JP2017080106A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of improving a player's interest by a game ball flowing-down mode.SOLUTION: The game machine includes a passage structure for discharging game balls that are continuously shot in a game area of a game board at specified intervals and flow down the game area, toward a large winning component provided in a downstream side. The passage structure includes: a distribution mechanism that is disposed inside the passage structure and distributes game balls having entered the passage structure; and a plurality of passages that are formed inside the passage structure and cause the game balls distributed by the distribution mechanism to flow down. The plurality of passages are configured to differentiate the lengths thereof by prescribed lengths.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine provided with a flow path structure.

Conventionally, a pachinko machine as an example of a gaming machine is equipped with a game board having a game area in which game balls can flow down, and is executed when a win is obtained in the game area of the game board. A big winning device that is opened during the big hit game is provided.
For example, Patent Document 1 includes a storage box that temporarily stores game balls won in a big winning device during a big hit game, and the game balls stored in the storage box flow down all at once after the big hit game, A gaming machine that can give a strong impact to a player is disclosed.

JP 2009-77956 A

  However, in the gaming machine of the above cited reference 1, the time when the player can be impacted is limited to after the big hit game, and the game flows down in the game area before or during the big hit game. There is no change in the ball, and there is a need for a gaming machine that is highly entertaining with respect to the flow of the game ball before and during the big hit game.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a gaming machine that can improve the interest of the player by the manner in which the game balls flow down.

As a configuration for solving the above-mentioned problem, a flow in which game balls that are continuously launched into the game area of the game board at a predetermined interval and flow down the game area are discharged toward a winning component provided on the downstream side. A gaming machine including a road structure, the flow path structure being arranged inside the flow path structure, a distribution mechanism for distributing game balls that have entered the flow path structure, and the flow path structure And a plurality of channels that flow down the game balls distributed by the distribution mechanism, and the channel lengths of the plurality of channels are different from each other by a predetermined length.
Further, the channel lengths of the plurality of channels are set such that the discharge timings of the game balls that have continuously entered the channel structure at regular intervals are substantially the same.
In addition, the flow path length is set based on the flow-down time when passing through the shortest flow path among the plurality of flow paths, and the launch interval of game balls fired continuously at a constant interval It was.
The above summary of the invention does not enumerate all the necessary features of the present invention, and individual configurations constituting the feature group can also be the invention.

  According to the gaming machine according to each of the above-described configurations, it is possible to improve the interest of the player by the manner in which the game balls flow down.

1 is an overall perspective view of a gaming machine. It is a front view of a game board. It is a disassembled perspective view of a flow-path structure. It is an external appearance perspective view of a distribution mechanism. It is a perspective view which shows the path | route of each flow path. It is a control block diagram of a pachinko machine. It is a schematic diagram of a special figure determination table. It is a schematic diagram of a special figure type determination table. It is a schematic diagram of a fluctuation pattern determination table. It is a schematic diagram of a special game control table. It is a schematic diagram of a game state setting table. It is a schematic diagram of an ordinary figure determination table. It is a schematic diagram of a common figure variation pattern determination table. It is a schematic diagram of an opening / closing body operation table.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail through embodiments of the invention with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14. However, the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and are described in the embodiments. Not all combinations of features are essential to the solution of the invention.

[About overall configuration of gaming machine]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a pachinko machine 1 as an example of a gaming machine according to this embodiment includes a vertical rectangular machine casing 2 installed in an island facility of a game arcade, and a side of the machine casing 2. The main body frame 3 that is pivotally attached to the part and attached so as to be openable and closable, the game board 30 (see FIG. 2) attached to the inner side of the main body frame 3, and the main frame 3 that is pivotally attached to the front face of the main body frame 3 A panel door 4 having a glass window 4A attached at the center and a receiving tray 6 provided below the glass window 4A, an unillustrated launching device disposed at the lower part of the main body frame 3, and a panel A handle unit 7 attached to the lower part of the door 4 and speaker units 8 provided respectively on the left and right upper parts of the panel door 4 are provided as main components. In a state where the panel door 4 is closed to the main body frame 3 side, a player sitting in front of the pachinko machine 1 is accommodated in the main body frame 3 through the glass window 4A disposed on the panel door 4. The game area 30A (see FIG. 2) of the game board 30 can be visually recognized.

  An operation mechanism 10 is disposed at the center of the tray 6. When the operation mechanism 10 selects a dial part for moving a cursor or the like displayed on the effect display unit 500A of the effect display device 500 described later, and an item corresponding to the cursor that can be moved by the operation of the dial part, Or it is comprised from the button part pressed in the case of the various button effects etc. which are expand | deployed on the effect display part 500A of the effect display apparatus 500. FIG. The operation mechanism 10 is connected to an effect control device 300 (see FIG. 6) described later, and signals output from the push buttons and the dial are input to the effect control device 300 side.

[About the configuration of the game board]
As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 30 has a game area 30 </ b> A in which game balls flow down on the front surface thereof. The game area 30A is a space in which a game ball can flow down, and is partitioned and formed by an outer guide rail 27 and an inner guide rail 28 that allow the game ball to slide. The game balls accommodated in the aforementioned tray 6 are supplied one by one by a launching mechanism that is driven according to the player's operation of the handle unit 7, and are arranged in the left area EL of the game area 30A. It flows down in the game area 30A while being irregularly guided by the nails and windmills. Here, when the driving of the launching mechanism is continuously performed by operating the handle unit 7, the number of gaming balls launched into the gaming area 30A per minute is set to 100. That is, the game balls are launched into the game area 30A at intervals of 0.6 seconds, and flow down in the game area 30A.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 30 accommodated in the main body frame 3 mainly contains an effect display device 500, a plurality of winning components described later, and a game ball flowing down the right area ER of the game area 30A. A spherical channel structure 400 is disposed.
The effect display device 500 is a liquid crystal display device capable of variably displaying an effect symbol S composed of numbers 1 to 8 and a specific character, for example, and the effect display unit 500A is provided at the center of the game board 30. It occupies about a quarter of the total area of the game board 30. In the effect display section 500A, in addition to the effect symbol S, various effect indications expressed by images and moving images such as a notice effect and a reach effect are displayed along with a variation display of the effect symbol S. Thus, the user can enjoy the game while viewing the variation display of the effect symbol S displayed on the effect display unit 500A and the effect display. Note that the display control of the image with respect to the effect display device 500 is executed by the effect control device 300 described later.

  Around the effect display portion 500A, a game ball guiding wall portion 50 protrudes forward. The game ball guiding wall portion 50 is a wall portion extending so as to surround the upper portion and both side portions of the effect display portion 500A. When the glass window 4A is closed, the front end portion of the game ball guiding wall 50 and the glass window 4A approach each other less than the diameter of the game ball, and the game is inwardly surrounded by the game ball guiding wall 50. It is impossible for a ball to enter.

  In the present embodiment, the game area 30A is roughly divided into a left area EL and a right area ER. The left area EL is an area on the left side of the left and right center line CL of the game board 30, and the game balls flowing down the left area EL flow down in the direction indicated by the arrow X1 and are arranged in the middle thereof. It is taken in the winning part.

  On the other hand, the right area ER is an area on the right side of the left and right center line CL of the game area 30A. As indicated by the arrow X2, the game ball that has reached the right region ER flows down in the game region 30A through the right passage 32 formed by the game ball guiding wall portion 50 and the outer guide rail 27, and will be described later. The road structure 400 is reached. Here, unlike the left region EL, the right passage 32 of the right region ER is configured such that a gaming part that inhibits the flow of gaming balls such as a large number of nails and windmills not shown is not provided. Therefore, the game ball flowing down the right passage 32 flows straight down to the flow path structure 400 without being irregularly guided by a nail, a windmill, or the like. Then, the game balls continuously fired at intervals of 0.6 seconds by the launch mechanism reach the flow channel structure 400 about every 0.6 seconds via the right passage 32. In this embodiment, the situation in which the game ball should be launched into the right area ER is a situation in which a special game, which will be described later, is being executed, and the game ball is launched into the left area EL during normal times other than during the execution of the special game. It is recommended.

  The board surface of the game board 30 is provided with a first starting component 60, a second starting component 62, a large winning component 64, a passing gate 68, and a plurality of general winning components 66. A game ball enters, and switches (first start port detection switch SW1, second start port detection switch SW2, large winning port detection switch SW3, general winning port detection switch SW4, gate detection switch SW5 built in each component. ), A predetermined number of prize balls corresponding to each winning component are paid out to the tray 6. Although details will be described later, when the game ball enters the first starting component 60 or the second starting component 62, in addition to paying out the prize ball, the large winning component 64 is opened, which is advantageous for the player. Main lot control including lottery for determining whether or not special games (big hit games, small hit games) that foster a good state, lottery for determining the state of the special game, or the game state after the special game Executed by the apparatus 200. That is, the entry of the game ball into the first starting component 60 or the second starting component 62 is an opportunity to receive the various lotteries.

  The first starting component 60 is disposed at a substantially central portion in the left-right direction of the game board 30. The first starting component 60 projects forward from the front surface of the game board 30 and includes a first starting port having an upper opening and a first starting port detection switch SW1 (see FIG. 6). The game ball taken in through the first start port is detected by a first start port detection switch SW1 disposed inside. As shown in FIG. 6, the first start port detection switch SW <b> 1 is connected to the main controller 200. Based on the input signal from the first start port detection switch SW1, the main control device 200 executes various lottery processes related to the execution of a special game, which will be described later, and, for example, three prize balls as consideration for entering the ball A prize ball payout process to be paid out is executed. In this example, the first starting component 60 is set at a position where only the game balls flowing down the left area EL can enter, and the game balls flowing down the right area ER do not enter. .

Further, the second starting component 62 is disposed below the first starting component 60 and above the out port 69 described later. The second starting component 62 is a starting component having a so-called electric chew structure having a movable piece. The second starting component 62 includes an opening / closing body 63 that can take a closed state indicated by a broken line or an open state indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2 by driving a solenoid SOL1 disposed on the back side of the game board 30. Depending on the state of the opening / closing body 63, the difficulty of entering the second starting component 62 changes. Specifically, when the open / close body 63 is in a closed state where it is lying down in the vertical direction, it is extremely difficult or impossible to enter the second starting component 62. On the other hand, when the opening / closing body 63 is in the open state in which it stands upright in the left-right direction, it is easy to enter the second starting component 62.
The game ball that has entered the second start port of the second start component 62 is detected by a second start port detection switch SW2 disposed therein. As shown in FIG. 6, the second start port detection switch SW2 is connected to the main control device 200, and the main control device 200 executes a special game based on an input signal from the second start port detection switch SW2. Various lottery processes are executed, and a prize ball payout process for paying out, for example, three prize balls as a consideration for entering the ball is executed.

  The opening operation of the opening / closing body 63 is a result of a lottery regarding whether or not the opening operation of the opening / closing body 63 performed by the main controller 200 is triggered by the passage of the game ball to the passing gate 68 disposed in the game area 30A. It is executed when it is a hit.

  A plurality of general winning components 66 are arranged below the left region EL of the game region 30A. Although a detailed description is omitted, when a game ball enters the general winning component 66, it is detected by a general winning port detection switch SW4 (see FIG. 6) disposed therein, and the main controller 200 Based on a detection signal from the winning opening detection switch SW4, a prize ball payout process for paying out, for example, three prize balls is executed.

  Below the right area ER in the game area 30A, a big prize component 64 is arranged. As shown in FIG. 2, the big prize component 64 protrudes forward from the front surface of the game board 30 and has a rectangular prize opening 64 </ b> A whose front side is opened, a big prize opening detection switch SW <b> 3 (see FIG. 6), and a prize opening. And an opening / closing body 65 provided on the front surface of 64A so as to be capable of opening / closing. A game ball that has entered the opening (large winning port) of the winning port 64A is detected by a large winning port detection switch SW3 disposed therein. The big prize opening detection switch SW3 is connected to the main controller 200, and the main control apparatus 200 performs a prize ball payout process for paying out, for example, 15 prize balls based on the detection signal from the big prize opening detection switch SW3. Run.

  The opening / closing body 65 is a blade-like member that can take a closed state and an open state by driving a solenoid SOL <b> 2 disposed on the back side of the game board 30. The opening / closing body 65 is provided so as to be rotatable in a front-rear direction in a flap shape around an axis parallel to the lower edge of the prize winning opening, and in the closed state standing in parallel with the front surface of the game board 30, The entry of the game ball is blocked, and the game ball is allowed to enter the big prize opening in the open state tilted forward.

The game ball taken into the big prize opening is detected by the big prize opening detection switch SW3 disposed in the vicinity of the prize opening 64A in the big prize component 64 and then discharged from the back side of the game board 30 to the outside of the machine. Is done. The opening / closing body 65 of the special winning component 64 is opened by driving the solenoid SOL2 controlled by the main control device 200 during a special game executed when the result of a special figure win / loss lottery described later is “winning”. Is done.
Note that the winning component 64 is set at a position where only the game balls flowing down the right area ER can enter, and the opening and closing body 65 is opened during the special game when the game balls flow down the right area ER. It is possible to enter the ball only when it is operating. In addition, since the number of winning prizes (specified number) per opening operation of the opening / closing body 65 is determined to be 10 for the big winning component 64 as described later, the big winning opening detection switch SW3 is the tenth game. The opening / closing body 65 is designed to be closed when a ball is detected.

  An out port 69 for collecting game balls that have not entered any of the plurality of winning components is opened at the lowermost center in the left-right direction of the game area 30A. The game balls that have flowed down to the out port 69 are Then, it is discharged to the outside via the back side of the game board 30.

[About channel structure]
3 is an exploded perspective view showing the flow path structure 400, and FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the sorting rotator 700. As shown in FIG. Hereinafter, a description will be given of the flow path structure 400 in which a game ball flowing down the right passage 32 of the right region ER enters and discharges the game ball toward the big winning component 64 disposed on the downstream side.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the flow path structure 400 is disposed on the upper side of the special prize component 64, so that the player can visually recognize the game ball passing through the interior, It is made of a translucent material. The flow path structure 400 includes a base body 600 fixed to the game board 30, a sorting rotator 700 housed in the base body 600 and capable of rotating in a vertical direction that is a flow-down direction of the game ball, A rotation restricting plate 770 disposed behind the rotating body 700 and restricting the rearward rotation of the sorting rotating body 700, an intermediate body 800 closing the rear side of the base body 600, and the rear sides of the base body 600 and the intermediate body 800. A rear body 850 disposed on the side, and a front cover 900 that closes the front of the base body 600, and a plurality of flow paths (first flow path to third flow path) below the sorting rotator 700. ).

  The base 600 is a substantially trapezoidal box, and an overhang 602 is formed on the front surface thereof. The overhang portion 602 is a flat plate that is flush with the front surface of the game board 30. The base 600 protrudes to the front side and the back side of the game board 30 in a state where the corners of the overhanging part 602 are fixed to the game board 30 via fixing means (not shown).

  On the front surface 602A of the overhanging portion 602, frame plates 606A and 606B constituting a part of the plurality of flow paths are formed in a substantially stepped shape in a state of protruding forward. The frame plates 606A and 606B have a plurality of step portions and extend so that the mutual width increases from above to below. In the upper part of the base body 600, an intake port 604 that can take in the game ball flowing down from the upstream side into the flow path structure 400 is opened. The intake port 604 is a rectangular opening formed between one frame plate 606A, the other frame plate 606B, and a front cover 900 described later, and is set to a size larger than the diameter of the game ball. .

  On the front surface 602A of the overhang portion 602, internal plates 608A and 608B constituting a part of the flow path are formed between one frame plate 606A and the other frame plate 606B. The internal plate 608A includes a step portion 610A extending in a step shape from the middle of the frame plate 606A toward the width direction (left-right direction) of the game board 30, and an upper and lower ends from the end of the step portion 610A opposite to the frame plate 606A. A hanging portion 610B extending in the direction and an intermediate portion 610C provided between the frame plate 606A and the hanging portion 610B and extending in the same direction as the hanging portion 610B. Further, the step portion 610A is inclined downward from the center in the width direction of the flow path structure 400 toward the frame plate 606A, and inclined downward from the middle toward the depth direction (front-rear direction) of the game board 30. It is formed as a surface, and the game ball rolls on the step 610A.

  The internal plate 608B includes a step portion 612A that extends stepwise in the width direction of the game board 30 from the middle of the frame plate 606B, and a hanging portion that extends vertically from the end of the step portion 612A opposite to the frame plate 606B. 612B and an intermediate portion 612C provided between the frame plate 606B and the hanging portion 612B and extending from the step portion 612A in the vertical direction. Further, the step portion 612A is formed as an inclined surface that inclines downward from the center in the width direction of the flow path structure 400 toward the frame plate 606B side, and inclines downward from the middle toward the depth direction of the game board 30. The game ball rolls on the step 612A.

  On the rear surface 602B of the overhang portion 602, an inclined portion 620 that extends in the depth direction and forms a part of the flow path is formed. The inclined portion 620 is a portion extending downward from the rear surface 602B of the overhang portion 602 toward the rear side, and the game ball rolls on the inclined portion 620A. In addition, the inclined portion 620 has a front end connected to a step portion 610A of the internal plate 608B, and a rear end connected to a rear body 850 described later. Although illustration is omitted, on the rear surface 602B of the overhang portion 602, in addition to the inclined portion 620, a plurality of internal flow paths for allowing the game ball to flow down are formed.

A first flow path is formed between one frame plate 606A and the step portion 610A of the internal plate 608A. The game balls distributed to the first flow path by the distribution rotating body 700 flow down on the step portion 610A, and finally pass through the intermediate body 800 and the rear body 850, which will be described later, to the middle of the hanging portion 610B. After being guided to the discharge port formed with the portion 610C, it is discharged toward the prize winning component 64 provided on the lower side of the flow path structure 400.
Further, a second flow path is formed between the one frame plate 606B and the step portion 612A of the internal plate 608B. The game balls distributed to the second flow path by the sorting rotator 700 flow down on the step portion 612A, and finally drop through the internal flow path (not shown) formed in the base body 600. After being guided to the discharge port formed between the part 612B and the intermediate part 612C, the liquid is discharged toward the prize winning component 64 provided on the lower side of the flow channel structure 400.
In addition, a third flow path is formed between one drooping portion 610B and the other drooping portion 612B. The game balls distributed to the third flow path by the sorting rotator 700 flow down between the hanging parts 610B and 612B, and then go directly to the winning component 64 provided on the lower side of the flow path structure 400. Discharged. The distribution from the first flow path to the third flow path is realized by a distribution rotating body 700 serving as a distribution mechanism disposed in the internal space 640 of the flow path structure 400.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a sorting rotating body 700 serving as a sorting mechanism rotates in unison with the sorting unit 706 that can take three forms along with the rotation, and the sorting unit 706. Bearings 704; 704 projecting on both sides of the portion 706, and shaft portions 702; 702 inserted through the bearings 704; In a state where the sorting rotating body 700 is housed in the housing space 640 of the base body 600 via the shaft portions 702 and 702, a part of the sorting rotating body 700 projects forward from the front surface 602 </ b> A of the overhang portion 602 and flows down from upstream. By colliding with the game ball, it is rotated by a predetermined angle (120 ° in this embodiment) and guided to the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path in order. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C, the sorting rotator 700 when being distributed to the first flow path to the third flow path will be described. In FIG. 4A, a rotation restricting plate 770, which will be described later, is illustrated, but in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the illustration of the sorting rotator 700 is omitted in view of ease of viewing. Yes.

  FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the sorting rotator 700 when the game balls are distributed to the first flow path. As shown in the figure, the bottom of the sorting portion 706 in the sorting rotator 700 has a first slope that slopes downward in one side in the width direction (rightward when the sorting rotator 700 is viewed from the front). Surface 710A is formed. The first inclined surface 710A is a portion where a game ball taken in from the intake port 604 of the flow path structure 400 positioned immediately above collides, and the game ball after the collision easily moves to one side in the width direction. Set to tilt angle. On the other side (left side as viewed from the front side) of the first inclined surface 710A, a side wall 714A is formed so as to protrude upward from the first inclined surface 710A. The side wall 714A prevents the game ball that has collided with the first inclined surface 710A from moving to the other side (left side). Further, a U-shaped notch 712A is formed on the lower side on one side of the first inclined surface 710A. The notch 712A guides the game ball that has collided with the first inclined surface 710A to the first flow path.

  FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the sorting rotator 700 when the game balls are distributed to the second flow path side, and is rotated 120 ° forward from the state of FIG. It is in the state. As shown in the figure, a second inclined surface 710B is formed on the bottom portion of the sorting portion 706. The second inclined surface 710B slopes downward to the other side in the width direction (leftward when the sorting rotating body 700 is viewed from the front side). . The second inclined surface 710 </ b> B is a portion where the game ball taken in from the above-described intake port 604 collides, and is set to an inclination angle at which the game ball after the collision easily moves to the other side. On one side (right side as viewed from the front side) of the second inclined surface 710B, a side wall 714B formed in a convex shape upward from the second inclined surface 710B is erected. The side wall 714B prevents the game ball that has collided with the second inclined surface 710B from moving to one side (right side). Further, a U-shaped notch 712B is formed on the lower side of the second inclined surface 710B. The notch 712B guides the game ball that has collided with the second inclined surface 710B to the second flow path side.

  FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the sorting rotator 700 when the game balls are distributed to the third flow path side, and is a state rotated 120 ° from the state of FIG. 4B toward the front. . As shown in the figure, a concave portion 716 </ b> C capable of receiving a game ball taken in from the take-in port 604 is formed at the bottom of the sorting portion 706. A pair of side walls 714 </ b> C and 714 </ b> C that rises upward from the recess 716 </ b> C are provided on both sides of the recess 716 </ b> C. The side walls 714C; 714C prevent the game ball in the recess 716C from moving to one side and the other side (left-right direction).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A, a rotation restricting plate 770 is disposed behind the sorting rotator 700. The rotation restricting plate 770 includes a substantially trapezoidal locking portion 774 that extends in the left-right direction, which is the width direction of the game board 30. As shown in the broken line in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4A, the front surface 774A of the locking portion 774 is an engaging portion 720 formed on the sorting rotator 700 in a state where the locking portion 774 is lying forward. And the sorting rotating body 700 is prevented from rotating in the opposite direction (rear side) to the arrow Y shown in FIG.

  A pair of bearings 778 and 778 that have a cylindrical opening extending in the width direction and are spaced apart from each other are provided at the lower portion of the locking portion 774. Rotating shafts 772 and 772 that are rotatably supported by a support portion (not shown) formed on the base body 600 are inserted into the bearings 778 and 778. In addition, a torsion spring (not shown) is inserted into the rotation shaft 772 on one side (left side when viewed from the front side) of the rotation shafts 772 and 772. One end portion of the torsion spring is locked to a spring receiving portion 776 having a U-shaped opening disposed on the side of the locking portion 774, and the other end portion is an intermediate 800 described later. By engaging with a spring receiving portion (not shown), a forward biasing force is applied to the rotation restricting plate 770. As a result, the rotation restricting plate 770 normally falls forward and restricts the rearward rotation of the sorting rotator 700 when the front surface 774A of the locking portion 774 comes into contact with the engaging portion 720. On the other hand, the rotation restricting plate 770 shifts from the lying state to the upright state with the forward rotation by the sorting rotating body 700, and the contact between the front surface 774A of the locking portion 774 and the engaging portion 720 is released. Is done.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a game ball distribution operation by the distribution rotating body 700 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 4A, in the sorting rotating body 700 when the game balls are sorted into the first flow path, the first inclined surface 710A of the sorting unit 706 faces upward. Further, the locking portion 774 of the rotation restricting plate 770 falls to the sorting rotator 700 side by the urging force of the torsion spring, and the front surface 774A of the locking portion 774 contacts the engaging portion 720 of the sorting rotator 700. .

In this state, when the game ball that has flowed down from the upstream is taken in from the intake port 604 of the flow channel structure 400, the game ball collides with the first inclined surface 710 </ b> A of the distribution unit 706. When the sorting rotator 700 starts to rotate forward due to the collision of the game ball with the first inclined surface 710A, the rotation restricting plate 770 moves from the lying down state to the intermediate 800 side as shown by the solid line in FIG. And the contact between the locking portion 774 and the engaging portion 720 is released. The game ball that has collided with the first inclined surface 710A is guided to one side (right side) as the sorting rotator 700 rotates forward, and flows down the first flow path via the notch 712A. It becomes. Then, when the sorting rotator 700 has finished rotating forward 120 °, the state shown in FIG.
That is, the sorting rotator 700 distributes the game balls to the first flow path in the process from the state shown in FIG. 4A to the state shown in FIG. 4B by rotation.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the sorting rotator 700 when the game balls are sorted into the second flow path is in a state where the second inclined surface 710B of the sorting unit 706 faces upward. Although not shown, the rotation restricting plate 770 is in a state where the front surface 774A of the locking portion 774 is in contact with the engaging portion 720 of the sorting rotator 700.

In this state, when the game ball that has flowed down from the upstream is taken in from the intake port 604 of the flow path structure 400, the game ball collides with the second inclined surface 710 </ b> B of the distribution unit 706. When the sorting rotator 700 starts to rotate forward due to the collision of the game ball with the second inclined surface 710B, the contact between the locking portion 774 and the engaging portion 720 of the rotation restricting plate 770 is released. The game ball colliding with the second inclined surface 710B is guided to the other side (left side) with the forward rotation of the sorting rotator 700 as the sorting rotator 700 rotates forward, and the notch 712B. Will flow down the second flow path. Then, when the sorting rotator 700 has finished rotating 120 ° forward, the state shown in FIG.
That is, the sorting rotator 700 distributes the game balls to the second flow path in the process from the state shown in FIG. 4B to the state shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4C, the sorting rotator 700 in the case where the game balls are sorted into the third flow path is in a state in which the concave portion 720C of the sorting unit 706 faces upward. Although not shown, the rotation restricting plate 770 is in a state where the front surface 774A of the locking portion 774 is in contact with an engaging portion (not shown) formed on the sorting rotating body 700.

In this state, when the game ball that has flowed down from the upstream is taken into the flow path structure 400 through the intake port 604, the game ball collides with the sorting portion 706 and is received in the recess 720C. When the sorting rotator 700 starts to rotate forward due to the collision of the game ball with the sorting portion 706 and the load of the game ball, the contact between the locking portion 774 of the rotation restricting plate 770 and the engaging portion (not shown). Is released. The game ball in the recess 720 </ b> C flows down the third flow path indicated by the arrow as the sorting rotator 700 rotates forward. Then, when the sorting rotator 700 has finished rotating forward 120 °, the state returns to the state of FIG.
That is, the sorting rotator 700 distributes the game balls to the third flow path in the process from the state shown in FIG. 4C to the state shown in FIG.

Returning to FIG. 3, another configuration of the flow path structure 400 will be described.
As shown in the figure, a trapezoidal intermediate body 800 is disposed between the base body 600 and the rear body 850 so as to cover substantially the entire rear side of the base body 600. An upper wall 802 is formed on the upper portion of the intermediate body 800. The upper wall 802 is a wall located on the rear side of the sorting rotator 700 and closes the accommodation space 640 formed in the base body 600 from the rear side. A pair of plate pieces 804A and 804B are provided at the upper end of the upper wall 802 so as to project forward. Each of the plate pieces 804A and 804B has a stepped portion from the upper side to the lower side, and extends so that the mutual width increases. Further, the plate pieces 804 </ b> A and 804 </ b> B close the upper portion of the rear surface of the base body 600 while being fixed to the rear surface side of the base body 600.

  A rectangular box-shaped portion 808 is provided below the upper wall 802. The box-shaped portion 808 is a portion that is located on one side (right side as viewed from the front side) from the vicinity of the center in the width direction of the intermediate body 800, and the rear side is open. Inside the box-shaped portion 808, there is formed an inclined surface 808A that is inclined downward from the end toward the center side and inclined downward from the middle toward the front side in the depth direction, and the inclined surface 808A is the first surface described above. Part of the flow path. The inclined surface 808A is a portion connected to an inclined surface 852 of the rear body 850, which will be described later, and a game ball flowing down from the rear body 850 passes through the opening 808B opened on the front side of the box-shaped portion 808. Guide to the exit of the road. A lower wall 810 is disposed on the side of the box-shaped portion 808. The lower wall 810 is a wall located on the other side (left side as viewed from the front side) from the vicinity of the center of the intermediate body 800 in the width direction. The lower wall 810 is erected in correspondence with the position of the internal plate 608B constituting a part of the second flow path, thereby closing the rear side of the second flow path.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the rear body 850 is a substantially rectangular member that is attached to the rear side of the intermediate body 800 via attachment means (not shown). The rear body 850 has a step portion 852 that extends stepwise from the end toward the center. The step portion 852 is formed as an inclined surface that is inclined downward toward the center in the width direction of the flow path structure 400 and is inclined downward from the middle toward the front side in the depth direction. Part of the flow path. The step portion 852 is a portion connected to the inclined portion 620 of the base body 600, and guides the game ball flowing down from the base body 600 side to the inclined surface 808A formed on the intermediate body 800. A wall 854 is formed on the side of the step 852. The wall portion 854 closes a part of the opening on the rear side of the box-shaped portion 808 provided in the intermediate body 800, and prevents the game ball flowing down the inclined surface 808A from rolling outward.

  The front cover 900 is a flat plate that is fixed to the front surface 602A of the overhang portion 602 provided on the base 600 through fixing means (not shown). The front cover 900 regulates the forward jumping of the game ball that has entered the flow path structure 400 from the intake port 604.

  FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C are perspective views schematically showing the path of a game ball flowing down the first flow path to the third flow path, and FIG. 10 is a table showing a time (flowing time) until a game ball taken into the structure 400 passes through the first flow path to the third flow path and is discharged from the flow path structure 400. Hereinafter, the paths of the first flow path to the third flow path through which the game balls distributed to the sorting rotator 700 flow down will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5 (a), when the first game ball is distributed to the first flow path by the sorting rotator 700, the stepped portion of the internal plate 608A constituting the first flow path 610A, an inclined portion 620 provided on the rear surface 602B of the overhang portion 602, a step 852 of the rear body 850, an inclined surface 808A of the intermediate body 800, and other internal channels, and finally the hanging portion 610B It reaches the outlet of the first flow path formed between the intermediate portion 610C and is discharged from the outlet. And a 1st flow path is set to the longest flow path length (flow path length) among a 1st flow path-a 3rd flow path. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5D, the time until the game ball taken into the flow channel structure 400 from the intake port 604 passes through the first flow channel and reaches the discharge port (flowing time). ) Is 1.4 seconds.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, when the second game ball entered into the second flow path by the sorting rotator 700, the step portion of the internal plate 608B constituting the second flow path 612A and an internal flow path (not shown) formed in the substrate 600, finally reach the discharge port of the second flow path formed between the hanging portion 612B and the intermediate portion 612C, and the discharge port Discharged from. The second channel is set to a channel length shorter than that of the first channel, and is set to be longer than that of the third channel. Further, as shown in FIG. 5D, the time (flowing time) until the game ball taken into the flow channel structure 400 from the intake port 604 passes through the second flow channel and reaches the discharge port. ) Is 0.8 seconds, which is 0.6 seconds shorter than the flow-down time of the first flow path (for one game ball firing interval).

  As shown in FIG. 5 (c), when the game ball that has entered the third ball is distributed to the third flow path by the sorting rotator 700, it flows down between the hanging portion 610B and the hanging portion 612B, It is discharged from the outlet of the third flow path. And a 3rd flow path is set to the shortest flow path length among a 1st flow path-a 3rd flow path. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5D, the time until the game ball taken into the flow channel structure 400 from the intake port 604 passes through the third flow channel and reaches the discharge port (flowing time). ) Is 0.2 seconds, which is 1.2 seconds shorter than the flow time of the first flow path (for the interval between two game balls) and 0.6 times shorter than the flow time of the second flow path. Seconds are shortened.

Here, the channel length of the first channel and the channel length of the second channel are the third channel having the shortest length among the first channel to the third channel. The flow-down time when passing (0.2 seconds) and the firing interval (0.6 seconds) of game balls that are continuously fired at constant intervals when the launch mechanism is driven continuously Based on this, the discharge timings of the game balls continuously entered at the predetermined interval are set to be substantially the same.
More specifically, the flow-down time of the first flow path is the firing interval of two game balls in 0.2 seconds, which is the flow-down time when the game ball passes through the third flow path. It is 1.4 seconds obtained by adding 1.2 seconds (0.6 seconds × 2). The first flow path is set to a flow path length necessary for flowing down the first flow path for 1.4 seconds.
In addition, the flow time of the second flow path is 0.2 seconds, which is the flow time when the game ball passes through the third flow path, and 0.6 seconds, which is the firing interval of one game ball. Is 0.8 seconds. Then, the second flow path is set to a flow path length necessary for flowing down within the second flow path for 0.8 seconds.

When the channel length of each channel is set as described above, the game balls that are continuously launched into the right region ER during the big hit game at intervals of 0.6 seconds pass through the right channel 32, It reaches the flow channel structure 400 and is taken into the flow channel structure 400 from the intake port 604. When the first game ball is taken into the flow path structure 400, the sorting rotator 700 distributes the first game ball to the first flow path, and flows down the first flow path. Since it takes 1.4 seconds to flow down from the first flow path to the discharge outlet of the first flow path, the first game ball and the third game ball flow down the first flow path. A game ball is taken into the flow path structure 400.
Further, when the second game ball is taken into the flow channel structure 400, it is distributed to the second flow channel by the sorting rotator 700, and flows down the second flow channel. Since it takes 0.8 seconds to flow down from the outlet 604 to the outlet of the second flow path, the third game ball flows through the second flow path while the second game ball flows down the second flow path. The structure 400 is taken in.
Further, when the third game ball is taken into the flow channel structure 400, it is distributed to the third flow channel by the sorting rotator 700, and flows down the third flow channel. Since it takes 0.2 seconds to flow down from the port 604 to the discharge port of the third flow channel, it is discharged immediately after being taken into the flow channel structure 400. Then, in synchronism with the timing at which the third game ball taken in from the flow path structure 400 is discharged, the first game ball and the second game ball also move from the flow path structure 400. Discharged. In other words, the discharge timing of the game balls that have intermittently entered the flow path structure 400 becomes substantially the same by passing through the first flow down to the third flow path.

That is, the flow path structure 400 has a 0.6 until the second game ball is fired when the first game ball captured in the flow path structure 400 stays in the flow path structure 400 for 1.4 seconds. Absorbs the time difference between 1 second and 0.8 second flowing down the second flow path, and 1.2 seconds until the third game ball is launched and 0.2 second flowing down the third flow path Absorbs the time difference. In addition, the flow path structure 400 has a 0.6 until the third game ball is fired when the second game ball is retained in the flow path structure 400 for 0.8 seconds. Absorbs the time difference between 1 second and 0.2 seconds flowing down the third flow path.
That is, the flow path structure 400 according to the present embodiment is fired at a constant time interval, and game balls that are intermittently entered one by one are first to third flow paths having different flow path lengths. These passages are made to pass substantially the same time. With such a flow path structure 400, the game balls that have entered individually at regular intervals are discharged all at once toward the big prize opening of the big prize component 64, thereby flowing down the game balls flowing down in the game area. According to this aspect, a strong impact can be given to the player, and a highly entertaining gaming machine can be provided.

  Further, since there are no gaming parts that hinder the flow of game balls in the right passage 32, the game balls that are continuously launched into the right region ER are irregular due to the game parts that hinder the flow of nails, windmills, and the like. Since it flows down straight without being guided to the flow path, it is regularly taken into the flow path structure 400 every 0.6 seconds, which is the launch interval of the game balls, and is discharged from the flow path structure 400 It is possible to prevent the deviation from occurring.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, other components arranged on the game board 30 will be described.
Outside the game area 30A of the game board 30, there are a first special symbol display device 35A, a second special symbol display device 35B, a first special symbol hold display device 36A, a second special symbol hold display device 36B, and a normal symbol display. A device 37 and a normal symbol hold display device 38 are provided. Each display device is controlled by the main control device 200 in accordance with the progress of the game, and notifies the player of the game status by the change in the display.

[Internal configuration of pachinko machine]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit that controls the pachinko machine 1. As shown in the figure, the pachinko machine 1 mainly controls a main control device 200 that controls basic operations related to the entire game, a payout control device 250 that mainly controls the payout operation of prize balls, and mainly controls the launch of game balls. A launch control device 260 that performs the above-described effect display device 500 and other effect devices.

  The main control device 200 includes a (main) CPU 200a, a (main) ROM 200b, and a (main) RAM 200c. In the main controller 200, the CPU 200 a reads a program stored in advance in the ROM 200 b in response to an input from each detection switch or timer, performs arithmetic processing according to the program, or is connected to the main controller 200. The above-described devices are directly controlled or various control commands are transmitted to other control devices. At this time, the RAM 200c functions as a work area at the time of calculation processing of the CPU 200a, and temporarily holds various data and commands necessary for calculation.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the main control device 200 receives a first start port detection switch SW <b> 1 that detects the entry of a game ball into the first start component 60 and the enter of a game ball into the second start component 62. The second start opening detection switch SW2 to detect, the big winning opening detection switch SW3 to detect the entering of the game ball into the big winning component 64, and the general winning opening to detect the entering of the game ball into the plurality of general winning components 66 A detection switch SW4 and a gate detection switch SW5 for detecting the passage of the game ball to the passing gate 68 are connected, and a detection signal output from each detection switch is input to the main controller 200 side.

  The main controller 200 also opens / closes the solenoid SOL1 for opening / closing the opening / closing body 63 provided in the second starting component 62 and the opening / closing body 65 provided for the special winning component 64. Solenoid SOL2 is connected, and these solenoids SOL1 and SOL2 are directly controlled by main controller 200. The main controller 200 includes a first special symbol display device 35A, a second special symbol display device 35B, a first special symbol hold display device 36A, a second special symbol hold display device 36B, a normal symbol display device 37, and The normal symbol hold display device 38 is connected, and these display devices are directly controlled by the main controller 200.

  A payout control device 250 and an effect control device 300 are connected to the main control device 200. The payout control device 250 is a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (not shown) similarly to the main control device 200, and is connected to the main control device 200 so as to be capable of one-way communication. In addition, an external information output terminal plate 251 is connected to the payout control device 250. The external information output terminal board 251 is provided on the host computer side where various information relating to the progress of the game output from the main control device 200 (CPU 200a) and the payout control device 250 (payout CPU) is provided in the store where the pachinko machine 1 is installed. Send to.

  Further, the payout control device 250 is connected with a payout motor 252 for paying out a prize ball to a player, and a prize ball number counting switch 253. The payout control device 250 controls the payout motor 252 so that a predetermined prize ball number is paid out based on the prize ball number information included in the payout command transmitted from the main control device 200. The prize balls paid out by driving the payout motor 252 are detected by the prize ball number counting switch 253, and it is grasped on the payout control device 250 side whether or not the appropriate prize balls are paid out. In addition, the payout control device 250 indicates that the full tray detection switch 254 for detecting that the allowable number of game balls are stored in the tray 6 and the door of the main body frame 3 are open. Various switches such as a door opening detection switch 255 to be detected are connected.

  The launch control device 260 includes a touch sensor 261 mounted in the handle unit 7, a launch volume 262, a ball feed motor 263 that feeds a game ball stored in the tray 6 into a launch mechanism (not shown), and a launch mechanism. A stored ball launch motor 264 is connected. The launch control device 260 is a launch that changes according to the amount of operation of the handle unit 7 by the player, based on an input of a launch permission signal from the main control device 200 via the payout control device 250, an input from the touch sensor 261, and the like. Based on the input signal from the volume 262, the ball launch motor 264 is controlled to launch the game ball stored in the tray 6 into the game area 30A with a predetermined launch force. As described above, the interval between game balls launched by driving the ball launch motor 264 is set to about 0.6 seconds. Therefore, when the player is continuously operating the handle unit 7, game balls sequentially enter the game area 30 </ b> A at intervals of 0.6 seconds, and approximately 100 game balls per minute. Will flow down.

The effect control device 300 controls various effects during the game progress or in standby.
The effect control device 300 includes a (sub) CPU 300a, a (sub) ROM 300b, and a (sub) RAM 300c, and communicates with the main control device 200 only from the main control device 200 to the effect control device 300 (one direction). Communication is possible. The effect control device 300 reads out a program stored in advance in the ROM 300b based on various control commands related to the effect transmitted from the main control device 200 and an input signal from the internal timer, and performs arithmetic processing according to the program. The effect display unit 500A of the effect display device 500 connected to the effect control device 300, the sound output control for outputting sounds such as music and sound effects during the game from the speaker unit 8, or the game board 30 and the panel door The light emission control etc. which light-emit the light-emitting body (LED) 57 arrange | positioned in various places, such as 4 by various patterns, are performed. At this time, the RAM 300c functions as a work area at the time of calculation processing of the CPU 300a, and temporarily holds various data necessary for calculation, commands, and the like.

  In addition, the effect control device 300 is connected to the CPU 300a, receives various internal commands related to image display transmitted from the CPU 300a, and displays various images on the effect display unit 500A, and the image display described above. It includes hardware necessary for various controls, such as a VRAM that temporarily stores various data necessary during processing, a voice synthesis LSI for voice control, and the like. In addition, the above-described operation mechanism 10 that can be arbitrarily operated by the player is connected to the effect control device 300. For example, each control described above is executed in accordance with the operation timing of the operation mechanism 10, and the operation mechanism 10 is operated. It is possible to express a predetermined effect according to the operation timing.

  Although not shown, a power supply device is connected to each of the above-described control devices, and power is supplied from an external power source on the game installation store side by operating a power switch provided in the power supply device. The external power source is generated as a power source necessary for the operation of each control device, and each control device is activated by supplying the generated power source to each control device. Further, the power supply device is equipped with a backup power source such as a capacitor, and when the power is cut off, power is supplied from the backup power source to the main control device 200 and the payout control device 250. Various data and commands stored in the RAM of the control device are held. In addition, the power supply device is also equipped with a dedicated backup power source for the effect control device 300. When power is cut off, various data and commands stored in the RAM are supplied from the dedicated backup power source. Is stored in a backup RAM mounted separately.

Hereinafter, an outline of the game flow and main control processing of the pachinko machine 1 having the above-described configuration will be described.
When a game ball enters the first starting component 60 or the second starting component 62 by operating the handle unit 7 of the player, the main control device 200 draws a lottery regarding whether or not to execute a special game (so-called big hit game) Special drawing winning lottery), a lottery for determining the type of special symbol (hereinafter referred to as a special symbol type determination lottery), a lottery for determining a special symbol variation pattern (variation time) (hereinafter referred to as a special symbol variation pattern determination lottery) Various lotteries such as are executed.

  When the result of the lottery drawing is “big hit” or “small hit”, the opening / closing body 65 of the above-mentioned big winning component 64 is opened to make it easy to enter the game ball. The special game (big hit game, small hit game) is executed. Hereinafter, an outline of each lottery will be described.

  First, when a game ball enters the first starting part 60 or the second starting part 62, a special figure success / failure determination random number referred to in the special figure success / failure lottery, or a special figure type determination random number referred to in the special figure type determination lottery. Various random numbers such as a variation pattern determination random number referred to in the special figure variation pattern determination lottery are simultaneously acquired, and the acquired random number is stored in the reserved storage area of the RAM 200c. In the following description, the various random numbers acquired when the ball enters the first starting component 60 is referred to as “special 1 reservation”, and the above random number acquired when the ball enters the second starting component 62 is used. Various random numbers may be collectively referred to as special 2 reservation. Further, special 1 hold and special 2 hold are collectively referred to as start information.

  The reserved storage area includes a first special figure reserved storage area and a second special figure reserved storage area in which special 1 reserved and special 2 reserved can be stored independently. Each of the first special figure reservation storage area and the second special figure reservation storage area has four storage units (first storage unit to fourth storage unit).

  When a game ball enters the first starting component 60, the special 1 hold is stored in order from the first storage unit of the first special figure storage area, and when the game ball enters the second starting component 62, 2 reservations are stored in order from the first storage unit of the second special figure storage area. However, the number of special 1 reservations and the number of special 2 reservations that can be stored in the first special figure reservation storage area and the second special figure reservation storage area are set to four, respectively, exceeding the upper limit of each reservation storage area. The number of holds will not increase.

[About the special drawing lottery]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an outline of the special figure success / failure determination table TB referred to in the processing related to the special figure success / failure lottery. When the game ball enters the first starting part 60 or the second starting part 62, one special figure success / failure determination random number is acquired from the range of 0 to 65535.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the special figure success / failure determination table TB is referred to when the gaming state has a special figure low probability and the special figure success / failure determination random number is acquired based on the entrance of the first starting component 60. The low probability special figure success / failure determination table TB1A and the low probability special reference that is referred to when the gaming state is a special figure low probability and a special figure success / failure determination random number is acquired based on the entrance of the second starting component 62. A figure probability determination table TB1B and a high probability special figure success / failure determination table which is referred to when the gaming state is a special figure high probability and a special figure success / failure determination random number is acquired based on the entrance of the first starting component 60 Subdivided into TB2A and a high probability special figure success / failure determination table TB2B which is referred to when the gaming state is a special figure high probability and a special figure success / failure determination random number is acquired based on the entrance of the second starting part 62 It has become.

In each special figure success / failure determination table TB, determination results (“big hit”, “small hit”, “lost”) corresponding to special figure success / failure random numbers from 0 to 65535 are defined. For example, when the low-probability special chart success / failure determination table TB1A; TB1B is referenced, the probability that the determination result is “big hit” is about 1/199, and the probability of “small hit” is about 100 minutes. 1.
On the other hand, when the high-probability special figure success / failure determination table TB2A; TB2B is referred to, the probability that the determination result is “big hit” is about 19 times 10 times that of the low-probability special-prospect determination determination table TB1A; TB1B. The probability of being “small hit” is about 1/100. If the acquired special figure success / failure determination random number is a random number corresponding to “big hit”, the determination result is a big hit, and if it is a random number corresponding to “small hit”, the determination result is a small hit, If the random number corresponds to “lost”, the determination result is determined to be lost. Note that, in the small hit game executed when the determination result is “big hit”, similarly to the big hit game executed when the determination result is “big hit”, the big winning opening 64A of the big winning component 64 is displayed. Although the small hit game to be opened is executed, the open pattern is a pattern with fewer prize balls obtained than the open pattern in the “big hit game”.

As described above, the special figure low probability state is a gaming state in which the lottery result is determined with reference to the low probability special figure success / failure determination table TB1A; On the other hand, the special figure high probability state is a gaming state in which the lottery result is determined with reference to the high probability special figure success / failure determination table TB1B; TB2B in the special figure success / failure lottery. Can easily become “big hit”, and it can be said that the above-mentioned special game (big hit game) is easily obtained.
Then, based on the special figure success / failure determination random number and the special figure success / failure determination table TB, a special lottery determination lottery for determining a predetermined lottery result (“big hit”, “small hit”, “losing”) regarding whether special games are possible or not is performed. The CPU 200a that executes such processing corresponds to the success / failure lottery means in the present embodiment.

[Special drawing type determination lottery]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an outline of the special figure type determination table TB referred to in the process related to the special figure type determination lottery. As shown in the figure, in the special figure type determination table TB, a special figure type determination random number is acquired when the first starting component 60 is entered, and the result of the special figure determination lottery is “hit”. When the special figure type determination table TB1 referred to in this case and the special figure type determination random number are acquired upon entering the second starting part 62, and the result of the special figure determination lottery is “hit” Special figure type determination table TB2 to be referred to, special figure type determination table TB3 to be referred to when the result of the special figure success / failure lottery described above is “small hit”, and the result of the special figure success / failure lottery is lost Is subdivided into a special figure type determination table TB4 referred to in FIG.

  When entering the first starting component 60 or the second starting component 62, one special figure type determination random number is acquired from a range of 0 to 99, for example. As shown in FIG. 8, in the special figure type determination table TB1 or special figure type determination table TB2, special symbol types corresponding to special figure type determination random numbers from 0 to 99 are defined at a predetermined ratio (selection rate). ing. For example, when the special figure type determination table TB1 is referred and the acquired special figure type determination random number is in the range of 0 to 59, the special figure type is determined as the jackpot symbol A and is in the range of 60 to 89. In this case, the special symbol type is determined as a jackpot symbol B. When the special symbol type is in the range of 90 to 99, the special symbol type is determined as a jackpot symbol C. In other words, the determination result of the special figure winning / losing lottery triggered by entering the first starting component 60 is “big hit”, and the big hit symbol A, big hit symbol B, big hit symbol when the special figure type determination table TB1 is referred to The selectivity of C is 60%, 30%, and 10%, respectively.

  Also, for example, when the special figure type determination table TB2 is referred and the acquired special figure type determination random number is in the range of 0 to 29, the special figure type is determined as the jackpot symbol A and the range of 30 to 59 If it is, the special figure type is determined as a jackpot symbol B, and if it is in the range of 60 to 99, the special figure type is determined as a jackpot symbol C. In other words, the determination result of the special figure winning / losing lottery triggered by entering the second starting part 62 is “big hit”, and the big hit symbol A, big hit symbol B, big hit symbol when the special figure type determination table TB2 is referred to The selectivity of C is 30%, 30%, and 40%, respectively.

  If the special figure type determination table TB3 is referred to when the result of the special figure win / loss lottery is “small hit”, the special figure type is unconditionally regardless of the range of the special figure type determination random number. Is determined as the small hit symbol Z.

  If the special figure type determination table TB4 is referred to when the result of the special figure win / loss lottery is “losing”, the special figure type is unconditionally regardless of the range of the special figure type determining random number, and the lost symbol X ( Special symbol X).

[Special drawing variation pattern determination lottery]
FIG. 9A shows an example of the variation pattern determination table TB referred to in the special figure variation pattern determination lottery. When entering the first starting component 60 or the second starting component 62, for example, one variation pattern determination random number is acquired from the range of 0 to 99, and the variation acquired from the variation pattern determination table TB1 to the variation pattern determination table TB3. A variation pattern number corresponding to the pattern determination random number is determined.

  In the present embodiment, the variation pattern determination table includes a variation pattern determination table TB1 that is referred to when the current gaming state is “ordinary low probability”, and a case where the current gaming state is “ordinary probability high”. The variation pattern determination table TB2 to be referred to is subdivided into the variation pattern determination table TB3 to be referred to when the result of the special figure winning / not-lotting lottery is “small hit” regardless of the current gaming state. When entering the first starting component 60 or the second starting component 62, for example, one variation pattern determination random number is acquired from a range of 0 to 99, and corresponds to the variation pattern determination random number from any one of the variation pattern determination tables TB. A variation pattern number of 1 is determined.

As shown in the figure, in the variation pattern determination tables TB1 and TB2, the variation pattern determination random numbers are stored in accordance with the result of the special figure success / failure lottery determined by the lottery (the special figure determination result) and the number of reserved memories. A corresponding variation pattern number (for example, “01H”) is defined.
The variation pattern determination table TB3 is a table that is referred to when the result of the special figure determination lottery determined by the above-mentioned lottery is “small hit”, and the special pattern type ( A variation pattern number of 1 (“09H in the illustrated example) is defined so as to correspond to the small hit symbol Z. In particular, the variation pattern determination tables TB1 and TB2 are only examples, for example, a special-design lottery lottery. In addition to the result and the number of reserved memories, a different variation pattern number may be determined depending on the special figure type.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the variation time (seconds) is associated with each variation pattern number defined in the variation pattern determination tables TB1, TB2, and TB3. The variation time shown in the figure is substantially synchronized with the variation display time of the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 35A or the second special symbol display device 35B and the variation display of the special symbol on the effect display unit 500A. Thus, the variation time of the effect symbol S displayed variably and the time of the variation effect displayed along with the variation of the effect symbol S are displayed. In the present embodiment, the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern number defined in the variation pattern determination tables TB1 to TB3 is set to, for example, 1.5 seconds at the shortest and 150 seconds at the longest. Further, when the gaming state has a high probability of usual figure, the fluctuation pattern determination table TB2 is referred to, so that the fluctuation time for one special symbol (average fluctuation time) is lower than that of the usual figure. It is greatly shortened (for example, one third), and the game efficiency is improved.

  When the variation pattern number is determined from any one of the variation pattern determination table TB1 to the variation pattern determination table TB3, the variation pattern command including the variation pattern number and information about the variation time (variation time information) is output to the effect control device 300. A variation effect representing various effects according to each variation pattern number is displayed on the effect display unit 500A along with the variation display of the effect symbol S.

  The main control device 200 controls the first special symbol display device 35A or the second special symbol display device 35B simultaneously with the transmission of the variation pattern command, and starts the variation display of the special symbol on any of the display devices. After that, the main control device 200 controls the first special symbol display device 35A or the second special symbol display device 35B based on the fact that the variation display time has elapsed, and stops the variation of the special symbol, and also performs the effect control. A special figure stop designation command, which will be described later, is transmitted to the device 300 side, and the fluctuation of the effect symbol S that is variably displayed on the effect display section 500A is stopped.

  As described above, the main controller 200 executes the above-mentioned special symbol determination lottery, special symbol type determination lottery, and special symbol variation pattern determination lottery at the start of the special symbol variation, and finally the special symbol and the production symbol S are finalized. The result of the special figure winning / losing lottery related to whether or not the special game can be executed is notified according to the mode of the stop. In addition, hereinafter, various lottery processes related to the execution of these special games may be collectively referred to as special figure games. In general, the player recognizes the result of the special symbol winning lottery by the stop mode of the effect symbol S that is variably displayed in synchronization with the variation symbol of the special symbol.

[About special games]
FIG. 10 shows a special game that is referred to when a special game advantageous to the player (a big game or a small game) is executed when the determination result of the special figure winning / losing lottery is “big hit” or “small hit”. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of control table TB. Various data for controlling the special game is stored in the special game control table TB. During the special game, the solenoid SOL2 that opens and closes the opening / closing body 65 is driven and controlled with reference to the table. A plurality of special game control tables TB are provided for each special figure type, and the corresponding table is set at the start of the special game according to the determined special figure type. The control data corresponding to all the special figure types is shown.

  The special game is composed of a plurality of round games in which the special winning opening 64A is opened and closed a predetermined number of times (in this example, once). The special game control table TB includes an opening time (a waiting time until the first round game is started), a maximum number of special electric actors activated (the number of round games executed during one special game), special Number of times of opening / closing switching of the electric accessory (number of times of opening of the big prize opening 64A during one round (R)), solenoid energization time (energization time of the solenoid SOL2 for each number of times of opening of the big prize opening 64A, that is, one big prize opening 64A opening time), the prescribed number (the maximum number of winnings possible to the big winning opening 64A in one round game), the big winning opening closing effective time (the closing time of the big winning opening 64A between round games, that is, the interval time) ), Ending time (waiting time from the end of the last round game until normal special game (special symbol variation display) resumes) As data are beforehand stored as shown in each Laid view type.

For example, when the special game type is a jackpot symbol A and a special game (a jackpot game) is executed, the special game mode is such that the opening / closing body 65 is opened by energizing the solenoid SOL2, and the big prize opening 64A is opened. The round continues until either of 29 seconds is released or 10 game balls enter the grand prize opening 64A (count C = 10), and the round is repeated 5 times. .
Also, when the special figure type is a jackpot symbol B and a special game (big hit game) is executed, the special winning opening 64A is opened for 29 seconds by the opening operation of the opening and closing body 65 as a special game mode, or The round continues until one of the conditions for entering 10 game balls (count C = 10) into the big prize opening 64A is satisfied, and the round is repeated 10 times.
Also, when a special game (hit game) is executed when the special figure type is a jackpot symbol C, the special winning opening 64A is opened for 29 seconds by the opening operation of the opening / closing body 65 as a special game mode, or The round continues until any of the conditions for 15 game balls (count C = 15) to enter the big prize opening 64A is satisfied, and the round is repeated 15 times.
In other words, the special game (10R) started when the special figure type is the jackpot symbol B is better than the special game (5R) started when the special figure type is the jackpot symbol A. Since the number increases by five times, the number of prize balls that a player can acquire increases. Furthermore, the special game (15R) started when the special figure type is the jackpot symbol C is more effective than the special game (10R) started when the special figure type is the jackpot symbol B. Since the number is further increased by five times, the number of prize balls that can be obtained by the player is the largest.

  And in the flow path structure 400 which concerns on this embodiment, it is applicable also to the following uses. For example, since the specified number is set to 10 in any of the above special figure types, the big winning opening detection switch SW3 detects that the tenth game ball has entered the big winning opening. The opening / closing body 65 is closed by the above, but the flow path structure 400 having the plurality of flow paths has three game balls (three to three games) that are successively entered at regular intervals. Sphere, 4th to 6th game balls, 7th to 9th game balls, 10th to 12th game balls) so that the 10th game ball enters the big prize opening Since the eleventh and twelfth game balls can be entered at substantially the same time, more game balls win the game balls than the number of game balls won (specified number) per opening operation of the opening / closing body 65. It is possible to generate a so-called over-winning with a high probability. On the other hand, if the prescribed number is set to nine, for example, three game balls that have flowed down the flow channel structure 400 are discharged three by one. It is possible to prevent over-winning with a very high probability.

  When a special game (small hit game) is executed when the special figure type is “small hit symbol Z”, the special winning opening 64A is opened for one second by the opening operation of the opening / closing body 65 as a special game mode. Or, the round continues until one of the conditions that 10 game balls (count C = 10) enter the big prize opening 64A is satisfied, and the round is executed twice.

  Further, the flow path structure 400 can be applied not only to the over winning prize at the time of the big hit game but also to the small hit game. For example, in the case of a small hit game that is generally lucky if one or two balls enter during a very short opening time of 2 seconds in total, the channel structure 400 having the plurality of channels is used. If so, three individually entered game balls are discharged almost simultaneously toward the big prize opening, so that more game balls can be entered than usual.

[About gaming state]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an outline of the game state setting table TB referred to for setting the game state after the special game when the above-mentioned special game (big hit game) is executed. When a small hit game is executed, the game state after the special game does not change. In other words, not only is there a difference in the number of prize balls that can be acquired during a special game, but there is also a difference in whether or not the game state changes after a special game. As shown in the figure, in the game state setting table TB, the game state after the special game corresponding to the special figure type (big hit symbol) and the number of games in which the game state continues (the special figure high-accuracy number, the general game number) The number of times shown in the figure is specified.

As shown in the gaming state setting table TB, in the present embodiment, when the special figure type is the jackpot symbol A, the gaming state after the special game is in a state with a special figure low probability and a normal figure high probability. The gaming state continues until the special symbol changes 100 times.
When the special figure type is the jackpot symbol B, the gaming state after the special game is a special figure high probability and a normal figure high probability state. The gaming state continues until the special symbol changes 100 times.
When the special figure type is the jackpot symbol C, the gaming state after the special game is a special figure high probability and a normal figure high probability state. The gaming state continues until the special symbol fluctuates 10,000 times.

  The above-mentioned number of games is set as a count value (special figure high-precision count, universal figure high-precision count) of a special figure high-accuracy number cut counter, which will be described later, respectively, and the above-mentioned special figure game is executed. It is subtracted every time. When the count value becomes 0, the gaming state shifts to a special figure low probability and a normal figure low probability. The combination of the number of special figure types and the gaming state can be changed as appropriate according to the specifications of the pachinko machine 1, and by further subdividing and setting the special figure type, It is also possible to further subdivide and set the gaming state.

Here, the “special figure low probability” refers to a state in which the low-probability special figure success / failure determination table TB1A or TB1B shown in FIG. is there. Further, the special figure high probability is a state in which the high probability special figure success / failure determination table TB2A or TB2B shown in FIG. 7 is referred to (big hit probability = 1 / 19.9).
In addition, the “ordinary low probability” refers to the fluctuation pattern determination table TB1 shown in FIG. 9 in the above-mentioned special figure fluctuation pattern determination lottery. FIG. 13 is a state in which the low-probability normal variation pattern determination table TB1 shown in FIG. 13 is referred to when the figure win / fail determination table TB1 is referred to and the determination result is “win”. Further, the “normal figure high probability” refers to the fluctuation pattern determination table TB2 in the above-mentioned special figure fluctuation pattern determination lottery. This is a state in which TB2 is referred to, and when the determination result is “winning”, the high probability common figure variation pattern determination table TB2 shown in FIG. 13 is referred to.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1, when various lotteries are performed triggered by entering the first starting component 60 or the second starting component 62, and the results of the various lotteries are predetermined results, The special game advantageous to the player is executed, and the game state after the special game is switched. On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 1, the lottery (usually, whether or not the normal game can be executed by opening / closing the opening / closing body 63 provided in the second starting component 62 is independent of the various lotteries relating to the execution of the special game. Drawing lottery lottery, common figure variable time pattern determination lottery, etc.) are also executed. In the following, an outline of various lottery processes (ordinary games) regarding whether or not to execute a normal game will be described.

  When the game ball passes through the passing gate 68 while flowing down the game area 30A, a normal figure success / failure determination random number referred to in a later-described normal figure success / failure lottery is acquired, and the acquired random number is stored in the reserved storage area of the RAM 100c. The Here, the reserved storage area has a general-purpose storage area capable of storing the above-mentioned random number for determining whether or not a normal figure is received, and the general-purpose storage area includes four storage units (first storage unit to fourth storage unit). Have. Then, when the game ball passes through the passing gate 68, the normal / unusual determination random number is sequentially stored from the first storage unit. However, the number of reserved drawings that can be stored in the reserved map storage area is set to four, and the number of reserved drawings is not increased beyond the upper limit.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an outline of the normal / failure determination table TB that is referred to in the normal / failure lottery. When the game ball passes through the passage gate 68, for example, one normal / unusual determination random number is acquired from a range of 0 to 99. As shown in the figure, the normal figure success / failure determination table TB is similar to the low-probability normal / failure determination table TB1 that is referred to when the game state is the above-mentioned “normal figure low probability”. It is subdivided into a high-probability common-use decision determination table TB2 that is referred to in the case of “probability”.

  Each table defines a determination result (“winning”, “losing”) corresponding to a normal-winning random number from 0 to 99, and the acquired normal-winning random number is “winning”. If it is a corresponding random number, the determination result is a win, and if it is a random number corresponding to “lost”, the determination result is lost. In addition, as is apparent from each table, the probability that the determination result of the winning / unsuccessful lottery decision regarding opening / closing of the opening / closing body 63 with the passage of the passing gate 68 is “win” (winning probability) It is set higher in the case of high probability than usual.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a general-purpose variation pattern determination table TB referred to in a general-purpose variation pattern determination lottery. When the above-mentioned common figure win / fail lottery is performed, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is determined based on the common figure fluctuation pattern determination table TB. As shown in the figure, the normal variation pattern determination table TB includes a low-probability general variation pattern determination table TB1 that is referred to when the gaming state is “ordinary low probability”, and the gaming state is “normal”. It is subdivided into a high probability common figure variation pattern determination table TB2 referred to in the case of “high probability”, and a variation time corresponding to a common variation pattern determination random number is defined in each table.

  When the game ball passes through the passing gate 68, for example, one normal variation pattern determining random number is acquired from a range of 0 to 99. As shown in the figure, in each table, the fluctuation time corresponding to the random number for determining the normal pattern variation from 0 to 99 is defined at a predetermined rate (selection rate), and the acquired normal pattern fluctuation pattern is determined. A variation time of 1 corresponding to the random number is determined.

  Comparing the low probability common figure variation pattern determination table TB1 and the high probability common figure variation pattern determination table TB2, the high probability common figure variation pattern determination table TB2 is more than the low probability common figure variation pattern determination table TB1. A short fluctuation time is defined, and when the usual figure has a high probability, the time until the result of the usual figure winning lottery is derived is shortened compared to the case where the usual figure has a low probability. When the variation time of the normal symbol is determined, the variation display of the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display device 37 is started over the determined variation time. The display is stopped in a manner indicating the result.

  Here, the normal symbol display device 37 is configured, for example, as a form in which a plurality of LED lamps are arranged, and the plurality of lamps blink during the variable display, and the result of the lottery drawing lottery wins. Is in a state where any one of the plurality of lamps is turned on and stopped, and when it is lost, for example, all the LED lamps or some of the lamps are turned off.

[Regarding normal games]
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an outline of the opening / closing body operation table TB referred to in a normal game executed when the result of the above-mentioned lottery for lottery win is a win and the game is stopped in a mode indicating that the normal symbol is a win. It is. As shown in the figure, the opening / closing body operation table TB defines the number of opening / closing of the opening / closing body 63 and the opening time per opening operation, and is referred to when the gaming state is “low probability of normal use”. Are divided into a low-probability opening / closing body operation table TB1 and a high-probability opening / closing body operation table TB2 which is referred to when the gaming state is “ordinary high probability”.

  When the game ball passes through the passage gate 68, one open / close body operation pattern determination random number is acquired from a range of 0 to 99, for example. As shown in the figure, each table defines the number of times of opening and closing of the opening and closing body 63 and the opening time corresponding to the opening and closing body operation pattern determination random numbers from 0 to 99 at a predetermined ratio (selection rate). One opening time of the opening / closing body 63 corresponding to the pattern determination random number is determined.

  When both tables are compared, in the case of “ordinary low probability”, the opening time of the opening / closing body 63 is “0.3 seconds” or “1.5 seconds” and the number of opening times is “1 time”. On the other hand, in the case of “high probability of ordinary figure”, the release time is “1.2 seconds” and the number of times of opening is three times. Thus, the second starting component 62 can be entered.

  In this way, when the gaming state is “high probability of ordinary figure”, the probability that the lottery result is “hit” is higher than in the case of “low probability of ordinary figure”, and Since the fluctuation time is greatly shortened and the total opening time of the opening / closing body 63 is increased, the game ball can easily enter the second starter component 62 and the second starter component 62 can be reduced while suppressing the consumption of the game ball. It is possible to efficiently perform the above-mentioned special figure game triggered by entering the ball.

  In the present embodiment, the combination of the three factors of the probability that the lottery result is “winning”, the variation time of the normal symbol, and the total opening time of the opening / closing body 63 (number of opening times, opening time). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of game states are created by one or more of the above three elements. It is also possible to do.

The present invention has been described based on the embodiments. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and improvements can be made by combining the embodiments. Obviously in the trader. Further, it is apparent from the scope of the claims that the embodiments added with such various changes and improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.
For example, if the flow path structure 400 is arranged in a so-called pseudo game area, and a ball that enters the flow path structure 400 is a pseudo sphere (out ball), it is as if an over prize has occurred. Production is possible. In addition, by circulating the pseudo spheres discharged from the flow path structure 400 in the pseudo game area, there is an effect that makes it seem as if many game balls are entering the flow path structure 400. Is possible.

1 pachinko machine, 27 outer guide rails, 28 inner guide rails, 30 game board,
30A gaming area, 60 first starting part, 62 second starting part,
64 prize winning parts, 64a prize winning opening, 65 opening and closing body, 200 main controller,
300 production control device, 400 flow path structure, 600 base, 700 sorting rotating body,
770 Rotation restricting plate, 800 intermediate body, 850 rear body.

Claims (3)

A gaming machine including a flow path structure that is continuously fired at a predetermined interval in a game area of a game board and discharges a game ball flowing down the game area toward a winning component provided on the downstream side. There,
The channel structure is
A distribution mechanism that is arranged inside the flow channel structure and distributes game balls that have entered the flow channel structure;
A plurality of flow paths that are formed inside the flow path structure and flow down the game balls distributed by the distribution mechanism;
With
A gaming machine, wherein the plurality of channels have different channel lengths by a predetermined length.   The flow path lengths of the plurality of flow paths are set so that the discharge timings of game balls that continuously enter the flow path structure at regular intervals are substantially the same. Item 1. The gaming machine according to Item 1.   The flow path length is set based on a flow-down time when passing through the shortest flow path among the plurality of flow paths, and a launch interval of game balls fired continuously at a constant interval. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

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