JP2017217035A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can preferably suppress a game from becoming monotonous.SOLUTION: Actuation ball entry parts 62, 63 are provided on a game region PE. A shift lottery to an opening/closing execution mode, is performed, with ball entry to the actuation ball entry parts 62, 63, as a momentum. As the lottery modes for performing the lottery, a low probability mode, and a high probability mode in which, a winning result may easily occur relative to the low probability mode, are provided. A storage part for storing game balls which entered a left general winning port 61L, is provided on the left general winning port 61L provided on the game region PE. In a state in which, a number of the game balls stored in the storage part reaches a prescribed number, when a ball enters the left general winning port 61L, subsequent game balls are guided to a second branch passage part, by preceding game balls. With flowing of the game balls to the second branch passage part, as a momentum, a suggestion of whether the lottery mode is the high probability mode or the low probability mode, is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  Some gaming machines such as pachinko machines are provided with a game board in which a game area is formed, and a game ball launching means for launching a game ball into the game area based on a launch operation by the player. When the game ball launched from the game ball launching unit enters the entrance part provided in the game area, a privilege such as paying out a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

JP 2002-78904 A

  In the above-mentioned type of gaming machine, there is still room for improvement in the configuration in order to suppress the monotonization of the game and suppress the decrease in the player's willingness to play.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that can suitably suppress monotonization of games.

  Hereinafter, means for solving the above problems will be described.

The invention described in claim 1
A game board in which a game area is formed;
A starting pitching portion provided in the gaming area and capable of entering a gaming ball;
Information acquisition means for acquiring special information based on the entrance to the starting entrance part;
Acquisition information storage means capable of storing special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Determination means for determining whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined determination information;
A game state transition unit that transitions the gaming state to the special gaming state when the determination result by the determination unit is a corresponding result corresponding to the predetermined determination information;
A variable pitching portion that is provided in the gaming area and can be switched to an accepting state in which a game ball can be entered and a non-accepting state in which entry is impossible;
Drive control means for switching the variable pitching portion to the non-accepting state and the accepting state when the special gaming state is achieved;
A general entrance part that is provided in the game area and into which a game ball can enter;
A payout means for paying out a game ball when a ball enters the general ball portion;
And a storage section for storing the game balls that have entered the general entrance section so as to be visible from the front of the gaming machine.

  The monotonization of the game can be suitably suppressed.

It is a perspective view which shows the pachinko machine in 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main structures of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main structures of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows the structure of a game board. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the display content on the display screen of a symbol display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the various counters used for a success or failure lottery. (A), (b) Schematic which shows a success / failure table, (c) It is the schematic which shows a fall table. It is the schematic which shows a distribution table. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process performed in MPU of a main controller. It is a flowchart which shows the normal process performed by MPU of a main controller. It is a flowchart which shows game times control processing. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation | variation start process. (A) Partial enlarged view of the game board showing the left general winning opening and its peripheral configuration, (b) is a schematic diagram showing a storage unit. It is a flowchart which shows the process for shutter opening / closing. (A) The flowchart which shows the process for information alerting | reporting performed by MPU of alerting | reporting / production control apparatus, (b) It is the schematic which shows the outline | summary of state alerting | reporting. It is the elements on larger scale of the game board in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the game state transfer process performed in MPU of a main controller. It is a flowchart which shows a big prize opening / closing process. (A) It is a flowchart which shows the process for the acquisition privilege notification performed by MPU of an alerting | reporting / production control apparatus, (b) It is the schematic which shows the count-up display based on winning a prize to a big winning opening. (A) Schematic showing a count-up display based on winning in the right general winning opening, (b) a timing chart showing a game flow in the opening / closing execution mode. It is a flowchart which shows the process for acquisition privilege normal alerting performed by MPU of the alerting | reporting / production control apparatus in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process for acquisition privilege special alerting | reporting. It is the schematic which shows the flow of special count-up. (A) The elements on larger scale of the game board in 4th Embodiment, (b) It is a flowchart which shows the process for shutter opening / closing performed in MPU of a notification and effect control apparatus. (A) It is a flowchart which shows the prize ball command corresponding | compatible process performed by MPU of a payout control apparatus, (b) It is a flowchart which shows the process for payout control. It is a flowchart which shows the process for special payout control. It is the schematic which shows the flow of the game in opening / closing execution mode.

<First Embodiment> Storing a ball that has entered the left general winning opening Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a "pachinko machine"), which is a type of gaming machine, is based on the drawings. Will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 10 viewed from the front side, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the main configuration of the pachinko machine 10 in an exploded manner. In FIG. 2, the configuration in the game area PE of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted for convenience.

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

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

  The gaming machine main part 12 is supported by the outer frame 11 so as to be opened and closed. Specifically, the upper support bracket 17 is fixed to a connection portion between the upper frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11, and further, a lower portion is connected to the connection portion between the lower frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11. Side support fittings 18 are provided. The upper support bracket 17 and the lower support bracket 18 form a support mechanism. The support mechanism causes the gaming machine main unit 12 to turn the left side of the pachinko machine 10 in the front view with respect to the outer frame 11. The right side can be turned to the front side of the pachinko machine 10 with the turning tip side (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

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

  A front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13 and can be rotated forward with the left side as a rotation base end side and the right side as a rotation front end side in a front view. Further, the back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported on the inner frame 13, and can be rotated rearward with the left side as a rotation base end side and the right side as a rotation front end side in a front view ( (See FIG. 3).

(Front door frame 14)
Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the front door frame 14 is mainly composed of a synthetic resin frame body 20 whose outer shape is substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11, and covers almost the entire front surface of the inner frame 13. Yes. A substantially elliptical window portion 21 is formed in the central portion of the frame body 20 so that a substantially entire game area PE described later can be viewed from the front. The window portion 21 is formed by the glass unit 22. The front door frame 14 is closed from the back side.

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 1, light emitting means such as various lamps are provided around the glass unit 22 (specifically, the window portion 21). For example, an annular illumination part 26 incorporating a light emitting means such as an LED is provided along the periphery of the window part 21. In the annular illumination part 26, lighting or blinking is performed according to a change in the gaming state at the time of big hit or at a predetermined reach. In addition, an error display lamp unit 27 that is turned on at the time of a predetermined error is provided in the center of the annular illumination unit 26 and at the uppermost part of the pachinko machine 10, and a prize that is turned on while the prize ball is being paid out on the left and right sides. A sphere lamp portion 28 is provided. Further, a speaker unit 29 is provided at a position close to the left and right prize ball lamp units 28 to output sound effects corresponding to the gaming state.

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

  An operation button 35 that is operated by the player is disposed at a portion of the upper bulging portion 31 that is closer to the front than the upper plate 33. By operating the operation button 35, an operation-related effect (for example, a special effect linked to an accessory) is performed.

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

  As shown in FIG. 2, a passage forming unit 45 is attached to the back surface of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 45 is formed of a synthetic resin, and has a front door side upper dish passage that leads to the upper dish 33 and a front door side lower dish path that leads to the lower dish 34. In the passage forming unit 45, a receiving port portion that protrudes rearward and is opened upward is formed at the upper corner of the passage forming unit 45, and the entrance portion of the front door side upper plate passage is formed by dividing the receiving port portion into left and right by a partition wall. The portion and the entrance portion of the front door side lower dish passage are partitioned. The game balls that have entered the front door side upper dish passage are guided to the upper dish 33, and the game balls that have entered the front door side lower dish path are guided to the lower dish 34.

  Projecting shafts are provided at the upper end and the lower end of the rotation base end side of the back surface of the front door frame 14. These projecting shafts constitute an assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of bar brackets 49 extending rearward are arranged in parallel in the vertical direction on the rotating front end side of the back surface of the front door frame 14. These hooks 49 constitute a locking mechanism for the inner frame 13.

(Inner frame 13)
Next, the inner frame 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The inner frame 13 is mainly configured by a resin base 50 whose outer shape is substantially rectangular like the outer frame 11. The height dimension of the resin base 50 is set slightly smaller than the height dimension of the outer frame 11. The resin base 50 is arranged close to the upper frame portion of the outer frame 11, and a slight gap is formed between the lower frame portion of the outer frame 11 and the resin base 50. A curtain plate is attached to the outer frame 11 so as to close the gap. The curtain plate is disposed below the resin base 50 (specifically, the lower end portion thereof). When the inner frame 13 is closed with respect to the outer frame 11, the resin base 50 is placed on the curtain plate. .

  Support metal fittings 51 and 52 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the rotation base end side of the front surface of the resin base 50. Shaft holes are formed in the support fittings 51 and 52, and the front door frame 14 is rotatably supported with respect to the inner frame 13 by inserting the projection shaft of the front door frame 14 into the shaft holes. ing.

  Insertion holes for inserting the metal fittings 49 provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14 are provided on the rotation front end side of the front surface of the resin base 50. As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko machine 10 has a configuration in which a locking device 55 for locking the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is hidden behind the inner frame 13. Therefore, the front door frame 14 is locked to the inner frame 13 so as not to be opened by the hook metal 49 being locked to the locking device 55 (specifically, the front door hook receiving member) through the insertion hole. The locking device 55 has an inner frame collar member 57 extending rearward of the inner frame 13. When these inner frame hook members 57 are hooked on the hook receiving member 19 of the outer frame 11, the gaming machine main part 12 is locked in a closed state with respect to the outer frame 11.

  A cylinder lock 58 for performing an unlocking operation of the locking device 55 is installed at the lower right corner of the resin base 50. The cylinder lock 58 is integrated with the locking device 55. When the key inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 58 is turned to the right, the lock of the front door frame 14 with respect to the inner frame 13 is released, and the cylinder lock 58 is inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 58. The locking device 55 is configured so that the locking of the inner frame 13 with respect to the outer frame 11 is released when the key is turned counterclockwise.

  A substantially elliptical window hole 54 is formed at the center of the resin base 50, and the window hole 54 is closed from behind by a game board 60 attached to the resin base 50. The game board 60 includes a wooden plywood and a sheet material that covers a front plate surface of the plywood, and the front surface of the game board 60 is exposed to the front side of the resin base 50 through the window hole 54. In the exposed portion, that is, the front surface of the game board 60, a game area PE in which game balls flow down is formed.

  Note that the game board 60 is not limited to wooden, and may be made of synthetic resin. In addition, the game board 60 may be mounted on the resin base 50 from the front of the game.

  Hereinafter, the game board 60 (in particular, various configurations arranged in the game area PE) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of the game board 60.

(Game board 60)
The game board 60 is formed with a plurality of large and small openings penetrating in its thickness direction (front-rear direction). Each opening is provided with a general winning opening 61, working ball entering portions 62 and 63, variable winning devices 64 and 65, a through gate 66, a variable display unit 67, and the like. When a ball is entered into the general winning opening 61, the actuating balls 62 and 63, and the variable winning devices 64 and 65, this is detected by a detection sensor disposed on the back side of the game board 60, and the detection result is Based on this, a privilege such as payout of a predetermined number of prize balls is given to the player.

  In addition, an out port 68 is provided at the lowermost part of the game board 60, and game balls that have not entered various winning holes etc. are discharged from the game area PE through the out port 68. Here, the entry ball means that the game ball passes through a predetermined opening part, and after passing through the opening part, the game ball passes through the opening part as well as being discharged from the game area PE. A mode in which the game area PE is not discharged later is also included. In the following description, in order to clearly distinguish the game ball from entering the out port 68, the general game port 61, the actuated ball units 62 and 63, the variable game devices 64 and 65 and the through gate 66 are entered. Is also expressed as “winning”.

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

  The variable display unit 67 is arranged in the center of the game board 60, and the operation entrance parts 62, 63 and the like are arranged around the variable display unit 67. The operation entrance parts 62 and 63 are arranged below the variable display unit 67 in the vertical direction. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, the upper working entrance part is referred to as “upper working entrance part 62”, and the lower operation entrance part is referred to as “lower operation entrance part 63”.

  In particular, the lower working entrance portion (lottery opportunity entrance portion) 63 is provided with an open / close type entrance assist device (entrance assisting means) or an electric accessory 71 as an opening / closing member (opening / closing means). The electric accessory 71 includes a pair of left and right movable pieces 71a and a solenoid-type electric accessory drive unit 71b that drives the movable piece 71a, and operates the movable piece 71a to operate the lower operation ball. An open state (supported state or auxiliary state) in which the entrance to the entrance portion (lower operation opening 63a) in the portion 63 is possible or easy, and a closed state in which the entrance ball is more difficult than the open state (non-support State or non-auxiliary state).

  In the game area PE, the through gates 66 are arranged in the area on the right side and the area on the left side of the variable display unit 67, respectively, and winning by lottery triggered by the passage of the game ball through the through gate 66. In such a case, the electric accessory 71 is in an open state for a preset time.

  The variable winning devices (special winning devices or special winning means) 64 and 65 are individually arranged below and to the right of the variable display unit 67. For the sake of convenience, the variable winning device arranged below the variable display unit 67 (specifically, below the operation pitching portions 62 and 63) will be referred to as a “lower variable winning device 64” and to the right of the variable display unit 67 (details). Is a variable winning device arranged below the lower operating ball-entry unit 63) is referred to as a “right variable winning device 65”.

  The lower variable winning device 64 includes a lower large winning port 64a leading to the back side of the game board 60, and an opening / closing mechanism as an opening / closing means for opening and closing the lower large winning port 64a. The opening / closing mechanism includes an opening / closing door 64b as an opening / closing member for the lower large prize winning opening 64a. The open / close door 64b is switched between an open state (assisting state or receiving state) in which a game ball can be entered or facilitated and a closed state (non-assisting state or non-accepting state) in which the entering ball is impossible or difficult. It is possible. The opening / closing door 64b is connected to a variable ball driving unit 64c (specifically a solenoid) provided on the back side of the game board 60, and the opening / closing door 64b is maintained in a closed state under normal conditions. In the lottery, when the winning / opening execution mode (opening / closing execution state) is won, the open state is switched.

  Similarly, the right variable prize winning device 65 is provided with a right big prize opening 65a leading to the back side of the game board 60 and an opening / closing mechanism as an opening / closing means for opening and closing the right big prize winning opening 65a. Yes. The opening / closing mechanism includes an opening / closing door 65b as an opening / closing member for the right large prize winning opening 65a. The open / close door 65b is switched between an open state (assisting state or receiving state) in which a game ball can be entered or facilitated and a closed state (non-assist state or non-accepting state) in which the entering ball is impossible or difficult. It is possible. Further, the opening / closing door 65b is connected to a variable ball driving unit 65c (specifically, a solenoid) provided on the back side of the game board 60, and the opening / closing door 65b is maintained in a closed state under normal conditions. In the lottery, when the winning / opening execution mode (opening / closing execution state) is won, the open state is switched.

  Here, the opening / closing execution mode is a mode to be shifted to when a big win is won. As an opening mode of the variable winning devices 64 and 65 in the opening / closing execution mode, for example, a predetermined time (30 sec in the present embodiment) or a predetermined number (10 in the present embodiment) of winning is defined as one round. The opening / closing door 64b or the opening / closing door 65b is set to be repeatedly opened with a plurality of rounds (16 rounds, 8 rounds, 4 rounds in the present embodiment) as the upper limit.

  In the open / close execution mode, the lower variable winning device 64 (lower large winning opening 64a) is a target for opening, and the right variable winning device 65 (right large winning port 65a) is a target for opening. And are set. These both opening modes are selected according to the type of jackpot described later.

  Here, a supplementary description will be given of the arrangement of the operation ball entering portions 62 and 63 and the variable winning devices 64 and 65.

  The variable display unit 67 is disposed in the center of the game board 60. With this variable display unit 67 (detailed later, a center frame 77), the flow path of the game ball flowing down the game area PE bypasses the variable display unit 67 from the right side (hereinafter referred to as the right route), and from the left side. The route is roughly divided into a detour route (hereinafter referred to as a left route).

  When a game ball is launched toward the left area of the variable display unit 67 (left route), the game ball that has passed the side of the variable display unit 67 is below the variable display unit 67 in the game area PE. It is easy to be guided to a region to be a side, that is, a region where the upper working ball entering portion 62 and the lower working ball entering portion 63 are arranged. At this time, the game ball that has passed through both actuated ball entering portions 62 and 63 flows down to the lower variable winning device 64 and does not enter the lower large winning port 64a of the lower variable winning device 64. Is discharged out of the game area PE through the out port 68. On the other hand, the right variable winning device 65 is arranged at a position where the game ball flowing down the area on the left side of the variable display unit 67 cannot reach. For this reason, it is avoided that the game ball launched toward the left region of the variable display unit 67 enters the right big winning opening 65a.

  In addition, when a game ball is fired toward the area (right route) on the right side of the variable display unit 67, the game ball that has passed through the side of the variable display unit 67 flows down toward the right variable winning device 65. To do. The right variable winning device 65 is formed with a guiding portion that guides the game ball toward the lower region of the variable display unit 67 in the game region PE (specifically, the lower operation ball entering portion 63). The game ball that has passed through the right large winning opening 65a of the variable winning device 65 will flow down toward the lower operating ball entering portion 63. Then, the game ball that has passed through the lower working ball entering portion 63 flows down toward the lower variable winning device 64. Here, the upper operating ball entering portion 62 is arranged at a position where the game ball launched toward the right region of the variable display unit 67 is unreachable. For this reason, the game ball is allowed to enter the variable prize-winning devices 64 and 65 and the lower operation entrance portion 63, but is prevented from entering the upper operation entrance portion 62.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the through gates 66 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the variable display unit 67, so that the game ball can be fired toward either the left or right side of the variable display unit 67. The support function by the electric accessory 71 of the lower operation ball entry portion 63 is ensured (even if the game is performed according to the game situation).

  Next, the variable display unit 67 will be described. The variable display unit 67 includes a symbol display device 75 that variably displays symbols triggered by winnings in the operation pitching portions 62 and 63, and a center frame 77 disposed so as to surround the symbol display device 75. . The center frame 77 protrudes forward of the gaming machine, and the passage of game balls in the front area of the symbol display device 75 is restricted by the center frame 77.

  The symbol display device 75 is configured as a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display, and the display content on the display screen 75a is controlled by a display control device described later. On the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75, for example, symbols are displayed side by side in the top, middle, and bottom, and these symbols are variably displayed as they are scrolled in the horizontal direction. When a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on a preset active line, a special gaming state (hereinafter referred to as a jackpot) occurs, and the above-described opening / closing execution mode is entered.

  The operation entrance parts 62 and 63 are arranged at positions close to the variable display unit 67. Since a big win can be triggered by winning a prize at the working pitches 62 and 63, the player pays attention to whether or not the winning pitches 62 and 63 win and whether or not a big win will occur. It is considered that attention is paid to the symbol display device 75 for grasping. Providing the operation entrance parts 62 and 63 near the variable display unit 67 is a device for concentrating a portion that the player wants to pay attention to around the variable display unit 67.

  A main display unit 81 is disposed on the side of the operating ball entering portions 62 and 63 (below the right variable winning device 65). The main display unit 81 is disposed along the outer edge on the lower side of the game area PE, and protrudes forward from the front surface of the game board 60 to the pachinko machine 10. The front surface of the main display unit 81 is opposed to the glass unit 22 (specifically, the rear glass panel 23) that allows the game area PE to be visually recognized from the front of the pachinko machine 10, and further to the rear glass panel 23. The distance between them is narrower than that of one game ball. This prevents the game ball from falling in front of the front surface of the main display unit 81.

  In the main display unit 81, a main display portion D on which a predetermined pattern or the like is displayed is provided at a portion facing the glass unit 22. The main display unit D includes an upper working ball display unit DU for displaying a lottery result based on winning in the upper working ball unit 62 (upper working port 62a) and a lower working ball unit 63 (lower side). A display panel DL for a lower side actuated ball portion that displays a result of a lottery performed based on winning in the operating port 63a).

  In the display unit DU for the upper action ball entry unit, the display of the variation in the pattern is performed using the winning in the upper action ball entry unit 62 as a trigger, and based on the winning in the upper operation ball entry unit 62 as a result of stopping the fluctuation display The result of the internal lottery performed is clearly indicated. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning to the upper working ball entering unit 62 is a winning result corresponding to the shift to the opening / closing execution mode, the variable display is stopped on the upper working ball display unit DU. After a predetermined pattern is displayed as a stop result, the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode.

  In the lower action entry part display unit DL, a change display of a picture is performed with a winning in the lower action entry part 63 as a trigger, and as a result of stopping the change display, the lower action entry part 63 is displayed. The result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning is clearly indicated. When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning to the lower operating ball entering portion 63 is a winning result corresponding to the big hit or special win, the variable display is stopped on the lower operating ball entering portion display unit DL. After a predetermined pattern is displayed as a stop result, the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode according to the result.

  Here, on the basis of winning in any one of the activated ball entering parts 62, 63, the corresponding activated ball part display unit DL, DU starts the variable display, displays a predetermined stop result, and displays the above variable display. The time until is stopped (determined display) corresponds to one game time. However, the number of game times is not limited to the above-mentioned content. For example, a single display area is provided, and even if a winning is made to any of the operating ball entering parts 62 and 63, the single game area is only given. In the configuration in which the variable display is performed in one display area, the variable display is started in the single display area, and the variable display is stopped (determined display) in a state where a predetermined stop result is displayed. Is one game.

  The main display unit 81 of the main display unit 81 is provided with a through gate display unit DS for displaying a lottery result based on winning in the through gate 66 in addition to the display units DL and DU for both actuated ball entering units. ing. In the through gate display unit DS, the display of the variation of the picture is performed with the winning of the through gate 66 as a trigger, and the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the through gate 66 is displayed as a result of stopping the variation display. It is clearly shown. When the result of the internal lottery (support lottery) based on the winning to the through gate 66 is a winning result corresponding to the shift to the power release state, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the through gate display section DS. Then, after the change display is stopped, it shifts to the electric utility open state. In the electric combination open state, the electric combination 71 provided in the lower operation entrance portion 63 is opened in a predetermined manner.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the number of times that the game ball has passed through the through gate 66 is retained up to 4 times, but the number of suspension is displayed on the main display portion D of the main display unit 81. A holding number display section DH is provided.

  Each of these display parts DL, DU, DS, DH is visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 22 of the front door frame 14, and the front of these various display parts DL, DU, DS, DH. Visibility is secured by avoiding the movement of the game ball.

  The configuration of the inner frame 13 will be described again with reference to FIG. 2. A game ball is directed toward the game area PE based on the operation of the game ball launch handle 41 below the mounting area of the game board 60 in the resin base 50. A game ball launching mechanism 110 is provided. The game ball launching mechanism 110 includes a solenoid 111 that launches a game ball placed at a predetermined launch standby position, a launch rail 112 that defines the launch direction of the game ball launched by the solenoid 111, and a game at the launch standby position. A ball feeding device 113 for supplying a ball and a base plate 114 on which the various configurations 111 to 113 are mounted are provided as main components, and the base plate 114 is fixed to the resin base 50 so that the resin base 50 is fixed. On the other hand, it is integrated.

  The firing rail 112 is fixed to the base plate 114 in an inclined state so as to be inclined upward toward the game board 60 side. A ball stopper that holds the game ball supplied from the ball feeding device 113 at the above-described firing standby position is disposed at a position closer to the downstream end portion (that is, the lower end portion) of the firing rail 112. The solenoid 111 is arranged at a position further downstream than the ball stopper.

  The solenoid 111 is electrically connected to a power source / launch control device described later. Based on the output of the electrical signal from the power supply / launch control device, the output shaft of the solenoid 111 reciprocates in the expansion / contraction direction, so that the game ball placed at the launch standby position is on the game board 60 side, more specifically, the game. It is launched toward the guide rail 100 mounted on the board 60.

  In the guide rail 100, the game area PE is partitioned so that the outer shape of the game area PE is substantially circular. In addition, the guide rail 100 includes an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 arranged so as to face each other with a gap slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, and a single guide passage 103 is defined by both the rails 101 and 102. Is formed. The guide passage 103 has an inlet portion that is open to the tip end side (obliquely downward) of the firing rail 112 and an outlet portion that is located above the game area PE. The game ball fired based on the operation of the solenoid 111 is guided to the game area PE by moving in the order of the firing rail 112 → guide rail 100 (entrance portion → exit portion). By adjusting the amount of operation of the game ball launch handle 41, the game ball can be divided into an area on the left side of the variable display unit 67 in the game area PE and an area on the right side of the variable display unit 67 in the game area PE. It is possible.

  In the game board 60, a reverse prevention member 106 for preventing the game ball reaching the game area PE from returning back into the guide passage 103 is attached to the front side of the exit portion, specifically near the tip of the inner rail 101. Thus, it is possible to prevent the subsequent launch of the game ball from being hindered by the game ball that has reached the game area PE first.

  The guide rail 100 (see FIG. 4) and the firing rail 112 are arranged such that the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the firing rail 112 face each other with the lower end edge of the game board 60 interposed therebetween. That is, both the rails 100 and 112 are arranged such that the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the firing rail 112 are shifted left and right in the vicinity of the lower end edge of the game board 60. Thus, a gap of a predetermined interval is formed between the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the firing rail 112 while bringing both rails 100 and 112 close to the lower end edge of the game board 60.

  A foul ball passage 46 is disposed below the gap formed in this way. The foul ball passage 46 is formed integrally with the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. If the game balls launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 do not reach the game area PE and return to the inside of the guide passage 103 as foul balls, the foul balls enter the foul ball passage 46 through the gap. It becomes. The foul ball passage 46 communicates with the lower door passage on the front door side, and the game balls that have entered the foul ball passage 46 are discharged to the lower plate 34 shown in FIG. This suppresses interference between the foul ball and the next game ball to be launched.

  A through hole that penetrates the resin base 50 in the front-rear direction is formed on the left side of the firing base 112 in the resin base 50 (specifically, the side that supports the front door frame 14). A passage forming member is formed in the through hole. 121 is disposed. The passage forming member 121 is screwed to the resin base 50 and has a main body side upper dish path and a main body side lower dish path. The upstream side of the main body side upper dish passage and the main body side lower dish passage communicates with a game ball distributing section described later. In addition, the receiving portion of the passage forming unit 45 attached to the front door frame 14 enters below the passage forming member 121, and the front door side upper plate passage is disposed below the main body side upper plate passage, A front door side upper dish passage is disposed below the main body side lower dish passage.

  An opening / closing member 124 that opens and closes the main body side upper dish path and the main body side lower dish path is attached to the resin base 50 below the passage forming member 121. The opening / closing member 124 is supported by a support shaft provided at the lower end thereof so as to be pivotable in the front-rear direction, and further includes an urging member that urges the main body side upper dish passage and the main body side lower dish path to a front position. Is provided. Therefore, when the front door frame 14 is opened with respect to the inner frame 13, the opening / closing member 124 rises as shown in the figure, and closes the main body side upper dish passage and the main body side lower dish path. Thereby, when the front door frame 14 is opened in a state where game balls are stored in the main body side upper dish passage or the main body side lower dish passage, it is possible to prevent such a problem that the stored balls spill out. On the other hand, in a state where the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening / closing member 124 is pushed open against the biasing force by the receiving portion provided in the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. In this state, the main body side upper dish path and the front door side upper dish path communicate with each other, and the main body side lower dish path and the front door side lower dish path communicate with each other.

Next, the back configuration of the inner frame 13 (the resin base 50 and the game board 60) will be described with reference to FIG.
Bearing fittings 132 are arranged vertically on the rotation base end side of the back surface of the resin base 50. The bearing bracket 132 is formed with bearing portions spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, and the back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to the inner frame 13 by these bearing portions.

  A plurality of locking fittings 135 are provided on the back surface of the resin base 50, and the game board 60 is attached to the resin base 50 by the locking fittings 135 as described above. Here, the configuration of the back surface of the game board 60 will be described.

  A display control device is attached to the variable display unit 67 disposed in the center of the game board 60 so as to cover the variable display unit 67 from behind (not shown). An effect control device unit 142 is mounted behind the display control device so as to overlap the display control device. The effect control device unit 142 includes a notification / effect control device 610 and a mounting base 144, and the notification / effect control device 610 is mounted on the mounting base 144.

  The notification / production control device 610 includes a production control board that controls voice, lamp display, and display control apparatus in accordance with instructions from a main control apparatus to be described later, and the production control board is made of a transparent resin material or the like. It is housed and configured in a box 145.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a collective plate 150 is provided below the variable display unit 67 on the back surface of the game board 60. The collective board 150 is provided with a game ball collecting mechanism for collecting game balls won in various winning ports, a detection mechanism for detecting the entering of game balls into various winning ports, and the like.

  The game ball collecting mechanism will be described. The collective plate 150 is provided with a collecting passage corresponding to each of the various ball entering portions such as the general winning opening 61. These collection passages go down along the back surface of the game board 60 from these entrances, and define the fall path of the game balls. The collection paths meet near the lower end of the game board 60, and any game balls that have passed through the ball-entry portion such as the general winning opening 61 gather at the lower part of the game board 60 through the collection path. It becomes. The exit portion of each recovery passage is opened downward, and a discharge passage described later is provided on the front side (specifically, below the game board 60). The game balls gathered below the game board 60 by the collection passage are led out to the discharge passage. Similarly, the out port 68 leads to the discharge passage, and a game ball that has not won any prize opening is led out to the discharge passage through the out port 68.

  The detection mechanism will be described. The collective plate 150 is provided with detection sensors that individually correspond to various ball entering portions such as the general winning a prize opening 61. These various detection sensors are arranged in the middle of each collection passage that is connected to the ball entry portion such as the general winning opening 61, and the game ball falls in a state where the collection path of the game ball is defined in the collection passage. Detect passage. More specifically, each detection sensor detects a ball entering a ball entrance such as the general winning award 61 by passing a game ball through a detection area provided in the middle of each collection passage, Specifically, a magnetic sensor that grasps a change in a magnetic field that occurs when a game ball passes through the detection area is employed.

  These various detection sensors are electrically connected to a main control device unit 160 (specifically, a main control device) provided on the back side of the game board 60, and detection signals from these detection sensors are transmitted to the main control device. Output. Hereinafter, the main controller unit 160 and the configuration associated therewith will be described.

  The main controller unit 160 is mounted on the game board 60 so as to cover the collective plate 150 from the rear side, and includes a synthetic resin mounting base 161 and a main controller 162 mounted on the mounting base 161. It is configured. The main controller 162 includes a main control board having a function (main control circuit) that controls the main control of the game and a function (power failure monitoring circuit) that monitors the power source, and the main control board is made of a transparent resin material. It is configured to be accommodated in a substrate box 163 made of, for example.

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

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

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

(Back pack unit 15)
Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the inner frame 13 is covered from behind by the back pack unit 15. The back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 201, and a payout mechanism unit 202, a discharge passage board, and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the back pack 201.

  The back pack 201 is formed of a synthetic resin having transparency, and as shown in FIG. 3, a base portion 211 to which the payout mechanism portion 202 and the like are attached, and a protective cover portion 212 that protrudes rearward from the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. And have. The protective cover 212 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the variable display unit 67.

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

  In the base portion 211, a payout mechanism portion 202 is disposed so as to bypass the protective cover portion 212. The payout mechanism 202 is provided with a tank 221 that is arranged at the top of the back pack 201 and that opens upward, and game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are sequentially replenished to the tank 221. The A tank rail that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected to the lower side of the tank 221, and a case rail extending in the vertical direction is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail. A payout device 222 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail. The game balls paid out from the payout device 222 are supplied to the game ball distribution unit provided in the base portion 211 of the back pack 201 through the payout passage provided on the downstream side of the payout device 222.

  The game ball distribution unit has a function of distributing the game balls paid out from the payout device 222 to any one of the upper plate 33, the lower plate 34, and a discharge passage described later, and the inner opening is the main body side described above. The upper dish passage and the front door side upper dish path communicate with the upper dish 33, and the outer opening is formed so as to communicate with the main body side lower dish path and front door side lower dish path. .

  As shown in FIG. 3, the discharge passage board and the control device collective unit 204 are attached to the lower end portion of the base portion 211 so as to sandwich the lower end portion in the front-rear direction. In the discharge passage board 203, a discharge passage opened rearward is formed on a surface facing the control device assembly unit 204, and an open portion of the discharge passage is closed by the control device assembly unit 204. The discharge passage is formed so as to discharge the game ball to the island facility or the like of the game hall, and the game ball led to the discharge passage from the recovery passage described above passes through the discharge passage to the outside of the pachinko machine 10. Discharged.

  The control device assembly unit 204 has a horizontally long mounting base on which a payout control device 181 and a power supply / launch control device 191 are mounted. The payout control device 181 and the power supply / launch control device 191 are arranged so as to overlap each other so that the payout control device 181 is behind the pachinko machine 10.

  In the payout control device 181, a payout control board for controlling the payout device 222 is accommodated in the board box, and a state return switch provided on the payout control board projects out of the board box. For example, when the state return switch is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball jam in the payout device 222, the ball jam is eliminated.

  The power supply / launch control device 191 includes a power supply / launch control board housed in a board box, and a predetermined power source required for various control devices is generated and output by the board, and a game ball is fired by a player. Control of the launch of the game ball accompanying the operation of the handle 41 is performed. Further, the power supply / launch control device 191 is provided with a RAM erase switch. This pachinko machine 10 has a function to store and store various data so that even if a power failure occurs, it maintains the state at the time of the power failure, and can be restored to the state at the time of the power failure at the time of recovery from the power failure. It has become. Therefore, for example, when the power is turned off in the normal procedure, as in the case of the game hall being closed, the state before the turn-off is stored and retained. However, if the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch, the RAM data is initialized. It has become.

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

  An MPU 602 is mounted on a main control board 601 provided in the main controller 162. The MPU 602 is a ROM 603 storing various control programs executed by the MPU 602 and fixed value data, and a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control program stored in the ROM 603. The RAM 604 is an element including an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, various counter circuits as a random number generator, and the like.

  The MPU 602 is provided with an input port and an output port. On the input side of the MPU 602, a power failure monitoring board 605, a payout control device 181 and various detection sensors 151 to 156 provided in the main control device 162 are connected. The power failure monitoring board 605 is connected to a power supply / emission control device 191, and power is supplied to the MPU 602 via the power failure monitoring board 605. Also, as a part of the various detection sensors 151 to 156, a prize-winning entry part (payout-corresponding entry part) such as a general prize opening 61, variable prize-winning devices 64 and 65, actuated entry parts 62 and 63, a through gate 66, and the like. Are connected to each other, and the MPU 602 of the main control device 162 performs a winning determination (entrance determination) to each of the winning portions. In addition, the MPU 602 executes a jackpot generation lottery based on the winnings to the operation pitching units 62 and 63, and executes a support generation lottery based on the winnings to the through gate 66.

  On the output side of the MPU 602, a power failure monitoring board 605, a payout control device 181 and a notification / effect control device 610 are connected. For example, a payout ball command is output to the payout control device 181 based on a winning determination result to the winning-corresponding winning portion. In this case, when outputting the prize ball command, the command information storage area 603e of the ROM 603 is referred to. When the winning to the general winning opening 61 is specified, a winning ball command (general winning ball winning ball command) corresponding to the payout of six game balls is output and the winning to the variable winning device 64 is made. When specified, a prize ball command (variable prize device prize ball command) corresponding to the payout of 15 game balls is output. An award ball command (award ball command for actuating ball part) corresponding to the payout of one game ball is output.

  Various commands such as a change start command (change command), a type command, a change end command, an opening command, and an ending command are output to the notification / production control device 610. In this case, the command information storage area 603e of the ROM 603 is referred to when these various commands are output. Details of these various commands will be described later. Each command is configured as information of a predetermined number of bytes, and various information is included as information of the predetermined number of bytes.

  Further, on the output side of the MPU 602, variable ball driving units 64c and 65c for opening and closing the open / close doors of the variable prize winning devices 64 and 65, and an electric role driving unit for opening and closing the electric ball 71 of the operating ball entering unit 63 are opened and closed. 71b and the main display unit 81 are connected. Various driver circuits are provided on the main control board 601, and the MPU 602 controls these various configurations through the driver circuits.

  Specifically, drive control of the variable ball driving units 64c and 65c is executed in the MPU 602 so that the variable winning devices 64 and 65 are opened and closed in the open / close execution mode. In addition, in the case where the electrified winning combination 71 of the operating ball entering portion 63 is won, the MPU 602 executes drive control of the electrifying instrument driving unit 71b so that the electrifying accessory 71 is opened and closed. Further, the MPU 602 executes display control of the ball entrance display units DL, DU, DS and the hold number display unit HS of the main display unit 81.

  The power failure monitoring board 605 relays between the main control board 601 and the power / fire control device 191, and monitors the DC stable voltage of 24 volts that is the maximum voltage output from the power / fire control device 191. The payout control device 181 performs payout control of prize balls and rental balls by the payout device 222 based on the prize ball command input from the main control device 162.

  The power supply / launch control device 191 is connected to, for example, a commercial power supply (external power supply) in a game hall or the like. Then, based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, necessary operating power is generated for each of the main control board 601, the payout control device 181 and the like, and the generated operating power is supplied through a predetermined power path. To do. The power supply / launch control device 191 is responsible for launch control of the game ball launch mechanism 110, and the game ball launch mechanism 110 is driven when predetermined launch conditions are met.

  An MPU 612 is mounted on a notification / production control board 611 provided in the notification / production control device 610. The MPU 612 is a memory for temporarily storing various control programs executed by the MPU 612 and ROM 613 storing fixed value data, and various data when executing the control program stored in the ROM 613. A RAM 614, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, and the like are incorporated.

  The MPU 612 is provided with an input port and an output port. The operation button 35 described above is connected to the input side of the MPU 612, and it is possible to grasp the presence or absence of an operation based on a signal from the operation button 35. On the output side of the MPU 612, light emitting units 26 to 28, a speaker unit 29, a display control device 620, and the like are connected. The MPU 612 is connected to a storage unit entrance detection sensor and a shutter (drive unit), which will be described later. Details of the storage unit will be described later.

  The MPU 612 controls the variable display unit 67 based on the command input from the main controller 162. Specifically, the notification / production control device 610 grasps the symbol variable display time (whether or not the reach production occurs) in the symbol display device 75 based on various commands input from the main control device 162, and finally The type of symbol combination to be stopped and displayed is determined and details of the contents of reach production are determined.

  The display control device 620 includes a display control board on which an MPU is mounted. The MPU has various control programs, a program ROM storing fixed value data, and various control programs stored in the program ROM. Built-in work RAM, video display processor (VDP), character ROM that stores image data, video RAM that temporarily stores image data read from character ROM, etc. Has been.

  The VDP is a kind of drawing circuit that directly operates an image processing device as a liquid crystal display driver installed in the symbol display device 75. Since the VDP is formed as an IC chip, it is also called a “drawing chip”, and the substance of the VDP should be said to be a microcomputer chip incorporating firmware dedicated to drawing processing. The VDP adjusts the timing of each of the MPU, the video RAM, etc. to intervene in reading and writing data, and reads the image data stored in the video RAM from the character ROM at a predetermined timing and displays it on the symbol display device 75.

  The character ROM plays a role as an image data library for storing character data such as symbols displayed on the symbol display device 75. This character ROM holds bitmap format image data of various display patterns, a color palette table to be referred to when determining the expression color at each dot of the bitmap image, and the like. These image data, tables, etc. are stored in the character ROM.

  The video RAM is a memory for storing display data to be displayed on the symbol display device 75, and the display content of the symbol display device 75 is changed by rewriting the content of the video RAM.

  The MPU of the display control device 620 executes display control of the symbol display device 75 based on the command input from the notification / production control device 610. Specifically, the variable display is performed for each game time in accordance with the content of the variable display finally determined by the notification / production control device 610 and the type of combination of symbols to be stopped.

  Here, the display contents of the symbol display device 75 (display screen 75a) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a display screen 75 a of the symbol display device 75.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75, three symbol rows Z1, Z2 and Z3 of the upper, middle and lower stages are set. Each of the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 includes a main symbol and a sub symbol arranged in a predetermined order. Specifically, nine types of main symbols “1” to “9” are arranged in descending order of numbers in the upper symbol row Z1, and one sub symbol is arranged between each main symbol. . In the lower symbol row Z3, nine types of main symbols “1” to “9” are arranged in ascending numerical order, and one sub symbol is arranged between the main symbols. That is, the upper symbol row Z1 and the lower symbol row Z3 are composed of 18 symbols. On the other hand, in the middle symbol row Z2, nine types of main symbols “1” to “9” are arranged in ascending numerical order, and then between the main symbol “9” and the main symbol “1”. In addition, a main symbol “4” is additionally arranged, and one sub symbol is arranged between each main symbol. In other words, only the middle symbol row Z2 is composed of 20 symbols by arranging 10 main symbols. On the display screen 75a, the symbols in the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 are displayed in a variable manner so as to scroll in a predetermined direction with periodicity. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the display screen 75a is configured such that 3 symbols are stopped and displayed for each symbol row, and as a result, a total of 9 symbols of 3 × 3 are stopped and displayed. It has come to be.

  Further, five effective lines, that is, a left line L1, a middle line L2, a right line L3, a right lowering line L4, and a right uppering line L5 are set on the display screen 75a. Then, the variable display stops in the order of the upper symbol row Z1 → the lower symbol row Z3 → the middle symbol row Z2, and all the symbol rows Z1 are formed in a state in which a combination of symbols having the same number attached to any one of the effective lines is formed. When the variation display of .about.Z3 is completed, a jackpot video showing that a normal jackpot result and a probabilistic jackpot result, which will be described later, are displayed.

  In addition, the mode of the variable display of the symbol in the symbol display device 75 is not limited to the above, and is arbitrary. The number of symbol rows, the direction of the symbol variable display in the symbol row, the number of symbols in each symbol row, etc. Can be appropriately changed. In addition, the symbols that are variably displayed on the symbol display device 75 are not limited to the symbols as described above. For example, only a numeral may be variably displayed as a symbol. It is good also as a structure only of the design which is contained or the number is not attached | subjected.

  The pattern variation display mode in the symbol display device 75 will be described further. In the pachinko machine 10, reach display is performed as a stage before the corresponding symbol combination is stopped and displayed when the jackpot result is notified as described above. Is set to Reach display (reach effect or reach state) is a game that includes a symbol display device 75 capable of performing variable display (or variable display) of symbols (pictures), and becomes an open / close execution mode of the variable winning devices 64 and 65. In the gaming machine in which the stop display result after the variable display is the special display result, the variable display (or variable display) of the symbol (picture) in the symbol display device 75 is started and the stop display result is derived and displayed. This means a display state for making the player think that the display state is a variable display state that is likely to result in the special display result.

  In other words, a combination of jackpot symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the opening / closing execution mode is established by stopping the symbols for a part of the symbol sequences displayed on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75. This is a display state in which a combination of reach symbols that may be displayed is displayed, and in that state, the symbols are displayed in a variable manner in the remaining symbol rows.

  More specifically, as a step before ending the variable display of symbols, a combination of jackpot symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the opening / closing execution mode is established on a preset active line in the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75. A reach line is formed by stopping and displaying a combination of reach symbols that may possibly be displayed, and a symbol change display is performed by a final stop symbol row in a situation where the reach line is formed.

  A supplementary explanation of the reach display will be given based on FIG. 6. In the state where the symbol variation display is first ended in the upper symbol row Z 1 and the symbol variation display is terminated in the lower symbol row Z 3, A reach line is formed by stopping and displaying the main symbols having the same numbers on the effective lines L1 to L5, and in the situation where the reach line is formed, the change display of the symbols is displayed in the middle symbol row Z2. When it is done, it becomes reach display. When the open / close execution mode occurs, the symbols in the middle symbol row Z2 are displayed in such a manner that the main symbols having the same numbers as the main symbols forming the reach line are stopped and displayed on the reach line. The change display of is terminated.

  In the reach display, in the state where the combination of reach symbols is displayed as described above, the variation display of symbols is performed on the remaining symbol rows, and a predetermined character or the like is displayed as a moving image on the background screen. There are those that produce an effect, and those that perform a reach effect by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on substantially the entire display screen 75a after reducing or not displaying a combination of reach symbols.

  On the display screen 75a, a hold display area NE is set in a portion below the variable display area ME having the variable display area of the upper symbol row, the variable display area of the middle symbol, and the variable display area of the lower symbol. ing. In the hold display area NE, the hold is divided in such a way that the same number of unit hold display areas Da1 to Da8 as the maximum hold number when the game ball is won in the operation balls 62, 63 are arranged in the left-right direction. A number display area Da is provided.

  Specifically, when the game ball enters the upper working ball entering portion 62, the maximum holding number is four, and when the game ball enters the lower working ball entering portion 63, the maximum holding number is four. . Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, a total of eight pieces of hold information are stored in the order of winning in the upper working ball entering portion 62 and the lower working ball entering portion 63. Correspondingly, in the hold number display area Da, the first unit hold display area Da1, the second unit hold display area Da2, the third unit hold display area Da3, the fourth unit hold display area Da4, the fifth unit hold display. An area Da5, a sixth unit hold display area Da6, a seventh unit hold display area Da7, and an eighth unit hold display area Da8 are set.

  For example, in the case where the number of holds (total number of holds) when the game ball wins the activated balls 62 and 63 is 1, a predetermined hold display image MP is displayed only in the first unit hold display area Da1. In the case where the number of holds when the game balls are displayed and won in the activated balls 62 and 63 is four, the predetermined hold display is made in the first unit hold display area Da1 to the fourth unit hold display area Da4. The image MP is displayed. Note that FIG. 6B illustrates a case where the number of reservations is three.

  Further, in the hold display area NE, a hold display image corresponding to the game time being executed (running) so as to be side by side with the hold number display area Da (specifically, the first unit hold display area Da1). An execution target display area Db in which MP is displayed is provided.

  When the game round is finished and the next game round is started, the hold display image MP displayed in the hold count display area Da (first unit hold display area Da1) moves to the execution target display area Db. The hold display image MP displayed in the hold number display area Da is shifted to the lower side.

(About various counters)
Next, an electrical configuration for performing various lotteries in the MPU 602 of the main controller 162 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The MPU 602 uses the various counter information in the game to perform jackpot occurrence lottery, falling lottery from the high probability mode, display settings for the display unit DL and DU for the action entry unit, outline setting for the symbol display of the symbol display device 75, etc. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the lottery in which the jackpot is generated, the jackpot type counter C2 used when determining the jackpot type such as the 16R probability variation jackpot result or the 4R probability variation jackpot result, Initial values of reach random number counter C3 used for reach lottery and the like when performing fluctuation display corresponding to the outlier result on display device 75, fall random number counter C4 used for fall lottery from high probability mode, and big hit random number counter C1 In the random number initial value counter CINI used for setting, the display unit DL and DU for operation ball entry, and the symbol display device 75 It is set to be used and variation type counter CS of determining that variation display time. Furthermore, the electric accessory release counter C5 used for the lottery to determine whether or not the electric accessory 71 of the lower operation entry portion 63 is set in the electric accessory open state (support state) is used. The counters C1 to C5, CINI, and CS are provided in various counter areas 604d of the RAM 604.

  Each of the counters C1 to C5, CINI, and CS is a loop counter that adds 1 to the previous value every time it is updated and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a lottery counter buffer 604a set in a predetermined area of the RAM 604. Information stored in the lottery counter buffer 604a (information corresponding to the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the falling random number counter C4) is awarded to the operation pitching units 62 and 63. In this case, it is stored in the reserved ball storage area 604b provided as “acquired information storage means” in the RAM 604.

  The holding ball storage area 604b includes a holding area RE for an operating port and an execution area AE. The reserved area RE includes a first area Ra1, a second area Ra2, a third area Ra3, a fourth area Ra4, a fifth area Ra5, a sixth area Ra6, a seventh area Ra7, and an eighth area Ra8. According to the winning history to the winning units 62 and 63, the numerical information of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3 and the falling random number counter C4 stored in the lottery counter buffer 604a is held information. Are stored in any of the areas Ra1 to Ra8. The hold information corresponds to “special information”.

  In the first area Ra1 to the eighth area Ra8, when winning to the working ball entering portions 62 and 63 occurs continuously a plurality of times, the first area Ra1 → second area Ra2 → third area Ra3 → fourth. Each numerical information is stored in time series in the order of area Ra4 → 5th area Ra5 → 6th area Ra6 → 7th area Ra7 → 8th area Ra8. By providing the eight areas Ra1 to Ra8 in this way, up to four (total eight) game ball entry histories to the operation entry parts 62 and 63 are held and stored. Yes. Further, the reserved ball storage area 604b is provided with a total number-of-holds storage area FE, and the total number-of-holds storage area FE is acquired and stored on the basis of the balls entered into the operation balls 62, 63. Information for specifying the number of stored information is stored.

  The execution area AE is an area for moving each numerical information stored in the first area Ra1 of the holding area RE when starting the variable display of the display units DL and DU for the operation ball entry. At the start of the turn, determination of success or failure is performed based on various numerical information stored in the execution area AE.

  The jackpot random number counter C1 is configured such that one by one is added in order within a range of 0 to 599, for example, and after reaching the maximum value, returns to 0. In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599). The jackpot random number counter C1 is periodically updated and stored in the reserved ball storage area 604b of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins the operating ball entering portions 62 and 63.

  The value of the random number for winning the jackpot is stored as a success / failure table (availability information group) in a success / failure table storage area 603a as a success / failure information group storage means in the ROM 603. As the success / failure table, a success / failure table for the low probability mode (low probability success / failure information group) and a high probability mode's success / failure table (high probability success / failure information group) are set. That is, in the present pachinko machine 10, a low probability mode (low probability state) and a high probability mode (high probability state) are set as the lottery mode in the winning lottery means.

  In the gaming state in which the winning / failing table for the low probability mode is referred to at the time of the lottery, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), the value of the random number for winning the big hit (that is, the winning information) is “7”, “307” and “507”. That is, among the values of the jackpot random number counter C1 of “0” to “599”, “7”, “307”, “507” correspond to the jackpot result, and the jackpot probability is 1/200.

  On the other hand, in the gaming state in which the winning / failing table for the high probability mode is referred to at the time of the lottery, as shown in FIG. 8B, the value of the random number for winning the big hit (that is, the winning information) is “7”. ”,“ 107 ”...“ 407 ”,“ 507 ”. That is, among the values of the jackpot random number counter C1 of “0” to “599”, “7”, “107”... “407”, “507” correspond to the jackpot result, and the jackpot probability is the low probability mode. (In detail, 1/100).

  If the winning probability in the high probability mode is higher than that in the low probability mode, the number and value of the random numbers to be won are arbitrary.

  The jackpot type counter C2 is incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 29, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 29) and then returns to 0. Here, in the present embodiment, the distribution destination of the game result using the jackpot type counter C2 (that is, the lottery result by the winning / failing lottery and the distribution lottery) is stored in a distribution table as a distribution information group storage unit in the ROM 603. It is stored in the area 603b as a distribution table (distribution information group). Here, the contents of the distribution table will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, as the sorting table, there are a sorting table (first sorting information group) for the upper working entrance shown in FIG. 9 (a) and a lower working shown in FIG. 9 (b). A distribution table (second distribution information group) for the entrance part is set.

  In the allocation table for the upper actuating pitching part, as the distribution destination of the game result, 8R probability variation jackpot result (high probability corresponding special game result), 8R normal jackpot result (low probability correspondence special game result), 4R probability variation jackpot result (High probability correspondence game result) 4R normal jackpot result (low probability correspondence game result) is set. Specifically, in the allocation table for the upper action ball entry portion, among the values of the big hit type counter C2 of “0 to 29”, “0 to 8” corresponds to the 8R probability variation big hit result, and “9 “14” corresponds to the 8R normal jackpot result, “15-23” corresponds to the 4R probability variable jackpot result, and “24 to 29” corresponds to the 4R normal jackpot result.

  In the distribution table for the lower side actuated entry, the game results are allocated to 16R probability variation jackpot results (high probability special game results), 8R probability variation jackpot results (high probability special game results), and 8R normal jackpots. A result (low probability corresponding special game result), 4R probability variable jackpot result (high probability corresponding game result), and 4R normal jackpot result (low probability corresponding game result) are set. Specifically, in the distribution table for the upper action ball entry portion, among the values of the big hit type counter C2 of “0 to 29”, “0 to 5” corresponds to the 16R probability variation big hit result, and “6 “11” corresponds to the 8R probability variation jackpot result, “12-17” corresponds to the 8R normal jackpot result, “18-23” corresponds to the 4R probability variation jackpot result, “24-29” Corresponds to the 4R normal jackpot result.

  The 16R probability variation jackpot result, the 8R probability variation jackpot result, and the 4R probability variation jackpot result are jackpot results in which the lottery mode becomes the low probability mode and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode after the opening / closing execution mode ends. However, the high-frequency support mode shifts to the low-frequency support mode when the number of games reaches the end reference number (specifically, 100 times) after the shift.

  The 8R normal jackpot result and the 4R normal jackpot result are jackpots in which the opening / closing execution mode becomes the low-frequency winning mode, and the lottery mode becomes the low probability mode and the support mode becomes the high-frequency support mode after the opening / closing execution mode ends. It is a result. However, this high-frequency support mode shifts to the low-frequency support mode when the number of games reaches the end reference number (specifically, 100 times) later.

  As already described, the display unit DU, DL for the operation entrance unit is configured by a large number of LEDs. Although the pattern displayed on the display unit DU, DL for the operation entrance part is distinguished from the case where the result is a promising jackpot result and the case where the normal jackpot result is obtained, the probable jackpot result is determined from the light emission mode of these LEDs. / It is difficult to determine the normal jackpot result. Further, the symbol combination displayed on the symbol display device 75 when the probability variation jackpot result is obtained and the symbol combination displayed on the symbol display device 75 when the normal jackpot result is obtained are made common.

  Also, the game flow after the opening / closing execution mode and the opening / closing execution mode ends is common, and the symbol display device indicates whether the lottery mode is the high probability mode / low probability mode until a state notification described later is executed It is difficult to discriminate from display effects in various effect devices such as 75.

  When the lottery mode is the high probability mode, the jackpot result is more likely than when the lottery mode is the low probability mode. Therefore, a game is performed while expecting that the lottery mode is the high probability mode. Here, it is possible to make the player predict whether the lottery mode is the high-probability mode or the low-probability mode by declaring information that can identify the lottery mode. Thereby, the attention degree to the game is improved.

  The falling random number counter C4 is, for example, incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 599, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 599). The falling random number counter C4 is periodically updated, and the retained ball in the RAM 604 is at the timing when the game ball wins the upper working ball entering portion 62 (upper working port 62a) or the lower working ball entering portion 63 (lower working port 63a). It is stored in the storage area 604b. More specifically, at the timing when a game ball is won in the upper working ball entering portion 62 (upper working port 62a), it is stored in the upper working ball holding portion Ra in the RAM 604, and the lower working ball entering portion 63 (lower operation). At the timing when a game ball wins in the mouth 63a), it is stored in the lower working ball entry holding area Rb of the RAM 604.

  The random number value that is the fall result is stored as a fall table (whether information group) in a fall table storage area as a fall information group storage means in the ROM 603. Here, the contents of the fall table will be described. As for the fall table, the table to be referenced is shared regardless of the gaming state such as the high probability mode / low probability mode or the high frequency support mode / low frequency support mode, but is limited to this. Instead, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the reference table is switched for each gaming state.

  In the lottery, the random number value (that is, the winning information) resulting in the fall is one “444”. That is, only “444” of the values of the fall random number counter C4 of “0 to 599” corresponds to the fall result (see the schematic diagram in FIG. 8C). In the case of a fall result, the gaming state shifts from the high probability mode to the low probability mode (fall). When the value of the fall random number counter C4 is other than “444” during the low probability mode, the low probability mode is maintained, and when the fall random number counter C4 is other than “444” during the high probability mode. Is maintained in high probability mode. That is, in this embodiment, after shifting to the high probability mode, the high probability mode is maintained until a falling result is obtained in the falling lottery.

  For example, the reach random number counter C3 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 238, for example, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 238) and then returns to 0. The reach random number counter C3 is periodically updated, and stored in the reserved ball storage area 604b of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins the operating ball entering portions 62 and 63. More specifically, the game balls are stored in the holding area RE of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game balls are won in the operation ball entering sections 62 and 63. Then, based on the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of the ROM 603, it is determined whether to generate a reach. However, in the game times that shift to the open / close execution mode, the MPU 602 determines the occurrence of reach regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3.

  For example, the variation type counter CS is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 198, for example, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 198) and then returns to 0. The variation type counter CS is used when the MPU 602 determines the variation display time in the display unit DL and DU for the operation entrance ball and the variation display time of the symbol in the symbol display device 75. The variation type counter CS is updated once every time a normal process to be described later is executed once, and is repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal process. Then, the buffer value of the variation type counter CS is acquired when the symbol display device 75 determines the variation pattern when the symbol variation starts.

  When determining the variable display time in the symbol display device 75 and the main display unit 81 (display unit DL, DU for the operation ball entry unit), the buffer values of the reach random number counter C3 and the variable type counter CS, the variable display time table of the ROM 603 The variable display time table stored in the storage area 603c is referred to. Further, the MPU 602 uses the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE to determine the stop results (pictures) in the display unit DL and DU for the action ball entry unit. However, in the determination, the stop result table stored in the stop result table storage area 603d of the ROM 603 is used.

  The electric accessory release counter C5 is, for example, configured to increment one by one within a range of 0 to 249 and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 249). The electric accessory release counter C <b> 5 is periodically updated and stored in the electric accessory reservation area 604 c of the RAM 604 at the timing when a game ball wins the through gate 66. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to control the electric accessory 71 attached to the lower operation ball entry portion 63 to the open state based on the value of the stored electric accessory release counter C5. For example, if C4 = 0 to 199, the electric accessory 71 is controlled to the open state, and if C4 = 200 to 249, the electric accessory 71 is not controlled to the open state.

(About various processes executed by the main controller 162)
Next, a timer interrupt process and a normal process that are executed when the MPU 602 in the main controller 162 advances the game at each game time will be described. In addition to the timer interrupt process and the normal process, the MPU 602 executes a main process that is started when the power is turned on and an NMI interrupt process that is started when a power failure signal is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). Explanation of these various processes is omitted.

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

  In step S101, reading processing of various winning detection sensors is executed. That is, various winning detection sensors connected to the main control device 162 (detection sensor 151 for the general winning opening 61, detection sensor 152 for the upper operation entrance 62, detection sensor 153 for the lower operation entrance 63) , The state of the detection sensor 154 for the lower variable prize-winning device 64, the detection sensor 155 for the right-side variable prize-winning device 65, and the detection sensor 156 for the through gate are read, and the detection information ( (Winning detection information) is stored in the buffer area. Although details will be described later, the present embodiment is configured to refer to the presence or absence of winning in the through gate 66 even in the normal processing. Therefore, information indicating the presence / absence of winning in the through gate 66 is stored separately for information corresponding to the timer interrupt processing and information corresponding to the normal processing, and the stored information is erased in each processing. It becomes the composition which is done.

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

  In subsequent step S103, the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release counter C5 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3 and the electric accessory release counter C5 are each incremented by 1, and are cleared to 0 when the counter values reach the maximum value. Then, the updated values of the counters C1 to C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 604.

  In a succeeding step S104, a through winning process associated with winning through the through gate 66 is executed. In the through winning process, it is first determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the through gate 66 based on the winning detection information stored in the buffer area. If it is determined that the game ball has passed through the through gate 66, whether or not the number of stored item holdings (the number of holdings SN) is less than the upper limit number (4) is stored in the holding combination area 604c Determine. When the number of stored accessory holds is less than 4, the number SN of stored electronic features is incremented by 1, and the value of the electric accessory release counter C5 is stored in the stored electric utility reservation area. Moreover, the process for lighting the display part DH for the number of holdings of the main display unit 81 corresponding to the number of holdings is performed. When it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the through gate 66, or when the stored number of reserved items has reached the upper limit, the through winning process is terminated.

  After the through gate winning process is executed, the process proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the operating port winning process associated with winning in the operating ball units 62 and 63 is executed, and the timer interrupt process is terminated. . Here, the winning process for the operation opening will be described.

(Prize processing for working port)
In the winning process for the operating opening, first, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered (wins) the upper working entrance 62. When it is determined that the game ball has entered the upper action entry unit 62, a prize ball command for causing the game control unit 181 to pay out three game balls is set. An external signal setting process is performed to output information indicating that the ball has entered to the hall computer HC on the game hall side. As a result, the hall computer HC recognizes that the entrance into the upper operation entrance portion 62 has occurred. Thereafter, an information acquisition process for storing the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the falling random number counter C4 is performed, and the main winning process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the game ball has not won the upper working ball entering portion 62, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered the lower working ball entering portion 63 (winning). When it is determined that the game ball has entered the lower action entry part 63, a prize ball command for causing the payout control device 181 to pay out four game balls is set, and the lower action entry part 63. External signal setting processing is performed so that information indicating that a game ball has entered is output to the hall computer HC on the game hall side. Thereby, it is grasped by the hall computer HC that the entrance to the lower operation entrance portion 63 has occurred. Thereafter, an information acquisition process for storing the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the falling random number counter C4 is performed, and the main winning process is terminated.

  If there is no entry in any of the upper operation entry section 62 and the lower operation entry section 63, the main winning process is terminated as it is. The prize ball command set in the main winning process is transmitted to the payout control device 181 in the external output process of the normal process described later.

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

  In the normal process, first, an external signal output process is executed in step S201. In the external signal output process in step S201, output data such as a command set in the timer interrupt process or the previous normal process is transmitted to each sub-side control device. Specifically, the presence or absence of a prize ball command is determined, and if a prize ball command is set, it is transmitted to the payout control device 181. In addition, when various commands such as a command for change such as a change command, a type command, a change end command, a hold command, and a shift command described later are set, the command is transmitted to the notification / effect control device 610. To do.

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

  In subsequent step S203, a game number control process for controlling a game in each game time is executed. In the game times control process, jackpot determination, setting of the outline of the symbol variation display mode by the symbol display device 75, display control of the main display unit 81, and the like are performed.

  After performing the game times control process of step S203, it progresses to step S204 and performs a game state transfer process. By this gaming state transition process, the gaming state transitions to an opening / closing execution mode, a high probability mode, a high frequency support mode, or the like.

  In a succeeding step S205, a power combination support process for controlling the driving of the motor combination 71 provided in the lower operation entrance portion 63 is executed. In this electronic combination support process, the electronic combination release indicating whether or not to make the electric combination 71 open using the numerical information acquired from the electric combination release counter C5 stored in the electric combination holding area 604c of the RAM 604. A lottery is performed, and when the electrified open state is won, an opening / closing process of the electric accessory 71 is executed. In addition, display control of the through gate display unit DS is performed so as to teach the lottery result of the electric role release lottery.

  As already described, the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode are set as the modes of support by the electric accessory 71, and the transition to one of the support modes is performed in the gaming state transition process. After this processing, the high frequency support mode is set when the high frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage areas 604e of the RAM 604, and the low frequency support mode is set when the flag is not set.

  In the electric power support process, it is determined whether or not the high frequency support mode is set by determining whether or not the high frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage areas 604e of the RAM 604. In the high-frequency support mode, the number of times that the electric accessory 71 is in the open state is set more frequently when the electrified open state is won than in the low-frequency support mode. Set a longer opening time. Further, in the high frequency support mode, when the electrified open state is selected and the open state of the electric accessory 71 occurs a plurality of times, the next open state is started after one open state is completed. The closing time until is set to be shorter than one opening time.

  Incidentally, when the mode is shifted to the opening / closing execution mode, the support mode is forcibly set to the low frequency support mode even if the high frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage areas 604e of the RAM 604. In the preparation mode, which will be described later, the high-frequency support mode is configured to be continued, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the support mode is forcibly switched to the low-frequency support mode in the preparation mode. It is also possible to do.

  Thereafter, in step S206, a game ball launch control process is executed. In the game ball launch control process, the solenoid 111 of the game ball launch mechanism 110 is excited once every predetermined period (for example, 0.6 sec) on condition that a launch permission signal is input from the power supply / launch control device 191. To do. Thereby, a game ball is launched toward the game area PE.

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

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

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

(Game control process)
Next, the game times control process of step S203 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the game turn control process, it is first determined in step S301 whether or not an open / close execution mode, which will be described later, is in effect. When in the open / close execution mode, the process after step S302, that is, the game turn start process at steps S303 to S305 and the game turn progress process at steps S306 to S309 are not executed. The control process ends.

  If it is not in the opening / closing execution mode, it is determined in step S302 whether the game is being played. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the display unit DL, DU for the operation ball entry unit of the main display unit 81 is in a variable display or a fixed display. When the display part DL and DU for operation entering balls are neither in a variable display nor in a fixed display, the process proceeds to a game turn start process in steps S303 to S305. In the game turn starting process, first, in step S303, it is determined whether or not the total number of starting reserved balls (common reserved number CRN) is “0”. The case where the common holding number CRN is “0” means that the holding information is not stored in the holding ball storage area 604b. Accordingly, the game turn control process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if the common reserved number CRN is not “0”, a data setting process for setting the data stored in the reserved area RE of the reserved ball storage area 604b in step S304 for variable display is executed. Further, in step S305, after executing the change start process for starting the change display in the main display unit 81 and the change display in the symbol display device 75, the game number control process is ended.

  In the data setting process, first of all, the number N of starting reserved balls stored in the reserved number storage area FE and the common reserved number CRN are decremented by one. Subsequently, the data stored in the first area Ra1 of the holding area RE is moved to the execution area AE. Thereafter, a process of shifting data stored in the areas Ra1 to Ra8 (that is, the holding information) of the holding area RE is executed. This data shift process is a process of sequentially shifting the data stored in the first area Ra1 to the eighth area Ra8 to the lower area side, clearing the data in the first area Ra1, and the second area Ra2 → 1st area Ra1, 3rd area Ra3 → 2nd area Ra2, 4th area Ra4 → 3rd area Ra3, 5th area Ra5 → 4th area Ra4, 6th area Ra6 → 5th area Ra5, 7th area Ra7 → The data in each area is shifted such as the sixth area Ra6, the eighth area Ra8, and the seventh area Ra7.

  After the data is shifted, a shift command that is information for causing the notification / production control device 610 to recognize that the data in the reserved area has been shifted is set. Thereafter, the data setting process is terminated. The shift command is transmitted to the display control device 620 via the notification / production control device 610 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 11). The display control device 620 receives the shift command, and executes a process for changing the display in the reserved number display area Da for the operation port in accordance with the decrease in the reserved number.

(Variation start processing)
Next, the variation start process of step S305 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the variation start process, first, in step S401, a falling lottery process is executed. In the falling lottery process, it is determined with reference to the falling random number counter C4 and the falling table whether or not the condition for shifting to the low probability mode is satisfied. If it is a fall result, an affirmative determination is made in step S402, and the fall setting process in steps S403 to S404 is executed.

  In the fall setting process, it is determined in step S403 whether or not the lottery mode is the high probability mode. If a negative determination is made in step S403, the fall setting process is terminated as it is. If a positive determination is made in step S403, the process proceeds to step S404. In step S404, the high probability mode flag stored in the various flag storage areas 604e of the RAM 604 is deleted. Thereby, in the subsequent success / failure lottery process, the success / failure lottery table for the low probability mode is referred to.

  When a negative determination is made in step S402 (when the result is not a fall result), or after the fall setting process is executed, the process proceeds to step S405. In step S405, an appropriateness determination process is executed. In the success / failure determination process of step S405, it is determined whether the lottery mode is the high probability mode or the low probability mode. In the case of the high probability mode, with reference to the high probability mode success / failure table among the tables stored in the success / failure table storage area 603a, the information for the success / failure determination among the information stored in the execution area AE, that is, It is determined whether or not the numerical information relating to the jackpot random number counter C1 matches the jackpot numerical information for high probability. In the case of the low probability mode, the numerical value applied to the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the execution area AE by referring to the low probability mode success / failure table among the tables stored in the success / failure table storage area 603a. It is determined whether or not the information matches the low probability jackpot information.

  If the success / failure determination process in step S405 results in a jackpot result, an affirmative determination is made in step S406, and the process proceeds to step S407. In step S407, a jackpot type determination process is executed. In this type determination process, the information acquired from the information for type determination among the information stored in the execution area AE, that is, the information updated by the jackpot type counter C2 is grasped. In addition, referring to the distribution table stored in the distribution table storage area 603b of the ROM 603, the information for type determination as described above is information corresponding to the 16R probability variation jackpot result, information corresponding to the 8R probability variation jackpot result, 8R The information corresponding to the normal jackpot result, the information corresponding to the 4R probability variable jackpot result, and the information corresponding to the 4R normal jackpot result are specified. Specifically, when the holding information corresponds to the entry to the upper operation entrance portion 62, the distribution table for the upper operation entry portion 62 is referred to, and the hold information is the lower operation entry portion. If it corresponds to the entry to 63, the type determination is performed with reference to the distribution table for the lower operation entry portion 63.

  In subsequent step S408, a jackpot stop result setting process is executed based on the information specified in the type determination process in step S407. If it is determined in step S406 that it is not a big win, a stop result setting process for losing is executed in step S409.

  In each stop result setting process in step S408 and step S409, information on the pattern mode that is finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit 81 is stored in the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit type counter C2, and the stop result table storage area 603d of the ROM 603. The information is specified by referring to the stored stop result table, and the specified information is stored in the RAM 604. Also, in steps S705 and S706, information for specifying the current determination result is stored in various flag storage areas 604e of the RAM 604. Specifically, a 16R probability variable jackpot flag is stored if the result is a 16R probability variable jackpot result, an 8R probability variable jackpot flag is stored if the result is an 8R probability variable jackpot result, and an 8R normal value is determined if the result is an 8R normal jackpot result. A jackpot flag is stored, and if it is a 4R probability variable jackpot result, a 4R probability variable jackpot flag is stored, and if it is a 4R normal jackpot result, a 4R normal jackpot flag is stored.

  After executing any of the processes in step S408 and step S409, in step S410, the process for setting the variable display time is executed. The variable display time of each game time is determined based on various information such as the number of stored hold information, the presence / absence of reach, and the result of determination of success / failure. After the variable display time setting process is executed in step S410, a variable command and a type command are set in step S411. The change command includes information on presence / absence of reach and information on change display time. The type command includes game result information. That is, in the type command, as information on game results, information on 16R probability variation jackpot results, information on 8R probability variation jackpot results, information on 8R regular jackpot results, information on 4R probability variation jackpot results, information on 4R regular jackpot results, outlier results This information is included.

  The change command and the type command set in step S411 are transmitted to the notification / production control device 610 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 11). In the notification / production control device 610, based on the received variation command and type command, the light emission pattern of the annular illumination unit 26 and the sound output pattern from the speaker unit 29 in the game time are determined, and the determined production is performed. The annular illumination unit 26 and the speaker unit 29 are controlled so that the contents of the above are executed. In addition, the notification / production control device 610 transmits the change command and the type command to the display control device 620 while maintaining the information form. The display control device 620 grasps the variation display pattern in the symbol display device 75 in the game time based on the received variation command and type command, and the symbol display device executes the grasped variation display pattern. 75 is displayed and controlled. After that, in step S412, the variation display of the pattern is started in the display unit DL, DU for the operation entrance portion of the main display unit 81, and then the variation start process is ended.

  In the present embodiment, a lottery lottery is executed every time a game is repeated, and the lottery mode becomes a low probability mode when a fall result is obtained. Even when such a fall occurs, it is difficult to identify the fact from information such as a variation display mode of symbols and a combination of stop symbols. That is, it is avoided that the player discriminates between the high probability mode and the low probability mode.

  Returning to the description of the game times control process (FIG. 12), when the action entry part display units DL and DU of the main display unit 81 are variably displayed, the process for proceeding the game times in steps S306 to S309 is performed. Run. In the process for advancing game times, first, in step S306, it is determined whether or not the variation display time of the current game time has elapsed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable display counter stored in the variable display time counter area of the RAM 604 is “0”. The value of the variation display counter is set in the variation display time setting process described above. Further, the value of the set fluctuation display counter is decremented (subtracted) every time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 10) is started.

  If the variable display time has not elapsed, the variable display process is executed in step S307. In the variable display process, the display mode in the display section DL, DU for the operation entrance part of the main display unit 81 is changed. Thereafter, the game times control process is terminated.

  If the change display time has elapsed, change end processing is executed in step S308. In the variation end process, the information stored in the RAM 604 in the process in either step S409 or step S409 is specified, and the main display unit 81 stops the display corresponding to the information on the main display unit 81. The display 81 for operating ball entry is controlled.

  In the subsequent step S409, a change end command is set. Thereafter, the game times control process is terminated. The variation end command set in step S409 is transmitted to the notification / production control device 610 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 11). The notification / production control device 610 transmits the received change end command to the display control device 620 while maintaining the information form. By receiving the change end command, the display control device 620 displays a final stop symbol combination in the game round on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75 (final stop display).

  As described above in detail, in the present embodiment, the lottery mode is switched to the high probability mode / low probability mode when the jackpot result is obtained, and the lottery mode is low probability when the result is a fall result. It is configured to switch to the mode. It is difficult to determine which of the two modes the lottery mode is based on information such as the display on the symbol display device 75 and BGM from the speaker unit 29. By making it difficult to determine the state of the game in this way, it is possible to favorably expect the high probability mode even during the low probability mode.

  Here, in the gaming machine shown in the present embodiment, the lottery mode suggestion (state suggestion) is executed when a predetermined notification condition is satisfied during the low-frequency support mode (except during the opening / closing execution mode). This is one of the features. Specifically, the state suggestion can be executed by generating a predetermined number of winnings in the left general winning opening 61L. Hereinafter, the configuration related to the state suggestion will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14A is a partially enlarged view of the game board 60 showing the left general winning opening 61L and its peripheral configuration.

  As already described, the game area PE has a left route that bypasses the variable display unit 67 from the left side and a right route that bypasses the variable display unit 67 from the right side. A plurality of (three in the present embodiment) left general winning ports 61L are provided in the downstream portion of the left route, and these left general winning ports 61L are arranged along the left route.

  Specifically, a decoration block 300 is disposed along the inner rail 101 at the bottom of the game area PE. The decoration block 300 bulges forward from the front surface of the game board 60, and a left general winning opening 61L is formed on the upper surface portion thereof. The decoration block 300 is formed with a ball passage 310 through which a game ball won in the left general winning opening 61L passes. A portion where the ball passage 310 is formed in the decoration block 300 is transparent, and the game ball passing through the ball passage 310 is configured to be visible.

  The ball passage 310 is connected to an upstream passage portion 311 provided with a winning detection sensor 151 for detecting a game ball flowing into the left general winning opening 61L, and via the upstream passage portion 311 (the winning detection sensor 151 is connected). And a downstream passage portion 312 into which a game ball that has passed in flows. The winning detection sensor 151 is connected to the main control device 162, and the main control device 162 determines whether or not there is a winning in the left general winning opening 61L based on detection information (detection signal) from the winning detection sensor 151. When a winning at the left general winning opening 61L occurs, a predetermined number of winning balls are awarded to the player. By providing each winning detection sensor 151 in the vicinity of the entrance of the ball passage 310 (upstream passage portion 311), an improvement in responsiveness when a prize ball is awarded is realized.

  The downstream passage portion 312 is bifurcated at the most upstream portion. Specifically, with respect to the upstream branch passage 311, the first branch passage portion 315 is located on the extension of the obliquely inclined upstream passage portion 311 and extends in the same direction as the upstream passage portion 311. And a second branch passage portion 316 extending in the intersecting direction. The first branch passage portion 315 and the second branch passage portion 316 are formed so that a plurality of game balls cannot pass through the same place at the same time. Both the first branch passage portion 315 and the second branch passage portion 316 lead to a collection passage formed on the back side of the game board 60, and the game ball that has flowed into the general winning opening 61L is the first branch passage portion. It moves to this recovery passage via either 315 or the second branch passage portion 316.

  A ball detection sensor 320 that detects a game ball that has flowed into the second branch passage portion 316 is disposed at an inlet portion of the second branch passage portion 316. The ball detection sensor 320 is connected to the notification / production control device 610, and the notification / production control device 610 determines whether or not a ball has entered the second branch passage portion 316 based on detection information from the ball detection sensor 320. It is possible to determine whether or not.

  At an intermediate position of the first branch passage portion 315, an open state (allowed state) that allows the movement of the game ball along the first branch passage portion 315 and a closed state (blocking state) that prevents the movement of the game ball. A shutter 330 that can be switched between is provided. The shutter 330 (specifically, the drive unit) is connected to the notification / effect control device 610, and the shutter 330 is configured to be switched between an open state and a closed state based on a drive signal from the notification / effect control device 610.

  When the game balls flow into the first branch passage portion 315 in a state where the shutter 330 is in the closed state, the game balls are stopped so as to form a line with the shutter 330 at the head. . That is, in the first branch passage portion 315, a portion from the entrance of the first branch passage portion 315 to the shutter 330 becomes a storage region (storage portion 318) in which the game balls won in the general winning opening 61L can be stored. ing.

  The total length of the storage unit 318 is slightly larger than three times the diameter of the game ball, and the upper limit number of game balls stored in the storage unit 318 is three. That is, the upper limit number of storage in the storage unit 318 is defined by the total length of the storage unit 318, and when a game ball exceeding it flows into the downstream side passage unit 312, the game ball collides with the preceding game ball. This changes the direction and flows into the second branch passage portion 316.

  Here, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15, the opening / closing process (shutter opening / closing process) of the shutter 330 executed as part of the regular process by the MPU 612 of the notification / production control device 610 will be described.

(Shutter opening / closing process)
In the shutter opening / closing process, first, in step S501, it is determined whether or not the shutter 330 is open. If a negative determination is made in step S501, the process proceeds to step S502. In step S502, it is determined whether the open / close execution mode is in effect. If it is determined that the opening / closing execution mode is in progress, the process proceeds to step S503. In step S503, it is determined whether or not the number of game balls fired from the game ball launching mechanism 110 after the shutter 330 is switched to the closed state has reached a predetermined number (specifically, 100). Specifically, the various counter areas of the RAM 614 are provided with counters for measuring the number of fires (fired number counters) that are updated based on the fire information transmitted to the notification / production control device 610. It is determined with reference to the counter whether or not the predetermined number has been reached. Incidentally, when a predetermined number of game balls are fired to the left route, the winning probability combining the three general winning ports 61L, that is, the number of game balls flowing into the ball passage 310 is two to three. Is set.

  Note that the above information indicates the number of times the game ball launching mechanism 110 is driven, and includes the case where the game ball has not reached the game area PE. That is, even if a game ball launch operation is performed, the game ball does not necessarily reach the game area PE. Therefore, instead of such a configuration, a passage detection sensor is provided at the entrance of the game area PE, and the number of game balls that have reached the game area PE is monitored based on detection information (detection signal) from the passage detection sensor. It is also possible to adopt a configuration.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S503, the process proceeds to step S504, where the shutter 330 is opened. As a result, the shutter 330 is switched from the closed state to the open state.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S501, the process proceeds to step S505. In step S505, it is determined whether a predetermined open period has elapsed. If an affirmative determination is made in step S505, processing for returning the shutter 330 to the closed state is performed in step S506. Thereby, discharge of the game ball through the first branch passage portion 315 is restricted.

  The predetermined opening period is set in accordance with a period required for the three game balls to pass through the shutter 330 when three game balls are stored in the storage unit 318. That is, when the shutter 330 is allowed, the gaming balls that have been stored in the storage unit 318 until then are discharged from the ball passage 310.

  After performing the process of step S506, or when making a negative determination in step S505, the process proceeds to step S507. In step S507, it is determined whether the open / close execution mode is in effect. If a negative determination is made in step S507, a negative determination is made in step S503, or if the process of step S504 is executed, the process proceeds to step S508. In step S508, it is determined based on the detection information from the ball detection sensor 320 whether or not a ball has entered the second branch passage portion 316 (hereinafter referred to as a special passage portion 316). In the present embodiment, in the situation where the number of game balls stored in the storage unit 318 reaches the upper limit (three), when subsequent game balls flow into the downstream passage unit 312, The succeeding game ball will flow into the special passage portion 316. In other words, when the game ball stored in the storage unit 318 has not reached the upper limit, the movement to the first branch passage unit 315 is prioritized and the inflow to the special passage unit 316 is avoided.

  If a positive determination is made in step S508, the process proceeds to step S509. In step S509, a special entry flag is set in various flag storage areas of the RAM 614. The special pitch flag is a flag that triggers state suggestion in state suggestion processing to be described later. After performing the process of step S509 or when a negative determination is made in step S508, the process proceeds to step S510. In step S510, it is determined whether it is the start timing of the opening / closing execution mode. If a negative determination is made in step S510, the shutter opening / closing process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S510, the number-of-fires counter update restriction process is executed in step S511, and then the open / close process is terminated. By limiting the update of the number-of-fires counter, the update of the number-of-fires counter is avoided even if game balls are subsequently fired.

  Returning to the description of step S507, if an affirmative determination is made in step S507, or if an affirmative determination is made in step S502, that is, in the opening / closing execution mode, the process proceeds to step S512. In step S512, it is determined whether it is time to end the opening / closing execution mode. If a negative determination is made in step S512, the shutter opening / closing process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S512, an update restriction release process is executed in step S513, and then the open / close process is terminated.

  As described in detail above, in the present embodiment, while 100 game balls are fired, the storage unit 318 is filled up, and the subsequent game balls are awarded to the left general winning opening 61L to obtain a state. It is a structure where suggestions are made. Since the counting of the number of shots is temporarily stopped during the opening / closing execution mode, it is easy to store the game balls in the storage unit 318, and after the opening / closing execution mode ends, the opening / closing execution mode is entered into the special passage unit 316. Favored so that a ball is likely to occur. Here, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 16A, the state suggestion process executed as part of the regular process by the MPU 612 of the notification / production control device 610 will be described.

(State suggestion process)
In the state suggestion process, first, in step S601, it is determined whether or not the open / close execution mode is in effect. If an affirmative determination is made in step S601, the state suggestion process is terminated as it is. That is, during the opening / closing execution mode, the state suggestion is avoided regardless of whether or not the special passage portion 316 has entered the ball.

  If a negative determination is made in step S610, the process proceeds to step S602. In step S602, it is determined whether a special pitch flag is stored in the various flag storage areas of the RAM 614. If a negative determination is made in step S602, the present state suggestion process is terminated as it is. If a positive determination is made in step S602, the process proceeds to step S603. In step S603, state suggestion lottery processing is performed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not state suggestion is performed with reference to the state suggestion lottery table stored in the RAM 614 and the value of the lottery counter. If the state suggestion lottery is won, an affirmative determination is made in step S604, and a suggestion mode determination process is performed in step S605.

  In the present embodiment, state suggestion is performed by an effect surrounding the variable display area ME on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75. In the suggestion mode determination process in step S605, the type of effect to be generated is determined. As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 16B, four types of effects are provided: white, blue, yellow, green, and red. Of these, white is a color unrelated to the current lottery mode. In contrast, for blue, yellow, green, and red, there is a difference in the degree of expectation that is the high probability mode. When the current lottery mode is the low probability mode, it is easy to select red <green <yellow <blue, and when the current lottery mode is the high probability mode, blue <yellow <green <red It becomes easy to be chosen sequentially. Thus, the effect is differentiated so that the possibility of being in the high probability mode is highest when the effect is red, and the possibility of being in the high probability mode is minimized when the effect is blue.

  After the suggestion mode is determined in step S605, a suggestion correspondence display process is executed in step S606. As a result, the effect of the color determined in step S605 is additionally displayed on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75. It should be noted that the displayed effect is hidden by the end of the game time in which the effect has occurred, the start of the next game time in which the effect has occurred, and the entry into the special passage unit 316.

  Returning to the description of step S604, if a negative determination is made in step S604, that is, if the state suggestion lottery is not won, the process proceeds to step S607. In step S607, a suggestion non-corresponding display process is executed. Thereby, the white effect is additionally displayed on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75. As described above, the white effect is selected regardless of the lottery mode. By generating the white effect, the player is informed that the entry into the special passage portion 316 has been made but the state-suggested lottery is not won.

  After executing the display processing in step S606 or step S607, the process proceeds to step S608, and the special entry flag stored in the various flag storage areas of the RAM 614 is deleted. Thereafter, the state suggestion process is terminated.

  As described above, when the lottery mode is the high probability mode, the player is more advantageous than when the lottery mode is the low probability mode. However, it is difficult to specify which lottery mode is selected from the display mode of the symbols, and in order to advance the game as much as possible, guess which lottery mode is in which mode. Is important. Here, in the present embodiment, the lottery mode is suggested when the game ball that has won the left general winning opening 61L is guided to the special passage portion 316 (second branch passage portion 316). It becomes. Specifically, if the number of winnings to the general winning opening 61L becomes 4 before the number of game balls fired reaches a predetermined number (100), the game ball that precedes the fourth game ball ( It is guided to the special passage unit 316 by a game ball waiting in the storage unit 318, and the lottery mode can be suggested. Thus, if the configuration is used to determine whether or not the lottery mode is suggested using the game balls won in the general winning opening 61L, the degree of attention to the movement of the game balls can be preferably improved. In addition, a game that aims to shift to the opening / closing execution mode by winning the operating ball units 62 and 63 and a game that guesses the lottery mode by winning the general winning slot 61L are performed in parallel. Can be suitably suppressed.

  The game balls stored in the storage unit 318 are visible from the front of the gaming machine. When the fourth prize is generated, the movement of the game ball can be followed. Thereby, the attention degree with respect to the movement of the game ball after winning can be suitably improved. In particular, when flowing into the special passage portion 316, the flow speed of the game ball temporarily decreases. This is a preferable configuration in order to easily follow the movement of the game ball with the eyes.

  The game balls won in each left general winning opening 61L are grouped together. Thereby, it is suppressed that the location which a player should pay attention to increases excessively. The left general winning ports 61L are arranged along the inner rail 101, and the collection ball passage 310 is also formed along the inner rail 101. By adopting such an arrangement, the presence of the ball passage 310 is prevented from being a factor that presses the game area PE or the like.

  In the above-mentioned type of gaming machine, it is one of the pleasures to follow the movement of the game ball with the eyes. Therefore, when the fourth game ball is set as a detection target, the number of game balls stored in the storage unit 318 is reduced by one to change the flow-down destination of the fourth game ball. Thus, the above-described enjoyment is suppressed. Note that, for example, the number of game balls stored in the storage unit 318 may be four after the fourth game ball is set as a detection target. However, with such a configuration, it is not possible to expect the same effect as in the present embodiment when the game ball improves the degree of attention to movement.

  Here, the probability that the fourth winning will occur, more specifically, the probability that the fourth winning will occur and win the state suggestion lottery based on the winning is lower than the probability that the jackpot result is obtained in the high probability mode. And it is higher than the probability of a big hit result in the low probability mode. Thereby, it is suppressed that the said state suggestion function is not utilized well.

  When comparing the upper working ball entering part 62 and the lower working ball entering part 63, the bias is provided so that more prize balls are obtained when the latter results in a big hit than the former. Yes. During the high-frequency support mode, entry into the lower operation entry portion 63 is preferential, and launching game balls toward the right route is advantageous in increasing the number of possessed balls. In addition, during the high-frequency support mode, the entry to the lower action entry unit 63 is preferential, and even when a game ball is launched toward the left route, the base (number of prize balls / number of shots) decreases. The game can be advanced while restraining. If a game ball is launched toward the left route, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of entering the special passage 316, that is, suggesting the lottery mode, while suppressing investment. In other words, the player can select whether to aim at the right route with priority to gaining more balls, or to aim at the left route with priority on the guess of the lottery mode. Thereby, the breadth of the strategy in the high frequency support mode can be given, and monotonization of a game can be suppressed suitably.

  During the opening / closing execution mode, updating of the firing number counter is restricted. For this reason, for example, by launching the game ball to the left route during the opening / closing execution mode and storing the game ball in the storage unit 318, it becomes easier to activate the state suggestion after the opening / closing execution mode ends (preparing for state suggestion) )be able to. However, when the left route and the right route are compared, the right route has a higher winning probability to the variable winning device 65. Therefore, it is preferable to select the right route in order to increase the base. For the above reasons, in the open / close execution mode, the player chooses whether to aim at the right route in favor of acquiring more balls or to aim at the left route in preference to guessing in the lottery mode. be able to. Thereby, the breadth of the strategy in opening and closing execution mode can be given, and the monotonization of a game can be suppressed suitably.

<Modification 1>
In the first embodiment, the lottery mode is suggested when the number of winnings to the left general winning opening 61L reaches a predetermined number (four). However, the above configuration is changed as follows. It is also possible to do. In other words, when the number of winnings in the left general winning opening 61L reaches a predetermined number, an effect corresponding to the winning (for example, changing a background image or BGM, displaying a predetermined character, etc.) may be performed.

<Modification 2>
In the first embodiment, the configuration is such that the number of game balls fired (specifically, the number of times of firing) is counted based on the operational status of the game ball launching mechanism 110. It is good also as a structure which provides a ball detection sensor and counts the number of the game balls which passed the said exit, ie, the number of the game balls which flowed into the game area | region PE.

  Further, the condition for releasing the game balls stored in the storage unit 318 does not have to be based on the number of game balls that have been fired. For example, it is good also as a structure discharged | emitted on condition that the number of the game balls (the number of played games) which entered the operation | movement pitching parts 62 and 63 reached | attained a predetermined number, and the preset period passed. It is good also as a structure discharge | released on condition.

<Modification 3>
In the first embodiment, the count of the number of shots is limited when the opening / closing execution mode is set. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which the count advances. In addition to this, a state suggestion lottery may be performed based on the entrance to the special passage portion 316 even during the opening / closing execution mode. Incidentally, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the number of fires is limited during the high frequency support mode.

  Although the through gates 66 are arranged in both the right route and the left route, the through gates 66 are not necessarily arranged in both routes, and either one of the through gates 66 can be omitted.

<Modification 4>
In the first embodiment, the storage unit 318 capable of storing game balls that have entered the plurality of left general winning ports 61L is provided, but a storing unit may be provided for each of the left general winning ports 61L. Is possible. However, with such a configuration, not only will the number of locations that the player pays attention to be excessive, but also the occupied area will become larger, making it difficult to coexist with other game components. For the reasons described above, it is technically meaningful that the game balls that have entered the plurality of left general prize winning openings 61L can be stored together in one storage unit 318.

<Modification 5>
In the first embodiment, the notification / production control device 610 determines the release timing of the game ball stored in the storage unit 318. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which game balls are released based on the player's discharge operation.

  Specifically, the shutter 330 may be switched from the closed state to the open state based on the operation of the operation button 35 provided on the front door frame 14. In such a configuration, the ball detection sensor 320 is disposed on the downstream side of the shutter 330 in the first branch passage portion 315, and the same number of game balls as the storage upper limit number in the storage portion 318 are collected together. When passing through the detection sensor 320, a state suggestion lottery may be performed. In the present embodiment, a falling lottery from the high probability mode to the low probability mode is performed every game, and the low probability mode may be entered without going through the opening / closing execution mode. Therefore, the game strategy can be more suitably improved by adopting a configuration in which the player can arbitrarily select the state-suggested lottery timing after the storage number reaches the upper limit.

<Modification 6>
In the first embodiment, the storage unit 318 has a passage shape, but any configuration that can store a game ball is sufficient, and the specific shape is arbitrary. For example, the storage unit 318 may have a tank shape.

<Second Embodiment> Special display by entering the right general winning opening during the opening / closing execution mode In the first embodiment, the configuration related to the left general winning opening 61L is characteristic. However, in the present embodiment, one of the features is that the configuration related to the right general prize winning opening 61R is devised. Hereinafter, the configuration related to the right general winning opening 61R will be supplementarily described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a partially enlarged view of the game board 60X showing the right general winning opening 61R and its peripheral configuration in the second embodiment.

  A right general winning opening 61R is disposed in the vicinity of the right variable winning device 65 on the right route of the game board 60X, specifically, at a position upstream of the right variable winning device 65. A part of the game balls flowing down the right route toward the right variable winning device 65 will win the right general winning opening 61R.

  In the present embodiment, the game ball flowing down the right route is configured to win the right general winning opening 61R with a probability of approximately 1/20, and when the winning to the right general winning opening 61R occurs. Is configured to pay out six prize balls. When the open / close execution mode is not in effect, the right variable winning device 65 is maintained in the closed state, so that the winning probability for the right general winning opening 61R exceeds the winning probability for the right variable winning device 65. On the other hand, during the opening / closing execution mode, almost all of the game balls flowing down the right route pass through the right general winning opening 61R enter the right variable winning device 65. The ball tip is mainly the right variable winning device 65.

  Here, with reference to the flowcharts of FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, the process for the opening / closing execution mode (game state transition process: step S204) executed by the MPU 602 of the main controller 162 will be described.

(Game state transition process)
In the game state transition process executed as part of the normal process, it is first determined in step S701 whether or not the open / close execution mode is in effect. If it is not in the opening / closing execution mode, the process proceeds to step S702, and it is determined whether or not it is the timing when the display of the variation of the pattern on the upper operation port display unit or the lower operation port display unit in one game is completed. If it is not the timing when the variable display is finished, the gaming state transition process is finished as it is.

  If the variable display has ended, more specifically, if a preset stop display period (interval period: fixed display period) has elapsed since the variable display ended, the process proceeds to step S703. It is determined whether or not the game result of the current game round (the result of the above-mentioned lottery determination result) corresponds to the transition to the opening / closing execution mode. Specifically, in the various flag storage areas 604e of the RAM 604, any one of the 16R probability variation jackpot result correspondence flag, the 8R probability variation jackpot result correspondence flag, the 8R normal variation jackpot result correspondence flag, the 4R probability variation jackpot result correspondence flag, and the 4R normal jackpot result correspondence flag. Whether or not is stored is determined. If none of the above flags is stored, the gaming state transition process is terminated as it is.

  If any of the above flags is stored, an opening / closing execution mode start process is executed in step S704. By the start process, the operation restriction of the variable winning devices 64 and 65 by the lock device is released, and the opening / closing operation of the variable winning devices 64 and 65 is permitted until the opening / closing execution mode is ended.

  In step S705, any one of “16”, “8”, and “4” is set in the open number counter OC provided in the various counter areas 604d of the RAM 604. Specifically, “16” is set when the current jackpot result is a 16R probability variation jackpot result, and “8” is set when the current jackpot result is an 8R probability variation jackpot result or an 8R normal jackpot result. If the current jackpot result is the 4R probability variable jackpot result or the 4R normal jackpot result, “4” is set. The number-of-opening counter OC functions as a means for grasping the number of times the variable winning device 82 has been opened.

  In this embodiment, when the jackpot result corresponding to the 16R probability variation jackpot result, the 8R probability variation jackpot result, or the 8R normal jackpot result, the open target becomes the right variable winning device 65, or the 4R probability variation jackpot result or 4R. In the case of a normal jackpot result, the open target is the lower variable winning device 64. The right general winning opening 61R described above is provided side by side with the right variable winning device 65 used for the jackpot result with a relatively large number of winning balls.

  After executing the process of step S705, the process proceeds to step S706 to set an opening command. The set opening command is transmitted to the notification / production control device 610 and the display control device 620 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 11). The notification / production control device 610 determines the contents of the production corresponding to the opening / closing execution mode based on the received opening command, and controls various devices so that the contents of the decided production are executed. The contents of the effect include a display mode in the symbol display device 75, and the determined display mode is output from the notification / effect control device 610 to the display control device 620 as a display content command. In the display control device 620, based on the opening command received from the main control device 162 and the display content command received from the notification / production control device 610, the display corresponding to the current opening / closing execution mode, for example, the display content corresponding to the jackpot The display control of the symbol display device 75 is executed so that the moving image display of the character or the like, the background image, etc. are switched. After executing the process of step S706, an external signal setting process is executed in step S707, and the gaming state transition process is terminated.

  Returning to the description of step S701, if it is determined in step S701 that the open / close execution mode is in progress, the process proceeds to step S708. In step S708, it is determined whether the waiting time for opening has elapsed. If the opening standby time has not elapsed, the gaming state transition process is terminated. When the waiting time for the opening has elapsed, in step S709, a special winning opening / closing process is executed. Here, with reference to FIG. 19, the special winning opening and closing process will be described.

(Big prize opening / closing process)
In the big prize opening / closing process, first, in step S801, it is determined whether the lower variable winning device 64 and the right variable winning device 65 that are to be opened in the current opening / closing execution mode are being opened. judge. Specifically, this determination is performed based on the driving state of the variable winning drive unit of the variable winning devices 64 and 65. If the big prize opening is not open, it is determined in step S802 whether the value of the open number counter OC is “0”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S802, the main prize winning opening / closing process is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S802, the process proceeds to step S803. In step S803, it is determined whether or not the value of the open timer counter TC is “0”. The opening timer counter TC is a counter that is referred to when grasping the opening period and closing period (interval period) of the special winning opening, and the value is “1” every time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 10) is executed. Subtracted one by one. If a negative determination is made in step S803, the main prize winning opening / closing process is terminated.

  If the value of the opening number counter OC is not “0” and the value of the opening timer counter TC is “0”, the process proceeds to step S804, and the winning prize opening process is executed. Specifically, the variable prize driving unit which is the target for opening the big prize opening is set to the driving state. Then, the process of steps S805 to S806 is executed as a closing condition setting process (opening setting process) corresponding to the variable winning device 82 (big prize opening).

  In step S805, “15000” (corresponding to 30 sec) is set in the release timer counter TC. In the subsequent step S806, “10” is set in the winning counter PC. After executing the process of step S806, an opening command indicating that the target variable winning devices 64 and 65 are opened in step S807 is set, and the main prize opening opening / closing process is terminated. The set release command is transmitted to the notification / production control device 610 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 11). The notification / production control device 610 determines the content of the production corresponding to the release based on the receipt of the release command, and controls various devices so that the content of the decided production is executed.

  Returning to the description of step S801, if it is determined in step S801 that the special winning opening is open, the process proceeds to step S808, and it is determined whether or not the value of the open timer counter TC is “0”. If the value of the release timer counter TC is not “0”, the process proceeds to step S809, and whether or not a game ball has won a big winning opening is detected from detection sensors 154 and 155 corresponding to the variable winning devices 64 and 65. Determine based on. If no winning has occurred, the main prize winning opening / closing process is terminated.

  If a winning has occurred, a prize ball command output process is executed in step S810. The prize ball command is output to the payout control device 181 and the notification / production control device 610. The payout control device 181 performs a process of paying out a predetermined number of game balls based on receiving the winning command. Although details will be described later, in the notification / production control device 610, when a winning command is issued during the opening / closing execution mode, for example, during the opening / closing execution mode executed on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75 to teach the winning. The process which changes the production of is performed.

  After executing the command output process in step S810, the process proceeds to step S811. In step S811, the value of the winning counter PC is decremented by 1. In subsequent step S812, it is determined whether or not the value of the winning counter PC is “0”. finish.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S812, that is, when the value of the winning counter PC is “0”, or when an affirmative determination is made in step S808 (ie, the value of the open timer counter TC is determined to be “0”). ) Means that the special winning opening closing condition has been established. In this case, in step S813, the variable winning drive unit is set in a non-driven state to close the special winning opening.

  In the subsequent step S814, update processing of the release number counter OC is executed. Specifically, when the value of the opening number counter OC is not “0”, the opening number counter OC is decremented by 1 and when the value of the opening number counter OC is “0”, the opening number counter OC is decremented. The value of “0” is maintained as “0”.

  Thereafter, in step S815, it is determined whether or not the value of the updated release number counter OC is “0”. If a negative determination is made in step S815, the process proceeds to step S816, and “500” (corresponding to 1.0 sec) is set in the open timer counter TC. After executing the process of step S816, a close command is set in step S817, and the main prize winning opening / closing process is terminated. The set closing command is transmitted to the notification / production control device 610 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 11). When receiving the closing command, the notification / production control device 610 determines the content of the production corresponding to the closing command and controls various devices so that the content of the decided production is executed.

  Returning to the description of step S815, if it is determined in step S815 that the value of the release number counter OC is “0”, the process proceeds to step S818. In step S818, an ending start process is executed. In the start process, an ending waiting time for waiting without starting the next game round is set for the ending in the opening / closing execution mode. Specifically, ending waiting time information stored in advance in the ROM 603 is set in a waiting time counter area provided in the various counter areas 604 d of the RAM 604.

  Then, after setting an ending command in step S819, the main prize winning opening / closing process is terminated. The set ending command is transmitted to the notification / production control device 610 in step S201 in the normal process (FIG. 10). The notification / production control device 610 performs a process of performing an ending display indicating that the opening / closing execution mode has ended based on the ending command.

  Returning to the description of the gaming state transition process (FIG. 18), after performing the big prize opening / closing process in step S709, it is determined in step S710 whether or not the value of the open number counter OC is “0”, and step S711. It is determined whether or not the waiting time for ending has passed. If the value of the release number counter OC is not “0” or if the ending waiting time has not elapsed, the gaming state transition process is terminated. On the other hand, if the value of the opening number counter OC is “0” and the waiting time for ending has elapsed, in step S712, after executing the transition processing at the end of the opening / closing execution mode, End the state transition process.

  As already described, in the present embodiment, a difference is set in the advantage of the gaming state that is shifted through the opening / closing execution mode. In the transition process at the end of the opening / closing execution mode, first, it is determined whether or not the jackpot result triggered by the current opening / closing execution mode is any of 16R probability variation jackpot result, 8R probability variation jackpot result, and 4R probability variation jackpot result. . If the current opening / closing execution mode corresponds to any of these probability variation jackpot results, the high probability mode flag is set in the various flag storage areas 604e of the RAM 604. Thereby, after that, the lottery mode becomes the high probability mode.

  Further, the high frequency support mode flag is set in various flag storage areas 604e of the RAM 604. Based on the high-frequency support mode flag set in this way, in the subsequent electronic support processing, the success / failure table for the high-frequency support mode is referred to in the support lottery, and the pattern change display time at the time of the support lottery It is shortened (more specifically, it is set to 2.0 sec), and further, the period in which it is opened by one opening is extended (more specifically, it is set to 5.0 sec).

  For the high frequency support mode, an upper limit is set on the number of times of support. Specifically, “100” is set in the game number counter stored in the various counter areas 604 d of the RAM 604. As a result, the high frequency support mode is maintained until the game times are performed 100 times after the opening / closing execution mode ends, and the high frequency support mode is shifted to the low frequency support mode when “100” is reached. .

  Here, in the first embodiment, a winning ball command based on winning in the operating balls 62 and 63, the variable winning devices 64 and 65, the general winning port 61, and the like is transmitted to the payout control device 181. In the present embodiment, the prize ball commands are transmitted not only to the payout control device 181 but also to the notification / production control device 610. In the notification / production control device 610, the winning destination and the number of winning balls are determined based on the received winning ball command. Information relating to the number of game balls actually paid out from the payout device 222 is also transmitted to the notification / production control device 610, and the notification / production control device 610 can determine the number of game balls paid out based on the information. It has become.

  In the opening / closing execution mode corresponding to the 16R probability variation jackpot result, 8R probability variation jackpot result, and 8R normal jackpot result, the total number of winning balls acquired by the player during the opening / closing execution mode is displayed on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75. It is the composition which becomes. Specifically, the total number of winning balls is displayed in a portion (lower right corner) that is close to the right variable winning device 65 that is to be opened on the display screen 75a.

  In the situation where the opening / closing execution mode is set and the opening / closing control of the right variable winning device 65 is performed, the main winning destination of the game ball becomes the right variable winning device 65. Since the upper limit number of winnings is determined for the right variable winning device 65, a winning is generated not in the right variable winning device 65 but in the other winning portions such as the general winning opening 61 and the operating winning portions 62 and 63. Is the point to earn the total number of winning balls. That is, the total number of winning balls that can be obtained by the player depends on winning in other winning portions such as the general winning opening 61.

  However, since the main winning component is the right variable winning device 65 and the difference between the winning ball relating to the right variable winning device 65 and the winning ball relating to the general winning opening 61 and the action winning ball portions 62 and 63 is large. The player's attention tends to be directed mainly to the right variable winning device 65. Therefore, even if a winning at the general winning opening 61 or the like occurs, there is a high possibility that it will be missed. Even if a privilege (prize ball) is given by winning a prize to the general winning opening 61 or the like, if the player is not aware of it, there is a concern that the function of increasing the player's satisfaction cannot be performed well.

  In the present embodiment, the total number of winning balls based on winning in the right variable winning device 65, the operation balls 62 and 63, and the general winning port 61 during the opening / closing execution mode is displayed on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75. By notifying (displaying), it is configured to clearly indicate the status of bonus acquisition, and the occurrence of the above inconvenience is suppressed by individually setting the notification mode for each ball entering part that triggers a prize ball. It is one of the features. Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 20, an acquisition privilege notification process (acquisition privilege notification process) executed by the MPU 612 of the notification / production control device 610 based on a prize ball command from the main control device 162. explain.

(Acquisition privilege notification process)
In the acquisition privilege notification process, first, in step S901, it is determined whether or not the opening / closing execution mode is being performed. If a negative determination is made in step S901, the acquisition privilege notification process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S901, the process proceeds to step S902. In step S <b> 902, it is determined whether or not a prize ball command for the big prize opening is received from the main control device 162. If a winning command for a big winning opening has been received, the process proceeds to step S903, and a normal count-up display process is performed. The received prize ball command for the special winning opening is normally deleted when the count-up display process is performed.

  On the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75, the total number of winning balls given during the full opening / closing execution mode is displayed (see the schematic diagram in FIG. 20B). By performing the display process in step S903, the number of winning balls related to the right variable winning device 65 is added to the displayed total number of winning balls. For example, when a new winning to the right variable winning device 65 occurs in a situation where the total number of winning balls is 900, the number of winning balls (15) based on the winning is added and the total winning award The number of balls will be updated to 915.

  Returning to the description of step S902, if a negative determination is made in step S902, that is, if a winning command for a special winning opening is received, the process proceeds to step S904. In step S904, it is determined whether or not a special count-up display based on winning in the operating ball entering parts 62 and 63 or the general winning opening 61 is being reserved. If the reservation is not in progress, a negative determination is made in step S904, and the flow advances to step S905. In step S905, it is determined whether or not a winning ball command for a general winning opening or a winning command for an operating ball portion is received. If a negative determination is made in step S905, the acquisition privilege notification process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S905 or an affirmative determination is made in step S904, the process proceeds to step S906.

  In step S906, it is determined whether or not special count-up display is being performed. If a negative determination is made in step S906, a special count-up display process is executed in step S907. If an affirmative determination is made in step S907, a special count-up display reservation process is executed in step S908. . After executing the processing of step S907 and step S908, the winning command that triggered the count-up display is erased, and the acquisition privilege notification processing is terminated.

  In the special count-up display process, the number of winning balls related to the current winning command is specified. Then, a message specifying the specified number of prize balls is displayed on the display screen 75a in an area different from the area where the total number of prize balls is displayed (see the schematic diagram in FIG. 21A). The display of the number of winning balls is maintained for a predetermined period (execution period), and is added to the total number of winning balls when the display ends.

  If a winning to the right variable winning device 65 occurs during the special count up display, the total number of winning balls is updated based on the winning and the total number of winning balls is updated during the special counting up. If there is, the above addition is performed for the updated total number of prize balls.

  In the event that a new winning is made to the operation pitching units 62 and 63 or the general winning opening 61 while the special count-up display is being performed, the reservation process for the special count-up in step S908 is executed. Thus, the next special count-up display is reserved until the preceding special count-up display is completed.

  As illustrated in the schematic diagram of FIG. 21B, when the special count-up display is started at the timing ta1 and the special count-up display is ended at the timing ta2, the reservation as described above is performed. Will not occur. On the other hand, if a winning to the general winning opening 61 occurs continuously at the timing of ta3 and the timing of ta4, does the reservation occur due to the relationship between the interval and the execution period of the special count-up display? Whether or not will be divided.

  In the example of FIG. 21 (b), the special count-up display is started when a winning to the general winning opening 61 occurs at the timing ta3, and the special count-up display is finished at the timing ta5 and the total prize ball. The number of prize balls related to the general winning opening 61 is added to the number. Here, since the winning to the general winning opening 61 has occurred at the timing of ta4 before the special count-up display ends, the special count-up display based on the winning is reserved.

  At the timing ta6 after the previous special count-up display is completed, the reservation is released, and a special count-up display based on the winning at the general winning opening 61 generated at the timing ta4 is started. .

  As described in detail above, the display based on the winnings generated during the opening / closing execution mode has a different configuration depending on the winning part as a winning destination. By performing a winning display relating to other winning portions such as the general winning opening 61 and the operating winning portions 62 and 63 in a display mode different from the right variable winning device 65 that functions as the main winning destination of the game ball, It is easy to tell the player that a prize has been placed in the other clubs.

  The general winning opening 61 is smaller than the right variable winning apparatus 65 and the privilege (prize ball) given to the player is also reduced. In such a configuration, there is a concern that the player's attention is likely to be directed mainly to the right variable winning device 65 and the winning to the general winning opening 61 is likely to be overlooked. Since an upper limit is set for the number of winnings to the right variable winning device 65 during the opening / closing execution mode, the benefits (prize balls) that can be obtained based on winnings to the right variable winning device 65 are likely to be similar. On the other hand, since the upper limit is not set for the number of winnings to the general winning opening 61, it is advantageous for the game to win as many game balls as possible to the general winning opening 61L during the opening / closing execution mode. It is important to proceed. Therefore, in order to distinguish the winning notification to the general winning opening 61L from the winning notification to the right variable winning device 65 and to inform the player that the winning to the general winning opening 61L has occurred, it is important to pay attention to the game. There is a technical significance that it is preferable in improving the degree.

  In order to suppress overlooking of the special count-up display, it is preferable to continue the special count-up display for a certain period. However, if the execution period of the special count-up display becomes longer, there is a higher possibility that a new winning in the general winning opening 61 will occur during the special count-up display. Therefore, in such a case, it is configured that the next special count-up display is retained and executed until the previous count-up display is completed, so that the general winning opening 61 is frequently won. It can be suitably communicated to the player.

<Modification 1>
In the second embodiment, the number of winning balls based on winning in the variable winning devices 64 and 65 and the number of winning balls based on winning in the general winning opening 61 are displayed on the same display unit (display screen 75a). Although it is configured to display, it is also possible to display the number of these winning balls separately. For example, a display device that displays the number of winning balls based on winning in the variable winning devices 64 and 65 and a display device that displays the number of winning balls based on winning in the general winning opening 61 may be provided separately.

<Modification 2>
It is sufficient if the configuration is such that a special count-up display is performed when a winning is made to a winning portion other than the main winning portion (variable winning devices 64 and 65) in the opening / closing execution mode. It is not necessary to have a configuration in which the special count-up display is performed in both cases where winning is made to the winning ball portions 62 and 63 and the general winning opening 61. However, in order to increase the willingness of the game by appealing the winning prize to the player, at least the pitching portion adjacent to the main pitching portion (variable winning devices 64, 65) is subject to a special count-up. It is preferable.

<Modification 3>
Although the special count-up display based on the winnings to the operating pitching units 62 and 63 and the general winning opening 61 is configured to be executed in the order of winning, it is not limited to this, and to the operating pitching units 62 and 63 One of the count-up display based on the prize winning and the special count-up display based on the prize winning to the general winning opening 61 may be configured to have priority over the other.

  For example, it may be configured to give priority to the player who has a larger number of prize balls set (the general winning opening 61 in the second embodiment).

<Modification 4>
In the second embodiment, when a special prize is displayed at the general winning slot 61 during the special count-up display based on the winning at the general winning slot 61, the special count based on the subsequent winning prize is generated. The up display is reserved, but the present invention is not limited to this. The special count-up display being executed may be canceled and the subsequent special count-up display may be executed. Alternatively, both special count-up displays may be executed in parallel.

<Modification 5>
The general winning opening 61 is less beneficial than the other winning parts such as the variable winning devices 64 and 65 and the operating winning parts 62 and 63. For this reason, it is assumed that the player is not likely to pay attention to the general winning opening 61. For this reason, even if the notification indicating the winning to the general winning opening 61 is performed by the special count-up described above or the like, there is a limit in improving the degree of attention to the general winning opening 61 triggered by the notification.

  Here, the passing game ball is visible in the ball passage through which the game ball entering the right general winning opening 61R passes. Then, a pseudo winning portion (no sensor) simulating a winning opening is formed at a position downstream of the attached detection sensor 151 in the ball passage. A special count is obtained by adopting a configuration in which the time required for the game ball to move from the general winning opening 61L to the pseudo winning portion is longer than the time lag from winning the right general winning opening 61R until a special count-up occurs. When the eyes are moved to the general winning opening 61L at the timing of up (additional display), it can be seen that the game ball has won the pseudo winning portion.

  In other words, it is possible to make it appear as if it is information-> winning instead of winning-> notification. Thereby, it is possible to make an illusion as if the winning in the general winning opening 61 can be visually confirmed, and the winning in the general winning opening 61 can be suitably appealed.

<Third embodiment> Collectively adding display during ending display In the second embodiment, the right variable winning device 65, which is the main destination in the opening / closing execution mode, is normally counted each time a winning occurs. The up-display is performed, and the special count-up display relating to the general winning opening 61 and the operating pitch-in portions 62, 63 which are other pitching portions is performed in parallel with the normal count-up display. In the present embodiment, the relationship between the normal count-up display and the special count-up display is different from that of the second embodiment. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 22 and FIG. 23, a configuration related to this difference (specifically, a process for notifying the acquired privilege) will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the process for obtaining bonus normal notification executed by the MPU 612 of the notification / effect control apparatus 610, and FIG. 23 shows the process for acquiring special bonus notification executed by the MPU 612 of the notice / effect control apparatus 610. It is a flowchart.

(Acquisition bonus normal notification process)
As shown in FIG. 22, in the acquired privilege normal notification process, first, in step S <b> 1001, it is determined whether the opening / closing execution mode is being performed. If it is not in the opening / closing execution mode, a negative determination is made in step S1001, and the process for normal acquisition bonus notification is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if it is in the opening / closing execution mode, an affirmative determination is made in step S1001, and the process proceeds to step S1002.

  In step S <b> 1002, it is determined whether or not a prize ball command for a big prize opening is received from the main control device 162. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1002, the normal count-up display process is executed in step S1003, and then the acquisition privilege normal notification process is terminated. Since the outline of the normal count-up display is the same as that of the second embodiment, the description is used.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1002, the process proceeds to step S1004. In step S1004, it is determined whether or not a prize ball command for a general winning opening or a prize ball command for an operation opening is received from the main controller 162. If neither a prize ball command for a general winning opening nor a prize ball command for an operation opening has been received, the process for normal acquisition bonus normal notification is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1004, a winning storage process is executed in step S1005, and then the acquisition privilege normal notification process is terminated. In the winning memory processing, the number of winnings to the general winning opening 61 and the winning balls 62 and 63 generated during the opening / closing execution mode is stored in the winning status storage area of the notification / production control device 610 (RAM 614). To do. In other words, when a winning command for a large winning opening is received, a normal count-up display immediately notifies that a winning to the right variable winning device 65 has occurred, whereas a winning command for a working opening or a general winning is displayed. When an oral winning command is received, a notification to that effect is reserved.

  The MPU 612 of the notification / production control device 610 calculates the total number of winning balls based on winning in the general winning opening 61 and the operating winning balls 62 and 63 based on the information stored in the winning status storage area. Then, a special count-up display is executed based on this calculation result. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 23, the process for special acquisition notification regarding the special count-up display will be described.

(Acquisition privilege special notification process)
In the acquisition privilege special notification process, first, in step S1101, it is determined whether or not the opening / closing execution mode is in effect. If it is not in the opening / closing execution mode, a negative determination is made in step S1101, and the process for special acquisition special notification is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if it is in the opening / closing execution mode, an affirmative determination is made in step S1101 and the process proceeds to step S1102.

  In step S1102, it is determined whether special notification is being performed. If a negative determination is made in step S1102, the process proceeds to step S1103. In step S1103, it is determined whether or not it is time to end the round game in the opening / closing execution mode and shift to the ending display. If a negative determination is made in step S1103, the acquisition privilege special notification process is terminated as it is. If a positive determination is made in step S1103, the process proceeds to step S1104.

  In step S1104, the number of operations is set. The special count-up display in the present embodiment is configured to be executed based on the player's operation. Specifically, a special count-up display is executed when a predetermined operation condition is established by pressing the operation button 35 disposed on the front door frame 14. In step S1104, the number of pressing operations of the operation button 35 is set as a predetermined operation condition. In addition, the number of pressing operations to be set increases as the number of winnings to the operation balls 62 and 63 and the general winning opening 61 occurs during the opening / closing execution mode. After executing the setting process in step S1104, the process proceeds to step S1105. In step S1105, an operation reception period of the operation button 35 is set. When the number of times the operation button 35 is operated within the operation reception period set in step S1105 reaches the set number, the special count-up display is executed.

  After the execution conditions for special count-up display are set in steps S1104 and S1105, the process proceeds to step S1106. In step S1106, a special notification start process is executed. As a result, an image indicating that the special count-up display is started is displayed on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75, and BGM corresponding to the special count-up display is output from the speaker unit 29. Then, on the display screen 75a, a message “Push a button repeatedly” and a button icon are displayed in order to prompt the player to operate the operation button 35 (see the schematic diagram in FIG. 24).

  Returning to the description of step S1102, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1102, the process proceeds to step S1107. In step S1107, it is determined whether or not the operation button 35 has been operated. If it is determined that the operation button 35 has been operated, the operation number counter provided in the various counter areas of the RAM 614 is updated, and the process proceeds to step S1108. In step S1108, it is determined whether or not the number of operations of the operation button 35 has reached the specified number of times set in step S1104.

  If a positive determination is made in step S1108, the process proceeds to step S1109. In step S1109, it is determined whether or not the payout of the prize ball is still continuing. In the opening / closing execution mode, the winning probability to the variable winning device 65 is high, and the winning to the variable winning device 65 occurs frequently. The game ball payout speed is constant, and a lot of winnings are generated, so that there is a high possibility that the game ball payout is not completed even when the ending period is entered. In the present embodiment, when this determination process is performed, the payout is not completed, and in many cases, an affirmative determination is made in step S1109. If a negative determination is made in step S1109, the special count-up display is avoided and the processing for special acquisition special notification is terminated as it is. That is, the fact that the payout is continued is one of the execution conditions for the special count-up display.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1109, the process proceeds to step S1110, the special count-up display process is executed, and then the acquisition privilege special notification process is terminated. In the special count-up display process, the sum of the number of winning balls based on winning in the general winning opening 61 and the operating winning balls 62 and 63 is displayed on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75. For example, in the case illustrated in the schematic diagram of FIG. 24, the sum of the number of winning balls based on winning in the general winning opening 61 and the actuating balls 62 and 63 is 120. On the display screen 75a, a message “add 120” is displayed instead of the button icon and the message for prompting the operation. Thereafter, as the message is hidden, “120” is added to the total number of winning balls displayed in the lower right corner of the display screen 75a, and the total number of winning balls is “2400” → “2620”. To increase.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1107 or a negative determination is made in step S1108, the process proceeds to step S1111. In step S1111, it is determined whether or not the operation reception period set in step S1105 has elapsed. If a negative determination is made in step S <b> 1111, the acquisition privilege special notification process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1111, the process proceeds to step S1112 and special count-up display avoidance processing is performed. As a result, the special notification is interrupted and terminated. As described above, when the execution condition of the special count-up display is not established, the number of winning balls based on winning in the general winning opening 61 and the operation entering balls 62 and 63 is not specified.

  In the third embodiment described above in detail, the main winning destination of the game ball is the variable winning device 65 during the opening / closing execution mode. Further, the game ball is paid out when a winning to the variable winning device 65 occurs, and the game ball is also paid out when a winning to the general winning opening 61 and the operating ball entering portions 62 and 63 occurs. It has composition, and the mode of privilege grant is the same. In addition, when the entrance to the operation entrance parts 62 and 63 occurs, the hold information is acquired, and a lottery based on the hold information is performed. However, the lottery is restricted during the opening / closing execution mode. ing. In such a configuration, the notification of the winning ball based on winning in the variable winning device 65 and the winning ball based on winning in the other winning portions (the general winning opening 61 and the working winning portions 62, 63) are provided. The following inconvenience occurs when the notification is made in the same mode. That is, the notification of the winning ball based on the winning in the general winning opening 61 and the operation winning balls 62 and 63 is confused with the notification of the winning ball based on the winning in the variable winning device 65, and the player receives the general winning opening 61. In addition, it is difficult to identify that a winning has been made to the working ball entering parts 62 and 63. This is not preferable for improving the degree of attention to the general winning opening 61 and the like.

  In this regard, in the present embodiment, notification based on winning in the variable winning device 65 and notification based on winning in other winning portions (the general winning opening 61 and the operating winning portions 62, 63) are performed. By dividing, it is possible to prevent the entry to the general winning opening 61 and the operation entry parts 62 and 63 from being confused and becoming difficult to understand.

  When the number of winning balls based on winning in the general winning opening 61 (six) is less than the number of winning balls based on winning in the variable winning device 65 (15), each time the winning in the general winning opening 61 occurs Even if the number of prize balls is notified, the impact is reduced. In this regard, with respect to the winning ball based on winning in the general winning opening 61, the impact of the notification can be strengthened by adding and notifying the winning ball.

  In addition, in the special count-up display, by adding the prize balls relating to the action entry parts 62, 63 to the prize balls relating to the general prize opening 61, it is possible to increase the notified number, and to further increase the impact. Strengthening can be expected.

<Modification 1>
In the third embodiment, a special count-up display is performed within a predetermined ending period. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the ending period of the opening / closing execution mode is determined based on the presence / absence of winning in the general winning opening 61 and the operating ball entering portions 62, 63 during the opening / closing execution mode. For example, as the ending period, a first ending period and a second ending period longer than the first ending period are provided, and a prize is awarded to the general winning opening 61 and the operation pitching parts 62 and 63 during the opening / closing execution mode. The second ending period is set as the ending period, and the first ending period is set as the ending period when no winnings are made to the general winning opening 61 or the actuating balls 62 and 63 during the opening / closing execution mode. It is preferable that the period is set. Thus, while the special count-up display is performed during the ending period, it is possible to suitably suppress the game delay caused by the display.

<Modification 2>
In the third embodiment, the total number of winning balls based on the winnings to the general winning opening 61 and the working pitching portions 62 and 63 is displayed during the ending period of the opening / closing execution mode. It is possible to display the total number of winning balls based on winning in the general winning opening 61 and the actuating pitching portions 62 and 63 during a period in which no winning to the winning device 65 occurs (period in which normal count-up display is not performed). It's enough if you can.

  For example, in the interval period between rounds, the total number of winning balls based on the winnings in the general winning opening 61 and the action pitching parts 62 and 63 generated in the immediately preceding round, and the period from the start of the opening / closing execution mode to the interval period It is also possible to display the total number of winning balls based on winning in the general winning opening 61 and the actuating ball entering portions 62 and 63 generated.

<Modification 3>
In the third embodiment, based on the operation button 35 provided on the front door frame 14 being operated during the ending period of the opening / closing execution mode, the general winning opening 61 and the operation entrance parts 62, 63 are entered. Although it is configured to display the total number of winning balls based on the winning of the player, the player's operation is not necessarily required. For example, it may be configured to display the total number of winning balls based on winning in the general winning opening 61 and the operating ball entering portions 62 and 63 when the ending display is started.

<Fourth Embodiment> Storing a ball that has entered the right general winning opening in the opening / closing execution mode In the third embodiment, the winning in the general winning opening 61 is performed during the ending display in the opening / closing execution mode. A special count-up display for displaying the sum of the prize balls based on the system is executed. In the present embodiment, one of the features is that the degree of attention to the count-up display is further improved by associating the movement of the game ball with the special count-up display. Hereinafter, a configuration for associating the movements of the game balls will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 (a) is a partially enlarged view of the game board 60Y showing the right variable winning device 65 and its peripheral structure in the fourth embodiment.

  Also in the present embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the right general winning opening 61R is disposed at a position near (upstream) the right variable winning device 65 on the right route. The right general winning opening 61R is formed with a vertically long ball passage 360Y through which a game ball entering the right general winning opening 61R passes. The ball passage 360Y has an upstream passage portion 361Y formed so as to be visible from the front of the gaming machine and a downstream passage portion 362Y formed by being invisible from the front of the gaming machine. Note that the detection sensor 151 for the right general winning opening 61R is disposed at the entrance of the right general winning opening 61R and is not visible from the front of the gaming machine.

  A shutter 380Y that can be switched between an open state that allows the game ball to flow down and a closed state that prevents the game ball from flowing down is disposed in the middle of the upstream passage portion 361Y. The drive unit of the shutter 380Y is connected to the notification / production control device 610, and is configured to switch between the open state and the closed state based on the drive signal of the notification / production control device 610. The shutter 380Y is a plate that is slidable in the thickness direction of the game board 60Y. The state where the shutter 380Y is retracted to the back side of the ball passage 360Y is the open state, and the state where the shutter 380Y protrudes to the ball passage 360Y is the closed state.

  The upstream portion of the shutter 380Y in the upstream passage portion 361Y is an extended portion 368Y in which the passage width is expanded to the left and right, and the game balls can pass in a state where they are arranged side by side. The game ball that has flowed into the right general winning opening 61R in a state where the shutter 380Y is closed flows down along the upstream passage portion 361Y after being detected by the detection sensor 151, and enters the expansion portion 368Y. As a result, the state is placed on the shutter 380Y. As a result, the game ball is restricted from flowing to the downstream-side passage portion 362Y, and temporarily enters a standby state at the expansion portion 368Y. In this way, it can be said that the expansion unit is the storage unit 368Y in view of the point that the expansion unit 368Y can wait (store) the game ball.

  A branch passage portion 366Y is formed in a portion of the upstream passage portion 361Y on the upstream side of the storage portion 368Y. There is an upper limit on the number of game balls stored in the storage unit 368Y. When an amount exceeding this upper limit flows into the right general winning port 61R, the excess game balls are discharged through the branch passage unit 366Y. The game balls discharged through the branch passage portion 366Y are returned to the island facility in the game hall through the collection passage provided on the back side of the game board 60Y.

  The inlet portion of the downstream passage portion 362Y is expanded to the left and right in accordance with the expansion portion 368Y. As a result, when the shutter 380Y is switched from the closed state to the open state, the gaming balls placed on the shutter 380Y can flow together into the downstream passage portion 362Y.

  Here, a colored and opaque decorative body 390Y is disposed in front of the entrance portion of the downstream passage portion 362Y. The opening / closing door 65b of the right variable prize winning device 65 is decorated to indicate that the right variable prize winning device 65 is a “ball entry portion”, and the decoration is visible from the front of the gaming machine. The decoration of the decoration body 390Y is configured to be recognized by the player as being the same as the decoration of the opening / closing door 65b, and the downstream passage portion 362Y (entrance portion) is imitated by the variable prize winning device. . As a result, when the game ball stored in the storage unit 368Y flows into the downstream passage unit 362Y, it can appear as if it has flowed into the variable winning device. Incidentally, when a game ball enters the right general winning opening 61R, the game ball is detected by the detection sensor 151, and as a result, a payout (privilege) of the game ball is given to the player. . The downstream passage portion 362Y is not provided with a configuration relating to privilege provision, and a privilege is given to the player when the game ball stored in the storage portion 368Y flows into the downstream passage portion 362Y. It is not done. Although the downstream passage portion 362Y (inlet portion) appears to be a different type of “entrance ball portion” in appearance, the substance is merely a passage portion through which a game ball passes.

  Next, the shutter opening / closing process executed by the MPU 612 of the notification / production control device 610 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The shutter opening / closing process is a process executed as part of the regular process, and is configured to be executed on the condition that it is in the opening / closing execution mode.

(Shutter opening / closing process)
In the shutter opening / closing process, first, in step S1201, it is determined whether it is the start timing of the opening / closing execution mode. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1201, a storage start process is executed in step S1202, and the shutter opening / closing process ends. In the present embodiment, various commands such as the opening command and the ending command are output from the main control device 162 to the payout control device 181, and the payout control device 181 receives a gaming state ( (Game situation) can be specified.

  In the storage start process, a drive signal is output to the drive unit of the shutter 380, and the shutter 380Y is switched from the open state to the closed state. Thereby, thereafter, the game balls won in the right general winning opening 61R are stored in the storage unit 368Y.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1201, that is, if it is determined that it is not the start timing of the opening / closing item mode, the process proceeds to step S1203. In step S1203, it is determined whether the storage cancellation condition is satisfied. Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment as well, the special count-up display is executed during the ending period, as in the third embodiment. In step S1203, it is determined whether or not the execution condition for the special count-up display is satisfied. Note that the storage cancellation condition is also satisfied when the ending display ends without executing the special count-up display.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1203, the shutter opening / closing process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1203, the storage cancellation process is executed in step S1204, and then the shutter opening / closing process is terminated. In the storage release process, the output of the drive signal to the drive unit of the shutter 330Y is stopped, and the shutter 330Y is returned from the closed state to the open state. Thereby, the game ball group stored in the storage unit 368Y falls to the downstream passage unit 362Y at a stroke.

  In addition, after the shutter 330Y is switched to the open state with the end of the opening / closing execution mode, the game ball that has won the right general winning opening 61 passes through the storage portion 368Y and flows into the downstream passage portion 362Y, and remains as it is. It is returned to the island facility in the game hall through the collection passage on the back side of the game board 60Y.

  In the present embodiment, the basic privilege notification flow is the same as in the third embodiment, but by releasing the game balls stored in the storage unit 368Y in conjunction with the privilege notification. One of the characteristics is that it looks as if a winning has occurred at that timing. However, if the game ball is not paid out when it is pretending to be a winning in this way, it is revealed that it is a premier winning. There is a concern that the degree of attention to the privilege notification will decrease. In other words, in order to show that the game balls are paid out as a result of releasing the game balls stored in the storage unit 368Y, at least the game balls are paid out at the time when the event occurs. Are preferred. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a configuration relating to payout of game balls is devised. Hereinafter, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 26 and 27, various control processes relating to payout (award ball command handling process and payout control process) will be described.

  As already described, the payout control device 181 is configured to pay out game balls based on a prize ball command from the main control device 162. In the MPU of the payout control device 181, a prize ball command corresponding process corresponding to the prize ball command from the main controller 162 is executed as part of the regular process.

(Prize ball command processing)
As shown in FIG. 26A, in the prize ball command handling process, it is first determined in step S1301 whether or not a prize ball command has been received from the main control device 162. If a negative determination is made in step S1301, the award ball command handling process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1301, the process proceeds to step S1302. In step S1302, it is identified and received whether the prize ball command received this time is a prize ball command for a general prize opening, a prize ball command for an action entry part, or a prize ball command for a variable prize winning device. The number of winning balls corresponding to the winning command is specified. Note that the prize ball command for the general prize opening corresponds to the number of prize balls “6”, the prize ball command for the action entry club corresponds to the number of prize balls “3”, and the prize ball command for the variable prize winning device corresponds to the number of prize balls “15”. doing.

  In the subsequent step S1303, a process of adding the number of prize balls is executed. The RAM of the payout control device 181 is provided with a total prize ball counter for storing the total number of game balls to be paid out (total prize balls). This total prize ball number counter is decremented each time a game ball is paid out, and is paid out until it returns to the initial value “0”. In the award ball number addition process, the award ball number specified this time is added to the total award ball number counter.

  After executing the process of step S1303, the process proceeds to step S1304. In step S1304, it is determined whether the open / close execution mode is in effect. If a positive determination is made in step S1304, the process proceeds to step S1305. In step S1305, it is determined whether or not the command received this time is any one of a general winning opening prize ball command and an operating winning ball prize command. If a positive determination is made in step S1305, the process proceeds to step S1306.

  In step S1306, an addition process of the total number of winning balls (hereinafter referred to as the total number of special winning balls) based on winning in the general winning opening 61 and the operating balls 62 and 63 generated during the opening / closing execution mode is executed. Specifically, the RAM of the payout control device 181 is provided with a total special prize ball counter for storing the total special prize ball number. The counter for the total number of special prize balls is reset when the opening / closing execution mode ends (specifically, when a special count-up display is executed). In the process of step S1306, the number of prize balls specified this time is added to the total special prize ball number counter.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1304 or step S1305 after executing the process in step S1306, the currently received prize ball command is deleted in step S1307, and the present prize ball command handling process is terminated. The payout control device 181 performs drive control of the payout device 222 based on various information set in the prize ball command handling process. Hereinafter, the payout control process will be described with reference to FIG.

(Processing for payout control)
As shown in FIG. 26B, in the payout control process, it is first determined in step S1401 whether or not the opening / closing execution mode is in effect. If a negative determination is made in step S1401, the process proceeds to step S1402, the normal payout control process is executed, and the payout control process ends. In the normal payout control process, various conditions such as that the total prize ball counter is not “0”, the lower tray 34 is not full, and that game balls are supplied to the payout device 222 are satisfied. Based on the above, the dispensing device 222 is driven. Thereby, the game ball is paid out to the player. In the normal payout control process, the mode relating to payout of game balls is a high-speed payout mode to be described later.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1401, special payout control processing is executed in step S1403. That is, in the present embodiment, the payout control differs depending on whether or not the opening / closing execution mode is in effect. Here, the special payout control procedure will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the special payout control process, first, in step S1501, it is determined whether or not a round game is being played. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1501, that is, if the game is still in a round game and has not reached the ending, the process proceeds to step S1502. In step S1502, it is determined whether or not the number of game balls waiting to be paid out (remaining number) exceeds the total number of special prize balls. If a negative determination is made in step S1502, the process proceeds to step S1503.

  In the present embodiment, as a game ball payout mode by the payout device 222, a low-speed payout mode in which the payout speed (ball feed speed: motor rotation speed) is low, a high-speed payout mode in which the payout speed is high, In addition, a special payout mode is provided in which the payout speed is lower than the low speed payout mode. In step S1503, this payout mode is set to the low speed payout mode. This delays the payout of game balls.

  Returning to the description of step S1502, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1502, that is, if the remaining number exceeds the total number of special prize balls, the process proceeds to step S1504. In step S1504, the payout mode is set to the high-speed payout mode. In this way, by adjusting the payout speed of the game balls according to the remaining number, it is possible to suppress the remaining number from falling below the total number of special prize balls before starting the ending.

  Returning to the description of step S1501, if a negative determination is made in step S1501, that is, if it is determined that the game is not in a round game, the process proceeds to step S1505. In step S1505, it is determined whether it is time to start the ending of the opening / closing execution mode. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1505, the process proceeds to step S1506, and the special payout mode is set as the payout mode. In the present embodiment, as in the third embodiment, a special notification is started when the ending display is started, and a special count-up display is displayed based on the operation button 35 being operated during the special notification. It is configured to be executed. Here, by setting the payout mode to the special payout mode in accordance with the start of the ending (special notification), the payout of the game ball is extremely delayed. Thus, it is shown to the player that the game ball has been paid out.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1505, the process proceeds to step S1507. In step S1507, it is determined whether a condition for canceling the flow restriction by the shutter 380 is satisfied. For example, when the operation button 35 is operated a predetermined number of times within a preset operation reception period, the release condition is satisfied. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1507, the process proceeds to step S1508, and the high-speed payout mode is set as the payout mode.

  After executing the processes of steps S1503, S1504, S1506, and S1508, or when a negative determination is made in step S1507, the payout process is executed in step S1509, and then the special payout control process is terminated. In the payout process in step S1509, various conditions such as that the total prize ball number counter is not “0”, the lower tray 34 is not full, and that game balls are supplied to the payout device 222 are satisfied. Based on this, the dispensing device 222 is driven. Thereby, the game ball is paid out to the player.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 28, the flow of the game in the opening / closing execution mode will be supplementarily described. 28A is a schematic diagram showing a display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75, and FIG. 28B is a schematic diagram showing the movement of a game ball.

  When the opening / closing execution mode is entered, the shutter 380Y attached to the right general winning opening 61R is switched from the open state to the closed state. As a result, the game ball that has won the right general winning opening 61R is not immediately discharged from the game board 60, but waits in the storage unit 368. As shown in FIG. 28 (1), the game balls launched toward the right route (right variable winning device 65) are accumulated so that the game balls that have flowed into the storage unit 318 are arranged side by side. As a result, when the shutter 380Y is switched from the closed state to the open state, a plurality of game balls are dropped to the downstream passage portion 362Y at a stretch, and the responsiveness when the game balls are moved is improved. Yes.

  When the opening / closing (round game) of the right variable prize-winning device 65 is completed and the ending of the opening / closing execution mode is started, one of the conditions is that at least one game ball is stored in the storage unit 368Y. Special notification is started on the 75 display screen 75a.

  In the special notification, first, as shown in FIG. 28 (2), a message prompting the operation of the operation button 35 and an icon imitating the operation button 35 are displayed. When the number of operations of the operation button 35 by the player reaches the specified number, the shutter 380Y is switched from the closed state to the open state as shown in FIG. In accordance with this, a special count-up display is started on the display screen 75a. A plurality of game balls stored in the storage unit 368Y fall into the downstream passage unit 362Y at a stretch. At this timing, the game ball payout mode is switched to the high speed payout mode. As a result, it is possible to make it appear as if the game balls are being paid out when the game balls have moved to the downstream passage portion 362Y.

<Modification 1>
In the fourth embodiment, with the configuration in which the game balls stored in the storage section 368Y flow into the downstream passage section 362Y, the right variable prize winning device 65 is provided at the inlet portion of the downstream passage section 362Y. A simulated decorative body 390Y was disposed. Thereby, it was set as the structure which can be shown as if the part which actually functions as a ball entry part (part used as the opportunity of paying out a game ball) is the downstream channel | path part 362Y. In order to exhibit such a mimicry function, it is technically significant that the mimic target is the nearby right variable prize winning device 65, but this is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the target of mimicry by the decorative body 390Y can be the left general winning opening 61L (see FIG. 4). In the case of such a configuration, the decoration of the entrance portion of the right general winning opening 61R may not be similar to the left general winning opening 61L (preferably simple). The entrance part that triggers the payout of game balls may be decorated to some extent in order to attract the attention of the player. Therefore, by making the decorative body 390Y more flashy than the entrance portion of the right general winning opening 61R, it becomes easy to imagine that the portion where the decorative body 390Y is arranged is the “ball-entry portion”. .

<Modification 2>
In the fourth embodiment, when a prize ball command is received, the total prize ball number counter is added, and it is configured not to memorize which prize ball is the target prize ball. However, it is good also as a structure which changes this and memorize | stores a winning place and a prize ball number. In this case, it is possible to distinguish the prize balls related to the variable prize winning devices 64 and 65 and the prize balls related to the general prize opening 61. Therefore, when both the prize balls related to the general prize opening 61 and the prize balls related to the variable prize winning devices 64 and 65 are reserved, the prize balls related to the variable prize winning devices 64 and 65 are awarded to the prize related to the general prize winning mouth 61. A structure that pays out preferentially over a ball is preferable. Furthermore, when there is no prize ball related to the variable prize-winning devices 64 and 65 and only the prize ball related to the general prize opening 61 is provided, the game ball payout mode is set as the low-speed payout mode to earn time. It is also possible to do.

<Modification 3>
In the fourth embodiment, the payout speed is appropriately reduced during the round game to slow down the payout pace so that the game balls are paid out when the special count-up display is executed. However, when paying out the game ball when executing the special count-up display, for example, it is possible to temporarily stop paying out the game ball.

<Modification 4>
In the fourth embodiment, the downstream passage portion 362Y and the game ball passing through the downstream passage portion 362Y are configured to be invisible. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if a detection sensor is provided in the downstream passage portion 362Y so that a detection sensor and a game ball passing through the detection sensor can be visually recognized, the downstream passage portion 362Y is made to appear as an “entrance ball portion”. be able to. In this case, the detection sensor may be a dummy, or may be configured such that the detection sensor is connected to the notification / production control device 610 and a display production is performed based on detection information from the detection sensor. For example, the count-up display can be performed with detection information from the detection sensor as a trigger.

<Modification 5>
In the fourth embodiment, during the ending period of the opening / closing execution mode, the game balls stored so far are released and the special count-up display is performed. It suffices if the total number of winning balls can be displayed based on winning in the general winning opening 61 and the working pitching portions 62 and 63 in a period in which no winning occurs (period in which normal count-up display is not performed). .

  For example, a configuration is adopted in which a game ball won in the general winning slot 61 during a round game such as the immediately preceding round is stored, and the stored game ball is released in an interval period between rounds and a special count-up display is performed. It is also possible. In this case, it is preferable to set the length of the period required for discharging the game balls and the interval period so that the interval period ends after the stored game balls are discharged from the storage unit 368Y. When playing a game ball and displaying a special count-up using an interval period, the length of the interval period is changed between the interval in which the event occurs and the interval in which the event does not occur (preferably the former The interval period may be longer than the latter interval period).

<Modification 6>
In the fourth embodiment, the game ball fired on the right route wins the right general winning opening 61R with a probability of approximately 1/20. However, this may be changed as follows. That is, during the round game, the number of winnings to the right variable winning device 65 is set to 10 as a round end condition. Therefore, if the winning probability at the right general winning opening 61R is 1/10, it is possible to expect about one winning at the right general winning opening 61R in each round. Thereby, it is possible to suppress that the number of game balls arranged side by side on the shutter 380Y falls below the upper limit number (6 in the present embodiment).

<Modification 7>
In the middle of the right route, a distribution mechanism that distributes the game balls flowing down the right route to the right general winning port 61R and the right variable winning device 65, specifically, the game balls that follow are passed along with the passing of the game balls. You may arrange | position the distribution mechanism in which a distribution destination is changed. For example, if a configuration in which one gaming ball out of at least 10 (a specified number that is a round end condition) can win the right general winning opening 61R, the storage function can be performed well.

  In particular, as shown in the combination with the fifth modified example, when the game balls stored and the special count-up display are performed using the interval period, the distribution mechanism shown in the modified example is used together. Thus, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconvenience that the game balls are not stored well.

  The operation mode of the distribution mechanism is arbitrary, and the distribution destination of the game balls may be periodically changed instead of the distribution destination being changed by the passing of the game balls. is there.

<Other embodiments>
In addition, it is not limited to the description content of each embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows. Incidentally, each of the following configurations may be individually applied to each of the above embodiments, or a part or all of them may be combined and applied to each of the above embodiments. It is also possible to arbitrarily combine all or some of the various configurations shown in the above embodiments. In this case, it is preferable that the technical significance (effects to be exerted) of the components to be combined is ensured. Each of the following configurations may be applied individually to a new configuration that is a combination of the embodiments, or a part or all of the configurations may be applied in combination.

  (1) The game balls stored in the storage units 318 and 368 may be configured to be discharged based on ON / OFF of the power supply of the gaming machine or a reset operation.

  (2) In the first and fourth embodiments described above, the game balls are stored by restricting the flow of the game balls won in the general winning opening 61 by the shutter 330 or the like, but the game balls are stored. The specific configuration for this is arbitrary. In other words, it is sufficient to be able to switch between a state in which the game ball is stored and a state in which the game ball is not stored. For example, the game ball is stored by capturing the game ball using a movable magnet, an electromagnet, or the like. It is also possible.

  (3) In the second to fourth embodiments, information indicating that a game ball has won the general winning opening 61 is displayed on the display screen 75a of the symbol display device 75. It is sufficient if the player can be notified that the winning of 61 has occurred, and the specific configuration related to the notification is arbitrary. For example, it is also possible to notify a winning to the general winning opening 61 by light emission of the lamp unit 28, or to notify a winning to the general winning opening 61 by a sound (voice) output from the speaker unit 29.

  (4) In the third and fourth embodiments, a special count-up display is performed by summing up the prize balls related to the operation entrance parts 62 and 63 and the prize balls related to the general prize opening 61. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient if at least the prize balls related to the variable prize winning devices 64 and 65 and the prize balls related to the general prize opening 61 can be distinguished and notified (special count-up display). It is arbitrary whether or not the prize balls related to 62 and 63 are taken into consideration.

  (5) In each of the above embodiments, the number of prize balls related to the variable prize winning devices 64 and 65 is larger than the number of prize balls related to the general prize opening 61, but this can be reversed. In addition, the configuration is such that the number of prize balls relating to the action entry parts 62 and 63 is smaller than the prize ball relating to the general prize opening 61, but this may be reversed.

  (6) In each of the above embodiments, three left general winning openings 61L and one right general winning opening 61R are provided. However, how many general winning openings 61 are provided on which route. Is optional.

  (7) In the second to fourth embodiments described above, the right general winning opening 61R is disposed at the upstream side of the right variable winning device 65, but this is changed and the downstream side of the right variable winning device 65 is changed. You may arrange | position in the position used as the side.

  (8) Other types of pachinko machines different from the above-described embodiments, such as pachinko machines that release a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific area of a special device, or games in a specific area of a special device The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine that generates a big hit when a ball enters, a pachinko machine equipped with another accessory, an arrangement ball machine, a sparrow ball, and the like.

  Also, a non-ball-type gaming machine, for example, a plurality of reels with a plurality of types of symbols attached in the circumferential direction, starts rotation of the reel by inserting a medal and operating a start lever, and a stop switch is operated. The present invention also relates to a slot machine that gives a player a privilege such as paying out medals when a specific symbol or a combination of specific symbols is established on an effective line that can be visually recognized from the display window after the reel stops. Can be applied.

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

<Invention Group Extracted from Each Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a characteristic configuration extracted from each of the above-described embodiments will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for easy understanding, the corresponding configuration in each of the above embodiments is appropriately shown in parentheses, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses.

  Each of the following feature groups is: “A game machine such as a pachinko machine has a game board in which a game area is formed, and a game ball launching unit that launches a game ball into the game area based on a launch operation by the player. When a game ball fired from the game ball launching means enters a ball entering section provided in the game area, a privilege such as payout of a predetermined number of game balls is given to the player. (For example, see Patent Document 1) "In the gaming machine of the type described above, the structure is still improved in order to suppress the monotony of the game and suppress the decline in the player's gaming motivation. The invention of “There is room for” is made with a problem to be solved.

<Characteristic A group> The game balls won in the general winning opening are stored. Feature A1. A game board (game board 60) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A starting entrance portion (acting entrance portions 62, 63) provided in the gaming area and capable of entering a game ball;
Information acquisition means (a function for executing information acquisition processing in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for acquiring special information (holding information) based on the entrance to the starting entrance part;
Acquisition information storage means (holding ball storage area 604b provided in the MPU 602 of the main controller 162) capable of storing the special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Determination means for determining whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined determination information (for example, information related to winning) (for example, whether or not to determine whether or not the MPU 602 of the main control device 162 is successful) Function to execute)
When the determination result by the determination means becomes a corresponding result corresponding to the predetermined determination information, the game state transition means (MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for shifting the game state to a special game state (for example, opening / closing execution mode). Function to execute the transition process to open / close execution mode),
A variable pitching portion (variable winning devices 64, 65) provided in the gaming area and switchable between an accepting state in which a game ball can enter and a non-accepting state in which the ball cannot be entered;
Drive control means (a function of executing an opening / closing process in the MPU 602 of the main controller 162) that switches the variable pitching portion to the non-accepting state and the accepting state when the special gaming state is entered;
A general pitching portion (general winning opening 61) provided in the gaming area and allowing a gaming ball to enter;
A payout means (payout control device 181 or payout device 222) for paying out a game ball when a ball enters the general pitching portion;
A gaming machine comprising: a storage unit (storage unit 318 or the like) that stores the game ball that has entered the general entrance unit so as to be visible from the front of the gaming machine.

  As shown in the feature A1, in a type of gaming machine in which the main game depends on the starting and variable pitching portions, when the player's attention is directed to the starting pitching portion and the variable pitching portion, is assumed. For this reason, the attention to the general entrance portion is weaker than the start entrance portion and the variable entrance portion, and the presence of the general entrance portion is reduced. The general pitching part is also related to the benefits (payout of game balls), and the game can be advantageously advanced by entering the general pitching part. Here, the game balls that have entered the general entrance part are not discharged as they are, but are stored in the storage part. The player can grasp the number of balls entered into the general ball-throwing section and further how much of the ball has entered the ball by visually checking the stored game balls. . In this way, if it is possible to confirm the presence / absence of the entry afterwards using the game ball itself after the entry, it is possible to suitably realize coexistence with other notable entry parts. This configuration is a preferable configuration for suppressing monotonization of the game.

  Feature A2. When the number of game balls stored in the storage unit reaches a preset number, a discharge passage (second passage) for discharging subsequent game balls from the storage unit without storing in the storage unit The gaming machine according to Feature A1, wherein a branch passage portion 316) is formed.

  In the game area, game nails (game nails 69) and the like are arranged, and diversification of the flow-down mode of game balls is often achieved. For this reason, a certain amount of variation may occur in the pitching frequency of the pitching portion provided in the game area. Here, in the storage part attached to the general entrance part, a discharge passage is formed for allowing the subsequent game balls to escape when the number of entrances exceeds a predetermined number. For this reason, the occurrence of overflow is avoided even if there are many incoming balls. Thus, by setting it as the structure which avoids unreasonable storage, it becomes unnecessary to make a storage area uselessly large in consideration of an accidental situation (incidence of many entrances). This is a preferable configuration for realizing the downsizing of the storage unit and promoting the adoption of the configuration corresponding to the storage unit.

Feature A3. A guide passage (ball passage 310) for guiding a game ball that has flowed into the entrance portion of the general entry,
Detection means (detection sensor 151) for detecting a game ball passing through the guide passage,
The payout means is for paying out a game ball based on the detection of the game ball by the detection means,
The gaming machine according to Feature A2, wherein the discharge passage is formed such that an inlet portion of the discharge passage is positioned downstream of the detection means in the guide passage.

  As shown in the feature A3, in the configuration in which the game ball is paid out based on the result of detection by the detection means, it is necessary to ensure the probability of detection of the game ball. Here, according to the configuration shown in this feature, even if the number of game balls accumulated in the storage unit reaches the upper limit, the game balls exceeding the upper limit are discharged downstream from the detection means. Since it moves to a channel | path, generation | occurrence | production of the misdetection etc. by a detection means can be suppressed suitably.

Feature A4. A restricting means (shutter 330) capable of switching between a permissible state (open state) for allowing outflow of game balls from the storage section and a restrictive state (closed state) for restricting outflow of game balls;
Switching means for switching the restricting means between the permissible state and the restricted state (function of executing an opening / closing process in the MPU 612 of the notification / production control device 610)
With
The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A3, wherein when the restricting means is in a restricted state, a game ball is stored in the storage portion.

  According to the feature A4, it is possible to switch whether or not to store the game ball according to the game situation or the like. As a result, the player can check the process and the frequency with which the game balls accumulate, and a practically preferable configuration can be realized.

Feature A5. Game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball to the game area based on a launch operation by a player;
Firing number storage means for storing the number of game balls launched by the game ball launching means,
The switching means includes means for switching the restricting means from the restricted state to the allowed state when the number of shots stored in the emitted number storage means reaches a predetermined number. A gaming machine according to A4.

  About the game ball which has accumulated in the general entrance part (storage part), it will be discharged whenever the number of firing reaches a predetermined number. By adopting such a configuration, the player can grasp how often the player enters the general entrance part.

Feature A6. An operation unit (operation button 35) operated by a player is provided.
The gaming machine according to Feature A4, wherein the switching means includes means for switching the restricting means from the restricted state to the allowed state based on an operation of the operation unit.

  If it is set as the structure which performs discharge | release of the stored game ball based on a player's operation as shown to the characteristic A6, a player's participation in a game can be encouraged suitably.

  Feature A7. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A6, wherein the storage portion has a passage shape and is configured such that gaming balls are arranged in a line.

  As shown in feature A7, if the storage portion is formed in a passage shape, the number of stored game balls can be easily grasped.

Feature A8. The storage part has a path shape and is configured to store game balls in a line.
The switching means sets the restricting means to the restricted state based on a lapse of a period required for the game ball located at the tail of the game balls stored in the reservoir to pass through the reservoir. The gaming machine according to any one of features A4 to A6, further comprising means for returning.

  According to the feature A8, if the storage part is formed in a passage shape, the number of stored game balls can be easily grasped. In such a configuration, there is a possibility that a new game ball may reach the storage part while the restricting means is switched to the permitted state and the game ball is being released. If this game ball is released together with the previously stored game ball group, there is a concern that it will be difficult for the player to grasp the fact that the subsequent game ball has entered the general entrance part. Therefore, with the configuration shown in this feature, it is possible to appropriately suppress the subsequent game balls from being released together with only the stored game ball group as the release target. Thereby, the occurrence of the inconvenience can be avoided.

Feature A9. A plurality of the general pitching portions are arranged along the flow path (for example, the left route) in the gaming area,
The guide passage is formed such that a passage portion (upstream passage portion 311) for guiding the game balls that have entered the general entry portion to the storage portion straddles each general entry portion. The gaming machine according to any one of features A4 to A8.

  According to the feature A9, the storage area can be collected. With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress an increase in the occupied area as compared with a case where the storage portion is provided individually so as to correspond to each general ball entry portion. Moreover, since it can avoid that a player's attention location increases excessively, a practically preferable structure is realizable.

Feature A10. A game board (game board 60) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A starting entrance portion (acting entrance portions 62, 63) provided in the gaming area and capable of entering a game ball;
Information acquisition means (a function for executing information acquisition processing in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for acquiring special information (holding information) based on the entrance to the starting entrance part;
Acquisition information storage means (holding ball storage area 604b provided in the MPU 602 of the main controller 162) capable of storing the special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Determination means for determining whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined determination information (for example, information related to winning) (for example, whether or not to determine whether or not the MPU 602 of the main control device 162 is successful) Function to execute)
When the determination result by the determination means becomes a corresponding result corresponding to the predetermined determination information, the game state transition means (MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for shifting the game state to a special game state (for example, opening / closing execution mode). Function to execute the transition process to open / close execution mode),
A variable pitching portion (variable winning devices 64, 65) provided in the gaming area and switchable between an accepting state in which a game ball can enter and a non-accepting state in which the ball cannot be entered;
Drive control means (a function of executing an opening / closing process in the MPU 602 of the main controller 162) that switches the variable pitching portion to the non-accepting state and the accepting state when the special gaming state is entered;
Provided separately from the starting pitching portion and the variable pitching portion, and provided with a predetermined general pitching portion (general winning slot 61) into which a game ball can enter,
The predetermined general pitching part is
The entrance that forms the entrance part of the game ball (the entrance part of the general winning entrance 61),
A guide passage (ball passage 360) for guiding a game ball that has entered the entrance,
Detection means (detection sensor 151) for detecting a game ball that has entered the entrance,
A storage unit (storage unit 368) for storing the game ball that has passed through the detection means;
A gaming machine comprising payout means (payout control device 181 and payout device 222) for paying out a game ball based on detection of a game ball by the detecting means.

  As shown in feature A10, in a type of gaming machine in which the main game depends on the starting and variable pitching parts, when the player's attention is directed to the starting and variable pitching parts, is assumed. For this reason, the attention to the general entrance portion is weaker than the start entrance portion and the variable entrance portion, and the presence of the general entrance portion is reduced. The general pitching part is also related to the benefits (payout of game balls), and the game can be advantageously advanced by entering the general pitching part. Here, the game balls that have entered the general entrance part are not discharged as they are, but are stored in the storage part. The player can grasp the number of balls entered into the general ball-throwing section and further how much of the ball has entered the ball by visually checking the stored game balls. . In this way, if it is possible to confirm the presence / absence of the entry afterwards using the game ball itself after the entry, it is possible to suitably realize coexistence with other notable entry parts. This configuration is a preferable configuration for suppressing monotonization of the game.

Feature A11. A restricting means (shutter 330) capable of switching between a permissible state (open state) for allowing outflow of game balls from the storage section and a restrictive state (closed state) for restricting outflow of game balls;
Switching means for switching the restricting means between the permissible state and the restricted state (function of executing an opening / closing process in the MPU 612 of the notification / production control device 610)
With
When the regulating means is in a regulated state, the game ball is stored in the storage unit,
Provided with a decoration part (decoration body 390Y) provided at a position downstream of the storage part in the guide passage and configured to be visible from the front of the gaming machine;
The gaming machine according to Feature A10, wherein the decoration portion is similar to the variable pitching portion so that a player can recognize that the appearance is the same as the variable pitching portion. .

  According to the feature A11, the decoration portion has the same appearance as the variable ball entry portion. For this reason, by moving the game ball released from the storage part to the decoration part, it is possible to mimic as if a ball has entered at this point. That is, it is possible to cause the player to have an illusion as if the actual entrance part (part that triggers the payout) is a part where the decoration part is formed. It is a preferable configuration to improve the satisfaction of the player so that the appearance of the game ball can be visually confirmed.

Feature A12. A restricting means (shutter 330) capable of switching between a permissible state (open state) for allowing outflow of game balls from the storage section and a restrictive state (closed state) for restricting outflow of game balls;
Switching means for switching the restricting means between the permissible state and the restricted state (function of executing an opening / closing process in the MPU 612 of the notification / production control device 610)
With
When the regulating means is in a regulated state, the game ball is stored in the storage unit,
Provided with a decoration part (decoration body 390Y) provided at a position downstream of the storage part in the guide passage and configured to be visible from the front of the gaming machine;
There are a plurality of general entrance parts, and any one of the plurality of general entrance parts is the predetermined general entrance part,
The decoration part according to the feature A10, wherein the decoration part imitates the entrance part so that the player can recognize that the appearance is the same as the entrance part of the other general entrance part. Gaming machine.

  According to the feature A12, the decorative portion has the same appearance as the entrance portion of the other general entrance portion. For this reason, by moving the game ball released from the storage part to the decoration part, it is possible to mimic as if a ball has entered at this point. That is, it is possible to cause the player to have an illusion as if the actual entrance part (part that triggers the payout) is a part where the decoration part is formed. It is a preferable configuration to improve the satisfaction of the player so that the appearance of the game ball can be visually confirmed.

  Feature A13. The feature A12 according to the feature A12, characterized in that the decorative portion of the entrance portion of the predetermined general entrance portion and the decoration portion is configured to be similar to the entrance portion of the other general entrance portion. Gaming machine.

  According to the feature A13, it is possible to make it appear that the decorative portion functions as the entrance portion, not the entrance portion of the predetermined general entrance portion, and the above-described mimicry function can be suitably exhibited.

  Feature A14. The gaming machine according to any one of features A11 to A13, wherein the detection means is disposed so as to be invisible from the front of the gaming machine.

  If the detection means is configured to be hidden as shown in the feature A14, the above-described mimicry function can be preferably exhibited.

Feature A15. Delay means for delaying the payout of the game ball by the payout means,
Any one of the features A10 to A14, wherein the game ball is paid out when the restricting means is switched from the restricted state to the allowed state by the switching means. The gaming machine described in one.

  According to the feature A15, the paying out of the game ball can be suitably improved by paying out the game ball in accordance with the release of the game ball.

  Feature A16. The switching means has means for switching the restricting means from the restricted state to the allowed state when the game balls are paid out or when the game balls are paid out. The gaming machine according to any one of features A10 to A14.

  If the configuration is such that the game ball is released in association with the payout of the game ball, it can be shown as if it was triggered by the release of the game ball.

Feature A17. There are a plurality of general entrance parts, and any one of the plurality of general entrance parts is the predetermined general entrance part,
A first flow path and a second flow path formed in the gaming area are formed;
Of these first flow path and second flow path, the game balls launched into the second flow path can flow into the variable ball entry section and the predetermined general ball entry section, while being moved to the first flow path. According to any one of features A1 to A16, the launched game ball is configured such that it cannot flow into the variable entrance portion and the predetermined general entrance portion. Gaming machine.

  As shown in feature A17, the above-described various effects can be suitably exhibited by narrowing the situation in which the game balls are stored in the storage section to the situation in which the game balls are launched into the variable entry section.

<Characteristic group B> Winning to the general winning opening during the opening / closing execution mode. Feature B1. A game board (game board 60) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A starting entrance portion (acting entrance portions 62, 63) provided in the gaming area and capable of entering a game ball;
Information acquisition means (a function for executing information acquisition processing in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for acquiring special information (holding information) based on the entrance to the starting entrance part;
Acquisition information storage means (holding ball storage area 604b provided in the MPU 602 of the main controller 162) capable of storing the special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Determination means for determining whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined determination information (for example, information related to winning) (for example, whether or not to determine whether or not the MPU 602 of the main control device 162 is successful) Function to execute)
When the determination result by the determination means becomes a corresponding result corresponding to the predetermined determination information, the game state transition means (MPU 602 of the main control device 162) for shifting the game state to a special game state (for example, opening / closing execution mode). Function to execute the transition process to open / close execution mode),
A variable pitching portion (variable winning devices 64, 65) provided in the gaming area and switchable between a receiving state in which a gaming ball can be entered and a non-accepting state in which a gaming ball cannot be entered;
Drive control means (a function of executing an opening / closing process in the MPU 602 of the main controller 162) that switches the variable pitching portion to the non-accepting state and the accepting state when the special gaming state is entered;
A general pitching portion (general winning opening 61) provided in the gaming area and allowing a gaming ball to enter;
A payout means (payout control device 181 or payout device 222) for paying out a game ball when a ball enters the general pitching portion and the variable pitching portion;
Predetermined process execution means (notification / production control device 610) that executes a predetermined process based on the incoming ball when the incoming ball to the general incoming ball portion occurs in the special gaming state. The MPU 612 has a function of executing a special count-up display).

  As shown in the feature B1, in the configuration in which the player can enter the variable entry portion by shifting to the special game state, the player's attention is easily directed to the variable entry portion. Even if a game ball payout (privilege) is given to a player by entering the general entrance portion, the presence of the general entrance portion is reduced unless it is grasped by the player. In particular, if the benefits granted to the general and variable pitching clubs are the same (prize balls), whether or not the bonus is given due to entering the variable pitching club? Or it becomes difficult to identify whether it is due to entering the general entrance section. Therefore, when the game is in the special game state, the general entry is performed by performing a predetermined process (specifically, display indicating entry into the general entry part) based on the entry into the general entry part. It is possible to reduce the chance that a ball entering the ball is missed.

Feature B2. The game area is provided with a plurality of the general pitching parts,
The predetermined processing execution means is based on the entrance to the general entrance portion arranged at a position where at least the game ball launched toward the variable entrance portion can enter the general entrance portion. The gaming machine according to Feature B1, wherein the gaming machine is configured to execute the processing of the processing.

  A configuration that is practically preferable can be realized if a general entrance portion that is located in the same flow path as the variable entrance portion is used as a target for notification based on the entrance to the general entrance portion.

  Feature B3. The feature B1 or feature B2 is characterized in that the predetermined process is a display process for displaying information indicating that the entrance to the general entrance part has occurred on the display part (symbol display device 75). Game machines.

  As shown in the feature B3, the occurrence of the inconvenience shown in the feature B1 can be suitably suppressed by providing the player with the notification that the entry into the general entry portion has occurred.

Feature B4. A display unit (symbol display device 75);
Means for displaying information indicating that the entrance to the variable entrance portion has occurred in a predetermined display area (for example, the lower right corner) of the display portion;
Based on the execution of the predetermined process by the predetermined process execution means, the entrance to the general entrance part has occurred in an area other than the predetermined display area (for example, the upper right corner) in the display unit. The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B3, further comprising: means for displaying information indicating the above.

  As shown in the feature B4, if the configuration is such that the notification of the entrance to the variable entrance portion and the notification of the entrance to the general entrance portion are performed on the same display unit, the notification about the general entrance portion is missed. It can suppress suitably. In addition, if the display area is different, it is possible to prevent the notification related to the general pitching portion from being confused with the notification related to the variable pitching portion.

  Feature B5. In the feature B3 or the feature B4, the display of the information indicating that the entry to the general entry portion has been avoided is avoided when the special game state is not established. The gaming machine described.

  In a configuration in which a display indicating entry into the general entrance portion is displayed, there is a possibility of giving an impression that playing the game on the gaming machine is disadvantageous for the player if the display is not performed. There is. This is not preferable because it causes a decrease in the player's willingness to play. In this regard, if the display is performed in a special game state in which the main entry destination is a variable ball entry part, and the display is avoided when the game is not in the special game state, the occurrence of the inconvenience is preferably achieved. Can be suppressed.

Feature B6. The number of game balls to be paid out based on one entry to the variable entry portion is set to be larger than the number of game balls to be paid out based on one entry to the general entry portion. And
The predetermined process execution means includes
Storage means for storing the number of game balls to be paid out based on the entry into the general entry when the entry into the general entry unit occurs;
Regulation means for regulating display of information indicating that the entry to the general entry portion has occurred until a predetermined display condition is satisfied;
Features B3 to B5, characterized by comprising display means for displaying information corresponding to the sum of the number of game balls stored in the storage means when the predetermined display condition is satisfied. The gaming machine according to any one of the above.

  In a configuration in which the number of game balls to be paid out at the variable pitching portion and the general pitching portion is biased, even if the number of gaming balls to be paid out is notified each time the pitching into the general pitching portion is made, the player It is assumed that the effect of attracting attention will be weakened. In this regard, as shown in this feature, when the entry into the general entry portion occurs, if the information corresponding to the total number of game balls to be paid out is displayed, the number will inevitably increase. Therefore, the impact on the display can be suitably enhanced.

Feature B7. A storage unit (storage unit 368Y) for storing game balls that have entered the general entrance unit;
A restricting means (shutter 380Y) capable of switching between a permissible state allowing discharge of game balls stored in the storage unit and a control state restricting discharge of game balls from the storage unit;
Switching means for switching the restriction means to the permissible state and the restriction state (function to execute shutter opening / closing processing in the MPU 612 of the notification / production control device 610);
The said display means is comprised so that the information corresponding to the said summation may be displayed on the said display means, when the said control means switches from the said control state to the said permission state, The characteristic B6 characterized by the above-mentioned. Game machines.

  According to the feature B7, information corresponding to the sum is displayed in accordance with the release of the stored game balls. For this reason, the player who sees these can grasp | ascertain intuitively what kind of payout is performed by what. Thereby, the alerting | reporting function which concerns on the general entrance part shown to characteristic B1 etc. can be exhibited suitably.

  Feature B8. The gaming machine according to Feature B7, wherein the display unit is configured to display information corresponding to the summation on the display unit after switching from the restricted state to the allowed state.

  When the stored game balls are released, the player's attention tends to be directed to the stored game balls because of the innovative movement. If the display is performed while paying attention to the movement of the game ball, there is a high possibility that it is missed. Therefore, if the display is performed in accordance with the movement of the game ball, the chance of overlooking can be reduced.

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

  Pachinko machine: operation means (game ball launching handle 41) operated by a player, game ball launching means (game ball launching mechanism 110) for launching a game ball based on the operation of the operation means, and the fired A ball path (guide rail 100) for guiding a game ball to a predetermined game area, and game parts (game nails 69 and the like) arranged in the game area (game area PE), and a predetermined one of the game parts A gaming machine that gives a bonus to a player when a game ball passes through a passing part (such as a general winning opening 61).

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

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

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine as a gaming machine, 60 ... Game board, 61 ... General prize opening, 62 ... Upper action entry part, 63 ... Lower action entry part, 64 ... Lower variable prize device, 65 ... Right variable prize 75 ... Symbol display device, 75a ... Display screen, 162 ... Main control device, 151 ... Detection sensor, 222 ... Dispensing device, 300 ... Decoration block, 310 ... Ball passage, 311 ... Upstream passage portion, 312 ... Downstream side Passage portion, 315 ... first branch passage portion, 316 ... second branch passage portion, 318 ... storage portion, 330 ... shutter, 360Y ... ball passage, 361Y ... upstream passage portion, 362Y ... downstream passage portion, 368Y ... storage 380Y ... shutter, 390Y ... decoration part, 602 ... MPU, 610 ... notification / production control device, 612 ... MPU, PE ... game area.

Claims (4)

A game board in which a game area is formed;
A starting pitching portion provided in the gaming area and capable of entering a gaming ball;
Information acquisition means for acquiring special information based on the entrance to the starting entrance part;
Acquisition information storage means capable of storing special information acquired by the information acquisition means;
Determination means for determining whether or not the special information stored in the acquired information storage means corresponds to predetermined determination information;
A game state transition unit that transitions the gaming state to the special gaming state when the determination result by the determination unit is a corresponding result corresponding to the predetermined determination information;
A variable pitching portion that is provided in the gaming area and can be switched to an accepting state in which a game ball can be entered and a non-accepting state in which entry is impossible;
Drive control means for switching the variable pitching portion to the non-accepting state and the accepting state when the special gaming state is achieved;
A general entrance part that is provided in the game area and into which a game ball can enter;
A payout means for paying out a game ball when a ball enters the general ball portion;
A gaming machine comprising: a storage unit that stores the game ball that has entered the general ball entering unit so as to be visible from the front of the gaming machine.   When the number of game balls stored in the storage unit reaches a preset number, a discharge passage is formed for discharging subsequent game balls from the storage unit without storing them in the storage unit. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein: A guide passage for guiding a game ball that has flowed into the entrance portion of the general entrance ball;
Detecting means for detecting a game ball passing through the guide passage,
The payout means is for paying out a game ball based on the detection of the game ball by the detection means,
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the discharge passage is formed such that an inlet portion of the discharge passage is located downstream of the detection means in the guide passage. A restricting means capable of switching between a permissible state allowing the outflow of game balls from the storage unit and a restricting state for restricting outflow of game balls;
Comprising switching means for switching the restricting means to the allowed state and the restricted state,
When the regulating means is in a regulated state, the game ball is stored in the storage unit,
Game ball launching means for launching a game ball to the game area based on a launch operation by a player;
Firing number storage means for storing the number of game balls launched by the game ball launching means,
The switching means includes means for switching the restricting means from the restricted state to the allowed state when the number of shots stored in the emitted number storage means reaches a predetermined number. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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