 64 is disposed below the upper operating port 63, specifically, directly above the out port 68. The lower operating port 64 has an open / close-type entrance assist device (entrance assisting means) or An electric accessory 70 as an opening / closing member (opening / closing means) is provided. The electric accessory 70 includes a movable piece and a solenoid-type driving unit that drives the movable piece. The electric accessory 70 is the same as an open state (auxiliary state) in which a ball can be easily or easily entered into the lower working port 64. It is possible to switch to a closed state (non-auxiliary state) where entry is impossible or difficult.

  The through gate 65 is disposed on the upstream side of the lower operating port 64 (specifically, on the side of the variable display unit 66), and winning is determined by lottery triggered by the passage of the game ball through the through gate 65. In such a case, the electric accessory 70 is switched from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined time.

  When a ball enters the upper working port 63, three game balls are paid out. When a ball enters the lower working port 64, four game balls are paid out. However, the number of game balls to be paid out is not limited to the above. However, in order to increase the advantage of the lower working port 64 with respect to the upper working port 63, it is preferable to set the number of payouts applied to the lower working port 64 larger than the number of payouts related to the upper working port 63.

  The variable winning device (special winning device or special winning means) 62 is formed with a large winning port 62a leading to the back side of the game board 60, and an opening / closing member (opening / closing) for opening and closing the special winning port 62a A door 62b is provided as a means. The open / close door 62b can be switched between an open state (assist state) in which a game ball can be entered or facilitated and a closed state (non-assistant state) in which the entrance ball is impossible or difficult. The opening / closing door 62b is connected to a variable prize driving unit 62c (specifically a solenoid) provided on the back side of the game board 60, and the opening / closing door 62b is maintained in a closed state in a normal state. In the lottery, when the winning / opening execution mode (opening / closing execution state) is won, the open state is switched.

  Here, the opening / closing execution mode is a mode to be shifted to when a big win is won. As an opening mode of the variable winning device 62 in the opening / closing execution mode, for example, a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winnings is set as one round, and a plurality of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) is set as an upper limit. Some are set so that the opening and closing door 62b and the like are repeatedly opened.

  Next, the variable display unit 66 will be described. The variable display unit 66 includes a symbol display device 74 that variably displays symbols (variation display) using a winning at the operation ports 63 and 64 as a trigger. The symbol display device 74 is configured as a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by a display control device described later. On the display screen 74a of the symbol display device 74, for example, symbols are displayed side by side in the top, middle, and bottom, and these symbols are variably displayed as they are scrolled in the horizontal direction. When a big win is won, a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on a preset active line, and the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode (special game state or big win). The symbol display device 74 is not necessarily a liquid crystal display device, and may be a dot matrix or 7-segment display device.

  The variable display unit 66 includes a center frame 75 disposed so as to surround the symbol display device 74. The center frame 75 is fixed to the game board 60 from the front side thereof, and in such a fixed state, the center frame 75 and the glass unit are raised from the front side of the game board 60. 30 is configured such that the gap between the two is smaller than the diameter of the game ball. This prevents the game ball flowing down the game area PE from colliding with the symbol display device 74, and the flow path of the game ball flowing down the game area PE is on the right side of the variable display unit 66 (specifically, the center frame 75). The route is divided roughly into the route that detours from and the route that detours from the left side.

  A first reservation lamp portion 76 and a second reservation lamp portion 77 are provided below the center frame 75. The first holding lamp unit 76 on the left side corresponds to the upper operation port 63, and the number of times that the game ball has passed through the upper operation port 63 is held up to four times. It is displayed. The second holding lamp portion 77 on the right side corresponds to the lower operating port 64, and the number of times that the game ball has passed through the lower operating port 64 is held up to 4 times, and the number of the holding is kept by lighting the second holding lamp portion 77. Is displayed.

  At the right end of the game board 60, a game area partition member 67 that partitions the game area PE together with a guide rail 100 described later is disposed. The game area partition member 67 is provided with a stopper member 79 on which a game ball flying along the main display unit 78 and the guide rail 100 collides.

  The stopper member 79 is a buffer member disposed in the vicinity of the tip of the guide rail 100, and the game ball colliding with the stopper member 79 flows down the game area PE after the momentum is weakened. That is, the stopper member 79 is provided with a depressing function that weakens the momentum of the game ball that has collided.

  Here, the main display unit 78 will be supplementarily described. The main display unit 78 is embedded in the game area partition member 67 and a part thereof is arranged to face the glass unit 30. A main display portion D on which a predetermined pattern or the like is displayed is provided in the facing portion. The main display unit 78 is electrically connected to a main controller described later, and the display content of the main display unit D is controlled by the main controller.

  The main display section D is based on a display section for an upper working opening (hereinafter referred to as a first result display section) for displaying a lottery result based on winning in the upper working opening 63 and a winning in the lower working opening 64. And a lower working port display section (hereinafter referred to as a second result display section) for displaying the lottery result. In the first result display unit, the variation display of the picture is performed with the winning to the upper working port 63 as a trigger, and the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning to the upper working port 63 as a result of stopping the variation display. Is specified. When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning to the upper working port 63 is a winning result corresponding to the shift to the opening / closing execution mode, the variable display is stopped in the first result display unit, and the predetermined result is the stop result. After the picture is displayed, the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode.

  In the second result display section, the variation display of the picture is performed with the winning of the lower operation port 64 as a trigger, and the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the lower operation port 64 as a stop result of the variation display. Is specified. When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning to the lower working port 64 is a winning result corresponding to the jackpot, the variable display is stopped in the second result display section, and a predetermined pattern is displayed as the stop result. Later, the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode according to the result.

  Here, based on the winning in one of the operating ports 63, 64, the variable display is started in the corresponding result display unit, and a predetermined stop result is displayed until the above variable display is stopped. It corresponds to one time. However, the number of game times is not limited to the above-mentioned contents. For example, a single display area is provided, and even if a winning to any of the operation ports 63 and 64 occurs, the single game area In the configuration in which the variable display is performed in the display area, the variable display is started in the single display area, and the above-mentioned variable display is stopped once in a state where a predetermined stop result is displayed. It is also possible.

  Further, the main display unit D of the main display unit 78 is provided with a through gate display unit for displaying a lottery result based on winning through the through gate 65 in addition to the above two display units. In the through gate display unit, the display of the variation of the picture is performed with the winning of the through gate 65 as a trigger, and the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the through gate 65 is clearly shown as the result of stopping the variation display. Is done. When the result of the internal lottery based on winning through the through gate 65 is a winning result corresponding to the transition to the open state, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the through gate display unit, and a variable display is displayed. After being stopped, the state shifts to the electric power open state. In the electric combination open state, the electric combination 70 provided in the lower operation port 64 is opened in a predetermined manner.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the number of times that the game ball has passed through the through gate 65 is held up to a maximum of 4 times, but the number of hold is displayed on the main display portion D of the main display unit 78. A display unit for the number of hold to be provided is provided.

  About the main display part D explained in full detail above, while being visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 30 of the front door frame 14, it is avoided that a game ball moves in front of these various display parts. Therefore, the visibility is guaranteed.

  Referring to FIG. 2 again, below the game board housing portion (game board 60) in the resin base 50, a game ball launch that launches a game ball to the game area PE based on the operation of the game ball launch handle 41 is performed. A 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 sphere 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 screwed to the resin base 50 to be internally It is integrated with the frame 13.

  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 60 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 60 side, more specifically, the game. It is launched toward the guide rail 100 mounted on the board 60.

  The guide rail 100 forms a game area PE together with the game area partition member 67 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 60, on the front side of the exit portion, more specifically, near the tip of the inner rail 101, a reversal prevention member 106 (FIG. 3) that prevents the game ball that has reached the game area PE from returning back to the guide passage 103. Reference) is attached, and 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. 2, the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112 are arranged such that the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 face each other diagonally across the lower edge of the game board 60. ing. That is, both the rails 100 and 112 are arranged such that the entrance portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the firing rail 112 are shifted to the left and right in the vicinity of the lower end edge of the game board 60. Thus, a gap of a predetermined interval is formed between the entrance portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the firing rail 112 while bringing both the rails 100 and 112 close to the lower end edge of the game board 60.

  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 passage communicates with the lower door passage on the front door side, and the game balls that have entered the foul ball passage are discharged to the lower plate 29a 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 50 in the front-rear direction is formed on the left side of the firing base 112 in the resin base 50 (specifically, the side that supports the front door frame 14). A passage forming member is formed in the through hole. Is arranged. The passage forming member is screwed to the resin base 50 and has a main body side upper dish path and a main body side lower dish path. The upstream side of the main body side upper dish passage and the main body side lower dish passage 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, and a front door side upper plate passage is disposed below the main body side upper plate passage. A front door side upper dish passage is disposed below the lower dish passage.

  An opening / closing member that opens and closes the main body side upper dish path and the main body side lower dish path is attached below the passage forming member in the resin base 50. The opening / closing member is biased to a front position that closes the main body side upper tray passage and the main body side lower tray passage, and when the front door frame 14 is opened, each opening / closing member is closed by this biasing force. As a result, the falling of the game ball from each passage is avoided. On the other hand, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening / closing member 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 plate passage and the front door side upper plate passage communicate with each other, and the main body side lower plate passage and the front door side lower plate passage communicate with each other, and the movement of the game ball is allowed. .

  Next, the back configuration of the inner frame 13 (the resin base 50 and the game board 60) will be described.

  A bearing fitting is attached to the rotation base end side of the back surface of the resin base 50. The bearing bracket 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 central opening that penetrates in the thickness direction of the resin base 50 and is opened to the back side of the resin base 50 is formed at the bottom portion of the game board housing portion in the resin base 50, and the central opening is the game board housing portion. It is covered from the front side of the inner frame 13 by the game board 60 accommodated in the inside. Various components such as a control device are mounted on the back of the game board 60, and these various components are exposed on the back side of the inner frame 13 through the central opening.

  A synthetic resin pedestal member on which the variable display unit 66 is mounted on the game board 60 is fixed to the back surface of the game board 60. The pedestal member has a substantially box shape opened to the game board 60 side, and covers almost the entire rear surface of the game board 60. A part of the pedestal member protrudes to the back side of the resin base 50 through the central opening of the resin base 50, and the symbol display device 74 described above and the symbol display device 74 are driven with respect to the protruding portion. A display control device is attached. The symbol display device 74 and the display control device are arranged so that the symbol display device is on the front side and the display control device is on the rear side in the front-rear direction (thickness direction of the resin base 50). Furthermore, the game board 60 is equipped with a notification / production control device so as to be positioned behind the display control device.

  The notification / production control device includes a notification / production control board that controls voice, lamp display, and control of the display control device in accordance with instructions from a main control device, which will be described later. It is configured to be accommodated in a substrate box made up of.

  A main control device is disposed below the notification / production control device so as to cover the pedestal member from behind. The main control device 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 a transparent resin material or the like. It is configured to be accommodated in a substrate box made up of.

  The portion of the pedestal member that faces the back of the game board 60 corresponds to the game board openings of the general prize opening 61, the variable prize winning device 62, the upper operation opening 63, and the lower operation opening 64, and 1 on the downstream side. A collection passage that gathers at a place is formed. Thereby, all the game balls won in the general winning opening 61 and the like are gathered below the game board 60 through the collection passage. In other words, the pedestal member is provided with a function of collecting game balls won in various winning openings.

  A discharge passage, which will be described later, is arranged below the game board 60, and the game balls gathered below the game board 60 by the collection passage are led into the discharge passage. Similarly, the out port 68 leads to the discharge passage, and the game ball that has not won any winning port is led out into the discharge passage through the out port 68.

  Further, in the collection passage, a winning port switch for detecting a game ball won in the general winning port 61 on the front side of the game board 60, a count switch for detecting a game ball won in the variable winning device 62, an operating port 63, An operating port switch for detecting a game ball that has entered 64 is mounted, and a winning detection mechanism is constituted by these various switches. Further, the base member is provided with a gate switch for detecting a game ball passing through the through gate 65. These various switches are electrically connected to the main controller, and the detection information from each switch is output to the main controller.

(Back pack unit 15)
The back pack unit 15 will be described with reference to FIG. The inner frame 13 is covered from behind by the back pack unit 15. The back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 201 as a main body of the back pack unit 15, and a payout mechanism portion 202, a discharge passage board 203, and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the back pack 201. Yes.

  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 portion 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 66.

  An external terminal plate 213 is provided on the base portion 211. Various output terminals are provided on the external terminal board 213, and various signals are output to the management control device (hall computer) on the game hall side through these output terminals. Further, the base portion 211 is provided with a pair of upper and lower latch pins 214 at the right end when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10, and by inserting the latch pins 214 into the bearing portion provided on the inner frame 13, The back pack unit 15 is supported so as to be rotatable with respect 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 that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected to the side of the tank 221, and a case rail extending in the vertical direction is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail. A payout device is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail. The game balls paid out from the payout device are supplied to a game ball distribution unit 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.

  The game ball distribution unit has a function of distributing the game balls paid out from the payout device to any one of the upper plate 28a, the lower plate 29a, and a discharge passage described later, and the inner opening is on the main body side described above. It is formed so that it communicates with the upper plate 28a through the plate passage and the front door side upper plate passage, and the outer opening communicates with the lower plate 29a through the main body side lower plate passage and the front door side lower plate passage.

  A discharge passage board 203 and a control device collective 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. In the discharge passage board 203, 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.

  The control device assembly unit 204 has a horizontally long mounting base, and a payout control device 242 and a power supply / launch control device 243 are mounted on the mounting base. 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 is accommodated in the board box, and a state return switch provided on the payout control board projects out of the board box. For example, when the state return switch is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball jam in the payout device, the ball jam is eliminated.

  The power supply / launch control device 243 includes a power supply / launch control board housed in a board box, and a predetermined power source required for various control devices is generated and output by the board, and a game ball is fired by a player. Control of the launch of the game ball accompanying the operation of the handle 41 is performed. Further, the power source / launch control device 243 is provided with a power switch. By operating the power switch, the power of the pachinko machine 10 can be switched to the on state (on state) or the shut off state (off state).

  Here, this pachinko machine 10 has a function for storing various data, and even if a power failure occurs, it retains the state at the time of the power failure and returns to the state at the time of the power failure at the time of recovery from the power failure. It can be done. For example, when the power supply is shut down by a normal procedure as in the case of a game hall being closed, the state before the shutdown is stored and held. On the other hand, when the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch, the RAM data is initialized.

  These various switches can be operated from the front side of the gaming machine by opening the gaming machine main part 12 (inner frame 13) and exposing the back side of the inner frame 13. On the other hand, when the opening of the gaming machine main part 12 is restricted by the locking device 16, the various switches cannot be operated from the front side of the gaming machine. In other words, the various switches are difficult to operate when the gaming machine main part 12 is closed, and are operated from the front side of the gaming machine by a person who does not have a key for the locking device 16 (for example, a fraudster). Making it difficult.

<Configuration of the game board 60>
In the present embodiment, the configuration of the game board 60 has a characteristic configuration. First, an outline of the characteristic configuration of the game board 60 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As already described, the game ball fired from the game ball launching mechanism 110 reaches the game area PE and flows down the left side of the variable display unit 66 according to the operation amount of the game ball launch handle 41; It is guided to either the right route flowing down the right side of the variable display unit 66. That is, the variable display unit 66 is provided with a function of roughly classifying the flow-down path into left and right routes.

  In the game area PE, a partition portion 81 is provided in the middle of the left route so as to be positioned between the upper operating port 63 and the lower operating port 64. The partition portion 81 has a plate shape, and is fixed to the game board 60 so as to stand in front of the game machine from the front surface of the game board 60. In such a fixed state, the gap between the front end of the partition 81 and the glass panel 31 (see FIG. 2) is smaller than the diameter (specifically, the radius) of the game ball. Overriding part 81 is restricted.

  The partition portion 81 is inclined downward from both the left and right sides toward a position below the upper working port 63. In addition, the game ball that has flowed down the right route is prevented from entering (returning) into the area partitioned by the partition 81 (the upper area of the partition 81) by the partition 81 and the nail 69. In other words, the partition 81 has a function as a collection passage for collecting game balls that have not been won in the upper working port 63 among the game balls guided to the left route, and the entry of the game balls guided to the right route. And a function as a barrier to prevent this.

  A central opening 82 through which a game ball can pass is formed in a portion corresponding to the lower limit position of the partition portion 81 in the game board 60, and the game ball collected by the partition portion 81 flows into the central opening 82. It becomes. The game board 60 is provided with a warp passage 83 that guides the game ball that has flowed into the central opening 82 to the guide unit 90. That is, the central opening 82 functions as an entrance portion of the warp passage 83.

  The warp passage 83 includes an upstream passage that penetrates to the back side of the game board 60, an intermediate passage that is formed along the back side of the game board 60, and a downstream passage that penetrates to the front side of the game board 60. Yes. The most downstream portion of the downstream passage, that is, the exit portion 84 of the warp passage 83 leads to a region surrounded by the guide unit 90, and the function of guiding the game balls collected by the partition portion 81 to the guide unit 90 is ensured. Has been.

  In addition, the warp passage 83 is formed by bending so that the game balls collected by the partition 81 are prevented from flowing into the guide unit 90 from the outlet portion 84 of the downstream passage (warp passage 83). ing. Further, a sphere detection sensor 86 is provided in the warp passage 83, and this sphere detection sensor 86 is connected to the main controller 300 (see FIG. 6). The main control device 300 outputs information from the ball detection sensor 86 to the notification / production control device 244.

  The game board 60 is provided with a number-of-balls display portion 87 so as to be visible from the front of the game machine. The number-of-entrances display section 87 is disposed between the partition section 81 and the guide unit 90, and is connected to the notification / production control device 244 (see FIG. 6). The display content of the number-of-entries display portion 87 is controlled by the notification / production control device 244 based on information on the ball detection sensor 86. Specifically, the number-of-entrances display section 87 is controlled so that the number of game balls that have flowed into the guidance unit 90 is displayed based on information from the ball detection sensor 86. Details of the display mode of the number-of-entry display portion 87 will be described later.

  The guidance unit 90 is provided with a guidance function for guiding the game ball to the lower operation port 64, and the game ball guided by the guide unit 90 satisfies the predetermined condition described later, and thereby enters the lower operation port 64. Without being obstructed by the attached electric accessory 70, that is, even if the electric accessory 70 is in a closed state, the ball enters the lower operating port 64. Here, the structure of the electric accessory 70 and its operation | movement aspect are demonstrated based on FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the electric accessory 70.

<Electric Appliance 70>
As shown in FIG. 4A, the electric accessory 70 is disposed so as to cover the lower operating port 64 from the front of the gaming machine, and has a function of limiting an inflow route to the lower operating port 64. The electric accessory 70 includes a side wall portion 70a provided at a position on the left side of the lower operation port 64, and a movable piece 70b provided at a position facing the side wall portion 70a with the lower operation port 64 interposed therebetween. A vertical passage extending upward from the lower working port 64 is formed by the side wall portion 70a and the movable piece 70b. The vertical passage is opened upward, and the game ball dropped from above the electric accessory 70 flows into the lower operation port 64 through the vertical passage.

  That is, even when the electric accessory 70 is in the closed state shown in FIG. 4A, the lower operation port 64 through the vertical passage is satisfied by satisfying the predetermined condition regarding the guide unit 90 for the game ball that has passed the left route. Winning is allowed.

  On the other hand, with respect to the game ball that has reached the electric accessory 70 through the right route, winning is prevented by the movable piece 70b in the closed state shown in FIG. In other words, for the game balls that have passed the right route, the lottery that is triggered by the passage of the through gate 65 is won, and the ball is allowed to enter when the electric accessory 70 is opened, whereas the left A game ball that has passed through the route satisfies a predetermined condition regarding the guide unit 90, so that the ball can be allowed to enter regardless of whether the electric accessory 70 is open or closed.

<Guide unit 90>
Hereinafter, the structure of the guide unit 90 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the internal structure of the guide unit 90. FIGS. 5B to 5E are explanatory diagrams for explaining the operation of the guide unit 90. In FIGS. 5B to 5E, the structure of the guide unit 90 is shown in a simplified manner for easy explanation of the operation of the guide unit 90.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the guide unit 90 has a box-shaped case body 91 opened to the entire surface side and the lower side of the game board 60, and the case body 91 is fixed to the game board 60 to play a game. It is integrated with the board 60. Note that the case body 91 is made of a synthetic resin material having transparency, and the internal structure of the case body 91 and the movement of the game ball flowing into the guide unit 90 can be visually confirmed from the front of the gaming machine. ing.

  The case body 91 has a front plate portion 91a that is opposed to the front surface of the game board 60 with a gap through which a game ball can pass, and the peripheral portion of the front plate portion 91a faces the game board 60a side. A plate-shaped peripheral wall portion 91b that stands is provided. FIG. 3 shows a state in which a part (upper half) of the front plate portion 91a is cut and cut.

  The peripheral wall portion 91b is formed over the upper portion and the side portion of the front plate portion 91a. When the case body 91 is integrated with the game board 60, the peripheral wall portion 91b is played from other than the warp passage 83. It will function as a shield that prevents the inflow of the sphere.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the case body 91 (specifically, the peripheral wall portion 91b) partitions a part of the game area PE and thereby flows into the guide unit 90 through the outlet portion 84 of the warp passage 83. A game ball passage region R through which the ball passes is formed. The guide unit 90 (case body 91) is arranged such that the exit portion 84 of the warp passage 83 is located at the most upstream location in the game ball passage region R.

  The game ball passage region R is configured such that the upper portion serves as a guide passage 92 and the lower portion serves as a discharge passage 93 that discharges a game ball spilled from the guide passage 92. Specifically, a plurality of branch passage wall portions 94 are provided which stand from the front plate portion 91a to the game board 60 side and extend in the vertical direction, and the flow path of the game ball branches into a plurality. By providing the branch passage wall portion 94, the guide ball 92 (guidance unit 90) is provided before the game ball passage region R reaches the lower working port 64 and the one guide passage 92 leading to the lower working port 64. Are divided into a plurality of discharge passages 93 for discharging game balls.

  The guide unit 90 establishes the predetermined condition based on the fact that a predetermined number of game balls have passed through the game ball passage region R, that is, the game ball is moved to the discharge passage 93 as the game ball passage region R passes. A plurality of sorting members 95 are provided as means for shifting from the normal state for guiding the game ball to the guidance state for winning the game ball that has reached the game ball passage region R next to the lower operating port 64 (electrical accessory 70). Yes. The distribution member 95 is disposed so as to correspond to each of the branch passage wall portions 94 from the upstream side to the downstream side of the game ball passage region R on a one-to-one basis. Each of the distribution members 95 changes the distribution destination of the game balls in the game ball passage area R based on the arrival of the game balls. Specifically, each distribution member 95 has a Y-shape when viewed from the front of the gaming machine, and a shaft portion 96 provided at the center thereof is attached to the front plate portion 91a, so that the shaft portions 96 are the center. Rotation in both forward and reverse directions along the front surface of the game board 60 is allowed. Each distribution member 95 alternately distributes the game balls to the guide passage 92 and the discharge passage 93 every time the game balls flow down from the upstream side in the guide passage 92 of the game ball passage region R. In the present embodiment, the number of distribution members 95 is six.

  These six distribution members 95 are arranged so that, when the game balls are distributed to the guide passage 92 side by the previous distribution member 95, the game balls reach the rear distribution member 95. When the number of game balls flowing into the guide unit 90 reaches the predetermined number, all of the game balls assigned to the six distribution members 95 are assigned to the guide passage 92 side, and the game balls are directed to the lower operation port 64. It shifts to the above-mentioned guidance state to win.

  That is, with respect to the guide passage 92, at least one discharge route is secured and the guide function is disabled so that the game ball is guided to the discharge passage 93 in the normal state, but all the distribution members 95 are distributed. The guide function is validated when the tip is in the direction along the guide passage 92.

<Distributing member 95>
Here, the structure of the distribution member 95 and the relationship with the branch passage wall will be described supplementarily.

  The distribution member 95 is disposed so that the shaft portion 96 is positioned above the branch passage wall portion 94. Three projecting pieces 97 to 99 are formed so as to be equiangular intervals with the shaft portion 96 as a center. The first projecting piece 97 located on the most downstream side of the projecting pieces 97 to 99 is further rotated by contacting the branching passage wall portion 94 from the downstream side (right side) of the guide passage 92. Blocking. That is, the first projecting piece 97 is provided with a function as a stopper that defines the rotation limit position of the sorting member 95.

  In a state where the first projecting piece 97 is in contact with the branch passage wall 94 (hereinafter referred to as an initial state), the second projecting piece 98 exists at a position where the guide passage 92 is blocked. A magnetic body 95a corresponding to the magnet 91c provided on the front plate 91a on a one-to-one basis is embedded at the tip of the second protruding piece 98. The magnetic member 95a is attracted by the magnetic force of the magnet 91c, whereby the sorting member 95 is maintained in the initial state.

  In the initial state, the discharge passage 93 is covered with the third protruding piece 99. The game ball that has fallen from the exit portion 84 of the warp passage 83 and has reached the sorting member 95 from the upstream side collides with the second projecting piece 98, whereby the third projecting piece 99 is inclined by the inclination of the second projecting piece 98. It will be guided to the side and will get on the third projecting piece 99. Here, the magnetic force of the magnet 91c described above is suppressed to a strength that cannot support the weight of the game ball. For this reason, when the 3rd protrusion piece 99 is pushed below by the game ball, the distribution member 95 rotates counterclockwise (forward rotation). As a result, the discharge passage 93 is opened, and the game ball is discharged through the discharge passage 93.

  At this time, with respect to the sorting member 95, the third projecting piece 99 comes into contact with the branching passage wall portion 94 from the upstream side of the guide passage 92 to prevent further rotation. In this state, the second projecting piece 98 moves from the right side to the left side of the shaft portion 96, and the magnetic body 95a is attracted to another magnet 91d provided on the front plate portion 91a. Thereby, the distribution member 95 will switch from an initial state to a guidance state. In this guiding state, the first projecting piece 97 is separated from the branch passage wall 94 and is maintained substantially horizontal, but the magnetic force of the magnet 91d is suppressed to such an extent that this state can be maintained.

  In the guided state, the game ball that has reached the sorting member 95 from the upstream side is guided to the downstream side of the guide path 92 along the guide path 92 by hitting the second projecting piece 98. At this time, the game ball is supported by the first projecting piece 97 to move downstream of the guide passage 92. Here, when the first projecting piece 97 is pushed by the game ball, the holding function by the magnet 91d is invalidated, and the sorting member 95 rotates clockwise (reversely rotates). As a result, in the sorting member 95, the first projecting piece 97 comes into contact with the branch passage wall portion 94 again and returns to the initial state.

  That is, the distribution member 95 has a function of guiding the game ball that passes next in a direction different from that of the game ball that has just passed by rotating by contact with the game ball. Specifically, if the distribution destination of the game ball is on the guide passage 92 side in each distribution member 95, the distribution destination is switched to the discharge passage 93 side with the arrival of the next game ball. If the game ball is distributed to the discharge passage 93 side, a function of switching the distribution destination to the guide passage 92 side with the arrival of the next game ball is provided.

  Six distribution members 95 are provided continuously along the guide passage 92 from the outlet portion 84 (inlet to the guide unit 90) of the warp passage 83 to the lower working port 64, and the six distribution members 95 are provided. There are 64 combinations of states of the distribution members 95, that is, combinations of distribution destinations (= 2 to the sixth power). Each time the game ball flows down the game ball passage region R, the state of the six sorting members 95 changes, and the 64 combinations are sequentially switched.

  In the guide passage 92, the flow path differs for each of the 64 combinations of the sorting members 95, and the game ball is guided from the outlet portion 84 to the lower working port 64 by one of the combinations. Specifically, when all the distribution members 95 are in the guide state, the guide passage 92 is in a complete state (the guide function is activated), and the game ball flowing down the guide passage 92 is operated downward. Win a prize in the mouth 64. The game balls passing through the other routes are discharged from the guide unit 90 through the discharge passage 93, and a part of them is awarded to the general winning opening 61.

  By providing each of the distribution members 95 as described above, the pachinko machine 10 is operated at least once within a predetermined period when the game ball is continuously hitting the left route. The winning prize to the mouth will occur. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the inconvenience that the player's willingness to play is reduced without winning a prize even though he keeps hitting the game ball.

  Next, the game ball allocating operation in the guide unit 90 will be described more specifically with reference to FIGS. Here, for ease of understanding, a guide unit 90X using only two sorting members 95 will be described. In the configuration in which the two sorting members 95 are provided in this way, there are four combinations (= 2 squares) as the state of the sorting member 95 as a whole, and every four game balls that have flowed into the guide unit 90X. Will be guided to the lower working port 64.

  In FIG. 5B, as an initial state, each of the distribution members 95 is in a state of distributing the game balls to the lower left (the discharge passage 93 side). When the first game ball B1 falls from the exit portion 84 of the warp passage 83 in this state, the game ball B1 is distributed to the lower left (the discharge passage 93A side) by the upstream sorting member 95A. By the passage of the first game ball B1, the distribution destination of the distribution member 95A on the upstream side is switched. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5B to 5C, the upstream sorting member 95A is switched to the guide state, and the downstream sorting member 95B is maintained in the initial state.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), when the second game ball B2 falls from the exit portion 84 of the warp passage 83, the game ball B2 is moved to the lower right (guide) by the sorting member 95A on the upstream side. And is distributed to the lower left (discharge passage 93B side) by the distribution member 95B on the downstream side. As the second game ball B2 passes, the distribution destinations of the respective distribution members 95A and 95B are switched, and the upstream distribution member 95A is in the initial state as shown in FIG. 5 (c) → FIG. 5 (d). The downstream distribution member 95B is in the guiding state.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5D, when the third game ball B3 falls from the outlet portion 84 of the warp passage 83, the game ball B3 is moved to the lower left (discharge passage) by the sorting member 95A on the upstream side. 93A side). By passing the third game ball B3, the sorting destination of the sorting member 95A on the upper side is switched, and both sorting members 95A and 95B are switched as shown in FIG. 5 (d) → FIG. 5 (e). It becomes a guidance state. That is, the guide function of the guide passage 92 is activated.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (e), when the fourth game ball B4 falls from the exit part 84 of the warp passage 83, the game ball B4 is moved to the lower right (guide) by the sorting member 95A on the upstream side. After being distributed to the passage 92 side), it is distributed to the lower right (guide passage 92 side) by the downstream distribution member 95B and wins the lower working port 64. By passing the fourth game ball B4, the distribution destinations of the respective distribution members 95A and 95B are switched again to the discharge passage 93 side, and the guide unit 90X returns to the initial state shown in FIG. 5B. . Similarly, as the game balls flow into the guide unit 90X, the sorting members 95A and 95B are changed from FIG. 5 (b) → FIG. 5 (c) → FIG. 5 (d) → FIG. 5 (e). The operation will be repeated. Therefore, each time a predetermined number (four) of game balls flows into the guide unit 90X, one game ball wins the lower operation port 64 one by one.

  In the guide unit 90 according to the present embodiment, the sorting members 95 are arranged in parallel so as to have six upper and lower stages, so that each time 64 game balls flow into the guide unit 90, a prize is awarded to the lower operation port 64. However, the winning conditions can be arbitrarily changed. For example, if one distribution member 95 is used, a prize is awarded to the lower operation port 64 every time two game balls flow into the guide unit 90. Further, if the sorting member 95 has seven upper and lower stages, every time 128 game balls flow into the guide unit 90, a prize is awarded to the lower operation port 64.

  Although the number of game balls supplied to a player by a single ball lending operation depends on the game hall sales form, most of them are 125 (assuming an input amount of 500 yen and a game ball of 4 yen) It is preferable that the number of the sorting members is 6 or less so that at least one game operation is executed by at least one lending operation. Thereby, even if all the game balls obtained by the lending operation are used, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the winning lottery is never performed.

  In addition, in a type of gaming machine that performs a lottery determination based on winning at the operating port, the probability of entering the operating port is long-term (for example, every hour) for various configurations such as nails on the flow path of game balls. And every day) in consideration of convergence within a specific range. However, in this type of gaming machine, there is a tendency that a large amount of game balls are concentrated in a short period of time and enter the operation port or suddenly stop entering. That is, when viewed in a shorter period (seconds or minutes), the probability of entering the ball is less likely to converge.

  Here, because a lot of balls enter the operation port during a certain period, the lottery result notification by the symbol display device 74 and the like will continue continuously, but the ball entering the operation port stops. If that happens, such production will not be performed, and the player will be bored. In addition, even if the probability of entering the ball is stable as long as it is viewed over a long period of time, such impressions have a strong impact on the player if the non-production period as described above becomes long or frequent. As a game machine with a low probability of entry (that is, a game machine that is disadvantageous to the player).

  In other words, it is unlikely that the player will feel uncomfortable under circumstances where the entrance to the operating port is moderate, but no entry occurs even though the game ball continues to be fired. If the duration continues, the longer the period, the more likely the player will feel uncomfortable. Thus, it is not preferable that the bias in the occurrence of entering the ball becomes excessively large because it may cause the player's interest in the gaming machine to decrease.

  In this regard, in the pachinko machine 10 shown in the present embodiment, by launching the game ball aiming at the left route, the lower operation port 64 has a predetermined probability in accordance with the number of game balls flowing into the guide unit 90. Wins will occur. Thereby, the bias as described above can be reduced. In addition, when the winning to the upper working port 63 occurs frequently, it is assumed that the supply speed of the game ball to the guide unit 90 is slow, and as a result, the winning to the lower working port 64 is less likely to occur. In such a case, since the winning / losing lottery and the above-mentioned production are performed at least by winning the upper operating port 63, there is no inconvenience that the player feels uncomfortable.

  In this way, by suppressing an excessive bias in the occurrence of winnings by the guide unit 90, the player immediately stops the game or moves to another gaming machine, and the operating rate decreases. Can be suppressed.

<Electric configuration of pachinko machine 10>
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described based on the block diagram of FIG.

  An MPU 302 is mounted on a main control board 301 provided in the main controller 300. The MPU 302 includes a ROM 303 that stores various control programs executed by the MPU 302 and fixed value data, and a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 303 is executed. A RAM 304, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, various counter circuits as a random number generator, and the like are incorporated.

  The MPU 302 is provided with an input port and an output port. On the input side of the MPU 302, a power failure monitoring board 305, a payout control device 242, and various detection sensors provided in the main control device 300 are connected. In this case, a power / fire control device 243 is connected to the power failure monitoring board 305, and power is supplied to the MPU 302 via the power failure monitoring board 305. In addition, as part of various detection sensors, a prize winning entry part (payout correspondence entry part) such as a general prize opening 61, a variable prize winning device 62, an upper operation opening 63, a lower operation opening 64, a through gate 65 and the like is provided. A plurality of detection sensors are connected to each other, and the MPU 302 of the main control device 300 performs a winning determination (entrance determination) for each winning portion. In addition, the MPU 302 executes a lottery occurrence lottery based on winning at the upper working port 63 and the lower working port 64 and also performs support generation lottery based on a winning at the through gate 65.

  On the output side of the MPU 302, a power failure monitoring board 305, a payout control device 242 and a notification / effect control device 244 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, when outputting the prize ball command, the command information storage area 325 of the ROM 303 is referred to. When the winning to the general winning opening 61 is specified, a winning ball command corresponding to the payout of 10 game balls is output. When the winning to the variable winning device 62 is specified, 15 winning balls are output. When a winning ball command corresponding to paying out a game ball is output and a winning to the upper operating port 63 is specified, a winning ball command corresponding to paying out three gaming balls is output and sent to the lower operating port 64. When a winning is specified, a winning ball command corresponding to the payout of four game balls is output.

  Various commands such as a change start command, a type command, a change end command, an opening command, and an ending command are output to the notification / production control device 244. In this case, the command information storage area 325 of the ROM 303 is referred to when these various commands are output. Details of these various commands will be described later.

  Further, on the output side of the MPU 302, a variable winning drive unit 62c that opens and closes the opening / closing door 62b of the variable winning device 62, an electric combination driving unit 70c that opens and closes the electric combination 70 of the lower working port 64, and a main display. A main display unit 78 constituting part D is connected. The main control board 301 is provided with various driver circuits, and the MPU 302 performs drive control of various drive units through the driver circuits.

  That is, in the opening / closing execution mode, drive control of the variable winning drive unit 62c is executed in the MPU 302 so that the special winning opening 62a is opened and closed. In addition, when the electric combination 70 is won, the MPU 302 performs drive control of the electric combination drive unit 70c so that the electric combination 70 is opened and closed. In each game round, the MPU 302 executes display control of the first result display unit or the second result display unit in the main display unit D.

  Furthermore, an external terminal board 213 is connected to the output side of the MPU 302. The external terminal board 213 is provided with a jackpot signal output terminal as an output terminal for outputting a signal at the time of state transition. When the game result is a jackpot result, the MPU 302 is connected to the management control device on the game hall side. On the other hand, a jackpot signal can be output through the jackpot signal output terminal. Specifically, in a normal time, a LOW level signal is output from the jackpot signal output terminal, and when a jackpot result is obtained, an HI level signal is output. The output mode of this signal may be reversed.

  The power failure monitoring board 305 relays between the main control board 301 and the power source / launch control device 243, and monitors a DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power source / launch control device 243. The payout control device 242 performs payout control of prize balls and rental balls by the payout device based on the prize ball command input from the main control device 300.

  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. Then, based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, necessary operating power is generated for each of the main control board 301, the payout control device 242 and the like, and the generated operating power is used as an electric machine such as each control device. Supply to equipment. Further, the power supply / launch control device 243 is responsible for the launch control of the game ball launch mechanism 110 shown in FIG. 2, and the game ball launch mechanism 110 has a predetermined launch condition (specifically, the game ball launch handle 41 by the player). Is touched and the rotation operation is performed).

  The notification / production control device 244 controls the display control device 245 and controls the display lamp portions 24 to 26 and the speaker portion 27 provided on the front door frame 14 based on various commands input from the main control device 300. To do. In addition, the number-of-entries display section 87 is connected to the output side of the notification / effect control device 244, and the number-of-entries display is based on the information about the entrance to the guidance unit 90 transmitted from the main control device 300. The display control of the unit 87 is performed.

  The display content of the number-of-entries display portion 87 is linked to the state of the guidance unit 90, and the display is performed with “64” corresponding to the predetermined condition (the number of entrances to the guidance unit 90) as the maximum value. Is called. That is, when the guidance unit 90 is in the initial state, “0” is displayed, and each time the game ball enters the guidance unit 90, the number displayed on the number-of-entry display 87 is 1. It is added one by one. Then, when the number of game balls that have flowed into the guide unit 90 reaches a predetermined number, that is, when a winning to the lower operating port 64 occurs via the guide unit 90, “0” is displayed again. Become.

  The display control device 245 executes display control of the symbol display device 74 based on the command input from the notification / production control device 244. In this case, the notification / production control device 244 determines the symbol variation display time in the symbol display device 74 and the type of symbol combination to be finally stopped and displayed, based on various commands input from the main control device 300. At the same time, the lottery of the presence / absence of reach and the contents of reach production is executed.

  Here, the display contents of the symbol display device 74 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display screen 74 a of the symbol display device 74.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, on the display screen 74a of the symbol display device 74, three symbol rows Z1, Z2, and Z3 of an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage are set. Each of the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 includes a main symbol and a sub symbol arranged in a predetermined order. Specifically, nine types of main symbols “1” to “9” are arranged in descending order of numbers in the upper symbol row Z1, and one sub symbol is arranged between each main symbol. . In the lower symbol row Z3, nine types of main symbols “1” to “9” are arranged in ascending numerical order, and one sub symbol is arranged between the main symbols. That is, the upper symbol row Z1 and the lower symbol row Z3 are composed of 18 symbols. On the other hand, in the middle symbol row Z2, nine types of main symbols “1” to “9” are arranged in ascending numerical order, and then between the main symbol “9” and the main symbol “1”. In addition, a main symbol “4” is additionally arranged, and one sub symbol is arranged between each main symbol. In other words, only the middle symbol row Z2 is composed of 20 symbols by arranging 10 main symbols. On the display screen 74a, the symbols in the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 are displayed in a variable manner so as to scroll in a predetermined direction with periodicity. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, the display screen 74a is configured such that 3 symbols are stopped and displayed for each symbol row, and as a result, a total of 9 symbols of 3 × 3 are stopped and displayed. It has come to be.

  In addition, five effective lines, that is, a left line L1, a middle line L2, a right line L3, a right lowering line L4, and a right uppering line L5 are set on the display screen 74a. Then, the variable display stops in the order of the upper symbol row Z1 → the lower symbol row Z3 → the middle symbol row Z2, and all the symbol rows Z1 are formed in a state in which a combination of symbols having the same number attached to any one of the effective lines is formed. When the fluctuation display of .about.Z3 is completed, the jackpot moving image is displayed as a normal jackpot result or a 15R probability variable jackpot result which will be described later.

  In this pachinko machine 10, the main symbols with odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) correspond to “specific symbols”, and when a 15R probability variation jackpot result is generated, The combination is stopped. The main symbols with even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) correspond to “non-specific symbols”, and when a 15R normal jackpot result occurs, the combination of the same non-specific symbols is stopped and displayed. Is done.

  When the 2R probability variation jackpot result is obtained, all symbol sequences Z1 to Z1 are formed in a state in which predetermined symbol combinations (specifically, combinations of “3”, “4”, and “1”) with different numbers are formed. The variable display of Z3 is finished, and then an explicit moving image is displayed.

  In addition, the mode of the variable display of the symbol in the symbol display device 74 is not limited to the above, but is arbitrary. The number of symbol columns, the direction of the symbol variable display in the symbol column, the number of symbols in each symbol column, etc. Can be appropriately changed.

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

  The MPU 302 uses various counter information in the game to perform jackpot occurrence lottery, setting the display of the main display unit D, setting the outline of the symbol display of the symbol display device 74, and more specifically, as shown in FIG. As described above, when the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the lottery generation, the jackpot type counter C2 used when determining the jackpot type such as the probability variation jackpot result or the normal jackpot result, and the symbol display device 74 are changed. Reach random number counter C3 used for reach lottery, random number initial value counter CINI used for initial value setting of jackpot random number counter C1, first result display unit and second result display unit of main display unit D, and symbol display device 74 The variation type counter CS for determining the variation display time at is used. Furthermore, the electric accessory release counter C4 used for the lottery to determine whether or not the electric accessory 70 of the lower working port 64 is in the electric utility open state is used.

  Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 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 331 set in a predetermined area of the RAM 304. The RAM 304 is provided with a reserved ball storage area 332 including a first result display area reservation area Ra, a second result display area reservation area Rb, an execution area AE, and a total reservation number storage area. Then, in the reserved ball storage area 332, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3 and the variation type counter CS are matched with the winning history of the game balls to the upper operating port 63 or the lower operating port 64. Each value is stored in time series.

  For details of each counter, the jackpot random number counter C1 is configured such that, for example, 1 is sequentially added within a range of 0 to 599, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 599), it returns to 0. In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599). The big hit random number counter C <b> 1 is periodically updated and stored in the reserved ball storage area 332 of the RAM 304 at the timing when the game ball wins the upper operation port 63 or the lower operation port 64. More specifically, the game result is stored in the first result display holding area Ra of the RAM 304 at the timing when the game ball wins the upper operation port 63, and the second result display unit of the RAM 304 at the timing when the game ball wins the lower operation port 64. Stored in the reserved area Rb.

  The value of the random number for winning the jackpot is stored as a success / failure table (availability information group) in a success / failure table storage area 321 as a success / failure information group storage means in the ROM 303. Here, the contents of the success / failure table will be supplementarily described. As the success / failure table, a success / failure table for the low probability mode (low probability success / failure information group) and a high probability mode's success / failure table (high probability success / failure information group) are set. That is, in the present pachinko machine 10, a low probability mode (low probability state) and a high probability mode (high probability state) are set as the lottery mode in the winning lottery means.

  In the gaming state in which the low-probability mode winning / failing table is referred to at the time of the lottery, the number of random numbers for winning the jackpot is two. On the other hand, in the gaming state in which the winning / failing table for the high probability mode is referred to at the time of the lottery, the number of random numbers for winning the jackpot is 20. If the winning probability in the high probability mode is higher than that in the low probability mode, the number and value of the random numbers to be won are arbitrary.

  Further, in each lottery mode, the lottery result is a result other than the random number value which is a big win.

  The jackpot type counter C2 is incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 29, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 29) and then returns to 0. Here, in the present embodiment, a plurality of jackpot results are set. The plurality of jackpot results are set by providing a difference in the lottery mode (low probability mode / high probability mode described above) in the success / failure lottery means after the opening / closing execution mode ends.

  Here, in the opening / closing execution mode that shifts to the case where a big win is won by the winning / losing lottery, opening / closing control of the variable winning device 62 is performed. The opening / closing mode is such that the opening / closing of the special prize opening 62a is performed twice (number of times for low frequency) or 15 times (number of times for high frequency) from the start to the end of the opening / closing execution mode, and one opening is 30 sec. It is set to continue until the time has elapsed or the number of winning prizes to the big winning opening 62a reaches 10.

  As a support mode for the electric workings 70 of the lower working port 64, the electric workings 70 of the lower working port 64 are compared with each other in a situation where a game ball is continuously being fired in a similar manner to the game area. Low frequency support mode (low frequency support state or low frequency guide state) and high frequency support mode (high frequency support state or high frequency guide state) so that the frequency of the open state per unit time is relatively high or low. And are 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 1/2) However, in the high frequency support mode, the number of times that the electric utility item 70 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 won and the open state of the electric utility item 70 is generated a plurality of times, it is closed 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 of winning a prize to the lower operation port 64 is higher than in the low-frequency support mode. For this reason, in the low frequency support mode, there is a higher probability of winning in the upper working port 63 than in the lower working port 64, but in the high frequency support mode, winning in the lower working port 64 rather than the upper working port 63. Is likely to occur. In other words, during the low frequency support mode, the chance of winning the operating route is higher when targeting the left route than during the right route, and during the high frequency support mode, the probability of winning the operating port is higher when targeting the right route than the left route. Therefore, in order to advance the game advantageously, it is preferable that the game balls be sorted according to the game situation.

  When a prize is awarded to the lower operating port 64, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out. In the high-frequency support mode, the player aims at the right route and launches the game balls. Can play a game while not reducing the ball.

  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 raises the probability of becoming electrified in the electric character open state in Further, the high frequency support mode and the low frequency support mode may be set by making any one condition or any combination of conditions among the number of times, the opening time, and the winning probability different.

  The big hit type counter C <b> 2 is periodically updated and stored in the reserved ball storage area 332 of the RAM 304 at the timing when the game ball wins the upper operation port 63 or the lower operation port 64. More specifically, the game result is stored in the first result display holding area Ra of the RAM 304 at the timing when the game ball wins the upper operation port 63, and the second result display unit of the RAM 304 at the timing when the game ball wins the lower operation port 64. Stored in the reserved area Rb.

  In the ROM 303 of the main controller 300, a distribution table (distribution information group) is stored in an allocation table storage area 322 as a distribution information group storage unit. The distribution destination of the game result based on the big hit type counter C2 (that is, the lottery result by the success / failure lottery and the distribution lottery) is determined with reference to these distribution tables. Here, the contents of the distribution table will be described in detail. As the distribution table, a distribution table for the first result display unit (first distribution information group) and a distribution table for the second result display unit (second distribution information group) are set. .

  In the distribution table for the first result display section, as the distribution destination of the game result, 15R normal jackpot result (low probability special game result), 2R probability variation jackpot result (high probability correspondence game result), 15R probability variation jackpot result ( High-probability compatible special game results) are set.

  The 15R normal jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the success / failure lottery mode becomes the low probability mode and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode after the opening / closing execution mode ends. However, the high frequency support mode shifts to the low frequency support mode when the number of games reaches the end reference number (specifically, 100 times) after the shift. In other words, the normal jackpot result is a jackpot result for shifting the gaming state to the normal jackpot state (special gaming state corresponding to low probability).

  The 2R probability variation jackpot result and the 15R probability variation jackpot result are jackpot results in which the success / failure lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode after the opening / closing execution mode ends. The high-frequency support mode continues until the lottery result in the winning / losing lottery becomes a big win and the game shifts to the big win based on the lottery result. In other words, the 2R probability variation jackpot result or the 15R probability variation jackpot result is a jackpot result for shifting the gaming state to the 2R probability variation jackpot result or the 15R probability variation jackpot state (high probability corresponding special gaming state).

  Note that the normal gaming state in relation to each of the above gaming states refers to a state where the winning / raising lottery mode is the low probability mode and the support mode is the low frequency support mode.

  In the distribution table for the first result display unit, among the values of the jackpot type counter C2 of “0 to 29”, “0 to 9” corresponds to the 15R normal jackpot result, and “10 to 19” is 2R. This corresponds to the probability variation jackpot result, and “20 to 29” corresponds to the 15R probability variation jackpot result.

  On the other hand, in the distribution table for the second result display section, only the 15R normal jackpot result and the 15R probability variable jackpot result are set as the game result distribution destination. Specifically, among the values of the jackpot type counter C2 of “0 to 29”, “0 to 9” corresponds to the 15R normal jackpot result, and “10 to 29” corresponds to the 15R probability variable jackpot result. .

  As described above, in this pachinko machine 10, the game result distribution mode when winning a big win is based on winning a win based on winning on the upper operating port 63 and winning on the lower operating port 64. It is different from the case of winning the jackpot based on.

  Here, regardless of whether the distribution table for the first result display section or the distribution table for the second result display section is used, the probability of a promiscuous jackpot result when the jackpot is won is the same. Yes. In other words, the probability that the winning / failing lottery mode becomes the high probability mode after the end of the opening / closing execution mode is determined based on the winning win based on the winning to the upper operating port 63 and the winning jackpot based on the winning to the lower operating port 64 (Specifically, 2/3).

  However, if a jackpot win is won based on the winning of the lower operating port 64 and a probable change jackpot result is generated, a 15R probable jackpot result will always be obtained, whereas a win will be won based on the winning of the upper operating port 63 and When the probability variation jackpot result is obtained, a 2R probability variation jackpot result is obtained with a probability of 1/4, and a 15R probability variation jackpot result is obtained with a probability of 1/2. That is, the probability of occurrence of the 15R probability variation jackpot result, which is the most advantageous for the player among the probability variation jackpot results, is higher when the jackpot win is won based on the winning of the lower actuation port 64. It will be higher than if you win a jackpot based on winning.

  As described above, the upper operating port 63 and the lower operating port 64 have a clear difference in the advantage for the player. Accordingly, the player plays a game while expecting that a prize will be generated in the lower operating port 64 out of the upper operating port 63 and the lower operating port 64, and accordingly, the frequency of winning in the lower operating port 64. The player's attention to the high-frequency support mode that increases becomes higher.

  For example, the reach random number counter C3 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 238, for example, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 238) and then returns to 0. The reach random number counter C3 is periodically updated and stored in the reserved ball storage area 332 of the RAM 304 at the timing when the game ball wins the upper operation port 63 or the lower operation port 64. More specifically, the game result is stored in the first result display holding area Ra of the RAM 304 at the timing when the game ball wins the upper operation port 63, and the second result display unit of the RAM 304 at the timing when the game ball wins the lower operation port 64. Stored in the reserved area Rb. Then, based on the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of the ROM 303, it is determined whether to generate a reach. However, in the game times that shift to the opening / closing execution mode, the MPU 302 determines the occurrence of reach regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3. The number of reach random number counters C3 corresponding to the occurrence of reach display is the same in each gaming state, but may be set individually according to the gaming state. For example, when the support mode is the high frequency support mode, the number of reach random number counters C3 corresponding to the occurrence of reach display may be set larger than that in the low frequency support mode.

  Here, the reach display (reach state) is a game time in which a symbol display device 74 capable of performing variable display (or variable display) of a symbol (picture) is provided and the variable winning device 62 is in an opening / closing execution mode. In the gaming machine in which the stop display result after the variable display becomes a special display result, the stop display result is derived and displayed after the variable display (or variable display) of the symbol (picture) on the symbol display device 74 is started. The display state for making the player think that the variable display state is likely to be the special display result.

  In other words, a reach symbol combination in which a jackpot symbol combination may be established by stopping and displaying symbols for a part of a plurality of symbol sequences displayed on the display screen 74a of the symbol display device 74. This is a display state in which a combination is displayed and the symbols are displayed in a variable manner in the remaining symbol rows.

  More specifically, as a step before ending the variable display of symbols, a reach symbol that is likely to be a combination of jackpot symbols on a preset active line in the display screen 74a of the symbol display device 74 is displayed. A reach line is formed by stopping and displaying the combination, and a symbol change display is performed by the final stop symbol row in a situation where the reach line is formed.

  The display contents on the display screen 74a will be described in detail with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 7. First, the symbol variation display is terminated in the upper symbol row Z1, and the symbol variation display is further performed in the lower symbol row Z3. In the finished state, a reach line is formed by stopping and displaying the main symbol with the same number on any of the effective lines L1 to L5, and in the situation where the reach line is formed, Reach display is achieved by performing symbol variation display in symbol row Z2. When the high-frequency winning mode occurs, the main symbol with the same number as the main symbol forming the reach line is stopped and displayed on the reach line in the middle symbol row Z2. The symbol variation display is terminated.

  In the reach display, in the state where the combination of reach symbols is displayed as described above, the variation display of symbols is performed on the remaining symbol rows, and a predetermined character or the like is displayed as a moving image on the background screen. There are those that produce an effect, and those that perform a reach effect by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on almost the entire display screen after reducing or not displaying a combination of reach symbols. Further, when reach display is performed or before reach display, it is determined using the reach random number counter C3 or other counter whether or not to perform a notice display using a predetermined image such as a predetermined character. May be.

  For example, the variation type counter CS is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 198, for example, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 198) and then returns to 0. The variation type counter CS is used when the MPU 302 determines the variation display time in the first result display unit and the second result display unit of the main display unit D and the symbol variation display time in the symbol display device 74. 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 first result display unit or the second result display unit and at the time of symbol variation start by the symbol display device 74.

  The electric accessory release counter C4 is configured so that, for example, 1 is added in order within a range of 0 to 250, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 250), it returns to 0. The electric accessory release counter C4 is periodically updated and stored in the electric combination holding area 333 of the RAM 304 at the timing when a game ball wins the through gate 65. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is performed as to whether or not the electric accessory 70 is controlled to be in an open state based on the stored value of the electric accessory release counter C4. For example, if C4 = 0 to 190, the electric accessory 70 is controlled to the open state, and if C4 = 191 to 250, the electric accessory 70 is not controlled to the open state.

  As already described, the MPU 302 uses at least the buffer value of the variation type counter CS to determine the variation display time in the first result display unit and the second result display unit. A time table storage area 323 is used. Further, in the MPU 302, the stop result in the first result display unit and the second result display unit is determined using the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE. In the determination, the stop result table storage area 324 of the ROM 303 is used.

<Various processes executed by main controller 300>
Next, a timer interrupt process and a normal process that are executed when the MPU 302 in the main controller 300 advances the game at each game time will be described. In addition to the timer interrupt process and the normal process, the MPU 302 executes a main process that is started when the power is turned on and an NMI interrupt process that is started when a power failure signal is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). However, description of these processes 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 302 (for example, at a cycle of 2 msec).

  In step S101, various sensors are read. That is, the state of various sensors connected to the main controller 300 is read, the state of the sensor 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 304. In subsequent step S103, the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release counter C4 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release counter C4 are each incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter values reach the maximum value. Then, the updated values of the counters C1 to C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 304. After that, in step S104, a winning process for the operating port associated with winning in the operating ports 63 and 64 is executed, and in step S105, a winning process for winning associated with winning in the through gate 65 is executed. This timer interrupt process is terminated.

  In the through winning process in step S105, it is first determined whether or not the game ball has won the through gate 65. When it is determined that the game ball has won the through gate 65, it is determined whether or not the accessory reserve storage number SN is less than the upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment).

  On the condition that the game ball wins the through gate 65 and that the accessory reservation storage number SN <4, the accessory reservation storage number SN is incremented by one. Thereafter, the updated value of the electric component release counter C4 is stored in the first area of the free storage area of the electric combination holding area 333 of the RAM 304. Then, after lighting the number-of-holding light emitting section of the main display section D corresponding to the number of stored memories, the main winning process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is not determined that the game ball has won the through gate 65 or when the value of the stored item reserve memory number SN 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. The main winning process is terminated.

  Hereinafter, the winning process for the operation port in step S104 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

<Winning process for working port>
In the winning process for the operating opening, first, in step S201, whether or not the game ball has won the start operating opening 63 (starting winning) is determined based on the detection state of the detection sensor corresponding to the upper operating opening 63. If it is determined that the game ball has won the upper working port 63, in step S202, a prize ball command for causing the payout control device 242 to pay out three game balls is set. In the subsequent step S203, an external signal setting process is performed so as to output a signal to the management control device on the game hall side that the game ball has won the upper working port 63. In step S204, the value stored in the reserved number storage area of the first result display section reservation area Ra is read, and the start reserved storage number RaN stored in the first result display section reservation area Ra is set. (Hereinafter, it is also referred to as the first start reserved memory number RaN). Thereafter, in step S205, an information acquisition process for storing the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 is performed, and the main winning process is terminated.

  When it is determined in step S201 that the game ball has not won the upper operation port 63, in step S206, whether or not the game ball has won the lower operation port 64 (starting winning) corresponds to the lower operation port 64. The determination is made based on the detection state of the detection sensor. If it is determined that the game ball has won the lower working port 64, a prize ball command for causing the payout control device 242 to pay out four game balls is set in step S207. In the subsequent step S208, an external signal setting process is performed so as to output a signal to the management control device on the game hall side that the game ball has won the lower operation port 64. In step S209, the value stored in the reserved number storage area of the second result display area reservation area Rb is read, and the start reserved memory number RbN stored in the second result display area reservation area Rb is set. (Hereinafter, it is also referred to as the second start reserved memory number RbN). Thereafter, an information acquisition process is performed in step S205, and the main winning process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if both step S201 and step S206 are NO, that is, if the game ball has not won any of the upper operating port 63 and the lower operating port 64, the main winning process is terminated as it is.

  The prize ball command set in steps S202 and S207 is transmitted to the payout control device 242 in an external output process (step S401) of a normal process described later.

  Here, the information acquisition processing in step S205 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S301, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved start storages N (RaN or RbN) set in step S204 or step S209 described above is less than an upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment). If the start pending storage number N is the upper limit value, the information acquisition process is terminated as it is. If the start pending storage number N is less than the upper limit value, the corresponding start display storage number N of the corresponding result display area holding area is set in step S302. In addition to incrementing by 1, the value stored in the total pending count storage area in step S303 (hereinafter referred to as common pending count CRN) is incremented by 1.

  In the subsequent step S304, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the variation type counter CS updated in step S103 are stored in the free storage area area of the corresponding reserved area for the result display unit. Of these, the first storage area, that is, the storage area corresponding to the reserved storage number incremented by 1 in step S302 is stored. Then, after turning on the holding lamp portions 76 and 77 of the variable display unit 66 corresponding to the number of stored storage, this information acquisition processing is ended.

  That is, when RaN is set, the values of the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the variation type counter CS updated in step S103 are held for the first result display unit. The first storage area among the empty storage areas of the area Ra, that is, the storage area corresponding to the start pending storage number RaN incremented by 1 in the above step S302. Then, after the first hold lamp portion 76 of the variable display unit 66 corresponding to the start hold storage number RaN is turned on, the information acquisition process is ended. The first hold lamp unit 76 is sequentially turned on from the left side. For example, if the start hold memory number RaN is 1, the first hold lamp unit 76 at the left end is turned on and the start hold memory number RaN is 4. If there is, the first hold lamp section 76 up to the right end is turned on.

  If RbN is set, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the variation type counter CS updated in step S103 are put on hold for the second result display unit. The first storage area among the empty storage areas of the area Rb, that is, the storage area corresponding to the start pending storage number RbN incremented by 1 in step S302 is stored. Then, after turning on the second hold lamp portion 77 of the variable display unit 66 corresponding to the start hold memory number RbN, the information acquisition process is ended. The second hold lamp unit 77 is sequentially turned on from the left side. For example, if the start hold memory number RbN is 1, the leftmost second hold lamp unit 77 is turned on and the start hold memory number RbN is 4. If there is, the second hold lamp portion 77 up to the right end is turned on.

<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 related to the game is executed in the normal process. As an outline, the processing of steps S401 to S407 is executed as a periodic processing with a period of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps S409 and S410 is executed with the remaining time.

  In the process of step S401 in the normal process, 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 / 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. In addition, if a command for an effect such as a command corresponding to an effect for game times such as a change start command, a type command, a change end command, or a command corresponding to an effect for an opening / closing execution mode is set, it is notified. Transmit to the production control device 244. Further, the output setting for the external terminal board 213 is performed according to the information set in the external output buffer of the RAM 304.

  In the subsequent step S402, the variation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the variation type counter CS is incremented by 1, and the counter value is cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value. Then, the update value of the variation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 304.

  In subsequent step S403, a game number control process for advancing the game of each game number is executed. In this game times control process, determination of success / failure of jackpot etc. and allocation determination of jackpot type are performed, symbol variation display setting by the symbol display device 74, first / second result display section in the main display section D, etc. Perform display control. Details of the game times control process will be described later.

  Thereafter, in step S404, 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 probability mode, a high frequency support mode, and the like by this gaming state transition processing.

  In step S <b> 405, an electric combination support process for driving and controlling the electric combination 70 provided in the lower operation port 64 is executed. In this electronic combination support process, the electronic combination release indicating whether or not to make the electric combination 70 open using the numerical information acquired from the electric combination release counter C4 stored in the electric combination holding area 333 of the RAM 304 is performed. A lottery is performed, and when the electrified open state is won, an opening / closing process of the electric accessory 70 is executed. In addition, display control of the through-gate display unit in the main display unit D is performed so as to teach the lottery result of the electric role release lottery.

  Here, as already described, the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode are set as the modes of support by the electric accessory 70, and the transition to one of the support modes is performed in the gaming state transition process. Is called. In this case, the high frequency support mode is set when the high frequency support flag is set in the RAM 304, and the low frequency support mode is set when the flag is not set.

  In the electric power support process, it is determined whether or not the high frequency support mode is set by determining whether or not the high frequency support flag is set in the RAM 304. In the high-frequency support mode, the number of times that the electric utility item 70 is in the open state is set more frequently when the electrified open state is won than in the low-frequency support mode. Set a longer opening time. In the high-frequency support mode, when the electrified open state is selected and the open state of the electric utility item 70 occurs a plurality of times, the next open state is started after one open state is completed. The closing time until is set to be shorter than one opening time.

  Incidentally, when the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode, even if the high frequency support flag is set in the RAM 304, the support mode is forcibly set to the low frequency support mode.

  In a succeeding step S406, a game ball launch control process is executed. In the game ball launch control process, a predetermined operation is performed on the condition that a launch permission signal output from the power source / fire control device 243 is input based on the launch operation being performed on the game ball launch handle 41. The solenoid 111 of the game ball launching mechanism 110 is excited once in the firing period (0.6 sec in the present embodiment). Thereby, the game ball is launched toward the game area.

  According to such a launch cycle, when a game is played aiming at the left route and no entry into the upper operation port 63 occurs, the entry into the lower operation port 64 through the guide unit 90 is performed. The period required for occurrence of 38.4 sec (64 game balls × 0.6 sec) ± α. α is a variation based on the behavior of the game ball. In other words, on the condition that the game ball continues to be fired, a lottery based on the ball entering the operation port is accepted once every 38.4 sec.

  In a succeeding step S407, it is determined whether or not a power failure flag is set in the RAM 304. The power failure flag is a flag that is set when the occurrence of a power failure is confirmed in the power failure monitoring board 305 and a power failure signal is input from the power failure monitoring board 305 to the NMI terminal of the MPU 302, and is erased in the next main processing.

  If the power failure flag is not set, the last process of the plurality of processes to be executed repeatedly has been completed, so whether or not the next normal process execution timing has been reached in step S408, that is, the previous normal process It is determined whether a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the 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 S409, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated, and in step S410, the variation type counter CS is updated.

  Here, since the execution time of each process of steps S401 to S406 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the next normal process execution timing is not constant and varies. Therefore, by repeatedly updating 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 big hit random number counter C1) can be updated at random. Similarly, The variation type counter CS can also be updated at random.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S407 that the power failure flag has been set, a power shutdown has occurred, and therefore the power interruption process from step S411 is executed. That is, in step S411, the generation of the timer interrupt process is prohibited, and then the RAM determination value is calculated and stored in step S412. After the access to the RAM 304 is prohibited in step S413, the power supply is completely shut down and processed. Continue infinite loop until no longer runs. At this time, for example, the gaming state including presence / absence of jackpot occurrence, holding information, and the number of balls entered in the guidance unit 90 are stored and held.

<Game times control processing>
Next, the game times control process of step S403 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the game times control process, first, in step S501, it is determined whether or not the open / close execution mode is in effect. Specifically, it is determined whether the opening / closing execution mode flag (opening / closing execution state information) is stored (stored) in the opening / closing execution mode flag storage area (opening / closing execution state information storage means) in the other flag storage area 335 of the RAM 304. To do. 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 the opening / closing execution mode is in progress, the game after executing step S502, that is, without executing any of the game turn starting process in steps S503 to S505 and the game turn progressing process in steps S506 to S509. End control processing. That is, in the open / close execution mode, the game times are not started regardless of whether or not a winning is made to the operation ports 63 and 64.

  If it is not in the opening / closing execution mode, in step S502, it is determined whether or not any one of the first result display part and the second result display part of the main display part D is in a variable display, that is, one game amount. It is determined whether or not the game is being executed. This determination is made as to whether or not the variable display flag (variable display information) is stored (stored) in the variable display flag storage area (variable display information storage unit) in the other flag storage area 335 of the RAM 304. This is done by judging. The variable display flag is stored when the variable display is started for either one of the first result display unit and the second result display unit, and is deleted when the variable display ends.

  When the first result display unit and the second result display unit are not in a variable display, the process proceeds to the process for starting game times in steps S503 to S505. In the process for starting game times, first, in step S503, the total number-of-holds storage area of the hold-ball storage area 332 is referred to, and the number of common hold memories CRN (or the number of common holds) which is the number of hold information stored on hold. Whether or not CRN) is “0” is determined. The case where the common reserved memory number CRN is “0” means that the start reserved memory number CRN is “0” for both the upper operating port 63 and the lower operating port 64. Therefore, the game times control process is finished as it is.

  On the other hand, if the common reserved number CRN is not “0”, the variable display is based on the data stored in the first result display area reservation area Ra or the second result display area reservation area Rb in step S504. Data setting processing for setting to is executed.

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14, in the data setting process, first, in step S601, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved memory for lower operation entrance stored in the second result display section reservation area Rb is “0”. To do. If the number of reserved memory for the lower working port is “0”, the data setting processing for the upper working port is executed in steps S602 to S607, and if the number of stored memory for the lower working port is not “0”, step A data setting process for the lower working port of S608 to S613 is executed.

  Here, the case where the data setting process is executed is a case where the common pending number CRN is 1 or more as described above. In this case, in the data setting process, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved memory for the lower working port is “0”. If the number is not “0”, that is, the suspended information for variable display is stored for the second result display unit. If it is, the data stored in the second result display area reservation area Rb is set for variable display regardless of whether or not the upper working port reservation storage number is 1 or more. It is configured. Thereby, when the hold information is stored in both the first result display area reservation area Ra and the second result display area reservation area Rb, the second result display area hold corresponding to the lower operation port 64 is stored. The hold information stored in the area Rb is prioritized.

  In the data setting process for the upper working port, first, in step S602, the number of reserved memory for the upper working port in the first result display section holding area Ra is decremented by one, and in the subsequent step S603, the common reserved number CRN is decremented by one. Increment. Thereafter, in step S604, the data stored in the first area of the first result display area reservation area Ra is moved to the execution area AE. In the subsequent step S605, the data is stored in the storage area of the first result display area reservation area Ra. A process for shifting the stored data is executed.

  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. Then, one LED of the holding lamp portion 76 for the upper working port that is lit is extinguished. In this turn-off process, contrary to the above-described turn-on process, the LEDs of the holding lamp portion 76 for the upper working port are turned off in order from the upper side.

  In the subsequent step S606, the second result display section flag (second result display section information) is stored in the second result display section flag storage area (second result display section information storage means) provided in the other flag storage area 335 of the RAM 304. If it has been stored, it is deleted, and if it is not stored, its state is maintained. The second result display part flag is information for specifying whether the start of the current variable display is the first result display part or the second result display part. Thereafter, in step S607, a setting process for outputting a command at the time of shifting to the notification / production control device 244 is executed, and the data setting process is terminated. Here, the set shift time command is transmitted to the notification / production control device 244 in the external output processing of the normal processing (FIG. 12), and the notification / control device 244 performs various processing based on this shift time command, and The command is transmitted to the display control device 245.

  In the data setting process for the second result display section, first, in step S608, the right-hand actuated ball holding storage number in the second result display section reservation area Rb is decremented by 1, and in the subsequent step S609, the common reservation number Decrement the CRN by one. Thereafter, in step S610, the data stored in the first area of the second result display area reservation area Rb is moved to the execution area AE.

  Then, the process which shifts the data stored in the storage area of 2nd result display part holding | maintenance area Rb in step S611 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. Then, one LED of the second holding lamp unit 77 that is lit is extinguished. In this turn-off process, contrary to the turn-on process, the LEDs of the second holding lamp unit 77 are turned off in order from the upper side.

  In subsequent step S612, the second result display section flag (second result display section information) is stored in the second result display section flag storage area (second result display section information storage means) provided in the other flag storage area 335 of the RAM 304. If so, keep it, and store it if not. The second result display part flag is information for specifying whether the start of the current variable display is the first result display part or the second result display part. After that, in step S613, a setting process for outputting a command at the time of shift to the notification / production control device 244 is executed, and this data setting process is ended. Here, the set shift time command is transmitted to the notification / production control device 244 in the external output processing of the normal processing (FIG. 12), and the notification / control device 244 performs various processing based on this shift time command, and The command is transmitted to the display control device 245.

  After performing the data setting process described in detail above, after executing the fluctuation start process for starting the fluctuation display on the main display portion D and the fluctuation display on the symbol display device 74 in step S505, Exit.

  Here, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15, the variation start process in step S <b> 505 will be described.

  In the variation start process, first, in step S701, a success / failure determination process is executed. In the success / failure determination process, first, it is determined whether or not the success / failure lottery mode is a high probability mode. In the case of the high probability mode, with reference to the high probability mode success / failure table among the tables stored in the success / failure table storage area 321, the information for the success / failure determination among the information stored in the execution area AE, that is, It is determined whether or not the numerical information relating to the jackpot random number counter C1 matches the jackpot numerical information for high probability. In the case of the low probability mode, the numerical value applied to the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the execution area AE with reference to the low probability mode success / failure table among the tables stored in the success / failure table storage area 321. It is determined whether or not the information matches the low probability jackpot information.

  In a succeeding step S702, it is determined whether or not the result of the success / failure determination process in the step S701 is a jackpot winning result. If the result is a big win, the type determination process is executed in step S703.

  In the type determination process, information for allocation determination among the information stored in the execution area AE, that is, numerical information related to the big hit type counter C2 is grasped. Then, with reference to the sorting table stored in the sorting table storage area 322, it is specified which jackpot result corresponds to the numerical information relating to the above-obtained jackpot type counter C2. Specifically, it specifies which jackpot result corresponds to the 15R normal jackpot result, 2R probability variable jackpot result, or 15R probability variable jackpot result.

  In the subsequent steps S704 to S708, a stop result setting process for the big hit result is executed. Specifically, in step S704, it is determined whether or not it is a probable big hit, and in step S705, it is determined whether it corresponds to 15R or 2R. Also, in steps S706 to S708, the information of the picture to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display portion D (specifically, the first result display portion and the second result display portion) in the game round concerning the start of the current change is stopped in the ROM 303. The result is identified from the stop result table for the jackpot result stored in advance in the result table storage area 324, and the identified information is stored in the RAM 304. In the stop result table for the jackpot result, the types of patterns that are stopped and displayed on the main display portion D are set differently for each type of the jackpot result, and are specified in step S704 and step S705. Information on the pattern mode corresponding to the type of jackpot result is stored in the RAM 304.

  The information on the type of the picture to be stopped and displayed is determined according to the value of the jackpot type counter C2. In this case, the pattern mode may be set in a one-to-one correspondence with each game result, and a plurality of types of pattern modes may be set for each game result.

  Incidentally, in each process of step S706-step S708, the process which sets the flag according to the kind of identified jackpot result to RAM304 is performed. Specifically, when it is specified that the 15R normal jackpot result is specified, the 15R normal flag is set. When the 2R probability variable jackpot result is specified, the 2R probability variable flag is set, and the 15R probability variable jackpot result is set. If it is determined that there is, a 15R probability variation flag is set. In the following description, whether or not the various jackpot results are determined is determined by determining whether or not a flag corresponding to the RAM 304 is set.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S702 that the result is not a jackpot winning result, a stop result setting process for a losing result is executed in step S709. Specifically, information on the pattern mode to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display portion D in the game times related to the start of the current change is specified from the stop result table for outliers stored in the ROM 303 in advance. The specified information is stored in the RAM 304.

  As described above, the display content of the result is set to be different depending on whether or not the jackpot has occurred and its type. Thereby, the manager of the game hall, when the game round ends, the main display section that displays the fluctuations related to the game round among the first result display section and the second result display section of the main display section D. By looking at the display part D, it is possible to monitor what the game result of the game times is.

  After executing any one of steps S706 to S708 and step S709, a variable display time (display duration) setting process is executed in step S710.

  In this process, the value of the variation type counter CS stored in the variation type counter buffer in the lottery counter buffer of the RAM 304 is acquired. Further, it is determined whether or not a reach display is generated in the symbol display device 74 in the current game round. Specifically, it is determined that a reach display is generated when the game times at the start of the current variation is a jackpot result. Even if the result is not a big hit result, it is determined that the reach display occurs when the numerical information on the reach random number counter C3 stored in the execution area AE is the numerical information corresponding to the occurrence of the reach.

  When it is determined that the reach display is generated, the display continuation display corresponding to the value of the current variation type counter CS is made with reference to the reach generation display duration table stored in the variation display time table storage area 323 of the ROM 303. Time information is acquired, and the display duration information is set in a display duration counter provided in various counter areas 334 of the RAM 304. On the other hand, when it is determined that the reach display does not occur, the reach non-occurrence display duration table stored in the variation display time table 323 of the ROM 303 is referred to, and the current value of the variation type counter CS is determined. Display duration information is acquired, and the display duration information is set in a display duration counter. Incidentally, the display duration that can be acquired with reference to the reach non-occurrence display duration table is different from the display duration that can be acquired with reference to the reach occurrence display duration table.

  Note that the display duration information when no reach occurs is set so that the display duration is shorter as the number of common reserved storage counts CRN is larger. In the situation where the support mode is the high frequency support mode, the non-reach mode is selected so that a shorter display duration is selected compared to the case where the number of the hold information is the same as in the situation where the low frequency support mode. The generation display duration table is set. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display duration may not be changed according to the common reserved storage number CRN and the support mode, and the above relationship may be reversed. Furthermore, the above-described configuration may be applied to the display continuation time when reach occurs. In addition, in the case of various jackpot results, a display duration table may be individually set for each of the case of outreach and the case of a non-reach outbreak result. In this case, the display duration time is allocated according to each game result.

  After executing the display duration setting process in step S710, a change command and a type command are set in step S711. The change command includes display duration information. Here, the display duration obtained by referring to the display non-occurrence display duration table as described above is different from the display duration obtained by referring to the display occurrence time table for reach occurrence. Even if the information about the occurrence of reach is not included in the command for use, the notification / production control device 244 that is the control device on the sub-side can identify the presence or absence of the occurrence of reach from the information on the display duration. . In this regard, it can be said that the change command includes information indicating whether or not reach has occurred. Note that the change command may include information that directly indicates whether or not reach has occurred.

  The type command includes game result information. That is, the type command includes 15R normal jackpot result information, 2R probability variation jackpot result information, 15R probability variation jackpot result information, and outlier information as game result information.

  The variation command and type command set in step S711 are transmitted to the notification / effect control device 244 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 12). Based on the received change start command and type command, the notification / production control device 244 determines the content of the production at the game time and controls various devices so that the content of the decided production is executed. The contents of the effect include a symbol variation display mode on the symbol display device 74, and the determined symbol variation display mode is displayed as a display content command from the notification / effect control device 244 to the display control device 245. Is output. In the display control device 245, based on the display content command received from the notification / production control device 244, the display control of the symbol display device 74 is performed so that the symbol change display corresponding to each game time is performed. Details of processing in the display control device 245 by receiving these commands will be described later.

  After performing the process of step S711, the fluctuation display of the pattern is started on the main display portion D in step S712, and this fluctuation start process is ended.

  Returning to the description of the game times control process (FIG. 13), when the main display portion D (specifically, the first result display portion or the second result display portion) is variably displayed, the game times in steps S506 to S509 are performed. Perform progress processing. In the process for advancing game times, first, in step S506, it is determined whether or not the current game time fluctuation display time has elapsed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the display continuation period counter (variable display time information) provided in the various counter areas 334 of the RAM 304 has become “0”. The value of the variable display time information is set in the variable display time setting process as described above. The set value of the variable display time information is decremented by 1 every time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) is started.

  If the variable display time has not elapsed, the variable display process is executed in step S507. In the variable display process, the display mode in the main display portion D (specifically, the first result display portion or the second result display portion) is changed. Specifically, in the variable display process, the LED included in the display unit for the active ball entering part for the current game round is turned on and off at a predetermined cycle, and the emission color is changed. Display control of the result display unit (light emission control of each display LED) is performed. Then, this game times control process is complete | finished.

  If the display continuation time has elapsed, a change end process is executed in step S508. In the change end process, the information stored in the RAM 304 in the process of any one of steps S706 to 708 and step S709 of the change start process (FIG. 15) executed when starting the currently executed game round is specified. The main display unit D is display-controlled so that the pattern mode corresponding to the information is displayed on the result display unit for the operating port of the main display unit D.

  In the subsequent step S509, after setting the change end command, the game times control process is ended. The change end command set in step S509 is transmitted to the notification / production control device 244 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 12). The notification / production control device 244 executes a process for ending the production in the game times based on receiving the change end command. Further, the change end command is transmitted to the display control device 245 via the notification / production control device 244, and the display control device 245 receives the change end command to thereby combine the final stop symbols in the game round. Is finally displayed (final stop display) on the display screen 74a of the symbol display device 74. In addition, it is good also as a structure which terminates the effect for game rotations independently by the alerting / production control device 244 or the display control device 245 without transmitting the change end command.

<Game state transition processing>
Next, the game state transition process of step S404 in the normal process will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, in step S801, it is determined whether or not the opening / closing execution mode is in effect. If it is not in the opening / closing execution mode, the process proceeds to step S802, and it is determined whether or not it is the timing when the variation display of the pattern in the first result display section or the second result display section 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 finished, it is determined in step S803 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 or not any of the 15R normal flag, 2R probability variation flag, and 15R probability variation flag is stored in the RAM 304. If none of the above flags is stored, the gaming state transition process is terminated as it is.

  If any of the above flags is stored, start processing of the opening / closing execution mode is executed in step S804. In the start process, for the opening in the opening / closing execution mode, an opening standby time (starting standby period) for waiting without starting the opening of the big winning opening 62a of the variable winning device 62 is set. Specifically, opening waiting time information stored in advance in the ROM 303 is set in a waiting time counter area provided in the various counter areas 334 of the RAM 304. The value of the waiting time information set here is decremented by 1 every time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 9) is executed.

  In the subsequent step S805, a round display start process for informing the type of the current opening / closing execution mode is executed. In the round display start process, first, address information stored in the stop result address storage area of the RAM 304 is confirmed. Then, stop result data corresponding to the address information is specified from the stop result data group stored in the ROM 303, and the content of the number of rounds is confirmed from the specified stop result data. Thereafter, the content of the confirmed number of rounds is output to the round display unit in the main display unit D. As a result, the round display unit displays the round information related to the output. In addition, in the contents of the number of rounds in the stop result data, information on display segments to be lit is stored in eight display segments.

  In subsequent step S806, it is grasped which jackpot result corresponds to the current opening / closing execution mode, and setting processing of the first round counter RC1 is performed according to the hit result. Specifically, in the case of the 15R normal jackpot result or the 15R probability variable jackpot result, “15” is set in the first round counter area RC1 provided in the various counter areas 334 of the RAM 304. On the other hand, if the result is a 2R probability variation jackpot result, “2” is set in the first round counter area RC1. The first round counter area RC1 is a counter area for counting the number of times that the special winning opening 62a is opened, and is decremented by 1 for each round of digestion.

  After executing the setting process in step S806, an opening command is set in step S807. The set opening command is transmitted to the notification / production control device 244 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 12).

  The notification / production control device 244 determines the content of the production corresponding to the opening / closing execution mode based on the received opening command, and controls various devices so that the content of the decided production is executed. The contents of the effect include a display mode in the symbol display device 74, and the determined display mode is output from the notification / effect control device 244 to the display control device 245 as a display content command. The display control device 245 controls the display of the symbol display device 74 based on the display content command received from the notification / effect control device 244 so that display corresponding to the current opening / closing execution mode (for example, moving image display) is performed. .

  Thereafter, an external signal setting process is executed in step S808, and the gaming state transition process is terminated. In the external signal setting process, it is determined whether or not any of the 15R normal flag, 2R probability variation flag, and 15R probability variation flag is stored in the RAM 304. If any flag is stored, the jackpot signal output is performed. The signal output state of the terminal is a jackpot signal output state. Thereby, when the jackpot signal output terminal is connected to the management control device on the game hall side, a jackpot signal is output to the management control device, and the jackpot is generated in the pachinko machine 10 in the management control device. Can be grasped.

  Returning to the description of step S801, if it is determined that the mode is not in the opening / closing execution mode, an affirmative determination is made in step S801, and the process proceeds to step S809. In step S809, it is determined whether the waiting time for opening has elapsed. If the opening standby time has not elapsed, the gaming state transition process is terminated. If the waiting time for the opening has elapsed, a special winning opening opening / closing process is executed in step S810. Here, the special winning opening opening / closing process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the big prize opening / closing process, first, in step S901, it is determined whether or not the big prize opening 62a of the variable prize winning device 62 is being opened. Specifically, this determination is performed based on the driving state of the variable prize driving unit 62c. If the big prize opening 62a is not being opened, it is determined whether or not the value of the first round counter area RC1 is “0” in step S902, and the value of the first timer area T1 is “0” in step S903. It is determined whether or not.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S902 or a negative determination is made in step S903, that is, when the value of the first round counter area RC1 is “0” or when the value of the first timer area T1 is not “0” In this case, the main prize opening / closing process is terminated. On the other hand, if the value of the first round counter area RC1 is not “0” and the value of the first timer area T1 is “0”, the process proceeds to step S904, and the variable prize driving unit is set to open the big prize opening 62a. 62c is set to the driving state. The variable winning drive unit 62c in the present embodiment is constituted by a solenoid, and the special winning opening 62a is opened when a drive signal is output from the main control device 300 to be in an excited state.

  Thereafter, setting processing for each round is executed in steps S905 to S907. First, in step S905, “7500” (that is, 30 sec) is set in the first timer area T1 provided in the various counter areas 334 of the RAM 304 in order to measure the opening / closing timing for opening and closing the special winning opening 62a. The count value set here is decremented by 1 every time the normal process (FIG. 12) is started, that is, every 4 msec. In subsequent step S906, “10” is set in the winning counter area PC provided in the various counter areas 334 of the RAM 304 in order to count the number of winning game balls to the big winning opening 62a. Thereafter, an opening command is set in step S907, and this setting process is terminated. The release command set in step S907 is output to the notification / production control device 244 in the normal output process (step S401), and the command is displayed via the notification / production control device 244. Sent to. Each of these control devices 244 and 245 executes notification of the start of a round, effects, etc. based on the opening command.

  Returning to the description of step S901, if it is determined in step S901 that the special prize opening 62a is being opened, the process proceeds to step S908, and it is determined whether or not the value of the first timer area T1 is “0”. If the value of the first timer area T1 is not “0”, it is determined in step S909 whether or not a game ball has won the big winning opening 62a based on the detection state of the detection sensor corresponding to the variable winning device 62. If no winning has occurred, the main prize winning opening / closing process is terminated. On the other hand, if a winning has occurred, the value of the winning counter area PC is decremented by 1 in step S910, and then it is determined whether or not the value of the winning counter area PC is “0” in step S911. If it is not “0”, the main prize winning opening / closing process is terminated.

  If the value of the first timer area T1 is “0” in step S908, or if the value of the winning counter area PC is “0” in step S911, it means that the special winning opening closing condition is established. . In such a case, in step S912, the variable winning drive unit 62c is brought into a non-driven state so as to close the special winning opening 62a. Specifically, the output of the drive signal from the main controller 300 to the variable winning drive unit 62c is stopped, and the variable winning drive unit 62c is switched to the non-excited state. As a result, the special winning opening 62a is closed.

  In the subsequent step S913, the value of the first round counter area RC1 is decremented by 1, and in step S914, it is determined whether or not the value of the first round counter area RC1 is “0”. If the value of the first round counter area RC1 is not “0”, “450” (that is, 1.8 sec) is set in the first timer area T1 in step S915.

  Thereafter, a closing command is set in step S916, and the main prize winning opening / closing process is terminated. The set closing command is transmitted to the notification / production control device 244 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 12), and the command is transmitted to the display control device 245 via the notification / production control device 244. Is done. Each of these control devices 244 and 245 executes notification of the end of the round, effects, etc. based on the closing command.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S914 that the value of the first round counter area RC1 is “0”, an ending start process is executed in step S917. In the start process, an ending waiting time for waiting without starting the next game round is set for the ending in the opening / closing execution mode. Specifically, ending waiting time information stored in advance in the ROM 303 is set in a waiting time counter area provided in the various counter areas 334 of the RAM 304. In the present embodiment, the count value of the waiting time information is set so that the waiting time due to ending is 2 sec. The value of the waiting time information set here is decremented by 1 every time the normal process (FIG. 12) is executed.

  Thereafter, in step S918, after setting an ending command, the main prize winning opening / closing process is terminated. The set ending command is transmitted to the notification / production control device 244 and the display control device 245 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 12). Based on the received ending command, each control device 244, 245 determines the contents of the effect corresponding to the opening / closing execution mode, and controls various devices so that the determined contents of the effect are executed. The contents of the effect include a display mode in the symbol display device 74, and the determined display mode is output from the notification / effect control device 244 to the display control device 245 as a display content command. The display control device 245 controls the display of the symbol display device 74 based on the display content command received from the notification / effect control device 244 so that display corresponding to the current opening / closing execution mode (for example, moving image display) is performed. .

  Returning to the description of the game state transition process (FIG. 16), after executing the big prize opening / closing process in step S810, it is determined whether or not the value of the first round counter area RC1 is “0” in step S811. In step S812, it is determined whether the ending standby time has elapsed. If the value of the first round counter area RC1 is not “0” or if the ending waiting time has not elapsed, the gaming state transition process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the value of the first round counter area RC1 is “0” and the ending waiting time has elapsed, a transition process at the end of the opening / closing execution mode is executed in step S813. Here, in the transition process at the end of the opening / closing execution mode, it is determined whether or not the 15R probability variation flag or the 2R probability variation flag is stored in the RAM 304. If any flag is stored, a flag erasing process for erasing information for specifying the gaming state is executed. Specifically, when the opening / closing execution mode flag, the high probability mode flag, and the high frequency support flag are stored, they are deleted, and when they are not already stored, the states are maintained. Then, after storing the high probability mode flag and the high frequency support flag, the present migration process is terminated. As a result, the gaming state shifts to a gaming state in which the success / failure lottery mode is the high probability mode and the support mode is the high frequency support mode.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that neither the 15R probability change flag nor the 2R probability change flag is stored, it is determined whether the 15R normal flag is stored. If the 15R normal flag is stored, the above flag erasure process is executed, the high frequency support flag is stored, and the game number counter area provided in the various counter areas 334 is set to “100” End the migration process. As a result, the gaming state shifts to a gaming state in which the success / failure lottery mode is the low probability mode and the support mode is the high frequency support mode. However, the high-frequency support mode is ended when the number of game times continues 100 times, and thereafter, a transition is made to a normal game state in which the success / failure lottery mode is the low probability mode and the support mode is the low-frequency support mode. The number of high-frequency support continuations (restricted number of games) is not limited to 100 times, and may be 1 or more and less than 100 times, such as 10 times, 20 times, or 30 times, or 101 times or more. May be.

  After the transition process at the end of the opening / closing execution mode in step S813 is completed, a round display end process is executed in step S814. In this process, the display control of the round display unit is terminated so that the round display unit in the main display unit D is turned off. That is, the round display in the round display unit is started when the opening / closing execution mode is started, and is ended when the opening / closing execution mode is ended.

  After that, in step S815, after executing the opening / closing execution mode end processing, the gaming state transition processing ends. In the opening / closing execution mode end processing, if the 15R probability change flag, 2R probability change flag, and 15 normal flag are stored, they are deleted, and if not already stored, the state is maintained.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 18, the power combination support process in step S405 will be described.

  In the electronic combination support process, first, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not support is in progress. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a supporting flag is stored in a supporting flag storage area provided in the other flag storage area 335 of the RAM 304. The in-support flag is a flag that is stored when the electric accessory 70 of the lower working port 64 is in an open state, and is erased when returning to the closed state.

  If the in-support flag is not stored, the process proceeds to step S1002, and it is determined whether or not the support winning flag is stored in the support winning flag storage area provided in the other flag storage area 335 of the RAM 304. The support winning flag is a flag that is stored when the open state is selected in the lottery for determining whether or not the electric accessory 70 is to be opened, and is erased when the supporting flag is stored.

  If the support winning flag is not stored, the process proceeds to step S1003, and it is determined whether or not the value of the second timer area T2 provided in the various counter areas 334 of the RAM 304 is “0”. If the value of the second timer area T2 is not “0”, the main role support process is terminated.

  If the value of the second timer area T2 is “0”, it is determined in step S1004 whether or not it is time to end the variable display of the pattern on the accessory display section in the main display section D. . If it is the end timing of the variable display, after setting the out-of-display in step S1005, the main role support process is ended. By setting the out-of-display, the variable display of the pattern on the accessory display unit is terminated in a state where the out-of-display is stopped.

  If the value of the second timer area T2 is “0” and it is not the end timing of the variable display, it is determined in step S1006 whether or not the value of the accessory reservation storage number SN is greater than “0”. When the value of the stored item reservation memory number SN is “0”, the main character support process is terminated as it is. If the value of the reserved item storage number SN is greater than “0”, it is determined whether or not the opening / closing execution mode is in step S1007, and whether or not the high frequency support mode is determined in step S1008. .

  If it is not the opening / closing execution mode and the high-frequency support mode, an open lottery is performed in step S1009. Specifically, when the value stored in the accessory holding ball storage area is shifted and the value of the electric accessory release counter C4 shifted to the execution area is 0 to 190, the winning lottery is selected. Become. At the same time as the open lottery, “375” (ie, 1.5 sec) is set in the second timer area T2. The second timer area T2 is decremented by 1 every time the normal process is activated.

  In subsequent step S1010, it is determined whether or not the result of the open lottery in step S1009 is a support winning. If it is not support winning, the process proceeds to step S1012 without executing the processing of step S1011. If it is support winning, a support winning flag is stored in step S1011 and provided in various counter areas 334 of the RAM 304. After setting “3” in the second round counter area RC2, the process proceeds to step S1012.

  In step S1012, it is determined whether the success / failure lottery mode is the low probability mode and the support mode is the high frequency support mode. If a negative determination is made in step S1012, the main role support process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1012, it is determined in step S1013 whether or not the game number counter area is “0”. The game number counter is decremented by 1 every time one game time is completed in the low probability mode and the high frequency support mode. If the game number counter area is not “0”, the main role support process is terminated. If the game number counter area is “0”, the high frequency support flag is erased in step S1014. In the subsequent step S1015, a low frequency support command (low frequency support setting information) that is information for allowing the sub-side control device to recognize that the support mode is the low frequency support mode is notified to the notification / production control device 244 and the display. It is set as a command to be transmitted to the control device 245. Thereafter, the main role support processing is terminated.

  The low frequency support command set in step S1015 is transmitted to the notification / production control device 244 and the display control device 245 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 12). The notification / production control device 244 transmits the low frequency support command to the display control device 245 as it is. Based on the reception of the low frequency support command, the display control device 245 specifies that the support mode is the low frequency support mode, and executes display change processing corresponding to the support mode. As a result, the background image is changed from one corresponding to the high frequency support mode to one corresponding to the low frequency support mode.

  Returning to the description of step S1007 and step S1008, if it is in the opening / closing execution mode or not in the high frequency support mode, an open lottery is performed in step S1016. Specifically, when the value stored in the accessory holding ball storage area is shifted and the value of the electric accessory release counter C4 shifted to the execution area is 0 to 190, the winning lottery is selected. Become. At the same time as the open lottery, “7375” (that is, 29.5 sec) is set in the second timer area T2.

  In subsequent step S1017, it is determined whether or not the result of the open lottery in step S1016 is a support winning. If the support is not won, the main role support process is terminated. In the case of support winning, the support winning flag is stored in step S1018, and “1” is set in the second round counter area RC2, and then the main role supporting process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1002 that the support winning flag is stored, the process proceeds to step S1019, and it is determined whether or not the value of the second timer area T2 is “0”. When the value of the second timer area T2 is not “0”, since the pattern change display is being performed on the accessory display portion of the main display portion D, the main character support processing is terminated as it is. If the value of the second timer area T2 is “0”, a win display is set in step S1020. As a result, the display of the variation of the pattern in the accessory display unit is terminated in a state where the winning display is stopped. In the subsequent step S1021, the supporting flag is stored, and after the support winning flag is deleted, the main role support processing is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S1001 that the supporting flag is stored, the process advances to step S1022, and after executing the electric combination opening / closing process for controlling the opening / closing of the electric combination 70, the main combination support process is performed. Exit. Here, the electric role opening / closing control process will be described.

  In the electric combination opening / closing control process, it is first determined whether or not the electric combination 70 is being opened. Whether or not the electric accessory 70 is being opened is determined by whether or not the electric accessory driving unit 70c is in a driving state. When the electric accessory 70 is opened, it is determined whether or not the value of the second timer area T2 is “0”.

  When the value of the second timer area T2 is not “0”, the main utility opening / closing process is terminated as it is. When the value of the second timer area T2 is “0”, a closing process for controlling the electric accessory 70 to the closed state is performed, and “125” (that is, 0.5 sec) is set in the second timer area T2. . Thereafter, after the value of the second round counter area RC2 is decremented by 1, it is determined whether or not the value of the second round counter area RC2 is “0”. When the value of the second round counter area RC2 is not “0”, the main utility opening / closing process is terminated, and when the value of the second round counter area RC2 is “0”, the supporting flag is deleted. After that, the main role opening / closing process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the electric accessory 70 is not open, it is determined whether or not the second timer area T2 is “0”. When the second timer area T2 is not “0”, the main utility opening / closing process is terminated as it is. When the second timer area T2 is “0”, an opening process for controlling the electric accessory 70 to the opened state is executed. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not it is in the open / close execution mode and whether or not it is in the high frequency support mode. If it is not the opening / closing execution mode and the high-frequency support mode is set, “400” (that is, 1.6 sec) is set in the second timer area T2, and then the main function opening / closing process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is in the opening / closing execution mode or not in the high frequency support mode, “50” (that is, 0.2 sec) is set in the second timer area T2, and then the main role opening / closing process is terminated.

  Here, as described above, there is a difference between advantages and disadvantages in the distribution mode of the game results (15R normal jackpot result, 15R probability variable jackpot result, 2R probability variable jackpot result) when the jackpot winning is won at both the operation ports 63 and 64. Therefore, the winning for the lower operating port 64 is more advantageous to the player than the winning for the upper operating port 63. In the present embodiment, in particular, the specifications (specifications) of the pachinko machine 10 relating to the above-described distribution mode based on the winnings to the respective operation ports 63 and 64, more specifically, the difference between advantages and disadvantages is set in the same distribution mode. The game board 60 is provided with a display unit for displaying correspondence information corresponding to the situation.

  In the present embodiment, when no ball enters the operation ports 63 and 64 for a predetermined period (specifically, 40 sec), the various lamp units 25 to 26 are turned off, and the speaker unit 27 The BGM output is stopped, and a demonstration display is performed on the display screen 74a of the symbol display device 74. The former is a function given in view of the power saving effect of reducing the power consumption of the pachinko machine 10, and the latter is given in view of the improvement of the operating rate (customer effect) by attracting attention to the non-movable gaming machine. Function.

  If it demonstrates supplementarily about demonstration display, the moving image for demonstration display corresponding to the specification etc. of a game machine will be memorize | stored previously in ROM of the display control apparatus 245, and this moving image will be displayed repeatedly. According to such a configuration, it is possible to appeal to the player what kind of gaming machine the vacant stand being displayed in the demonstration is, compared to the case where the final stop result (disconnection result) of the symbol is continuously displayed. As a result, the above effects can be exhibited.

  However, such a demonstration display can be performed when the player is not playing a game, but when the player is playing a game, the above various effects can be exhibited. Can cause the following inconveniences. That is, it is assumed that the player who is playing the game understands the specifications of the gaming machine through the game, and there is a concern that the demonstration display may be bothersome. Furthermore, the demonstration display may be a factor that gives the player an indication that the player is unlikely to enter the operation port 63 and the like, and may cause the player to stop the game on the same game table.

<Configuration for demonstration display avoidance using the winning guarantee mechanism (winning probability stabilizing device)>
One of the features of the gaming machine shown in the present embodiment is that the above-described guide unit 90 is used to devise such an inconvenience. Therefore, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 19, the demonstration display transition process in the display control device 245 will be described below, and then the above device will be described based on the relationship between the demonstration display and the entrance guarantee mechanism by the guidance unit 90.

<Demo display transition process>
In the MPU of the display control device 245, normal processing is executed at a predetermined cycle (0.4 msec). The demo display transition process is a process executed as part of this normal process.

  In the demonstration display transition process, first, it is determined in step S1101 whether or not the demonstration display is being executed. Specifically, as described later, a demo display flag is stored in various flag storage areas in the RAM of the display control device 245 when shifting to the demo display. In the determination process of step S1101, it is determined whether or not the demonstration display flag is stored.

  When a negative determination is made in step S1101, that is, when it is determined that the demonstration is not being displayed (when it is determined that the normal display is being performed), it is determined in step S1102 whether or not it is the game turn end timing. To do. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1102, the demo display transition counter is initialized (reset or cleared to 0) in subsequent step S1103, and then the present demo display transition process is terminated.

  In the initialization process of the demo display transition counter, the value of the demo display transition counter provided in the various counter areas of the RAM of the display control device 245 is cleared to “0” when the change end command is received. . The demo display transition counter has an upper limit value, and when the upper limit value is reached, the display shifts from the normal display to the demo display.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1102, the process proceeds to step S1104. In step S1104, a demo display transition counter update process is executed. Specifically, the value of the counter for transition to demonstration display provided in the various counter areas of the RAM of the display control device 245 is incremented by one. That is, the value of the counter for demo display transition is incremented by 1 each time the normal process is executed under the normal display state.

  After executing the update process in step S1104, it is determined in step S1105 whether a predetermined period has elapsed since the end of the previous game. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the demo display transition counter has reached “100,000” (equivalent to 40 sec) set as the upper limit value.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1105, the demo display transition process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1105, the process proceeds to step S1106, the demo display transition process is executed, and then the demo display transition process ends.

  In the demonstration display transition process in step S1106, the demonstration display flag is stored in various flag storage areas of the RAM of the display control device 245. Thereby, in the display control process executed by the display control device 245, switching from the normal process to the demo display is performed based on the presence of the demonstration display flag. As a result, a preset demonstration moving image is displayed on the display screen 74a of the symbol display device 74.

  Returning to the description of step S1101, if it is determined that the demonstration display is being executed, the process proceeds to step S1107. In step S1107, it is determined whether or not a ball has entered any of the operation ports 63 and 64. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a command related to winning a prize from the main controller 300 to the operating port has been received. If a negative determination is made in step S1107, the demonstration display transition process is terminated as it is, and the above-described demonstration display is continued.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1107, the process advances to step S1108 to execute a return process from the demonstration display to the normal process. Specifically, the demonstration display flags stored in the various flag storage areas of the RAM of the display control device 245 are erased.

<Transition to demo display>
Here, with reference to the timing charts of FIGS. 20 to 22, the transition to the demo display will be described. In the present embodiment, unlike conventional well-known gaming machines that do not have the guide unit 90 (no winning guarantee function), the game ball launch operation (specifically, the launch operation aimed at the left route) is continued. As a result, the transition to the demonstration display is avoided on the condition that it is done. Hereinafter, in order to explain the difference between the gaming machine shown in the present embodiment and the transition mode to the demonstration display in the conventionally known gaming machine, first, the state of transition to the demonstration display of the conventionally known gaming machine is exemplified, and then The state of the transition to the demo display in this embodiment (specifically, the state of avoiding the transition to the demo display) will be described. FIG. 20 illustrates a state of transition to a demo display in a conventionally known gaming machine, and FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate a state of transition to a demo display according to the present embodiment.

  At the timing ta0 shown in FIG. 20, the pachinko machine is vacant and no game is played. At this timing, a demo image is displayed on the display screen of the symbol display device.

  When the player starts playing with the pachinko machine after the timing ta0, the game ball is launched based on the operation of the game ball launch handle. Thereafter, when the game ball wins the upper working port 63 at the timing ta1, the display screen of the symbol display device returns from the demonstration display to the normal display, and the symbol variation display is started on the display screen. At the timing ta2 when the game round based on the winning at the timing ta1 ends and the symbol variation display stops, the value of the demo display transition counter is reset ("0" cleared), and then the demo display transition counter Updates are resumed.

  Displayed when the winning of the upper working port occurs again at the timing of ta3 after the timing of ta2 and before the value of the counter for demo display transition reaches the upper limit (reference value for confirming the transition of the demonstration display). The symbol variation display is started on the screen. Then, at the timing ta4, the game round based on the winning at the timing ta3 ends, and at the timing ta4 at which the change display of the symbols is stopped, the value of the counter for demo display transition is reset ("0" is cleared). Thereafter, the update of the demo display transition counter is resumed.

  Thereafter, even when a winning to the upper operating port occurs at the timing of ta5, the transition from the normal display to the demonstration display is avoided because the timing before the demonstration display transition counter reaches the upper limit value. It becomes.

  At the timing ta6, the value of the demo display transition counter is reset (cleared to “0”), and the update of the demo display transition counter is restarted again. Here, FIG. 20 illustrates a case where a predetermined period of time has passed without the game ball winning a prize in any of the operation ports, even though the operation of launching the game ball is continued. At the timing of ta6, that is, at the timing of ta7 when a predetermined period (for example, 40 sec) has elapsed from the latest symbol variation display end timing, the value of the demo display transition counter reaches the upper limit value, and the display mode in the symbol display device is the normal display. Will move to demo display.

  In other words, even if the player keeps firing the game ball continuously, the value of the counter for transition to the demo display will continue to increase as long as there is no winning at the operating port, and the transition to the demo display is avoided. It will never be done. Once the demonstration display is started, the demonstration display is continued until a winning in one of the operation ports occurs.

  This demonstration display is canceled at the timing of ta8 when the winning of the operation opening occurs, and the display shifts to the normal display. After the ta8 timing, a plurality of winnings are generated again, and the transition to the demonstration display is avoided.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the winning frequency at the operation port may be biased to some extent when viewed in the short term, so that a game ball is being fired (a game is being played) The possibility of shifting to the demo display cannot be denied. On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 10 shown in the present embodiment, the transition to the demonstration display during the game is avoided by using the winning guarantee function using the guide unit 90.

  Here, a flow of demonstration display avoidance in the pachinko machine 10 shown in the present embodiment will be described with reference to a timing chart of FIG.

  At the timing of tb0, the pachinko machine 10 is vacant and no game is played. At this timing, a demo image is displayed on the display screen 74 a of the symbol display device 74. For convenience of explanation, the case where the count number of game balls in the guidance unit is “0” at the timing of tb0 is illustrated.

  When the player starts playing the game with the pachinko machine 10 after the timing tb0, the game ball is fired based on the operation of the game ball launch handle 41. When the player launches the game ball aiming at the left route, all the game balls that have not entered the upper operation port 63 flow into the guide unit 90, and the number of game balls in the guide unit 90 increases. It will be.

  After that, when the game ball wins the upper working port 63 at the timing of tb1, the display is returned from the demonstration display to the normal display, and the symbol variation display is started on the display screen 74a. At this time, the game ball won in the upper working port 63 is discharged from the game board 60 without entering the guide unit 90. Therefore, there is a temporary delay in counting up the game balls in the guide unit 90.

  At the timing tb2 when the game round based on the winning at the timing tb1 ends and the symbol variation display stops, the value of the demo display transition counter is reset ("0" cleared), and then the demo display transition counter Update is started.

  After that, when the winning of the upper operating port 63 occurs at the timing tb3 before the value of the counter for demo display transition reaches the upper limit value (trigger to transition to demo display), the symbol on the symbol display device 74 is again displayed. Fluctuation display is executed. As a result of the winning, a temporary delay occurs in the counting up of the game balls in the guide unit 90, similarly to the timing of tb1.

  When the symbol variation display ends at the timing tb4, the value of the demo display transition counter is reset ("0" is cleared), and then the update of the demo display transition counter is restarted. At the timing of tb5 when a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the game ball launching operation, the count number in the guide unit 90 reaches the predetermined number with a slight delay due to winning at the upper working port 63, Winning to the operating port 64 occurs. As a result, the symbol variation display based on the winning at the lower operating port 64 is started, and at the timing when the symbol variation display is stopped at the subsequent timing tb6, the value of the demo display transition counter is reset again ("0" is cleared). )

  Here, when the winning to the upper operating port 63 that has occurred up to now does not occur, the display screen 74a continues to display the symbol that has been stopped as it is, and the demo display transition counter is continuously updated during this time. The However, even in such a case, the counting up in the guidance unit 90 is continued because the player's operation of launching the game ball is continued.

  As already described, when the player performs a launch operation, one game ball is launched every 0.6 sec. The movement of the game ball flowing down the game area PE (specifically, the left route) passes through various routes, so the timing of flowing into the guide unit 90 is not always constant. However, by providing the partition part 81 that continues to the warp passage 83, the timing variation is reduced, and the count number in the guide unit 90 increases in a constant span as a whole.

  The period required for the demo display transition counter to reach the upper limit value from “0” is 40 sec. On the other hand, the winning conditions for the lower operation port 64 by the guide unit 90 are 64 balls, that is, about 38. 4 sec, which is set shorter than the above period for the counter for demo display transition. Furthermore, while the count start timing of the demo display transition counter is the end timing of the game times, the count by the guide unit 90 can be started after entering the lower operation port 64. Therefore, even if a temporary delay occurs in the inflow of the game ball to the guide unit 90 due to disturbance of the flow of the game ball on the right route, such a delay is sufficiently allowed.

  According to such a configuration, the count number in the guide unit 90 reaches the predetermined number (64) at the timing tb7 before the demo display transition counter reaches the upper limit value, and a prize is awarded to the lower working port 64. As a result, the symbol variation display is started on the display screen 74a, and then the demo display transition counter value is reset ("0" cleared) when the symbol variation display ends at the timing tb8. . This avoids the transition from the normal display to the demo display.

  Even after that, even if the winning to the upper operation port 63 does not occur, the number of game balls that flowed into the guide unit before the value of the counter for demo display transition reaches the upper limit reaches the predetermined number. The transition from display to demo display is avoided (see timings tb9 and tb10).

  In other words, at least as long as the game ball launching operation is continued aiming at the left route, the winning to the lower operation port 64 by the guide unit 90 occurs before the condition for transition to the demonstration display is established. Switching from display to demo display is avoided.

  In FIG. 20, a case has been described in which an excessive bias occurs in the entrance to the upper operation port 63 and the winning guarantee function by the guide unit 90 functions periodically. However, in the actual game, the upper operation port 63 is used. Since the entry into the ball also occurs with an appropriate probability, the count up in the guide unit 90 may be delayed. However, even in such a case, at least such a delay is attributed to winning in the upper working port 63, so that the function for avoiding the transition to the demo display does not stop working.

  Specifically, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 22, when the count up in the guide unit 90 is continuously generated at each timing tc5, tc7, and tc9, at least three game balls are transferred to the guide unit 90. Therefore, there is a delay in counting up the guide unit 90. However, in such a case, since the symbol change display is performed based on the winnings at the timings tc5, tc7, and tc9, the value of the demo display transition counter is reset each time. Therefore, there is no inconvenience that the avoidance function in the guidance unit 90 is delayed with respect to reaching the upper limit of the demo display transition counter due to the delay.

  That is, in the pachinko machine 10 shown in the present embodiment, the game ball is continuously fired to the left route regardless of whether or not a prize for the upper working port 63 occurs. As long as this is done, the transition to the demonstration display is avoided by winning the minimum operating ports 63 and 64.

  Here, with reference to the right part of FIG. 22, a supplementary explanation will be given for the case where the player stops the operation of launching the game ball for the purpose of a break or the like. When the count number in the guidance unit 90 reaches a predetermined number at the timing of tc11, a prize is awarded to the lower working port 64, and the symbol variation display is executed. Thereafter, when the symbol variation display is stopped at the timing tc12, the value of the counter for demo display transition is reset, and the count-up is started again.

  Even under this circumstance, at least the game ball firing operation is continued, so that the count number in the guidance unit 90 also continuously increases. Thereafter, when the game ball firing operation is stopped at the timing of tc13 before the count number in the guide unit 90 reaches the predetermined number, the count-up in the guide unit 90 is stopped at the timing of tc14 immediately after that. Such a case may occur when a player leaves for the purpose of rest such as a toilet or lunch. Here, even after the timing of tc14, the demo display transition counter value continues to be counted up, and after that, when the value of the counter reaches the upper limit value at the timing of tc15, the display mode changes from the normal display to the demo display. It will be switched to.

  However, in this case, since it is clear that the player does not intend to continue the game, there is no inconvenience that the demonstration display is executed during the game. Therefore, the transition to the demo display is not a factor that causes annoyance to the player.

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

  By having a demo display, it is possible to inform the player who is selecting the stand about the standby gaming machine, such as the concept and specifications of this gaming machine, making it easier to attract the player's interest Can do. Such a function is beneficial to a player before playing a game, and can be expected to contribute to improving the operating rate of the gaming machine. However, if the above-described demonstration display is generated while a game is being played, it may cause a player to feel uncomfortable such as annoyance and reduce the game motivation.

  In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, if the configuration is such that the transition to the demo display is avoided as long as the game is continued, the occurrence of such inconvenience can be suppressed, and the adverse effect of the adoption of the demo display function can be avoided. Can be suppressed.

  In addition, when the game is interrupted (for example, when the game ball launching operation is stopped), the transition to the demo display is unnecessarily delayed in the configuration in which the count to the demo display shift is started from that point. . In this regard, preparations for transitioning to the demo display and preparations for avoiding the transition to the demo display are performed in parallel. Therefore, there is no inconvenience that the demonstration display function is not utilized well.

  In the present embodiment, the demo display is not simply avoided by performing the game ball launch operation, but the lower operation port is provided at some intervals on condition that the game ball launch operation is performed. The system is configured such that the demonstration display is avoided on the basis of the fact that a winning to 64 is generated and the symbol variation display (progress of game times) is performed. According to such a configuration, the final stop symbol combination is not continuously displayed on the display screen 74a, but the symbol variation display is performed on the display screen 74a, so that the transition to the demo display is simply avoided. Compared with the configuration, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the interest of the player in the game.

  Further, as already described, various game parts such as nails 69 are arranged in the game area PE, and a configuration in which a winning to the operation port 63 is generated with a certain probability is employed. However, the winning probability for the operating port 63 may vary widely in the short term although a stable result can be obtained in the long term. In other words, if a large number of game balls flow into the operation port 63 at once, there may be a case where no prize is suddenly generated in the operation port 63. There is no doubt that such variations themselves are one of the attractions of gaming machines. However, an excessively large variation can give a favorable impression to a player who does not have a large amount of investment money, and can increase the possibility that there will be no opportunity to cancel the impression.

  In this regard, in the present embodiment, the guide unit 90 is configured to suppress excessive variation in the winning probability to the operating port, so that the original attractiveness of the gaming machine is avoided and the player's gaming machine is avoided. The effect of suppressing separation can be expected.

  Although the structure of the guide unit 90 is simple, the guide passage 92 that leads to the lower operation port 64 is completed by variously changing the state. For this reason, it is difficult to visually determine how much game balls will flow into the lower operating port 64 afterward. Here, the following effects can be expected by providing the number-of-balls display portion 87 to facilitate the grasp of the situation. That is, for example, if you know that you can get a lottery in the near future, many players are guaranteed a single lottery with little investment, so at least the lottery It is assumed that the continuation of the game is selected until the game is executed. As described above, the number-of-entry display portion 87 may function as an opportunity to encourage the continuation of the game, and can be expected to contribute to an improvement in the operating rate of the gaming machine.

  In the present embodiment, the state of the guide unit 90 is changed according to the movement of the game ball. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, and is based on a signal from a control device such as the main control device 300. It is also possible to mount an actuator such as a motor that changes the state of the guide unit 90. According to the structure of the guide unit 90 shown in the above embodiment, the state of the guide unit 90 remains as it is until the supply of power is resumed even when the supply of power to the pachinko machine 10 is interrupted. Will be held. Such a configuration is excellent in that an electrical configuration for maintaining the state of the guide unit 90 is unnecessary. However, in the game hall business form, it is assumed that it is desired to return the guidance unit 90 to the initial state (the count number is “0”) when the store is opened.

  Therefore, when the power is turned on again, the guide unit 90 is maintained as it is on the condition that the RAM erase switch is not pushed, and when the RAM erase switch is pushed, a signal is output to the actuator. By adopting a configuration in which the guide unit 90 is returned to the initial state, it is possible to cope with various business forms of the game hall.

<Second Embodiment>
As shown in the first embodiment, a gaming machine of a type in which a plurality of operating ports 63 and 64 are used in combination, and an advantageous disadvantage is set in the operating ports 63 and 64 (so-called eccentric spec type) In the gaming machine), a difference occurs in the benefits that the player can enjoy depending on which of the operating ports 63 and 64 is won based on the hold information.

  As already described, since there is a low possibility that the electric accessory 70 is switched to the open state in the low frequency support mode, the hold information relating to the lower operating port 64 can be acquired as compared with the upper operating port 63. The nature is low. Therefore, when a big win is won in the normal gaming state (low probability mode and low frequency support mode) (so-called win at the beginning), the high frequency support mode (high probability mode or It is assumed that game times are often first executed based on the hold information applied to the upper operation port 63 when the time is entered. In reality, when the electric game object 70 is in an open state while the first game round is in progress after the opening / closing execution mode is completed, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of the high frequency support mode. As a result of entering the ball, the game proceeds in such a way as to preferentially digest the hold information for the lower operation port 64 in the subsequent game rounds.

  In this type of gaming machine, if a big win is won in the hold information applied to the upper operating port 63 immediately after the opening / closing execution mode ends, it is possible to win by winning the big information in the hold information applied to the lower operating port 64. An event occurs in which only less benefits than benefits can be obtained. This is not preferable because it becomes an impediment to the player who cannot enjoy the benefits of the unbalanced specifications. There is a concern that such an event may cause disagreement on the unbalanced spec type gaming machine and hinder the improvement of the operating rate of the gaming machine.

  The pachinko machine shown in the present embodiment has been devised in various ways for the purpose of suppressing the occurrence of the inconvenience, etc., focusing on the above-mentioned events that can occur by actually playing games. It is a feature. Hereinafter, a pachinko machine according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. However, most of the pachinko machine 10 shown in the first embodiment and the pachinko machine shown in the present embodiment have the same configuration except for a part of the configuration (for example, a game board). Therefore, hereinafter, the basic configuration of the game board 60X will be described with a focus on differences from the game board 60 shown in the first embodiment, and thereafter, a configuration for using these different configurations will be described. FIG. 23 is a front view of the game board 60X according to the second embodiment. In addition, about the structure same as the game board 60 among the various structures in the game board 60X, description in 1st Embodiment is used.

  As shown in FIG. 23, a variable display unit 66X is arranged at the upper center of the game board 60X, and the flow path of the game balls flowing down the game area PE by this variable display unit 66X is large in the left route and the right route. It has been separated. In the left route in the present embodiment, the configuration corresponding to the partition portion 81 is omitted, and diversification of the flow path of game balls in the left route is achieved.

  A first operation port 63X corresponding to the upper operation port 63 is provided below the variable display unit 66X, and a second operation port 64aX corresponding to the lower operation port 64 is provided below the first operation port 63. A variable winning device 62 is provided below the second working port 64aX, and a through gate 65 is disposed on the left side of the variable display unit 66X. In other words, in the first embodiment, the game ball is fired aiming at the left route during the low frequency support mode, and the game ball is fired aiming at the right route during the opening / closing execution mode and the high frequency support mode. Although it was possible to advance the game advantageously, in this embodiment, it is not necessary to place game balls due to the difference in mode as described above by arranging various pitching parts on the left route. It has a configuration.

  A guide unit 90X having the same configuration as that of the guide unit 90 is disposed at the lower right of the variable display unit 66X. The case body 91X of the guide unit 90X is made of a colored and opaque synthetic resin material, and the inside of the case body 91X cannot be visually confirmed. However, the structure of the guide unit 90 is reversed left and right. The function of completing a guide passage leading to a specific position when a predetermined number of game balls flow in is also the same as that of the guide unit 90, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The case body 91X is opened below the gaming machine, so that the game balls discharged from the guide unit 90X without being guided to the specific position do not reach the second operation port 64a and the variable winning device 62. The discharge route is restricted. In other words, the game balls discharged from the guide unit 90X are not won to the other pitching portions, and are directly discharged out of the game area PE through the out port 68.

  In the first embodiment, the number-of-entries display portion 87 for displaying the number of entrances to the guide unit 90 is provided. However, in this embodiment, in order to make the number of inflows difficult to understand. The same configuration is omitted.

  Between the center frame 75 of the variable display unit 66X, the outer rail 102, and the game area partition member 67, a game ball passing through the right route is guided to a ball entry portion 82X provided above the guide unit 90X. A strip guiding passage 73X is formed. In other words, the game ball launched to the right route always flows into the entrance portion 82X via the guide passage 73X.

  The entrance portion 82X is connected to an exit portion 84X provided in the guide unit 90X via a warp passage 83X, and the game ball that has flowed into the entrance portion 82X passes through the warp passage 83X → the exit portion 84X, thereby guiding the unit 90X. Led in.

  Here, at the tip (the specific position) of the guide passage 92X formed in the guide unit 90X, the right side that forms a pair with the above-described lower second operating port 64aX (hereinafter referred to as the lower second operating port 64aX). The second operating port 64bX (hereinafter referred to as the right second operating port 64bX) is provided. When a winning is made to the second operating ports 64aX and 64bX, the values of various counters are stored in the second result display holding area Rb, and both the second operating ports 64aX and 64bX are configured. There is no difference between superiority and inferiority in the winning / losing lottery and the distribution lottery. That is, in the present embodiment, it can be said that there are two configurations corresponding to the lower operation port 64.

  Here, the structural difference between the lower second working port 64aX and the right second working port 64bX will be supplementarily described.

  The lower second working port 64aX is provided with an electric accessory 70. When the electric accessory 70 is closed, it is impossible to enter the lower second working port 64aX (broken line). reference). When the electric accessory 70 is opened, the ball entering the lower second working port 64a is allowed (see the solid line).

  Regarding the number of distribution members 95 provided in the guide unit 90X, when the game ball is launched to the left route in the normal gaming state (low accuracy mode and low frequency support mode), and to the right route in the normal gaming state When compared with the case where a game ball is fired, the latter is set to be disadvantageous for the player. Specifically, as in the first embodiment, six sorting members 95 are arranged, and 64 game balls flow into the guide unit 90X, so that one game ball can be It is configured to flow into the operating port 64bX. In other words, when aiming for the right route in the normal gaming state, a winning to the operating port occurs with a probability of 1/64. On the other hand, when aiming at the left route, a winning to the first operating port 63X occurs at a probability of 1/12 / 1-117 (general gaming machine border line) (second lower second). The winning probability for the operating port 64a is almost 0). Therefore, in the normal game state, the game is played exclusively aiming at the left route.

  Here, an outline of the game flow in the pachinko machine shown in this embodiment will be described. When a game is started in the normal game state (low probability mode and low frequency support mode), a game ball is launched aiming at the left route. A winning / failing lottery is performed when the game balls that have been launched win the first operation port 63X. When the big win is won in this lottery, the mode shifts to the opening / closing execution mode, and the variable winning device 62 is opened over a plurality of rounds. Also in this case, a large amount of game balls can be obtained by launching game balls aiming at the left route.

  When the open / close execution mode ends and the state shifts to the probability variation gaming state (high probability mode and high frequency support mode) or short-time gaming state (low probability mode and high frequency support mode), the electric accessory 70 is easily opened. . In this case as well, by launching the game ball aiming at the left route, winning to the lower operation port 64 is likely to occur, and the game can be advanced while suppressing the decrease of the holding ball.

  As already described, for the lower second operating port 64aX provided with the electric accessory 70, the distribution of the jackpot type at the time of winning the jackpot is more advantageous to the player than the first operating port 63X. Is set. And when holding information exists in both the 1st operation port 63X and the 2nd operation port 64X, the reservation information concerning the 2nd operation port 64X is digested preferentially. In other words, during the high-frequency support mode, not only is it possible to win the lower second operating port 64aX and a situation that is advantageous to the player is realized, but it is also advantageous to the player in the lottery at the time of the big win. In this way, the jackpot type is distributed. For this reason, during the high frequency support mode, the game can be advantageously advanced by playing the game while paying attention so that the hold information applied to the second operation port 64X does not become “0”.

  However, even in such a configuration, there are cases where the above-mentioned benefits cannot be obtained. In the gaming machine to which the hold function is given, for the purpose of efficiently proceeding the game progress, the period required for one game round is shortened as the number of holds increases (first game) The time efficiency when playing a game is improved. For this reason, even if a winning to the first operating port 63X occurs, if the number of holds is less than the upper limit (four), the game ball firing operation is continued, and there is a certain number of holds The game goes on. For this reason, when the jackpot is won, there is a high possibility that the hold information relating to the first working port 63X remains. In addition, since the winning of the lower second working port 64aX is regulated by the electric accessory 70, there is a high possibility that the hold information on the second working port 64X is “0”. Further, the game ball is fired aiming at the left route during the opening / closing execution mode, and the game ball flowing down the left route wins the first operating port 63X during the opening / closing execution mode, and the first There is a possibility that the hold information relating to the operation port 63X is acquired.

  In general, there is a possibility that there is holding information for the first operating port 63X and no holding information for the second operating port 64X at the timing of winning the jackpot and shifting from the opening / closing execution mode to the probability change gaming state or the short-time gaming state. Is expensive. Therefore, even if it has a function of preferentially digesting the hold information related to the second working port 64X, a situation in which the preferential digestion function is not utilized well may occur. And, if you win a jackpot with the hold information on the first operating port 63X in the first game round after shifting to the probability change game state or the short-time game state (specifically, if you win a 2R probability change jackpot) An event occurs in which the player cannot enjoy the benefits that should have been originally obtained. This can be a factor that reduces the player's willingness to play.

  In this embodiment, as described above, the right second working port 64bX paired with the lower second working port 64aX provided in the left route is provided in the right route. The operation port 64b is configured such that a winning is always generated when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Using such a structure, a player support function that avoids the above disadvantages is employed.

  As described in the first embodiment, the opening / closing execution mode is a round method, and the variable winning device 62 is not always opened. Specifically, since the variable prize-winning device 62 is closed for 1.8 seconds between rounds, a game ball launched aiming at the left route during this period (hereinafter referred to as an interval period) becomes a waste ball. Prone.

  One interval period is limited to about 1.8 seconds, and it cannot be said that it is a long period. However, when a 15R jackpot is won, there are at least 14 interval periods. Therefore, the total interval period is 25.2 sec. On the other hand, game balls are fired every 0.6 sec based on the launch operation, so if at least an interval period is used to fire game balls to the right route, about 42 game balls flow into the guide unit 90. Will be.

  As with the first embodiment, the guide unit 90 has six distribution members 95, and winning of the right second operating port 64bX occurs when 64 game balls enter. . Here, when game balls are fired to the right route using only the interval, the number of game balls flowing into the guide unit 90 is less than 64 (more specifically, about 22 are insufficient). As a result, no winning is made to the right second operating port 64bX. However, the end condition of each round in the present embodiment is 30 seconds or 10 winnings, and the variable winning device 62 is arranged at the most downstream position of the game area PE, so The distance from the upstream part to the variable winning device 62 is sufficiently secured. Therefore, if the game balls are launched to the right route using the period before and after the interval period, it is not impossible to compensate for the shortage of the 22 game balls described above. That is, by changing the hitting point of the game ball during the opening / closing execution mode, it is possible to acquire the hold information relating to the second operation port 64X before the opening / closing execution mode ends.

  In order to encourage the player to utilize such a characteristic configuration, the present embodiment employs a configuration for notifying the player of the timing for changing the hitting point of the game ball during the opening / closing execution mode. . Specifically, a right-handed guidance is provided on the display screen 74a of the symbol display device 74 in order to inform the player that it is time to fire a game ball to the right route (hereinafter referred to as right-handed). It is said. The process for executing the notification is executed in the normal process of the display control device 245. Hereinafter, the notification processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the MPU of the display control device 245, a right-handed notification preparation process is executed as part of the normal process.

  As shown in FIG. 24A, in the right-handed notification preparation process, first, in step S1201, it is determined whether or not an opening command has been received from the main control device 300 via the notification / effect control device 244. . That is, it is determined whether or not it is time to shift to the opening / closing execution mode.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S1201, the process proceeds to step S1202 to determine whether or not the hold information for the second working port 64X is zero. Specifically, in the notification / production control device 244 and the display control device 245, the number of hold information applied to the operation ports 63X, 64X is grasped based on the shift command from the main control device 300. The determination in step S1202 is performed with reference to the grasped information.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S1202, a right-handed notification flag is set in various flag storage areas provided in the RAM of the display control device 245, and the right-handed notification preparation process is terminated. The display control device 245 executes right-handed notification based on the stored right-handed notification flag. That is, in the present embodiment, it is a condition that there is no holding information on the second operating port 64X when the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode (the number of holdings on the second operating port 64X is “0”). As shown in FIG.

  Next, the right-handed notification execution process executed as part of the normal process of the display control device 245 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 24B, in the right-handed notification execution process, first, in step S1301, it is determined whether or not the opening / closing execution mode is in effect. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1301, the process proceeds to step S1302 to determine whether or not a right-handed notification flag is stored in the various flag storage areas of the RAM. If a negative determination is made in either step S1301 or step S1302, the right-handed notification execution condition is not satisfied, and the right-handed notification execution process is terminated.

  If the right-run notification execution condition is satisfied, the process advances to step S1303 to determine whether it is the interval start timing between rounds. Specifically, when a close command is received from main controller 300, an affirmative determination is made in step S1303.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1303, a right-handed notification image display process is executed in step S1304. As a result, a message (for example, “please make a right strike”) prompting a right strike is displayed on the display screen 74a of the symbol display device 74 for a predetermined period (about 1.8 sec in the present embodiment).

  After executing the right-handed notification image display process in step S1304, the process proceeds to step S1305. In step S1305, it is determined whether or not a winning for the second operating port 64X (specifically, the right second operating port 64X) has occurred. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a shift command relating to the second working port 64X has been received from the main controller 300.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1305, the right-handed notification execution process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1305, that is, if a winning for the second operation port 64X occurs and the hold information for the second operation port 64X is acquired, the process proceeds to step S1306. When the number of game balls that have flowed into the guide unit 90 reaches a predetermined number (64), an affirmative determination is made in step S1305.

  In step S1306, a winning notification process is executed. As a result, a message indicating that a winning for the second operating port 64X has occurred is displayed on the display screen 74a of the symbol display device 74. When the winning to the second operating port 64X occurs, the significance of prompting the right strike is lost. Therefore, in step S1307, the right strike notification flag stored in the various flag storage areas of the RAM is deleted and the right strike is made. The strike notification execution process is terminated.

  By erasing the right-handed notification flag, the display of a message prompting a right-handed is canceled thereafter.

  According to the present embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects can be expected.

  Using the interval period in the opening / closing execution mode, opening / closing execution is performed by giving the player an opportunity to obtain the hold information on the second operating port 64X that is set to be more advantageous than the first operating port 63X. It is possible to make it difficult for the player to enjoy the benefits after the mode ends. Further, by giving such gameability, a game in the opening / closing execution mode that tends to be monotonous can be made highly strategic. Therefore, active participation in the game during the opening / closing execution mode can be promoted to prevent the game from becoming monotonous.

  When the hold information related to the second operation port 64X can be acquired during the opening / closing execution mode, the hold information related to the second operation port 64X is preferentially digested after the opening / closing execution mode ends, Winnings to the 2 working ports 64aX can be expected. In particular, if there is one hold information for the second operating port 64X, the variable display time in the game times is set to be relatively long. For this reason, it is possible to increase the possibility that the electric accessory 70 is in an open state and a prize is awarded to the lower second working port 64aX. In this way, by generating a prize for the second operating port 64X, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the hold information relating to the first operating port 63X is digested, and the gaming machine adopting the eccentric spec. The chance that the player cannot enjoy the benefits can be reduced.

  A skilled player who has become a game may play a game in consideration of the opening / closing timing of the variable winning device 62 so as to avoid wasting (investment) of a game ball to be launched and to avoid launching in an interval period ( So-called irregular strokes). As shown in the present embodiment, by giving significance to the launch of the game ball during the interval period, it is possible to reduce the chance that the irregular hit described above is performed.

  In the present embodiment, right-handed notification is executed in correspondence with the interval period. And when the right hand is made using only these interval periods, the latter is slightly increased to the maximum number of game balls that can flow into the guide unit 90 and the predetermined number set in the guide unit 90. Make a difference. For this reason, the player needs to increase the number of right-handed game balls using the periods before and after the interval period. However, such an action involves a risk that the number of balls entered into the variable winning device 62 during the round does not reach the maximum value. Therefore, there is room for a player's technical intervention in terms of how to make a right-hand hit while suppressing risk. As a result, bargaining occurs during the opening / closing execution mode, which can contribute to an increase in the degree of attention to the game.

  However, in this embodiment, the end condition of each round is 30 seconds or 10 game balls are won, and the upstream portion of the game area PE and the position of the variable winning device 62 are far apart. Yes. For this reason, the substantial risk of making a right-handed strike while timing is not increased. In other words, when a right-hand strike is made in accordance with the notification, a margin for right-handing is added before and after the notification period, so that a winning to the second operating port 64X occurs despite the right-handed stroke. It is possible to suppress the absence of a game ball (payout based on winning to the variable winning device 62) that should be originally acquired in the opening / closing execution mode.

  In the present embodiment, the right-handed notification execution condition is configured not to take into account the number of hold information applied to the first operating port 63X, but this is changed and the hold information applied to the first operating port 63X is changed. When the number of “0” is “0”, a right-handed notification may not be performed. In the high-frequency support mode, when a game ball is launched aiming at the left route, there is a possibility that a winning in the lower second operating port 64aX may occur rather than a possibility that a winning in the first operating port 63X will occur. Is higher. This is because in such a configuration, as described above, it is assumed that an event such as winning a jackpot with the holding information applied to the first operation port 63X is unlikely to occur.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the second operating port is at least at the time of shifting to the opening / closing execution mode regardless of the big hit in the probability-changing gaming state or the short-time gaming state (at the time of consecutive play) and the big hit in the normal gaming state (first hit). The right-handed notification is performed when the number of hold information for 64X is 0. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a right-handed notification may not be performed during consecutive holidays. It is. In the first place, it is assumed that there is a sufficient opportunity to obtain the hold information for the second operating port 64X (specifically, the lower operating port 64aX) because it is in the high frequency support mode at the time of consecutive resorts. Therefore, it is unlikely that the number of hold information applied to the second operating port 64X will remain “0” if a game ball launch operation toward the left route is performed under such circumstances, and there is a deliberate purpose. It is highly probable that the player himself has given up the right to acquire the hold information relating to the second operation port 64X, such as stopping the launching operation of the game ball. Therefore, a configuration may be adopted in which notification is restricted during consecutive resorts by reflecting the intention of the player.

<Third Embodiment>
As shown in the second embodiment, in a gaming machine that uses the interval period in the opening / closing execution mode to urge the player to make a right turn, the player can be given an opportunity to avoid the disadvantage after the opening / closing execution mode ends. it can. That is, it is possible to avoid winning the jackpot with the hold information applied to the first operating port 63X immediately after the opening / closing execution mode by generating a prize at the second operating port 64X (specifically, the right second operating port 64bX). It is.

  However, as already described, the number of game balls that can be right-handed during the notification period (interval period between rounds) and the number of game balls necessary for winning in the right second operating port 64bX The difference is set, and in some cases, there is a possibility that no winning to the right second operating port 64bX will occur even if a right hand is made.

  If, as a result of making a right turn in accordance with the notification, that the winning to the right second operating port 64bX does not occur, the player is given an impression as if the game ball is consumed (invested) wastefully. There is a possibility. For a player who has experienced such a situation, there is a concern that the right-handed notification will no longer make sense, and that the notification will be ignored and the functions shown in the second embodiment will not be used well.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the number of holdings to the guidance unit 90 is stored and held, and the game can be advanced while maintaining the stored state at the time of the next jackpot winning. Even when the winning to the second operation port 64X does not occur during the opening / closing execution mode of the player, a configuration is realized in which it is possible to avoid having the player feel as if the player has wasted the game ball. .

  Further, in addition to such a configuration, the right second working port is created by causing a difference in the number of inflows of game balls necessary for acquiring the hold information on the right second working port 64bX in the guide unit 90X. By differentiating between the case where winning to 64bX easily occurs and the case where it is not, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the degree of attention to the right-handed notification of the player.

  Hereinafter, a configuration for realizing the technical idea described in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is a partially enlarged view of the game board 60Y showing the configuration of the guide unit 90Y in the third embodiment. Note that most of the pachinko machines in this embodiment are the same as those in the second embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the description of the common part uses the second embodiment, and the description will focus on differences from the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the game ball passage region R of the guide unit 90Y is provided with a ball passage 500Y through which the game ball flowing into the guide unit 90Y through the outlet portion 84Y passes. The ball passage 500Y is located above the guide passage 92, and the game ball passage region R is divided into two parts, the ball passage 500Y side, the guide passage 92, and the discharge passage 93 side.

  The spherical passage 500Y includes an upstream passage portion 501Y that descends obliquely downward along the guide passage 92, a downstream passage portion 502Y that communicates with the upstream passage portion 501Y and extends vertically to the left of the right second working port 64bY. The game ball that has flowed into the guide unit 90Y does not flow into the guide passage 92, but bypasses the right second working port 64bY and discharges it outside the guide unit 90Y.

  The outlet portion of the downstream-side passage portion 502Y is positioned on the side of the second right operation port 64bY, and the game ball that has flowed out through the ball passage 500Y is not only the second right operation port 64bY but also the second operation on the right side. The game area PE is discharged through the out port 68 without winning any of the port 64bY and the variable winning device 62.

  A plurality of (in detail, two) openings 505Y and 506Y are formed at the bottom of the upstream passage portion 501Y in the spherical passage 500Y. These openings 505Y and 506Y communicate with the guide passage 92, and are formed to have a size through which game balls can pass.

  The guide unit 90Y is provided with opening and closing members 511Y and 512Y corresponding to the openings 505Y and 506Y on a one-to-one basis. The opening / closing members 511Y and 512Y have a flat plate shape and are attached to the case body 91Y of the guide unit 90Y so as to be pivotable clockwise / counterclockwise, and close the openings 505Y and 506Y to the guide passage 92. Switching between a closed state in which the inflow of game balls is blocked and an open state in which the inflow of game balls into the guide passage 92 is allowed is possible.

  A motor as a driving means for opening and closing each of the opening / closing members 511Y and 512Y is connected to the main controller 300, and is switched between a closed state and an open state by driving the motor based on a signal from the main controller 300. Is made. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the opening 505Y and the opening / closing member 511Y located on the upstream side in the ball passage 500Y (upstream passage portion 501Y) are referred to as “first opening 505Y” and “first opening / closing member 511Y”, and in the ball passage 500Y. The opening 506Y and the opening / closing member 512Y located on the downstream side are referred to as “second opening 506Y” and “second opening / closing member 512Y”.

  The first opening 505Y is formed so as to be located immediately above the sorting member 95 disposed at the most upstream position of the game ball passage region R, and the game ball dropped through the first opening 505Y is distributed. It will be guided to the member 95.

  The second opening 506Y is formed so as to be positioned at an intermediate position of the game ball passing region R, specifically, directly above the fourth sorting member 95 from the upstream side, and falls through the second opening 506Y. The game ball is guided to the third sorting member 95.

  Here, the state of each of the opening / closing members 511Y and 512Y and the flow of the game ball will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing a change in the flow of the game ball based on a change in the state of the guide unit 90Y. FIG. 26A shows the state of the guide unit 90Y when not in the opening / closing execution mode, and FIGS. 26B and 26C show the state of the guide unit 90Y during the opening / closing execution mode. Yes.

  In FIG. 26 (a), the open / close members 511Y and 512Y are closed, and the inflow of game balls from the upstream passage portion 501Y of the ball passage 500Y to the guide passage 92 is prevented. In this state, the open / close members 511Y and 512Y form part of the bottom of the upstream passage portion 501Y, and function as guide portions that guide the game balls flowing down the upstream passage portion 501Y to the downstream passage portion 502Y. In this state, the game ball that has flowed into the guide unit 90Y bypasses the guide passage 92 and the right second operating port 64bY and is discharged from the guide unit 90Y as it is. In other words, when the player hits the right hand in a state where the opening / closing execution mode is not set, the game ball is not counted by the sorting member 95, and further to the right second operating port 64bY. There will be no winnings.

  When the winner is won in the lottery, either one of the opening / closing members 511Y and 512Y is switched to the open state as shown in FIGS. Is formed. In each of the openings 505Y and 506Y, a flange projecting downward (on the guide passage 92 side) is formed at the downstream edge of the ball passage 500Y, and the opening and closing members 511Y and 512Y are switched to the open state. In this case, the flange portion and the plate surfaces of the opening / closing members 511Y and 512Y face each other, and the inflow path of the game ball is defined. More specifically, the inflow path of the game ball is defined so that the game ball flowing into the guide passage 92 falls toward the shaft portion 96 in the sorting member 95.

  As shown in FIG. 26 (b), when the first opening / closing member 511Y is switched to the open state, the distribution functions of all the six distribution members 95 are effective as in the second embodiment. As a result, 64 game balls flow in and a winning to the right second operation port 64bY occurs.

  On the other hand, when the first opening / closing member 511Y is maintained in the closed state and the second opening / closing member 512Y is switched to the open state as shown in FIG. The three sorting members 95 located on the upstream side of the sorting member 95 located immediately below the opening 506Y do not substantially function. That is, the distribution function is effective only for the three distribution members 95 including the distribution member 95 located immediately below the second opening 506Y, and the right second operation port 64bY is obtained by the inflow of eight game balls. Will win a prize. As described above, the eight game balls are required for generating the winning at the right second operating port 64bY because the number of payouts due to the winning is four and the investment for winning the winning at the second operating port 64bY is excessive. It is a device to prevent the increase of the. In other words, it is a contrivance to avoid paying more than investing by making a right-hand hit.

  When the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode, the state is distributed to either the state shown in FIG. 26B or the state shown in FIG. 26C, but there is a difference between the advantage and disadvantage for the player. It will be. That is, in the state shown in FIG. 26 (b), it is unlikely that 64 game balls will flow into the guide unit 90Y just by making a right-hand hit during the interval period. While winning to 64bY is less likely to occur, eight game balls can flow into the guide unit 90Y by making a right turn during the interval period when the state shown in FIG. In fact, it is easy for a winning to the right second working port 64bY to actually occur.

  In the following description, the opening / closing execution mode in which the first opening / closing member 511Y of the guide unit 90Y is in the open state is referred to as the first type opening / closing execution mode or type 1 big hit, and the opening / closing execution in which the second opening / closing member 512Y is in the open state. The mode is referred to as a second type opening / closing execution mode or a second type jackpot.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the number of game balls that are right-handed during the opening / closing execution mode and flow into the guide unit 90Y regardless of whether the first type big hit or the second type big win is won. The configuration is such that the state of the sorting member 95 is maintained and stored.

  Specifically, referring to whether the previous jackpot corresponds to type 1 / type 2 when allocating type 1 / type 2 jackpots at the time of winning the jackpot, Is supposed to do the minute. Here, the distribution table stored in the ROM 303 of the main controller 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28. FIG. 27 is a first distribution table corresponding to each of the operation ports 63Y and 64Y, and FIG. 28 is a second distribution table corresponding to each of the operation ports 63Y and 64Y. The details will be described later. When the big hit is the first type big hit, the first distribution table is referred to, and when the previous big hit is the second type big hit, the second distribution table is referred.

  As shown in FIG. 27 (a), in the first sorting table for the first working port 63Y, when the 15R normal jackpot is won, it is sorted to the first kind jackpot with a probability of 80% and the probability of 20% In the second kind of big hit. Similarly, in the case of winning 2R probability variation jackpot and 15R probability variation jackpot, it will be distributed to the first type jackpot with a probability of 80%, and will be distributed to the second kind jackpot with a probability of 20%.

  On the other hand, in the first sorting table for the second working port 64Y, when the 15R normal jackpot is won, it is distributed to the first kind jackpot with a probability of 20%, and the second kind jackpot with a probability of 80%. It is distributed to. Similarly, in the case of winning the 15R probability variation jackpot, it is also assigned to the first type jackpot with a probability of 20% and to the second kind jackpot with a probability of 80%.

  When the jackpot is won in the hold information for the second operating port 64Y, it is assumed that many of them are in the high-frequency support mode (probability gaming state or short-time gaming state). That is, it is assumed that there is substantially hold information for the second operation port 64Y when the big hit is won. In the winning system by the guide unit 90Y shown in the present embodiment, it is necessary to make an investment for generating a winning to the second operating port 64Y. However, in the first place, there is holding information on the second operating port 64Y. , You don't have to be a big hit of the second kind. In the first sorting table for the second working port 64Y, considering such circumstances, the sorting probability for the second type big hit is set lower than that of the first sorting table for the first working port 63Y. ing.

  On the other hand, when the previous jackpot is the second kind jackpot, the jackpot type is determined with reference to the second distribution table as described above. In the present embodiment, the number of game balls that have flowed into the guide unit 90Y during the previous opening / closing execution mode is structurally stored and retained in order to eliminate the useless balls when the right hand is made during the opening / closing execution mode. Configuration is adopted. For this reason, if the previous jackpot is the first type jackpot even though the previous jackpot was the second kind jackpot, the storage function does not work well. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 28, when the previous jackpot is the second type jackpot, the second jackpot is necessarily the second kind jackpot.

  The inflow number storage function described in detail above only works when the jackpot occurs in the probability variation gaming state or in the short-time gaming state (that is, in the high-frequency support mode) (so-called consecutive resort), and when the consecutive resort is terminated This function is disabled. Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 29, the process related to the above-described distribution executed by the main controller 300 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 29A, in the transition process at the end of the opening / closing execution mode (step S813 in FIG. 16), it is determined in step S1401 whether the current opening / closing execution mode corresponds to the first type big hit. judge. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1401, the first type big hit flag is stored in the other flag storage area 335 of the RAM 304, and the present migration process ends. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1401, the second type big hit flag is stored in the other flag storage area 335 of the RAM 304, and the present migration process ends.

  The flag stored in this transition process is stored and held until the next big win or the end of the high frequency support mode.

  In the type determination process (step S703 in FIG. 15) executed by the main controller 300, as shown in FIG. 29B, first, in step S1501, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit in the high frequency support mode. To do. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the high frequency support mode flag is stored in various flag storage areas of the RAM 304.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1501, the process proceeds to step S1502, and it is determined whether or not the previous jackpot corresponds to the first type jackpot. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the first type big hit flag is stored in the other flag storage area 335 of the RAM 304. If a negative determination is made in step S1502, that is, if the second type jackpot flag is stored, the process advances to step S1503 to determine the jackpot type with reference to the second distribution table. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1501 or if an affirmative determination is made in step S1502, that is, if it is determined that it is not a consecutive resort, or if it is determined that the previous jackpot is a type 1 jackpot, In step S1504, the jackpot type determination is performed with reference to the first distribution table.

  According to the present embodiment described in detail above, the predetermined number (the number of game balls required for winning the right second operating port 64bX) in the guide unit 90 varies depending on the type of jackpot, By creating a difference between the advantages and disadvantages of right-handed, monotonization of the game can be more suitably suppressed.

  In addition, during the consecutive day, the number of game balls flowing into the guide unit 90Y is structurally stored and held even if a winning to the right second operating port 64bY does not occur due to right-handed. For this reason, at the next big hit, it was possible to generate a winning for the right second operating port 64bY with less investment, and when the player hit the right, no winning for the right second operating port 64bY occurred. It is possible to make it difficult to give a feeling of loss.

  Since the inside of the guide unit 90Y is not visually recognized, it is impossible or difficult to determine which of the big hits of the first type / second type is won until the right-hand strike is made. In this way, by adopting a configuration in which the result is not known until the player actually hits the right, it is assumed that the player will make a right turn in anticipation of the second type jackpot, and the winning support function by the guidance unit 90Y will not be utilized. This can be suppressed.

  In the present embodiment, the inflow number storage function is invalidated based on the end of the extended resort. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of inflows to the guidance unit 90Y until the next big hit win is determined. It is also possible to keep it memorized.

<Fourth embodiment>
In the first embodiment, a winning guarantee function that allows one game ball to flow into the operation port based on the inflow of a predetermined number of game balls is realized by the distribution member 95 provided in the guide unit 90. The distribution member 95 is not essential for the configuration of the guide unit. It is sufficient that the guide path to the operating port is completed as a result of the flow of a predetermined number of game balls, and the configuration of the guide unit can be changed as follows. Hereinafter, the guide unit according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 30 is a schematic view showing the structure of the guide unit 90Z.

  In the game ball passage region R of the guide unit 90Z, a guide passage 92Z for guiding the game ball flowing into the guide unit 90Z from the outlet portion 84 of the warp passage 83 to the lower operation port 64 is provided. The guide passage 92Z is inclined obliquely downward, and a discharge passage 93Z branched from the guide passage 92Z is formed at an intermediate position (specifically, a portion closer to the outlet portion 84).

  Specifically, an opening 92bZ penetrating vertically is formed in the bottom 92aZ of the guide passage 92Z, and this opening 92bZ is an inlet portion of the discharge passage 93Z. The discharge passage 93Z extends in the vertical direction, and the passage width is set so that a plurality of game balls cannot pass through the same portion at the same time. More specifically, the front-rear width and the left-right width of the discharge passage 93Z are suppressed to be slightly larger than the diameter dimension of the game ball.

  A stopper 600Z that can come into contact with the game ball flowing down the discharge passage 93Z from below is provided in the middle of the discharge passage 93Z. The stopper 600Z is provided so as to be switchable between a blocking state for preventing the outflow of game balls from the discharge passage 93Z and an allowable state for allowing the outflow, and when a driving unit provided in the stopper 600Z is driven, It can be switched between a blocking state and an allowable state. The drive unit is connected to the main controller 300 and operates based on a signal from the main controller 300.

  Here, the passage length from the stopper 600Z to the opening 92bZ will be described. The passage length is configured such that a predetermined number (specifically 63 pieces) of game balls accumulate, and the bottom portion 92aZ of the guide passage 92Z is constituted by the game balls located in the uppermost stream among them. That is, when the 63rd game ball functions as the bottom portion 92aZ, the outflow of the game ball from the guide passage 92Z is stopped, and the 64th game ball is guided to the lower operation port 64. Yes.

  In addition, a ball detection sensor 601Z that detects the passage of a game ball is provided at the exit portion of the guide passage 92Z. The ball detection sensor 601Z is connected to the main control device 300. When a game ball passes, information indicating that is output to the main control device 300.

  When the winning to the lower operating port 64 occurs, the stopper 600Z is switched from the blocked state to the permitted state, and the game ball staying in the discharge passage 93Z is discharged out of the guide unit 90Z. .

  Here, the operation mode of the guide unit 90Z will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG.

  The game balls collected by the partition 81 (see FIG. 3) described above flow into the guide unit 90Z through the warp passage 83. The game ball that has flowed into the guide unit 90Z flows down toward the lower operation port 64 along the inclination of the guide passage 92Z. When the game ball reaches the branch portion of the game ball passage region R, as shown in FIG. 31A, if the discharge passage 93Z is not full, the game ball passes through the opening 92bZ to the discharge passage 93Z. And flows in. At this time, the stopper 600Z is in a blocking state, and the game ball that has flowed into the discharge passage 93Z is prevented from dropping by the stopper 600Z, and remains in the discharge passage 93Z without flowing out of the discharge passage 93Z. .

  When the total number of game balls accumulated along the discharge passage 93Z flowing into the guide unit 90Z and stored in the discharge passage 93Z reaches a predetermined number (63), the 63rd as shown in FIG. The game balls constitute a part of the guide passage 92Z, and the guide function of the guide passage 92Z is validated. That is, the 64th game ball is guided to the lower operation port 64 through the guide passage 92Z.

  When the winning to the lower working port 64 occurs, a signal is transmitted from the main control device 300 to the driving unit for the stopper 600Z, and the stopper 600Z is switched from the blocking state to the allowable state. As a result, the game balls stored in the discharge passage 93Z are discharged out of the guide unit 90Z (see FIG. 31 (c)). At this time, the main controller 300 grasps the number of game balls to be discharged based on the information from the ball detection sensor 601Z, and when the number of game balls discharged reaches 63, the allowable state The drive unit is controlled so as to be switched from the blocking state to the blocking state. As a result, the stopper 600Z returns to the blocking state. By repeating this, every time about 64 game balls flow into the guide unit 90Z, it is possible to generate a prize for the lower operation port 64.

  The structure of the guide unit shown in this embodiment can also be applied to the guide unit 90X shown in the second embodiment.

  Further, the inside of the guide unit 90Z may be either visible or invisible. Compared to the case where the distribution member 95 is adopted, the internal structure is simple. Therefore, if the player allows more game balls to flow into the guide unit 90Z from the passage length of the discharge passage 93Z, the guide passage 92Z. It is easy to understand whether the guidance function is enabled. For example, when the guide unit 90 in the first embodiment is replaced with the guide unit 90Z shown in the present embodiment, the number-of-entry display portion 87 is omitted by making the inside of the guide unit 90Z visible. Even if it does not cause inconvenience, the structure is realized.

  When the number of game balls stored in the discharge passage 93Z is large, the discharge passage 93Z is not elongated vertically, but the discharge passage 93Z has a portion extending in the thickness direction of the game board 60, or the discharge passage 93Z. It is also possible to make the path length secure by meandering back and forth or from side to side. Furthermore, a configuration corresponding to the discharge passage 93Z may be provided on the back side of the game board 60.

  In addition, it is not limited to the description content of embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows. Incidentally, the configuration of another embodiment described below may be applied individually to the configuration in the above embodiment, or may be applied in combination with each other.

  (1) In each of the above embodiments, the guide unit 90 is applied to a type of gaming machine in which a right route and a left route are provided in the game area PE and the game balls are divided, but the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, a configuration corresponding to the guide unit 90 can be applied to a gaming machine provided with only one of a right route and a left route.

  (2) In each of the above embodiments, the guide passage 92 is completed by the physical action of the game ball that has flowed into the guide unit 90. However, for example, the game ball that has flowed into the guide unit 90 by using a sensor or the like is used. It is also possible to form a passage corresponding to the guide passage 92 using a driving means such as an actuator when the number of detected game balls reaches a predetermined number.

  (3) In the first embodiment, the lower operation port 64 and the upper operation port 63 are stored in the storage information of the hold information, lottery based on the hold information, and various differences such as the result display unit in the main display unit D. And both were treated as different types of winning prizes. By changing this, both the operation ports 63 and 64 may be handled as the same kind. Specifically, winnings to the respective operation ports 63 and 64 are handled as the same holding information, and the same table is referred to in various lotteries, and the result display unit in the main display unit D is also shared. It is also possible to eliminate the difference between the two.

  (4) In the first embodiment, the number of entered balls is displayed and the number of entered balls in the guide unit 90 is clearly shown. However, the number of entered balls can be omitted. The number of balls entered into the guide unit 90 (the number of game balls required for generating the lower operating port 64 winning) is difficult to determine from the state of each sorting member 95, although it is not impossible. In other words, in the configuration in which the guide unit 90 is provided with a ceiling function for a certain type of operational entry, there is a possibility of selecting whether or not to play a game in consideration of the number of remaining game balls (so-called ceiling aim). is there. Thus, by darely eliminating the number-of-entry display portion 87 and making it difficult to count the remaining number, it is possible to suppress the game separation of the player aiming at the ceiling.

  Further, the case body 91 constituting the outline of the guide unit 90 is made of a transparent synthetic resin material so that the inside of the guide unit 90 can be visually recognized. However, by using a colored and opaque case body, the guide unit 90 is provided. It is good also as the inside of no visible.

  (5) In the first embodiment, the guide unit 90 is configured to guarantee a winning to the lower operating port 64 based on the flow of a predetermined number of game balls into the guide unit 90, and the game ball launching operation is performed. As long as it continues, a configuration has been realized in which the transition to the demo display is avoided, but the avoidance target is not limited to the demo display. For example, the guide unit 90 is replaced with a game machine of the type that switches to the power saving mode in which the power consumption is suppressed as compared with the normal mode when no prize is generated in the operating port for a predetermined period from the end of the game round. Applying the corresponding configuration, while continuing the game ball launch operation, at least the timing to enter the power saving mode before winning the timing to enter the power saving mode, to avoid the transition to the power saving mode A configuration is also possible.

  (6) In the first embodiment, the game ball that has won the upper operating port 63 is guided to the back side of the game board 60 through the guide passage provided in the game board 60 and discharged from the game area PE. However, this can be changed as follows. That is, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the game ball that has passed through the upper operation port 63 flows down the game area PE as it is and is guided to the guide unit 90.

  (7) In the second to third embodiments described above, in order to hit the game ball to the right between the intervals, a quick switching operation is required, and the player feels troublesome. In some cases, this function may not be used.

  Here, the game ball launch handle 41 shown in the second and third embodiments is devised, and the hitting point can be changed without changing the operation amount of the game ball launch handle 41. By adopting, it becomes possible to avoid the above-mentioned inconveniences.

  Specifically, a special operation switch is added to the game ball launch handle 41, and when the special operation switch is operated, the game is played to the right route without changing the operation amount of the game ball launch handle 41. It is preferable that the game ball is fired with a strength that the ball can reach (for example, the same strength as when the operation amount is maximum).

  (8) In the second embodiment and the third embodiment, right-handed notification is restricted on the condition that at least one game ball has won the second operating port 64 during the opening / closing execution mode. Although it was configured, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which notification is continued without performing such regulation. In many cases, if there is at least one hold information related to the second operation port, the game operation to the second operation port 64 is performed while the game times related to the hold information are being executed after the opening / closing execution mode is completed. It is assumed that there will be an incoming ball. However, since the possibility that such a winning does not occur is not zero, it is assumed that there is a player who wants to acquire as much hold information as to the second operation port during the opening / closing execution mode. Therefore, if the right-handed notification is continued even after the winning at the second operating port is generated, such a player can do so.

  (9) In the second embodiment described above, the notification that prompts the launch of the game ball is made using the interval in the opening / closing execution mode. For example, the same notification is given during the opening or ending. It is also possible to adopt a configuration to perform.

  (10) In the second embodiment, a configuration in which a winning to the second operating port 64 can occur even when a right-handed game is performed in the normal gaming state (the low probability mode and the low frequency support mode). In addition, the left-handed is better than the right-handed when the left-handed is configured to generate more winnings to the operating ports than the right-handed. Although a substantially advantageous configuration has been realized, it is not limited thereto. For example, in the normal gaming state, the entrance to the guide unit 90Y or the second operating port 64Y may be disabled by shielding means such as a shutter, and the right-handed merit in the normal gaming state may be eliminated.

  (11) In the second embodiment, the right-hand notification is provided on the condition that at least the number of reservations applied to the second operation port 64Y is 0, but the number of reservations applied to the second operation port 64Y. The situation of = 0 rarely occurs during the retreat, and many of them are assumed to occur at the first hit. If such a situation is taken into consideration, it is possible to change to a configuration in which a right-handed notification is made on the condition of the first hit.

  (12) In the third embodiment, when the first type jackpot is won, the time between the intervals is impossible, and when the second type jackpot is won, the time between the intervals is sufficient. Although configured, it is not limited to this. In any jackpot, it is also possible to use a configuration in which right-handed use between intervals is not possible, and a configuration in which the condition is cleared by firing a game ball during a round game is possible.

  (13) In the second embodiment and the third embodiment, the opening and ending periods are changed depending on the type of jackpot, and right-handed is made in the whole period by adding each period to the interval between rounds. It is good also as a structure which alert | reports so that it may perform. In this case, by diversifying the opening and ending periods, it is possible to set a difference in the ease of occurrence of winning in the second working port. As a result, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the degree of attention to the game during the opening and ending periods. In order to exert the effect remarkably, it is preferable that the ratio of opening and ending in the entire period in which the right-hand hit during the opening / closing execution mode is not detrimental to the player is larger than the interval.

  In addition, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the notification is performed only at the opening or ending, instead of the notification between the intervals.

  (14) In the fourth embodiment, the number of passages through the guide unit 90Z at the time of the extended resort is stored (the configuration that maintains the state corresponding to the number). It is also possible to memorize it.

  (15) In the fourth embodiment, the configuration in which the number of pools is limited to one is described. However, when the technical idea shown in the third embodiment is incorporated, the maximum number of pooled games is A plurality of different storage passages may be provided, and one storage passage portion may be selected from the plurality of storage passage portions in accordance with distribution conditions such as the type of jackpot.

  In addition, a configuration corresponding to the movable stopper 600Z may be arranged in the upstream / downstream in one storage passage portion, and the maximum storage number may be varied depending on which one is closed. is there.

  (16) In the fourth embodiment, the discharge condition of the game ball stored in the guide unit 90Z (the opening condition of the movable stopper 600Z) is the winning occurrence to the lower operating port 64, but this is not limitative. Is not to be done. The discharge condition may be arbitrarily changed as long as it is determined that at least one winning will occur. For example, when the ball detection sensor is arranged on the downstream side of the branch position in the guide passage 92Z, and the inflow of the game ball to the downstream side of the branch position is confirmed by the ball detection sensor, the discharge condition is satisfied. A configuration is also possible.

  (17) In the fourth embodiment, the movable stopper is closed when it is confirmed that the same number of game balls as the number of game balls flowing into the storage passage are confirmed by the sensor provided at the discharge port. Although it is configured to return to the state, it is not limited to this. For example, a part of the game balls may be configured to change the operation timing of the movable stopper so as to remain in the storage passage portion without being discharged and to change the timing to reach the maximum storage number. However, when such a change is made, there is a concern that the operation of the movable stopper is hindered, for example, the game ball is sandwiched between the movable stopper and the wall surface of the storage passage. Therefore, as such a countermeasure, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the operation direction of the movable stopper is reversed and rotated from the upstream side to the downstream side to switch from the open state to the closed state.

  It is also possible to change the drive mode and employ a slide-type stopper that slides in a direction perpendicular to the passage direction of the storage passage portion. Furthermore, it is also possible to employ a movable piece that does not completely block the storage passage portion but protrudes to such an extent that it can prevent the game ball from flowing down.

  (18) Other types of pachinko machines different from the above-described embodiment, such as pachinko machines in which an electric accessory is released a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific area of a special device, or a game ball in a specific area of a 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.

<Invention Group Extracted from Each Embodiment>
Hereinafter, the characteristics of the invention group extracted from each of the above-described embodiments will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for ease of 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 A group>
The following feature group A is “a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, a gaming machine main body in which a gaming board having a gaming area formed is mounted on a frame body, and a front door attached to the front side of the gaming machine main body. A game ball launching handle is provided on the front door frame, and when the game ball launching handle is operated, the game ball is launched toward the game region. Various configurations, such as various starting parts such as starting pitching parts, and nails that disperse the flow path of the gaming balls so that the gaming balls that reach the gaming area win with a reasonable probability When a ball enters the starting pitching portion, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to shift to a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state. The result is notified by a notification means such as a display device (for example, Patent Document 1: JP-A-200200). Here, regarding various configurations such as the above-described nails for the flow path of the game ball, the probability of entering the starting ball is long-term (for example, every hour or every day). However, in this type of game machine, a large number of game balls are concentrated in a short period of time and enter the starting entrance part or suddenly enter. In other words, the probability of entering the ball is less likely to converge when viewed in a shorter period of time (seconds or minutes). However, it is difficult to think that the player feels uncomfortable under the current situation, but if the game does not occur even though the game ball continues to be fired, the longer the period There is concern that players will be more likely to feel discomfort. As explained in the above, although the probability of entering the ball converges when viewed in the long term, the excessive bias in entering the ball reduces the player's interest in the gaming machine. It is not preferable because it may cause a problem to occur ”.

Feature A1. A game board (game board 60) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A game ball launching unit (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball toward the game area based on an operation of a launch operation unit (game ball launching handle 41) by a player;
A starting entrance (acting port 63, 64) provided in the gaming area, into which a game ball flowing down the gaming area flows;
A lottery determination unit (MPU 302 of the main control device 300) for performing a lottery determination based on the entrance to the starting entrance part,
As the starting ball entering part, it has a first starting ball entering part (upper working port 63) and a second starting ball entering part (lower working port 64),
Entry into the second starting entry portion based on the number of game balls that have reached a predetermined position (for example, the central opening 82 or the exit portion 84) in the game area among the game balls launched by the game ball launching means. A game machine characterized by comprising ball entry means (partition portion 81 and guide unit 90) for generating a ball.

  According to the feature A1, the entry into the second start entry portion is generated based on the number of game balls that have reached a predetermined position. That is, as long as a predetermined number of game balls reach a predetermined position, a ball enters the second starting ball entering portion. As a result, if the game ball launching operation is continued, it is possible to appropriately enter the second starting entrance portion, and the starting entrance portion can be placed over a long period of time. It is possible to make it difficult for a situation that does not occur.

  Entering the starting entrance part is related to the player's profit, and an excessively long period during which no entry occurs causes discomfort to the player. In particular, in a conventionally known gaming machine, there are various configurations such as a nail (nail 69) that disperses the flow path of the game ball so that the game ball that has reached the game area wins the starting ball entry portion with an appropriate probability. It is arranged. The various structures such as the nails are arranged in consideration so that the probability of entering the starting entrance portion converges to a specific range as viewed in the long term (for example, every hour or every day). However, in this type of gaming machine, there is a tendency that a large amount of gaming balls are concentrated in a short period of time and enter the starting entrance part or suddenly stop entering. That is, when viewed in a shorter period (seconds or minutes), the probability of entering the ball is less likely to converge. Although it is unlikely that the player will feel uncomfortable under circumstances where the entrance to the starting entrance is moderately occurring, no entry occurs even though the game ball continues to be fired If the duration continues, there is a concern that the longer the period, the more likely the player will feel uncomfortable. In this respect, according to this feature, since the entrance to the starting entrance portion is generated based on the number of game balls that have reached the predetermined position, it is possible to suppress the variation in the entrance probability as described above. . Thereby, the opportunity which gives a player discomfort can be reduced.

Feature A2. The ball entry means has a guide mechanism (guide unit 90) capable of guiding the game ball to the second start ball entry portion,
The game ball that has reached the predetermined position is configured to flow into the guide mechanism,
The guide mechanism moves the game ball to the second start ball entrance based on the fact that the number of game balls that have flowed into the guide mechanism among the game balls launched by the game ball launching means has reached a predetermined number. It is comprised so that it may guide, The gaming machine as described in the characteristic A1 characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to the feature A2, when the number of game balls that have reached the guide mechanism reaches a predetermined number, the game balls are guided to the second starting ball entering portion.

  Feature A3. The guide mechanism includes a guide state in which a guide path for guiding the game ball to the second starting ball entering part is secured, and a non-guide for which a guide path for guiding the game ball to the second starting ball entering part is not secured. When the number of game balls that have flowed into the guide mechanism reaches the predetermined number, the game ball is switched through the guide route by switching from the non-guide state to the guide state. The gaming machine according to Feature A2, wherein the gaming machine is configured to be guided to the second starting ball entering portion.

  According to the feature A3, when the number of game balls that have flowed into the guide mechanism becomes a predetermined number, a guide route to the second start entrance part is secured, and the game balls enter the second start entrance part. Occurs.

  The feature A2 and the feature A3 are shown in the feature A1 while maintaining the original enjoyment of the gaming machine to follow the movement of the gaming ball with the eyes by making the configuration in the guide mechanism visible from the front of the gaming machine. It is possible to exert the effect.

Feature A4. The first starting ball entering portion is disposed upstream of the second starting ball entering portion and the guide mechanism in the game area,
The entrance means is
A collecting passage (partition 81 and warp) that is arranged between the first starting entrance portion and the guide mechanism and collects game balls that have not entered the first start entrance portion and guides them to the guide mechanism. The gaming machine according to Feature A2 or Feature A3, characterized by having a passage 83).

  According to the feature A4, the following effects can be expected by collecting the game balls that have passed through the first starting ball entering portion and guiding them to the guide mechanism. In other words, it is difficult to assume that the player feels uncomfortable under the situation where the first starting entrance part frequently enters. On the other hand, when the entrance to the first start entrance portion no longer occurs, the game ball that has passed through the first start entrance portion is guided to the guide mechanism by the collection passage. As a result, the effects shown in the feature A1 and the like can be suitably exhibited.

  In the configuration in which the game ball that has entered the first starting entrance part is guided to the back side of the game board and discharged from the game area, the number of game balls that have been fired and the number of game balls that are guided to the guide mechanism There will be a difference in the number. However, in view of the fact that the player is given a chance to win or fail by entering the first starting entrance part, such a difference reduces the function of preventing the winning probability by the guide mechanism from being excessively reduced. It is unlikely to be a factor that causes Therefore, the technical significance of the guide mechanism main body is not impaired by adopting a configuration in which the zero ball of the first starting ball entering portion is collected and guided to the guide mechanism.

Feature A5. The guide mechanism is
An inlet (exit portion 84) through which game balls flowing down the gaming area flow into the guide mechanism;
A game ball that is provided in a ball passage region (game ball passage region R) in which a game ball can pass from the inflow port to the second start ball entering portion is passed through the ball passage region. Distributing means (distribution means) that distributes either the first passage (guide passage 92) that can enter the entrance portion and the second passage (discharge passage 93) that cannot enter the second start entrance portion. A dividing member 95 and a branch passage wall 94),
The allocating means changes a distribution destination of the game balls based on the arrival of the game balls that have passed through the ball passage area, and the predetermined number of game balls passes through the ball passage area. The gaming machine according to any one of features A2 to A4, wherein the gaming machine shifts to a guidance state in which a game ball is entered into the second starting entry portion.

  According to the feature A5, the ball passing region of the guide mechanism is provided with a distribution unit that distributes the game ball that has flowed into the guide mechanism to either the first passage or the second passage. For this reason, just because the game balls flow into the guide mechanism, not all the game balls are guided to the second starting entrance part, but the game balls are distributed to the first passage side by the distributing means. Only in such a case, the entry into the second starting entry portion occurs.

  In particular, the allocating means changes the distribution destination of the game balls based on the arrival of the game balls, and the game balls enter the second starting entrance ball portion as the predetermined number of game balls pass through the ball passage portion. It will shift to the state to win. In other words, in order to enter the game ball into the second start entrance part and obtain a privilege, it is an indispensable requirement to pass a predetermined number of game balls in the ball passage part. In this case, it is considered that a player who plays this gaming machine actively continues the game, expecting that a privilege can be obtained by passing a predetermined number of game balls. Therefore, according to the said structure, it becomes possible to encourage a player's continuous game. In addition, it is possible to improve the interest in the game and to increase the game motivation of the player.

Feature A6. The allocating means distributes n (n ≧ 2) allocating members (n ≧ 2) that distribute the game balls flowing down from the upstream side in the ball passage area alternately between the first passage side and the second passage side, respectively. A sorting member 95),
The n distribution members are arranged so that the game balls reach the rear distribution member when the game balls are distributed to the first passage by the front distribution member. ,
When the number of game balls passing through the ball passage area reaches the predetermined number, all of the n distribution members are assigned to the first passage side for the n distribution members, and the game balls are moved to the second starting entrance portion. The gaming machine according to Feature A5, wherein the game machine shifts to a state of entering a ball.

  According to the feature A6, n distribution members are provided from the upstream side to the downstream side in the ball passage region, and when the distribution destination of the previous distribution member is the first passage side, the subsequent distribution member A game ball can be reached. As the game balls pass through the ball passing portion, the distribution destinations of the respective distribution members change, and when the distribution destinations of all the distribution members are on the first passage side, the game balls enter the second starting ball entering portion. To do.

  In this case, the sorting member at each stage changes the sorting destination alternately to the first path side / second path side whenever a game ball arrives. For this reason, in order to change the number of game balls required to make all of the distribution destinations of the distribution members all the way to the first passage side (that is, the number of balls required for winning the special winning portion), the number of the distribution members installed is changed. (That is, “n”) may be changed, and the design change related to winning in the special winning portion can be easily performed. For example, in a gaming machine, in order to make it difficult to obtain a privilege (to reduce the chance to enter the second starting ball-in part), the number of distribution members installed (number of installation steps) is increased to make it easier to obtain the privilege ( In order to increase the chance to enter the second starting entrance part), it is preferable to reduce the number of installed distribution members (number of installation stages).

  When each of the distribution members is switched alternately between the two states, the game ball that has flowed into the guide mechanism enters the second starting ball-introducing section once for every 2 n inflows. Become. In other words, the n-th power of 2 is the upper limit number (ceiling), and when the upper limit number is reached, the game ball flows into the second starting entrance part.

  Feature A7. Each of the distribution members is a movable body that is pivotally supported in the ball passage area, and rotates when the game ball hits when the game ball passes to switch the distribution destination of the game ball. The gaming machine according to Feature A6, wherein there is a gaming machine.

  According to the feature A7, when the game ball hits each sorting member, the sorting destination is switched by the mechanical turning operation of each sorting member. In this case, since the distribution destination by the distribution member is not determined by electrical processing, there is no need for calculation processing for switching the distribution destination, and no power consumption occurs at the time of distribution. In addition, since it is not affected by the electrical signal, there is no inconvenience that the distribution destination is operated by an unauthorized electrical signal.

Feature A8. Display means (variable display unit 66) for displaying a lottery result by the lottery means according to a picture combination that is variably displayed based on the entrance to the starting entrance part and then stopped and displayed;
The display means is configured to switch the display mode by the display means from the first display to the second display when a predetermined period of time elapses after the variable display of the picture by the display means is stopped. Display control means (display control device 245) for controlling,
In the situation in which the game ball is being emitted from the game ball launching means, the ball entry means generates a ball into the second start ball entering section before the predetermined period elapses. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A7, which is configured as described above.

  In the configuration in which the display mode by the display unit is switched from the first display to the second display when a predetermined period has passed without entering the starting pitching part, the display content is changed by changing the display mode. It becomes possible to avoid becoming uniform. With such a configuration, the second display can be used as a means of appealing the specifications of the gaming machine to the player who is selecting a machine, so that an effect of improving the operating rate can be expected. However, on the other hand, if switching to the second display occurs while playing a game, it will clearly indicate to the player that there is no entry to the starting entry part, and to the player It becomes a factor giving discomfort.

  Therefore, by applying the technical idea shown in the feature A1 and the like, and in the situation where the game ball is being fired from the game ball launching means, the second start ball entering part before the predetermined period elapses If it is configured so that a ball is generated, the display mode is switched to the second display during the game by avoiding the second starting ball entering portion and the occurrence of the inconvenience can be avoided.

  Feature A9. The gaming machine according to Feature A8, wherein the second display is a demo display or a power-saving display that consumes less power than the first display.

  As shown in the feature A9, when the second display is a demonstration display or an energy saving display, the display purpose is to appeal to a player or the like who selects a stand and to reduce power consumption. Here, for a player who has already played a game with the gaming machine, the specifications of the gaming machine can be grasped through the game, and the display has little meaning. In addition, the power saving display may be a factor that reduces the degree of attention to the gaming machine. By applying the technical idea shown in the feature A1 or the like to the gaming machine having the above-described configuration of the second display, it is avoided that the display is switched to the second display during the game, and the game player is confused Opportunities can be reduced.

  Feature A10. The game ball launching unit is configured to launch a game ball at a predetermined cycle based on the operation of the launch operation unit, and the ball entering unit is a game that is launched during the predetermined period. The gaming machine according to any one of features A2 to A9, wherein the number of balls is set to be greater than the predetermined number.

  According to the feature A10, on the condition that the launch operation (game) is continued, the entrance to the second start entrance portion occurs before the elapse of the predetermined period. In other words, the continuation of the game ball launching operation is a condition for avoiding the entrance to the second starting entrance part and the switching to the second display shown in the feature A8, etc. Can be suppressed, and can contribute to an improvement in the operating rate of the gaming machine.

<Feature B group>
The following group of features B is: “A gaming machine such as a pachinko machine has a gaming machine body in which a gaming area is formed on a frame body, and a front door attached to the front side of the gaming machine body. A game ball launching handle is provided on the front door frame, and when the game ball launching handle is operated, the game ball is launched toward the game region. Various configurations, such as various starting parts such as starting pitching parts, and nails that disperse the flow path of the gaming balls so that the gaming balls that reach the gaming area win with a reasonable probability When a ball enters the starting pitching portion, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to shift to a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state. The result is notified on the display screen of the display device (for example, Patent Document 1: JP-A-200200). See JP -190,511).

  In recent years, there has been proposed a gaming machine that changes the display mode on the display screen when, for example, no entry to the start entry portion has occurred over a certain period of time. By changing the display mode and displaying, for example, a demo, etc., it is possible to appeal the concept and specifications of the non-operating gaming machine to the player who is selecting the stand, and pay attention to the gaming machine. It is possible to draw. However, as described above, there is some variation in the frequency of entering the starting entrance part, so that a large number of entrances occur in a short period of time or there is no entry over a long period of time. May continue. Switching the display mode in spite of playing a game is not preferable because it causes a player to feel uncomfortable. As described above, there is still room for improvement in switching the display mode on the display screen. It was made in view of the background / problems and the like.

Feature B1. A game board (game board 60) having a game area (game area PE) formed on the front surface;
A game ball launching unit (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball toward the game area based on an operation of a launch operation unit (game ball launching handle 41) by a player;
A starting entrance (acting port 63, 64) provided in the gaming area, into which a game ball flowing down the gaming area flows;
A success / failure lottery unit (MPU 302 of the main control device 300) for performing a success / failure lottery based on the entrance to the starting entrance part,
Display means (symbol display device 74) having a display screen (display screen 74a) for displaying the lottery result by the winning / failing lottery means,
The display means is for notifying a lottery result by the lottery means by a pattern combination that is displayed after being variably displayed.
The display means is controlled so that the display mode by the display means is switched from the first display to the second display when a predetermined period of time elapses after the variable display of the picture by the display means is stopped. Display control means (display control device 245),
In a situation where game balls are being fired from the game ball launching means, before the predetermined period elapses, the game balls launched by the game ball launching means are placed at predetermined positions in the game area. A gaming machine comprising switching avoidance means (a partition portion 81 and a guide unit 90) for avoiding switching to the second display when the number of reached game balls reaches a predetermined number.

  According to the feature B1, when the variable display of the pattern is stopped and the stopped state is maintained, the game ball is launched at a predetermined position in the game area among the game balls launched by the game ball launching unit before the predetermined period elapses. Switching to the second display is avoided when the number of reached game balls reaches a predetermined number. Thereby, it is possible to suppress switching to the second display regardless of whether a game is being performed (a game ball is being fired). Thereby, it can be made difficult to give discomfort to the player who is playing.

Feature B2. The game ball launching means is configured to launch game balls at a predetermined cycle based on the operation of the launch operation means, and the number of game balls to be fired during the predetermined period is the predetermined number. Set to be a number or more than the predetermined number,
The game according to Feature B1, further comprising a collection passage (partition 81 and warp passage 83) that collects the game balls that have not entered the start entry portion and guides them to the predetermined position. Machine.

  Switching to the second display is executed by continuing the state in which no entry into the starting entry portion occurs. Therefore, a configuration is adopted in which game balls are fired at a predetermined cycle based on the operation means being operated, and the number of game balls fired during a predetermined period is equal to or greater than the predetermined number. If the configuration is such that the game balls that have not entered the start ball entering part are collected and guided to the predetermined position after being set so as to increase, the start operation is continued while the game ball is being fired. Switching to the second display is avoided based on the switching avoiding means as well as entering the entering portion, and the effect shown in the feature B1 can be preferably exhibited.

  Feature B3. The switching avoidance means permits the switching to the second display when the launch of the game ball is stopped under the situation where the switching to the second display is avoided by the switching avoidance means. The gaming machine according to feature B1 or feature B2.

  When the second display is avoided by the switching avoiding means in the configuration in which the second display is performed based on the period after the change display of the picture is stopped, the player switches to the second display by stopping the game. The factor that hinders the disappearance is eliminated, and the switching to the second display is quickly performed.

  Feature B4. The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B3, wherein the second display is a demo display or a power-saving display that consumes less power than the first display.

  As shown in the feature B4, when the second display is a demonstration display or an energy saving display, the display purpose is to appeal to a player or the like who selects a stand and to reduce power consumption. Here, for a player who has already played a game with the gaming machine, the specifications of the gaming machine can be grasped through the game, and the display has little meaning. In addition, the power saving display may be a factor that reduces the degree of attention to the gaming machine. By applying the technical idea shown in the feature B1 or the like to the gaming machine having the above-described configuration of the second display, it is possible to avoid switching to the second display during the game and to make the player in the game uncomfortable. It can be difficult to give.

  Feature B5. The switching avoiding means has a guide mechanism (guide unit 90) for guiding the game ball to the start ball entering section when the number of game balls reaching the predetermined position reaches a predetermined number, and the start ball The game machine according to any one of the features B1 to B4, wherein the ball is prevented from being switched to the second display by generating a ball entering the portion.

  As shown in the feature B1 and the like, if switching to the second display is avoided by the switching avoiding means, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to feel uncomfortable. However, even if the change to the second display is avoided and the apparent change is suppressed, the discomfort with respect to the fact that no entry to the starting entry part related to profit has occurred has been eliminated. Absent.

  Therefore, if a configuration is adopted in which a starting ball entering is generated when a predetermined number of game balls reach a predetermined position, switching to the second display is avoided by entering the starting ball entering portion. It will be. Thereby, each effect of a lottery determination and avoidance of the second display can be expected, and the occurrence of the inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

  Further, if no entry into the starting entry part occurs, the display of the variation of the pattern on the display screen remains stopped. In this case, even if switching to the second display is avoided and the first display is continued, inconveniences such as a game becoming bored may occur. In this regard, the player's willingness to play is compared with a configuration in which the first display is simply continued by simultaneously avoiding the switching to the second display and simultaneously displaying the change of the picture by entering the starting entrance part. Can be suitably suppressed.

<Feature C group>
The following feature group C is: “A gaming machine such as a pachinko machine has a gaming machine main body in which a gaming area is formed on a frame, and a front door attached to the front side of the gaming machine main body. A game ball launching handle is provided on the front door frame, and when the game ball launching handle is operated, the game ball is launched toward the game region. Various configurations, such as various starting parts such as starting pitching parts, and nails that disperse the flow path of the gaming balls so that the gaming balls that reach the gaming area win with a reasonable probability When a ball enters the starting pitching part, a lottery of whether or not to shift to a special game state (win) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state and Sorting lottery is performed, and the lottery result is notified by a notification means such as a display device. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-190511.) This type of gaming machine is provided with a first starting ball entering portion and a second starting ball entering portion as a starting ball entering portion. There is a difference set so that the distribution lottery based on the entrance to the club is more advantageous to the player than the allocation lottery based on the entrance to the first starting entrance (so-called eccentric spec type) In such a gaming machine, an electric accessory or the like is attached to the second starting pitching portion, and the entrance to the second starting pitching portion is regulated by the electric accessory. The ball restriction is relaxed by the establishment of various conditions such as after the end of the special gaming state, etc. And, the lottery based on the entrance to the second starting entrance part has priority over the lottery based on the first starting entrance part. However, the monotony of the game etc. is suppressed. In general, it is difficult to enter the second starting entrance part, so for example, at the time of the first hit, a lottery based on entering the second starting entrance part is performed after the end of the special game state. There is a high possibility that a lottery based on the entrance to the first starting entrance part will be executed.If the lottery to shift to the special gaming state is won in such a lottery, it is advantageous for each starting entrance part. It is feared that the effect of suppressing the monotony of the game by setting a difference of disadvantage will not be exhibited well. "

Feature C1. A game board (game board 60) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A game ball launching unit (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball toward the game area based on an operation of a launch operation unit (game ball launching handle 41) by a player;
A first start entrance portion (first operation port 63X) and a second start entrance portion (second operation port 64X) that are provided in the game area and into which game balls flowing down the game area can enter;
A first information acquisition unit (MPU 302 of the main control device 300) for acquiring special information based on the game ball entering the first starting entrance part;
A second information acquisition means (MPU 302 of the main control device 300) for acquiring special information based on the game ball entering the second starting entrance part;
The first acquisition information storage means (of the main control device 300) stores the special information acquired by the first information acquisition means when the game ball enters the first starting entrance part with the first specified number as an upper limit. RAM 304),
Second acquisition information storage means (of the main control device 300) that stores the special information acquired by the second information acquisition means when the game ball enters the second starting entrance part with the second prescribed number as an upper limit. RAM 304),
The special information stored in the first acquisition information storage means and the second acquisition information storage means determines whether or not the special information corresponds to predetermined transfer information, and stores the acquisition information in the acquisition information storage means. Transition determination means (MPU 302 of the main controller 300) for sequentially performing the transition determination on the plurality of special information when a plurality of special information is stored;
When special information is stored in the second acquired information storage means, the special information acquired at an earlier timing than the stored special information is stored in the first acquired information storage means. And priority means (MPU 302 of the main control device 300) for making the transition determination to the special information stored in the second acquisition information storage means,
The gaming state is shifted to a predetermined special gaming state based on the result of the transition determination by the transition determination means that the transition target result indicates that the special information to be determined corresponds to the transition information. Special gaming state transition means (MPU 302 of main controller 300)
Based on the result of the transition determination by the transition determination unit that is the transition correspondence result that the special information to be determined corresponds to the transition information, the sorting unit (mainly) MPU 302) of control device 300;
In the second starting entrance part, a entrance state restricting means capable of switching between a first state in which game balls flowing down the game area can flow and a second state in which inflow of game balls is more difficult than the first state. (Electric accessory 70),
Variable control means (MPU 302 of the main control device 300) for switching the entry restriction means to the second state when a preset switching condition is satisfied,
In the variable control means, a first switching mode and a second switching mode in which the switching mode to the first state is more advantageous to the player than the first switching mode are set as the switching control mode of the entrance restriction means. Has been
Comprising a switching mode transition means (MPU 302 of the main control device 300) for transitioning from the first switching mode to the second switching mode after the special gaming state ends,
The distribution based on the special information stored in the second acquisition information storage means is more advantageous to the player than the distribution based on the special information stored in the first acquisition information storage means. Is set,
A guidance mechanism (guide unit 90X) is provided that guides the launched game ball to the second starting entrance by performing a launch operation aiming at a specific location (right route) during the special game state. A gaming machine characterized by

  According to the feature C1, after the special game state is finished, the entry restriction unit is easily switched to the first state, and entry into the second start entry portion is promoted. Since the special information acquired based on the entry to the second starting entrance part is digested with priority over the special information obtained based on the entry to the first starting entrance part, at least During the period when the variable control means is in the second switching mode, the game can be advanced in a state where the distribution lottery is advantageous.

  However, before entering the special gaming state (specifically, when the variable control means is in the first switching mode), it is hardly expected to enter the second starting entrance part. If the special information related to the second starting ball entering part is not stored after the special gaming state is finished, the game is advanced based on the special information relating to the first starting ball entering part. Actually, even if the special game state is ended and the mode is switched to the second switching mode, the second start ball entering portion does not immediately enter the ball, and a certain period of time is required for the occurrence of the ball. In this case, there is a possibility that the player cannot enjoy the effect obtained by making the entry into the second start entry part more advantageous than the entry into the first start entry part.

  In this regard, as shown in this feature, if the launched game ball is guided to the second starting entrance part by performing a launch operation aiming at a specific place during the special game state, the special game The possibility of acquiring special information relating to the second starting entrance part during the state is increased, and the occurrence of the inconvenience can be suppressed.

  As a result, it is possible to suppress the deviated spec type gaming machine as shown in this feature from being deceived by the player, and to suppress the original monotony of the gaming machine (to diversify the game) Effect) can be made to work well.

Feature C2. A variable pitching portion (variable winning device 62) that is opened and closed when the special gaming state is reached;
The variable pitching portion and the guide mechanism are configured so that the game ball can reach the guide mechanism and cannot reach the variable pitch portion when the game ball is launched to the specific location. The feature C1 is characterized in that when a game ball is launched aiming at the entrance portion, the game ball is arranged so as to be able to reach the variable entrance portion but not reach the specific location. The gaming machine described.

  In the configuration in which the variable pitching part is opened and closed during the special game state as shown in the feature C2, when the variable pitching part is opened, the game ball is launched and variable by aiming at the variable pitching part. When the ball entry part is closed, it is possible to advance the game advantageously by launching the game ball aiming at a specific place. By prompting such game balls to be struck during the special game state, monotonization of the game during the special game state can be suitably suppressed.

  In addition, in the configuration having an openable variable pitching portion as shown in this feature, an act of stopping the launching operation of the game ball in accordance with a period during which the variable pitching portion is closed (hereinafter referred to as an interval period) ( There is a possibility that so-called irregular strikes are performed. Here, in this feature, by giving the significance of launching the game ball during the interval period, it is possible to reduce the chance that the irregular hit as described above is performed.

Feature C3. The variable pitching part is configured to be repeatedly opened and closed multiple times during the special gaming state,
The game according to Feature C2, wherein the guide mechanism is configured to guide the game ball to the second starting ball-in part when a predetermined number of game balls flow into the guide mechanism. Machine.

  When the game ball is guided to the second starting entrance part by reaching a predetermined number of game balls that have flowed into the guide mechanism, the opening and closing of the variable entrance part is repeated multiple times. It is possible to increase the chances of performing game balls using the interval period. Thereby, the effect shown to the characteristic C2 can be exhibited suitably. In addition, since the number of game balls that have flowed in is used to manage the entry to the second start entry portion, the player can place as many game balls as possible into a specific location while ensuring entry to the variable entry portion. It is assumed that it will try to fire. This creates tension in the game during the special game state, which can contribute to an increase in the degree of attention to the game.

  Feature C4. For the variable pitching portion, a period during which the special game state is in a closed state is a period in which the number of game balls launched to the specific location at least during the same period is greater than the predetermined number The gaming machine according to Feature C3, wherein the gaming machine is set as

  According to the feature C4, at least one game ball enters the second start ball entering part by aiming at a specific place by making maximum use of the closed period. As a result, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of an event such as no ball entering the second starting ball entry portion even though the game ball is continuously launched aiming at a specific location, and the characteristic configuration shown in the feature C1 is the same. It can be suppressed that it is no longer used.

  Feature C5. In accordance with the result of the distribution by the distribution means, there is provided a determining means for determining the number of game balls necessary for causing the guide mechanism to enter the second starting ball entering portion. The gaming machine according to any one of features C2 to C4.

  By changing the acquisition condition of the special information related to the second starting entrance club, it is possible to contribute to further diversification of games.

  It is assumed that most players stop the game balls from being placed at the time when one entry into the second starting entry portion is generated in order to suppress investment as much as possible. Certainly, if one piece of special information related to the second starting entrance part is acquired, the above-mentioned risk can be greatly reduced. However, depending on the business form of the game hall, there is a possibility that entering the second starting entrance part is difficult to occur even in the second switching mode. In other words, there may be a player who thinks that it is preferable that a plurality of balls enter the second starting ball entering part. If there are a case where the number (predetermined number) of game balls required is small and a case where there is a large number, it is assumed that the player will perform game ball separation in anticipation of a small case, and the feature C1 is more positive The use of the characteristic configuration shown in FIG.

Feature C6. Comprising display means (symbol display device 74) having a display screen (display screen 74a) for displaying a lottery result by the shift judging means;
The display means is for notifying a lottery result by the transition determination means by a pattern combination that is displayed after being variably displayed.
When the number of special information stored in the second acquisition information storage means is small, the period required for the variable display is set longer than when the number of special information stored is large. The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C5, wherein:

  According to the feature C6, if at least one game ball enters the second starting entrance part during the special game state, the entrance restriction means becomes the first state after the special game state ends, and the game ball is 2 Time to flow into the starting entrance part can be earned. This eliminates the need to force a plurality of game balls to flow into the second starting entrance part during the special game state. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the opening / closing mode of the variable pitching portion in the special gaming state and the predetermined number of setting degrees of freedom in the guide mechanism in securing the profit of the player.

Feature C7. The guide mechanism is configured to guide the game ball to the second starting entrance portion when a predetermined number of game balls flow into the guide mechanism,
An inflow port (exit portion 84X) through which game balls flowing down the game area flow into the guide mechanism;
A game ball that is provided in a ball passage region (game ball passage region R) in which a game ball can pass from the inflow port to the second start ball entering portion is passed through the ball passage region. Distributing means (distribution means) that distributes either the first passage (guide passage 92) that can enter the entrance portion and the second passage (discharge passage 93) that cannot enter the second start entrance portion. Dividing member 95 and branch passage wall 94),
The allocating means changes a distribution destination of the game balls based on the arrival of the game balls that have passed through the ball passage area, and the predetermined number of game balls passes through the ball passage area. The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C6, wherein the gaming machine shifts to a guidance state in which a game ball is entered into the second starting entry portion.

  According to the feature C7, the ball passing region of the guide mechanism is provided with a distribution unit that distributes the game ball that has flowed into the guide mechanism to either the first passage or the second passage. With this configuration, not all the game balls are guided to the second starting entrance portion because the game balls flow into the guide mechanism, but the game balls are distributed to the first passage side by the distributing means. Only in such a case, the entry into the second starting entry portion occurs.

  In particular, the allocating means changes the distribution destination of the game balls based on the arrival of the game balls, and the game is made to the second start ball entering section as a predetermined number of game balls pass through the ball passage section. It is to shift to a state where a ball is won. That is, it is a condition that a predetermined number of game balls are allowed to pass through the ball passing portion in order to allow the game balls to enter the second starting entrance portion and obtain a privilege. In this case, it is considered that a player who plays this gaming machine positively launches a game ball aiming at a specific place, expecting that a privilege can be obtained by passing a predetermined number of game balls. Therefore, according to the said structure, it becomes possible to encourage a player's continuous game. In addition, it is possible to improve the interest in the game and to increase the game motivation of the player.

Feature C8. The allocating means distributes n (n ≧ 2) allocating members (n ≧ 2) that distribute the game balls flowing down from the upstream side in the ball passage area alternately between the first passage side and the second passage side, respectively. A sorting member 95),
The n distribution members are arranged so that the game balls reach the rear distribution member when the game balls are distributed to the first passage by the front distribution member. ,
When the number of game balls passing through the ball passage area reaches the predetermined number, all of the n distribution members are assigned to the first passage side for the n distribution members, and the game balls are moved to the second starting entrance portion. The gaming machine according to Feature C7, wherein the game machine shifts to a state of entering a ball.

  According to the feature C8, in the ball passage region, n distribution members are provided from the upstream side to the downstream side, and when the distribution destination of the previous distribution member is the first passage side, the subsequent distribution member A game ball can be reached. As the game balls pass through the ball passing portion, the distribution destinations of the respective distribution members change, and when the distribution destinations of all the distribution members are on the first passage side, the game balls enter the second starting ball entering portion. To do.

  In this case, each stage of the distribution member changes the distribution destination alternately between the first passage side and the second passage side every time the game ball arrives. For this reason, in order to change the number of game balls required for making all the distribution members all assigned to the first passage side (that is, the number of balls required for winning in the special winning portion), the number of installed distribution members ( That is, “n”) may be changed, and the design change related to winning in the special winning portion can be easily performed. For example, in a gaming machine, in order to make it difficult to obtain a privilege (to reduce the chance to enter the second starting ball-in part), the number of distribution members installed (number of installation steps) is increased to make it easier to obtain the privilege ( In order to increase the chance to enter the second starting entrance part), it is preferable to reduce the number of installed distribution members (number of installation stages).

  When each of the distribution members is switched alternately between the two states, the game ball that has flowed into the guide mechanism enters the second starting ball-introducing section once for every 2 n inflows. Become. In other words, the n-th power of 2 is the upper limit number (ceiling), and when the upper limit number is reached, the game ball flows into the second starting entrance part.

  In combination with the feature C5, the predetermined number can be changed depending on which sorting member in the ball passage area the game ball is guided to (for example, setting a plurality of guide ports upstream and downstream). .

  Feature C9. Each of the distribution members is a movable body that is pivotally supported in the ball passage area, and rotates when the game ball hits when the game ball passes to switch the distribution destination of the game ball. The gaming machine according to Feature C8, wherein there is a gaming machine.

  According to the feature C9, when the game ball hits each sorting member, the sorting destination is switched by the mechanical turning operation of each sorting member. In this case, since the distribution destination by the distribution member is not determined by electrical processing, there is no need for calculation processing for switching the distribution destination, and no power consumption occurs at the time of distribution. In addition, since it is not affected by the electrical signal, there is no inconvenience that the distribution destination is operated by an unauthorized electrical signal.

  Feature C10. The firing operation means includes a first adjusting means for adjusting a firing intensity of the game ball according to an operation amount of the firing operation means, and a specific location when the specific operation unit provided in the firing operation means is operated. The game machine according to any one of features C1 to C9, further comprising: a second adjustment unit that performs adjustment so that the game ball is fired with a strength that can reach the position.

  Considering the monotonous suppression of gaming in the special gaming state, in the configuration that prompts the game ball to be struck, ignore the privilege (game ball payout) that should have been acquired during the special game state, It is unlikely to be done. For this reason, when aiming to enter the second starting entrance part while securing the privilege, it is necessary to change the operation amount of the launch operation means with substantially considerable accuracy and frequency. This burden increases. In this case, there is a possibility that the function shown in the feature C1 may not be utilized successfully.

  In this regard, as shown in this feature, if the operation of the specific operation unit makes it possible to place the game ball at a specific location regardless of the operation amount, the burden on the player can be reduced and the use of the above functions can be reduced. Can be promoted.

<Feature D group>
Feature D1. A game board (game board 60) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A game ball launching unit (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball toward the game area based on an operation of a launch operation unit (game ball launching handle 41) by a player;
A starting entrance (acting port 63, 64) provided in the gaming area, into which a game ball flowing down the gaming area flows;
A success / failure lottery unit (MPU 302 of the main control device 300) for performing a success / failure lottery based on the entrance to the starting entrance part,
Display means (variable display unit 66) for displaying the lottery result by the winning / failing lottery means,
As the starting ball entering part, it has a first starting ball entering part (upper working port 63) and a second starting ball entering part (lower working port 64),
It has ball entry means (partition part 81 and guide unit 90) for generating a ball into the second starting ball entry part based on the number of game balls launched by the game ball launching means. To play.

  According to the feature D1, the entrance to the second start entrance portion is generated based on the number of game balls fired by the game ball launching means. That is, if a certain number of game balls are fired, a ball entering the second starting ball entering portion is generated. As described above, if the operation of launching the game ball is continued, a ball entering the second start ball entering portion is appropriately generated, so that the ball entering the start ball entering portion is extended over a long period of time. The situation where it does not occur can be made difficult to occur.

  Entering the starting entrance part is related to the player's profit, and an excessively long period during which no entry occurs causes discomfort to the player. In particular, in a conventionally known gaming machine, there are various configurations such as a nail (nail 69) that disperses the flow path of the game ball so that the game ball that has reached the game area wins the starting ball entry portion with an appropriate probability. It is arranged. The various structures such as the nails are arranged in consideration so that the probability of entering the starting entrance portion converges to a specific range as viewed in the long term (for example, every hour or every day). However, in this type of gaming machine, there is a tendency that a large amount of gaming balls are concentrated in a short period of time and enter the starting entrance part or suddenly stop entering. That is, when viewed in a shorter period (seconds or minutes), the probability of entering the ball is less likely to converge. Although it is unlikely that the player will feel uncomfortable under circumstances where the entrance to the starting entrance is moderately occurring, no entry occurs even though the game ball continues to be fired If the duration continues, there is a concern that the longer the period, the more likely the player will feel uncomfortable. In this respect, according to this feature, since the entrance to the starting entrance portion is generated based on the number of game balls that have reached the predetermined position, it is possible to suppress the variation in the entrance probability as described above. . Thereby, the opportunity which gives a player discomfort can be reduced.

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

  Pachinko gaming machine: operating means (game ball launching handle 41) operated by the player, game ball launching means (solenoid 111 of the game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball based on the operation of the operating means, A ball path (guide rail 100) for guiding the launched game ball to a predetermined game area (game area PE), and each game part (eg, nail 69) arranged in the game area, Among these, a gaming machine that gives a privilege to a player when a game ball passes through a predetermined passage (such as the operation port 63).

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine as a game machine, 11 ... Outer frame, 12 ... Inner frame, 14 ... Front door frame, 41 ... Game ball launch handle as game ball launch operation unit, 60, 60X ... Game board, 63 ... Up operation Mouth, 63X ... first working port, 64 ... lower working port, 64X ... second working port, 66 ... variable display unit as display means, 69 ... nail, 70 ... electrical accessory, 74 ... design constituting display means Display device 78... Main display unit 81. Partition part constituting the ball entry means 82 82 Central opening 83 Warp passage 84 Exit portion 87 Number of balls display 90 90X Ball entry means 91 ... Case body, 92 ... Guiding passage, 93 ... Discharge passage, 94 ... Branch passage wall, 95 ... Distributing member, 110 ... Game ball launching mechanism as game ball launching means, 244 ... Notification / production control device, 245. Location, 300 ... main control unit, 302 ... MPU, 303 ... main ROM, 304 ... RAM, D ... display unit, PE ... game area, R ... gaming ball passing area.

Claims (2)

A game board in which a game area is formed;
A game ball launching means for launching a game ball toward the game area based on the operation of the launch operation means by the player;
A first start entrance portion and a second start entrance portion into which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter,
A guide mechanism capable of guiding a game ball launched to a specific location to the second starting entrance part,
A first information acquisition means for acquiring special information based on a game ball entering the first starting entrance portion;
A second information acquisition means for acquiring special information based on the game ball entering the second starting pitching section;
First acquisition information storage means for storing the special information acquired by the first information acquisition means when the game ball enters the first starting entrance part, with a first prescribed number as an upper limit;
Second acquisition information storage means for storing the special information acquired by the second information acquisition means when a game ball enters the second starting entrance part, with a second prescribed number as an upper limit;
The special information stored in the first acquisition information storage means and the second acquisition information storage means determines whether or not the special information corresponds to predetermined transfer information, and stores the acquisition information in the acquisition information storage means. When a plurality of special information is stored, transition determination means for sequentially performing the transition determination for the plurality of special information,
The gaming state is shifted to a predetermined special gaming state based on the result of the transition determination by the transition determination means that the transition target result indicates that the special information to be determined corresponds to the transition information. Special gaming state transition means
A variable pitching portion that can be switched to an accepting state in which a game ball flowing down the gaming area can enter and a non-accepting state in which entering is impossible;
Switching means for switching the variable pitching portion from the non-accepting state to the accepting state when the special gaming state is achieved;
A payout means for paying out a game ball when a ball enters the variable ball portion;
A type determination unit that determines a hit type based on the result of the migration determination by the migration determination unit that is a migration response result that the special information to be determined corresponds to the migration information; ,
As the winning, there is provided a first winning and a second winning that is set so that more game balls are paid out in the special gaming state than the first winning,
When the winning type is determined based on the special information stored in the second acquisition information storage unit, the winning type is determined based on the special information stored in the first acquisition information storage unit. Is configured to be more likely to hit the second than the case where is determined,
The variable pitching portion and the guide mechanism are arranged such that when the game ball is launched to the specific location, the game ball can reach the guide mechanism and cannot reach the variable pitch portion, and A gaming machine, wherein when a game ball is fired to the variable pitching part, the game ball is arranged so as to be able to reach the variable pitching part and not reach the specific place.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko machine.

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